This Quiet Wisconsin Town Is An Underrated Gem For 2026
With the new year quickly approaching, it is only natural to start thinking about the adventures you want to have in the year ahead. And for those who live in or near Wisconsin, the opportunities have never been better! Among all of Wisconsin’s beautiful destinations, Menomonie stands out as a quiet alternative for those looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path trip in 2026.
This small town, home to fewer than 17,000 residents, has an unbeatable location along the southern shores of Lake Menomin, making it perfect for water recreation. The area is also home to great hiking trails, including a rail trail and one that leads to stunning geological formations. And, of course, don’t forget about the town’s impressive art and culinary scene! So grab your hiking boots, come hungry, and get ready to dive into all the underrated surprises that Menomonie has to offer.
Rock Formations & Rail Trails
In under 10 minutes, you can reach an impressive range of natural attractions near Menomonie. The first is Devil’s Punchbowl, which lies just an eight-minute drive south of town. Set on a small preserve, the star of this area is an intricate rock formation that dates back over 500 million years. Shaped by glacial erosion and ancient sea sand, you can also often spot a gentle cascade trickling down the rock face. A short trail leads hikers to a set of wooden stairs at the bottom of a ravine, where they can fully appreciate this beautiful geological formation.
The Red Cedar State Trail, meanwhile, is a 14.5-mile rail trail that departs right from Menomonie, passing through the neighboring communities of Irvington and Downsville and connecting with the Chippewa River State Trail. You’ll be able to appreciate all sorts of ecosystems during your journey, such as marshland bottoms, prairies, farmlands, forests, and sandstone bluffs.
Water Recreation on Lake Menomin
Covering more than 1,000 acres, Lake Menomin sits on the northern edge of Menomonie, making the town a perfect basecamp for a day on the water. There are three boat landings on the lake, with both Stout Landing and Point Comfort Landing being the closest to downtown. The lake reaches depths up to 34 feet, with fishing being one of the most popular sports. A few of the fish species you might be able to catch on the lake include panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. Several waterfront parks border the lake, such as La Pointe Park, which lies along the lake’s southwestern shores, and Point Comfort Park, which is to the lake’s east and home to the aforementioned dock.
Art & Culture
After a day of hiking or fishing, you can continue your adventure back in town at one of Menomonie’s world-class art institutions. The first one you should have on your radar is The Mabel Tainter, a historic theater constructed with gorgeous Dunnville Sandstone. Built in 1889, this theater wonderfully exemplifies a vintage American venue, featuring a notable Victorian style and seating 261 people. The property is also home to The Spirit Room, a speakeasy-style bar that occupies the space of a former 1950s soda fountain. Both the theater and The Spirit Room host periodic live performances, so make sure to check out their calendars before your visit!
To view some fantastic works of art, visitors will also want to stop by the Furlong Gallery. As part of the University of Wisconsin-Stout, this gallery hosts year-round exhibitions, along with artist talks and lectures that give guests a deeper understanding of the art on display.
Culinary Scene
Don’t forget to bring your appetite with you to Menomonie, because the dining establishments are delicious and versatile. If you’re seeking some morning coffee, you can start the day at The Raw Deal, a local coffee shop and Roaster on Broadway Street that has been part of the community since 2006. In addition to freshly brewed fair trade coffee, you can enjoy an array of raw and vegan food, smoothies, and fresh juices. For lunch, check out the Acoustic Cafe, a restaurant that has been specializing in hoagies and soups for over three decades. All hoagies come on the cafe’s signature honey cracked wheat bread, and include your choice of meat! If you are looking to conclude the day with a relaxing cold beverage, make sure to swing by Lucette Brewing Company. The beers here are produced in small-batch brews, with the establishment also serving curated cocktails and handcrafted Neapolitan-style pizzas.
Extending Your Trip
Don’t let your fun stop in Menomonie! If you have an extra day or two and are looking for additional stops for your itinerary, you must check out some of the other nearby towns in the area. Durand, for example, is just a half hour south of Menomonie and offers all kinds of outdoor recreational opportunities, including the Chippewa River State Trail and the historic Memorial Park. It is also well-known for its cheese production, home to farms like Eau Galle Cheese Factory, which produces millions of pounds of cheese annually. Pepin lies a bit further south, along Lake Pepin, and is another fantastic place for water sports. This town is also the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder, a fun detail for anyone who loves the tales of the famous author and pioneer. As you can probably tell, there are ample opportunities for adventure near Menomonie!
A Town Full Of Beautiful Gems
Menomonie is full of beauty. Not only does it offer great spots for hiking, boating, and fishing, but it also has a beautiful theater and art gallery that can hold its own against those in nearby larger towns and cities. As a bonus, it is easy to extend your itinerary by visiting some of the other lovely nearby towns. By the end of your trip, you are almost guaranteed to have a newfound appreciation for some of Wisconsin’s smaller communities.
