6 Main Streets Where Wisconsin Comes Alive
Wisconsin, also known as "the Badger State" or "America's Dairyland," is a wonderful state to experience, not just in its natural beauty, but also within its vibrant communities that bring the state to life. Indeed, there are numerous impressive large cities in the state. Still, there are also countless smaller communities with impressive amenities along their main streets, offering a welcome change of pace from visiting the same crowded venues, in favor of exploring the more local attractions in these vibrant communities. Here are six Main Streets where Wisconsin comes alive.
Cedarburg
Just 20 miles north of Milwaukee is Cedarburg, a city with a population of 12,121. Cedarburg is renowned for its historic downtown, rich German heritage, annual festivals, and vibrant arts and culture scene. Washington Avenue is an amazing main street filled with lovely local shops, restaurants, museums, and businesses. A place to visit during a weekend trip is the Washington House Inn, a historic hotel right on the main street, founded in 1846 by Conrad Horneffer, who emigrated from Germany in 1836 after learning the saddler's trade. The current three-story Washington House Inn building, built in 1886 with cream city brick, operated as an inn until 1920. The building was converted back into an inn in 1983 and is a wonderful place to stay, offering a relaxing breakfast on weekends.
Just off Washington Avenue on Columbia Road is the Cedarburg History Museum. The museum showcases the history of the city and Ozaukee County to visitors and residents. The museum features numerous exhibits showcasing the city's history, highlighting how its inhabitants have made it one of the best small towns in the country, thanks to its German influence. It also hosts local events for the community to enjoy.
Further up Washington Avenue is the Interurban Bridge and Rappold Park, offering a pleasant entrance to the bridge that spans Cedar Creek. The bridge was constructed in 1907 as a railway bridge, but it was converted into a walkway bridge in 1948. Portions of the old railway were then used as a bike path. The Interurban Bridge is also a part of the Ozaukee Interurban Trail, a 30-mile trail crossing through town. Rappold Park, located at the entrance of the bridge, features a couple of benches for people to enjoy the views of Cedar Creek on a nice, sunny day, as well as the nearby legacy elm tree.
New Glarus
New Glarus is a village with a population of 2,266; it's known for its Swiss heritage, earning the nickname, "America's Little Switzerland," chalet-styled architecture, local ethnic festivals, and amazing local restaurants and shops serving Swiss cuisine. The main street in town is First Street, which features numerous charming local shops and restaurants for visitors and residents to enjoy. An example of Swiss cuisine to try in town is the Glarner Stube restaurant on First Street. The restaurant's interior transports its patrons to a distinctly European setting, with decor that makes people feel as though they're in a local village in Switzerland. The food is also just as delectable with sausages, sandwiches, burgers, and much more.
A lovely shop to visit on First Street is Hutch and Hide, a local gift shop that is truly a mom-and-pop shop in the heart of town. The store itself sells wonderful things, perfect for someone's home, as well as unique gifts that one won't find in a big chain store. The store is set in a charming setting. Just across from First Street is the Bramble Patch, another lovely gift shop that sells apparel, pottery, and locally crafted foods, leaving people wanting to return for more.
Just across from First Street is the Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum on Second Street. The museum was built in 1937 and serves as a hub for Swiss culture in a house inspired by those found in the Swiss Alps. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and furniture, transporting its visitors to what life was like in a lush, landlocked, and mountainous European Country. The whole family should enjoy a nice weekend trip out of town when visiting the charming museum.
Lake Geneva
At the very southern end of the state is Lake Geneva, a city with a population of 8,277. Lake Geneva is nicknamed the "Hamptons for Chicago" or the "Newport of the Midwest" and is renowned for its Gilded Age mansions, activities on Geneva Lake, and fine dining and shopping options. Just near Main Street in town is the Mill Creek Hotel, which overlooks Geneva Lake and the White River flowing next to it. The hotel began as a hidden gem in the resort city, transforming into a wonderful spot for vacations and lodging experiences. Mill Creek is walking distance from Main Street, where its guests have access to an unlimited number of local restaurants and shops to explore.
Main Street in Lake Geneva's downtown is filled with plenty of parking, walkable sidewalks, and an endless number of local restaurants and specialty shops to visit. A couple of notable restaurants to visit on Main Street include Egg Harbor Cafe, for an amazing breakfast, and Champs Sports Bar and Grill, where people can get together for some drinks, amazing food, and catch some live sporting events in an amazing bar. The rest of Main Street is filled with amazing architecture in a glorious setting.
Just south of Main Street is the Riviera, a marina and mixed-use facility in the city that hosts weddings, corporate events, social events, and much more right on the banks of Geneva Lake and the Riviera Beach. The ballroom inside the Riviera is 20 feet high and has a meeting capacity of 5,400 people; it can host local events for the whole community to enjoy. The Riviera Beach is right next to the ballroom, is a wonderful spot to enjoy the sun and sand on a crisp summer day in the Midwest and is open to the public.
