8 Most Welcoming Towns In Wisconsin's Countryside
There is something undeniably magical about trading the city skylines for rolling hills, quiet lakes, and the charm of a small Wisconsin town. Beyond the hustle and bustle of Madison and Milwaukee, the Badger State is home to dozens of countryside gems that promise slower mornings, scenic drives, and genuine hospitality. Whether taking in the picturesque lake views of Bayfield, enjoying a delicious slice of pie in Stockholm, or discovering waterfalls in Montello, these towns offer a refreshing escape filled with natural beauty and local character.
Ephraim
Sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan is the charming town of Ephraim. With a rich Norwegian history, Ephraim was founded as a Moravian religious community, and today its strict zoning laws have kept it a pristine town with a focus on the arts. To get a feel for the local artistic flair, take a trip to The Hardy Gallery, sitting right on the shores of Eagle Harbor. There, you can explore work from Door County artists and the unique Community Mosaic Project, which features hundreds of six-inch-by-six-inch pieces of artwork. If you want to see nature’s art, head to Ephraim Preserve at Anderson Pond. It is a beautiful spot for seeing wildflowers in bloom and migrating birds as you walk the trails. Are you looking for a special souvenir to bring home from Ephraim? Visit Island Lavender, where lavender buds are harvested by hand. You can walk around the farm before shopping for goods like soy candles, essential oils, and teas.
Elkhart Lake
For a relaxing getaway in eastern Wisconsin, head to Elkhart Lake, which considers itself one of the hidden gems in the state. Spend a day out on the turquoise blue waters of Elkhart Lake, which has a public boat launch and is a popular fishing spot in town. If you consider yourself a gearhead, no trip to Elkhart Lake is complete without a stop at Road America. A popular racing spot for almost 70 years, the track hosts events throughout the year, like the GT World Challenge America, Ariens Art on Wheels Vintage Weekend, and the Trans Am SpeedTour. Or, get behind the wheel yourself with one of Road America’s driving programs, where you can learn advanced racing skills. Car enthusiasts will also enjoy visiting Throttlestop, a museum featuring a collection of dozens of showroom cars and more than 200 historic motorcycles.
Bayfield
Situated on the shores of Lake Superior, Bayfield is the gateway to the Apostle Islands, considered one of the country's best kayaking spots. Decide for yourself if you agree by heading to the Meyers Beach sea caves. If you are a first-timer, consider joining a guided expedition through the towering sea caves to take in the spectacular sights. Alternatively, you skip the kayak and take in the views of the sea caves from above by hiking the two-and-a-half-mile Lakeshore trail. After spending the day at the Apostle Islands, head to Hauser’s Superior View Farm, which is full of small-town friendliness. At the farm’s Red Barn Store, you can enjoy fresh apples and cider, and bring home some locally made jams, salsas, and apple butter as souvenirs. Bayfield is proud of its maritime history, and there is no better place to learn about it than the Bayfield Maritime Museum. Staffed entirely by volunteers and offering free admission, the museum is a great place to discover more about Lake Superior, the town’s fishing history, and some of the people who helped shape Bayfield as it is today.
Stockholm
Nicknamed the “coziest small town in America,” Stockholm was founded by Swedish immigrants. It sits on the Mississippi River and is a hub for hospitality, which you will quickly realize as you explore. As your first stop in town, head to the Stockholm Institute, a small but charming spot that is famous for receiving visitors from around the world, especially those from Sweden. There, you can research your family lineage and see a traditional Swedish pole fence and other Scandinavian items. Heritage Woods, a honeybee farm, is a unique spot in Stockholm. In addition to getting local honey, you can also participate in hands-on beekeeping workshops at the farm or check out native plants. If you love the arts, plan a trip to the town in mid-July for the annual Stockholm Art Fair. Running for over 50 years, the one-day festival is held in Stockholm Village Park, where you can browse sculptures, pottery, photography, and more while listening to live music and enjoying treats from local restaurants. Speaking of local treats, stop by Stockholm Pie and General Store before you leave town, which has been named the #1 pie shop in the country. In addition to delicious pie, the general store sells vintage candies and retro toys that the kids will love.
