The 7 Can't-Miss Towns In Wisconsin

According to Travel Wisconsin, Wisconsin welcomed an impressive 114.4 million visitors in 2024, marking its third consecutive year of record-breaking economic impact. The state is clearly riding a tourism high, and who can be surprised? The state borders two Great Lakes and has 50 state parks. It is also world-renowned for its Swiss heritage and cheese production. If you are looking to explore the best of Wisconsin this year, the following seven towns represent some of Wisconsin’s most memorable experiences.

Egg Harbor

Sitting along the shores of Green Bay, Egg Harbor is the perfect summer destination for travelers hoping to cool off on the water. The Egg Harbor Beach is a popular gathering spot in the warmer months, offering sandy shores, a playground, a boat launch ramp, walking trails, and changing rooms. On the same beach, travelers can rent single and tandem kayaks or paddleboards through the Door County Adventure Center, a local outfitter. In addition to its beaches and water-based recreation, the area is also well-known for its golf courses! Travelers can head to The Orchards at Egg Harbor for a friendly game of golf, a renowned, 18-hole championship golf course that sits on 200 acres of county property. As they make their way through the course, golfers can appreciate natural features like mature hardwoods, rolling meadows, orchards, and a five-acre lake.

Monroe

Known as the Swiss Cheese Capital of the United States, Monroe is the ultimate town to visit if you are craving some famous Wisconsin cheese. There are plenty of artisan cheese stores around town to check out, such as Alp & Dell, a local cheese shop locally owned and operated by a Swiss family who immigrated to the US in the 1980s. In addition to shopping, visitors can sign up for a cheese tour to see the cheese-making process in person. To continue exploring Monroe’s dairy scene, consider a tour of a local family farm. DeVoe Family Farm is a great option, a 2,000-acre working dairy farm that offers tours of the facilities by appointment. There is also a prominent brewery scene in Monroe. Minhas Craft Brewery is a popular and highly rated spot to add to your itinerary, which has been a family-owned brewery in the community since 1845.

New Glarus

Affectionately nicknamed “America’s Little Switzerland,” New Glarus lets travelers enjoy an authentic Swiss cultural experience right in the heart of Wisconsin! The town’s cultural festivals are one of the largest ways it preserves its Swiss heritage, through festivals like Polkafest and the Christkindli Market. Polkafest, which takes place in June, features two days of free Polka music, dancing, and beer. Toward the end of the year, the town leaps into holiday spirit with the Christkindli Market, offering streets lined with European chalet-style artisan vendors. To try some Swiss-style cheese, stop by the Chalet Cheese Haus, which serves a wide variety of artisan cheeses, chocolates, fudge, ice cream, and other locally-made goods.

Bayfield

Bayfield, which lies along the shores of Lake Superior, is filled with orchards and parks, offering all kinds of potential for outdoor adventure. Travelers can begin their journey at Frog Bay Tribal National Park, the country’s first tribal national park, where miles of hiking trails weave through boreal forests, coastal wetlands, and sandy beaches. For some fresh fruit, make sure to stop by Erickson Orchards, which offers U-pick strawberries, apples, and cider, depending on the season. For an adventure on the lake, travelers can book a sailing charter with True North Sailing Charters, which provides excursions around Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands lasting from two hours and fifteen minutes up to a full day, depending on the trip.

Washington

If you are looking for an island vacation this summer, Washington on Washington Island is the perfect destination. This town, accessible via a five-mile ferry ride, is home to just over 700 residents and has a surprisingly wide array of activities. Travelers can explore the outdoors at Rock Island State Park, home to an old-growth forest, a swimming beach, a historic lighthouse, miles of hiking trails, and walk-in campsites. After exploring the park, travelers can head over to Fragrant Isle, a 21-acre lavender farm that has a shop, cafe, distiller, and craft beer bar on the premises. If you are looking for a hearty place to have lunch, you will also love Jackson Harbor Soup, a local soup and sandwich joint that serves potato soup, French onion soup, beer & cheddar soup, BLTs, paninis, and many other mouthwatering dishes.

Baraboo

As the birthplace of the Ringling Bros Circus in 1884, Baraboo has over a century of history in the circus and entertainment industries. Today, travelers can continue to experience this rich heritage at Circus World, a 64-acre experience with circus shows, restored historic circus wagons, and circus-related National Historic Landmark structures. For even more live entertainment, attend a show put on by the Baraboo Theatre Guild. Upcoming shows include In Juliet’s Garden, The Percy Jackson Musical, and The Prince of Egypt. Although not directly in Baraboo, the Timbavati Wildlife Park is just a 20-minute drive away and is home to over 400 animals, spread across 75 different species.

Sturgeon Bay

Sturgeon Bay has several notable summer festivals going on in the remainder of July and August, making it a great place to escape for a couple of days. On July 24th, the town will host the Sail Through the Avenues Sidewalk Sale, where local shops and food vendors will gather along Third Avenue with discounts, deals, and plenty of chances to score your next find. A couple of weeks later, on August 10th, travelers can attend Bloodys, Brews, and Bacon, where local restaurants serve up their best Bloody Marys, craft beers, and bacon-inspired dishes. There will be lots of live music to liven the atmosphere as well! To learn more about Sturgeon Bay’s maritime history, make sure to stop by the Door County Maritime Museum as well, which features interactive exhibits and tours of a restored tugboat and historic lighthouse tower.

Final Thoughts

Wisconsin’s tourism industry is booming, and these seven towns offer a bit of insight as to the reason. Towns like New Glarus provide a complete Swiss cultural experience for travelers, while other towns, like Washington Island, Bayfield, and Egg Harbor, allow you to explore the state’s bays and lakes. Regardless of the town that you pick for your next vacation this year, you are bound to have a great time!