Baraboo
About 45 miles north of Madison is Baraboo, a city with a population of 12,556 and the county seat of Sauk County. Baraboo is known as "Circus City" as it was the first city the Ringling Brothers performed in 1884 and had their winter quarters until 1918. The main streets in Baraboo are Broadway Street and Water Street, where there are plenty of amazing local shops, restaurants, and museums to explore. Right on Broadway Street is the Baraboo Concerts on the Square, a nonprofit that provides free multicultural musical entertainment to everyone for unforgettable evening performances from local artists and artists on tour. Especially during the summer when musical groups perform in front of the downtown county courthouse.
On Water Street is the Baraboo Arts Banquet and Convention Center, which hosts weddings, events, and was the Ringling Brothers' winter storage and workshop quarters during the winters. The interior has exposed brick walls, giving it a unique charm and historic feel in the center, and leaving a memorable impact on all of the guests who visit the Convention Center.
A natural attraction to visit off the intersection of Broadway Street and Water Street is Riverwalk Park, a three-mile paved river trail perfect for residents and visitors to enjoy a beautiful sunny day right by the Baraboo River. There's a gazebo for people to enjoy the views of the river and get some shade from the hot sunlight, as well as people biking in the park, walking the calm pathway, and birdwatching.
Port Washington
Right on the coast of Lake Michigan is Port Washington, a city with a population of 12,353. Port Washington is known for its historic downtown, stunning harbor on Lake Michigan, and for offering visitors a touch of New England charm combined with Midwestern friendliness. Main Street in town is very walkable, has a lot of historic architecture, and gives people a wonderful view of the harbor.
A wonderful place to visit and spend a weekend in the city is The Port Hotel, a hotel which dates back to 1835, as the American House, before being demolished and replaced with the Mayer Hotel, and was purchased by Lowell and Donald Levy in 1973, and had its name changed to the Port Hotel. The hotel closed in the 1980s but was reopened in 2005 and has since been a popular destination for boaters, travelers, tourists, and locals of the state. The Hotel also hosts the Moonlight Tavern, which is an amazing spot for fine wines and some amazing home-cooked meals.
Just across from Main Street is the Port Washington Marina, where people can enjoy the glorious views of Lake Michigan and explore the waters with a boat, a yacht, or kayaks. When on the water, people can go fishing for salmon or trout, it has a pump-out station to fuel boats, and it has plenty of spaces for picnics at Rotary Park. Bars next to the Port include Cavelier Wine Bar, the Investor Brew Pub, and Dockside Deli, which are all perfect places to enjoy great food and drinks after a long day on the water.
On Main Street and Franklin Street in downtown, visitors can explore the wonderful restaurants and gift shops that make the city come to life. Shops to visit downtown include Halo Artisan Skin Care, Port's Cozy Corner, Santa Fe Shop, Port's Artisan Market, Sharbuno Jewelers, Inc., and much more. Art Galleries to visit in downtown include Gallery 224 and Mercantile Plaza, both of which showcase beautiful art for the community and tourists to enjoy, and host events for the town.
Bayfield
In the very northern tip of the state is Bayfield, a city with a population of 584. Bayfield is known for its annual Applefest and for being a getaway to the Apostle Islands, its location on Lake Superior, and a premier destination for boating and outdoor activities. The main street in town is Rittenhouse Avenue, which has plenty of lovely restaurants, shops, businesses, and hotels, and has access to the Bayfield Pier.
An incredible hotel to spend a night or weekend in town just off Rittenhouse Avenue is the St. James Social - Boutique Hotel. The hotel was established in 1884 and has been restored and reopened as a boutique hotel. The hotel itself is very beautiful and stunning; it's in a great location in the heart of downtown, it can host events, and it has a restaurant for all to enjoy on a relaxing day or evening.
Just across the street from the St. James Social - Boutique Hotel is the Bayfield Artists Guild, an art gallery filled with wonderful jewelry, ceramics, paintings, wooden sculptures, home goods, and much more, all made and crafted by local artists in the region. The Guild is always looking for new artists to join and share their work with the community, but they are required to live within 100 miles of the city, and their art must be original and of professional quality.
Just at the end of Rittenhouse Avenue is the Bayfield Pier, sitting on Lake Superior, similar to the Port Washington Marina's position on Lake Michigan. Just like Port Washington Marina, residents and locals have access to wonderful hotels and restaurants, like the Pier Plaza Restaurant, that give their patrons and guests immaculate views of Lake Superior, as well as providing people with a good spot for their boats. However, people can travel by boat or ferry to Madeline Island, with the ferry service right on Washington Avenue, which is above the Pier.
Each of these wonderful communities has amazing and charming Main Streets that bring the community to life with local food, drinks, businesses, and shops for everyone to enjoy. The atmosphere on these main streets is a great way to step a little slower paced than the streets of major cities, but they each offer unique opportunities and a chance for people to explore smaller and more local communities and see different parts of the state or country in a new light. Wisconsin is full of natural beauty and wonderful communities, big and small, waiting for people to venture through them. Can you hear Wisconsin calling?
