14 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Wisconsin You Should Visit

Wisconsin is the 23rd largest state in the United States, almost twice as large as Austria, and the 30th state to join the Union in May 1848. Its rich history dates back thousands of years to the Wisconsin Glaciation period when the first inhabitants were recorded to have settled in the area and intertwines with European immigrants, who began arriving in the 1600s, led by the French explorer Jean Nicolet.

These multicultural influences from the different European settlers that followed are evident in modern-day Wisconsin through beer brewing and cheese production—popularly referred to as “America’s Dairyland,” the state borders Lake Michigan to the east and Lake Superior to the north. Its charm derives from the natural beauty surrounding it, which is embodied in the hundreds of quaint little towns in Wisconsin, making them a prime vacation spot.

As newcomers will find out, Wisconsin is also called the “Badger State,” and in 1957, it christened the badger as the official state animal. Here are 14 of the most beautiful small towns in Wisconsin that tourists will quickly develop a soft spot for.

Mineral Point

Mineral Point is a town in Iowa County and one of the oldest tiny cities in the state, making it a viable destination for history buffs. As its name would suggest, the town of just over 2500 residents began in the 1820s as a zinc and lead mining center. However, it evolved into an art colony teeming with galleries, antique shops, and historical gems like the Mineral Point Railroad Museum and Pendarvis Historic Site. Today, tourists can admire old limestone buildings while strolling through Shake Rag Alley, and New Glarus -  a delightful Swiss-themed village with cute little cheese shops - is a must-visit for a true foodie.

Fish Creek

This modest yet scenic village in Door County is home to a bustling art community, highlighted by famous venues like the Guenzel Art Gallery, Peninsula School of Art, and Hands On Art Studio. With a population of just over 1000, the streets are conveniently walkable, leaving visitors plenty of room to explore unique Victorian-style buildings and historical gems like the 1800s Noble House Museum. Meanwhile, outdoor lovers will gravitate towards Whitefish Dunes State Park and Peninsula State Park, which offer spectacular views of Lake Michigan.

Janesville

Janesville is a quaint historic town that boasts several places listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, such as Milton House (a hexagonal home vital to the Underground Railroad) and Lincoln-Tallman House. Be sure to stop by the Rotary Botanical Gardens to explore the over 4000 plant species spread across the 24 gardens and soak in the stimulating mix of fresh air and sweet aroma at the venue. For adventurers in Janesville, hike the Ice Age Trail traversing the town, focusing on the popular Devil’s Staircase section.

Elkhart Lake

For those yearning to be one with nature and have fun on the water, this charming resort town set smack dab in the middle of Kettle Moraine State Forest is a no-brainer. Water activities reign supreme, with the beautiful Elkhart Lake acting as the epicenter of the community. Visitors in the town will relish the laid-back vibe and the lush surroundings, which present the perfect setting for a stress-free stroll on the trails of Jeanette Moioffer Park. Alternatively, go fly fishing on the lake or paddleboard on its calm waters while taking in the fantastic scenery.

Sister Bay

Another pleasant town in Door County, Sister Bay offers travelers the ideal balance between water sports and historical experiences. Several local outfitters provide guided tours on kayaks exploring old lighthouses and quirky caves in the area, with a trip on a ship by Sail Door County being the highlight of the local water activities. On the other hand, history aficionados will prefer probing the old treasures in Sister Bay, including the 1800s farm structures housed inside the Corner of the Past Historical Museum and Death’s Door Maritime Museum.

Stockholm

Stockholm’s few residents are always happy to welcome and fully embrace visitors stopping by their beloved little village. The town’s familiar name resulted from Scandinavian influences when Swedish settlers in the mid-1800s chose it as a stopping point. Besides the friendliness of the locals, creativity defines Stockholm Wisconsin,  which can be seen in the booming art scene highlighted by several craft shops and galleries like Ingebretsen’s and the Adobe Gallery. Guests looking for a deeper dive into the local art culture.can sign up for Fresh Art Tour.

Washington Island

A worthy escape from the hustle and bustle of urban living, Washington Island is an isolated community of just under 1000, five minutes off the Door County Peninsula. Set across the Death’s Door waters, at the confluence of Green Bay and Lake Michigan, adventurers can access the island by ferry to bask in its laid-back and serene atmosphere. Exploring the town’s sprawling lavender fields is therapeutic, and Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm workers will take guests through the delicate process of growing the lavender to produce pure lavender oil.

Ephraim

Door County boasts a handful of cute little towns that first-timers will fall in love with, but Ephraim is a must-visit among the most beautiful small towns in Wisconsin. The village is famous for its storybook white buildings and dramatic views of the Peninsula State Park’s Eagle Bluff. But even more impressive is the treasure trove of 30 historical sites within its modest borders. Historians can delve into a journey down memory lane with a tour of venues like Pioneer Schoolhouse Museum, Anderson Barn History Museum, Goodleston Cabin Museum, etc.

Egg Harbor

Egg Harbor is a picturesque lakeside town in Door County and an excellent nature-lover stop. Best visited in late spring or summer, there are numerous recreational opportunities on the warm waters of Heritage Lake, from swimming and boating to kayaking and paddleboarding. The scenery is exquisite, with many hiking and biking trails allowing newcomers to traverse all corners of the town. The Niagara Escarpment, visible from the town, makes for a spectacular sight.

Sturgeon Bay

Sandwiched between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Sturgeon Bay is a tiny town that hits well above its weight class. Besides being among the world’s best spots for bass fishing, it also boasts a rich maritime heritage in sailing and shipbuilding. At the Door County Maritime Museum’s branch in the town, tourists can step back in time to learn about iconic navy ships from World War 2 and view the historic Sturgeon Bay lighthouses.

Baraboo

Part of Baraboo’s claim to fame is its rich circus heritage that dates back to the late 1800s when the Ringling Brothers Circus adopted it as their winter home. Today, visitors can glimpse into the storied legacy of the town at the Circus World Museum, which exhibits a vast range of old carnival artifacts, paraphernalia, and relics used by the performers. The A.I. Ringling Theater has also been restored and made available for tours, but travelers can hit the trekking trails of Baraboo for a break from all the circus stuff.

Port Washington

Located just 30 minutes from Milwaukee, Port Washington puts visitors within striking distance of all the creature comforts the big city offers. It was named after George Washington and boasts a rich legacy dating back to the 1600s when it played a vital role in the fur trading industry. Today, it woos vacationers with its restored buildings and incredible pre-Civil War architecture. Additionally, boating is a popular local pastime, and explorers can hit the numerous trails in the town.

Amherst

Amherst is a retro Portage County community famous for its family-run shops and restaurants. Just over 1200 residents welcome strangers with open arms to this village with a friendly vibe and historic charm. Tourists can roam about its calm downtown district to examine old-fashioned structures made out of bricks or pop into the Amherst Historical Museum to discover the region’s past. If not, go fishing or boating on Lake Emily while admiring the town's beautiful scenery.

Paoli

Paoli is located just 12 miles from Madison, making it the perfect escape from the grind in the state capital. It has a modest economy revolving around a massive 1864 gristmill constructed along the banks of the Sugar River. Several old buildings from the 1800s have been remodeled to house modern businesses like Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro. But key among them is the Seven Acre Dairy Company, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Wrapping Up

There are enough little-known destinations in America’s Dairyland to fit in a traveler’s itinerary for several months, if not years, which makes it almost impossible to play favorites. However, this list is the closest to the most beautiful small towns in Wisconsin. They will make an excellent getaway for those wanting to swap concrete skyscrapers and crowded streets for picturesque rolling mountains and calm isolated trails.