This Is The Friendliest Small Town in Wisconsin
Discover the charm of the Midwest in Cedarburg, Wisconsin's friendliest small town. Set along Cedar Creek and not far from the shores of Lake Michigan, this community has a beautifully preserved downtown district with top attractions like the Cedarburg Cultural Center and Cedar Creek Winery. Cedarburg also offers a delightful atmosphere for those looking to appreciate the beauty of the region with the nearby Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. The town is also known for its welcoming festivals, including the Winter Festival, Strawberry Festival, and Wine & Harvest Festival, offering plenty of opportunities to engage with friendly locals. Easily one of the state's most lovable small towns, come see what Cedarburg has to offer!
Geography of Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Cedarburg is located just minutes from the western shore of Lake Michigan. With its German heritage and relaxed atmosphere, it serves as a great getaway, despite being only 20 minutes north of Milwaukee. This charming town, home to 12,646 residents, feels enveloped by natural beauty, including the nearby Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. This 73-acre bluff along Lake Michigan offers stunning views and features hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities.
The creek flows through the town's center, and with over 200 historic buildings, nearly one for each year since its founding, Cedarburg is incredibly photogenic. Be sure to visit the popular Gem Shop for a keepsake, conveniently located across Bridge Road from the Cedarburg Art Museum, which also has its own beer garden and gift shop, perfect for picking up memories from this charming destination.
Brief History of Cedarburg
Founded in the early 1840s by Irish and German immigrants, Frederick Hilgen and William Schroeder built the grist mill in 1855, a dam, and a water wheel to power it. Selling some 120 barrels of flour each day at their shop, the Cedar Creek proved its potential. Cedarburg Grist Mill is one of the significant buildings today, repurposed into a depot selling Hoffmann’s Original brats, among other house and yard equipment. Built in 1864, the Wittenberg Mill is another site of the town's eight listings on the National Register of Historic Places. Both mills closed by the 1960s, during the post-World War II suburbanization period. The rapidly growing city was caught up in new commercial properties and housing subdivisions.
Wittenberg Mill was transformed into the Cedar Creek Settlement at the heart of the historic district. Repurposed as a hub with shops, artist studios, antique stores, and restaurants, you can shop for handmade pottery, antiques, plus fine art showcases in beautifully preserved mid-19th-century buildings. Stop by the Cedarburg Visitor Center inside the Cedarburg History Museum for an express trip back in time. Browsing the fascinating Roger C. Christensen Collection, you will recognize many of the buildings from historic photographs on the streets today, dating back over 150 years. Adjacent to downtown, the Columbia Road Historic District, also listed, hosts nearly 130 historically important structures.
Downtown Attractions
Cedarburg is known for its friendly wineries and beautiful parks. This vibrant and welcoming community, recognized by Architectural Digest as having one of the "Most Beautiful Main Streets in America," thrives on tourism. Explore the area's heritage at the Cedarburg Cultural Center, which offers exhibits, performances, tours, and yoga classes, as well as popular jazz and blues programs.
Heyden's Gardens showcases a variety of plants and trees, perfect for a leisurely stroll through seasonal decorations and thoughtful landscape design. Another noteworthy spot is the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts, where visitors can browse a permanent quilt collection and enjoy rotating exhibits housed in a refurbished barn from the 1850s. At the heart of Cedarburg, Cedar Creek Winery offers delightful tours and a flight of wines to suit every palate, including exceptional sweet wines. For dining, Stilt House Gatro Bar operates as a gastropub in a historic building with a spacious patio.
Outdoor Recreation
The town and nearby parks are perfect for experiencing Wisconsin's traditional seasons without leaving town. Next to the Cultural Center at the heart, Cedar Creek Park is a family-friendly riverfront green with a waterfall for a summer day, with a playground, an outdoor music stage, a trail, and a picnic space. The dog-friendly Pleasant Valley Nature Park offers an awesome boardwalk through the greens, plus a peaceful winter wonderland for snowshoeing. The Covered Bridge County Park is dog-friendly for a walk along the creek with river views and scenic spots for a picnic or photoshoot. The nearby Lime Kiln Park (in Grafton) is an open space to roam with your family and pet, with picnic tables and something for everyone, like a playground, history markers for the lime kilns, and the iron trestle bridge.
From soaking up the sunshine to chasing the foliage and hitting the trails after a fresh snowfall, find one of the state's few remaining of the over 40 covered bridges that once dotted the countryside. Measuring 120 feet long and 12 feet wide, the Historic Cedarburg Covered Bridge is located just three miles north on the Covered Bridge Road. Built in 1876 of a certain type of pine found near Baraboo, Cedarburg Bridge is a real relic, known then as the "Red Bridge." After 85 years in service, a modern span was built beside it near the junction for traffic, while the old bridge is now pedestrian only. In addition, the 30-mile paved Interurban Trail just off Washington Avenue stretches for walkers and cyclists past meadows and pastures. You can also take the Belgium Loop to Harrington Beach State Park.
The Arts
Arts have put Cedarburg on the map. The original Rivoli Theater was established in the late 1880s, replacing the former Cedarburg General Store in a brick building constructed by local businessman Friedrich Boerner. After a complete restoration, the stunning facade of this modern 1936 Art Deco building now houses a historic single-screen theater that showcases family-friendly, second-run films.
Just a few blocks away, the Performing Arts Center is a newer addition that has quickly become one of the county's top two venues. This 580-seat theater hosts major acts, including past performances such as "Winter Solstice" by Windham Hill recording artists and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Cedarburg has rightfully earned its reputation as the cultural hub of Ozaukee County for art enthusiasts, jazz lovers, and theater fans.
Festivals
Four free festivals are organized by Festivals of Cedarburg, including the Winter Festival in February, the Strawberry Festival in June, Wine & Harvest in September, and Oktoberfest, which attracts over 100,000 people over two days. Cedarburg swells during its popular annual festivals, particularly throughout the entire season between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
As one of the most exciting small-town Christmas destinations, thousands of twinkling lights throughout the historic district, starting in November, envelop you in a magical atmosphere. Enjoy holiday shopping and join in the merriment next year during the Christmas tree lighting and Santa’s Workshop, when hundreds of families meet Santa Claus for free.
Where to Stay in Cedarburg
The Washington House Inn is the most iconic lodging in Cedarburg, located in the heart of this picturesque town. Built in 1886, this historic hotel offers modern amenities, making it the perfect place for an overnight stay steeped in history. With features like whirlpool baths and a complimentary wine-and-cheese social hour, it is ideal for a romantic weekend getaway.
If you are seeking other charming options, consider staying at local bed-and-breakfast inns such as the Lilly Pad or The Stagecoach Inn Bed and Breakfast. Established in 1853, this B&B exudes a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying the town's history, even if you are not dining at the on-site pub with friends.
Cedarburg is home to a variety of attractions. Be sure to visit the nearby 1849 Kuhefuss House and take the kids to Amy's Candy Kitchen for a sweet treat.
The Friendliest Small Town in Wisconsin
The town of Cedarburg has thrived for 180 years since the settlement of German and Irish communities. Located near Milwaukee, it is considered one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. Experience the charm of Wisconsin on your next getaway, where you can shop and unwind at delightful bed-and-breakfast inns. Enjoy year-round attractions, festivals, and the beauty of lakeside views right at your doorstep. As you stroll along the historic cream-brick and limestone buildings, the town tells the story of those who built it and continue to maintain it as a tourist destination. Be sure to plan for the upcoming Fourth of July Hometown Celebration, and don’t forget to pack a costume for the festive Pumpkin Walk on Halloween. If you are just passing through Wisconsin, feel free to stop by and say hello!