Sister Bay
Located on the Door Peninsula, Sister Bay is a quintessential small town full of charm and smiling faces. One of the most popular areas to visit, especially in the summer, is Waterfront Park, which is the largest public waterfront park in Door County. With 600 feet of sandy beach, a gazebo, and picnic tables, it is the perfect place to spend the day while soaking up the sun in Sister Bay. To see some of the most unique artwork in Sister Bay, plan a visit to Frykman Studio Gallery. You will see impressive woodcarvings, stoneware pottery, and oil paintings there. You can also pick up an impressive laser-cut wooden jigsaw puzzle to bring home with you to remind you of your time in Sister Bay. Are you interested in learning more about Sister Bay’s early days? Visit the Corner of the Past Museum to tour an 1875 farmhouse and other renovated buildings. If you visit between June and October, an on-site farmers' market is available, where you can shop for baked goods, jewelry, produce, and more from local vendors.
New Glarus
Known as “America’s Little Switzerland,” New Glarus in southern Wisconsin is famous for its Swiss architecture, heritage, and customs. One of the best places to learn more about the town’s history and meet its smiling faces is the Swiss Historical Village. There, you will find 14 buildings filled with artifacts and exhibits that teach you more about the town's history and how it has evolved over the decades. If you want to explore the great outdoors, consider spending some time on the Sugar River State Trail, which spans 24 miles from New Glarus to Brodhead. The trail is perfect for hiking and biking; if you visit in the winter, you can even use it for snowmobiling. After a full day of exploring, head to New Glarus Brewing Co., nestled on top of a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside. The brewery offers self-guided tours and tastings, specializing in both year-round and seasonal beers.
Montello
Near Buffalo Lake in the central part of the state, Montello is famous for its small-town charm and spectacular views. Head to Daggett Memorial Park in downtown Montello to see the cascading waterfalls flowing over the hardest granite in the world. The granite has been used for famous monuments across the country, including Ulysses S. Grant’s tomb, before the quarry was turned into a town park. Another beautiful spot in town is John Muir County Park, where you can walk around Ennis Lake on part of the Ice Age Trail. Bring the kids along; they will love exploring the park’s natural playground in the summer. Reader’s Realm Books, Gifts, & Whimsy is a fun souvenir stop in Montello. There, you can peruse an impressive selection of books in just about every genre or pick up a unique gift for a loved one.
Hayward
In northern Wisconsin, you will find the charming lake town of Hayward. It is home to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, which is a fun visitor spot, even for non-experienced fishers. In addition to a collection of world records for various fish species, the site's highlight is its “Shrine of Anglers,” a hand-sculpted muskellunge fish measuring half a city block long and four and a half stories high. You can walk inside the structure and enjoy the view through the fish’s open jaw, on the impressive observation deck, before exploring the rest of the four-building museum complex. Another unique spot in Hayward that the whole family will enjoy is the Wilderness Walk Zoo. More than just a typical zoo, the Wilderness Walk has an animal nursery and petting zoo, where you can feed deer, pet a tortoise’s back, and more. There is also a Western Town museum, where you can pan for gold, explore a maze, and learn more about the Wild West. Want to make the most out of your trip to Hayward? Plan your visit for mid-July to attend the Lumberjack World Championship. This international competition, which has been running for over 60 years, allows lumberjacks and lumberjills to showcase their skills in log rolling, axe throwing, chopping, and sawing. The event spans four days, and passes are available for purchase in either multi-day or single-day formats.
Escape to Wisconsin’s Friendly Countryside
These eight countryside towns in the Badger State are here to welcome you with open arms, a sense of community, and scenic landscapes. Whether you want to relax, go on an adventure, or connect with local culture, you will be drawn to the quiet days, friendly faces, and memorable moments that make rural Wisconsin special. From the Swiss-inspired streets of New Glarus to the waterfront serenity of Sister Bay, each town has its own personality and is ready to be explored. When you are ready to escape city life, these countryside towns invite you to slow down, look around, and fall in love with the quiet corners of Wisconsin.
