This Wisconsin Main Street Feels Like A Movie Set
While losing yourself in a good movie is wonderful, living one is even better. Just north of Milwaukee lies Cedarburg, Wisconsin, a town with a picturesque atmosphere that evokes a cinematic feel. Cedarburg’s story began in the 1840s with Irish and German immigrants, whose legacy is still evident in the town’s architecture.
Along Washington Avenue, historic 19th-century storefronts built from local limestone and cream-colored brick line the street. Seasonal festivals throughout the year add to the setting, often recalling familiar scenes from romantic comedies or holiday films that emphasize small-town traditions. Of course, there are also the storybook festivals held throughout the year that will remind you of your favorite Hallmark movie or rom-com.
The Set Of An Old-Fashioned Film
If you’re a fan of old-fashioned films, you’ll enjoy strolling through Cedarburg, where the streets feel as though they belong on the screen. One of the best examples of this atmosphere is the Cedar Creek Settlement, a collection of shops located within the historic Hilgen and Wittenberg Woolen Mill. Built in 1864, the building still features original floors, beams, and equipment that have been preserved for more than a century and reflect the area’s early industrial history.
The Washington House Inn is another example of historic architecture and preservation. This three-story cream city brick building was constructed in 1886 and remains a prominent feature along Washington Avenue. In addition to its historic details, the inn offers amenities such as fireplaces, jetted tubs, and daily breakfast. About a block off Washington Avenue, the Cedarburg History Museum is housed in the former Hilgen & Schroeder Mill Store and features exhibits ranging from Civil War history to the town’s blacksmith industry.
Catching A Show At The Rivoli Theater
Most theaters are simply places to watch a film, but at the Rivoli Theater, the setting feels like part of the experience. The theater has been a pillar of the Cedarburg community since its opening in 1936 and is still used today. It was transformed from a 19th-century dry goods store into an entertainment venue featuring an Art Deco style with chrome trim, black Carrara glass, an Electrolite Silhouette marquee, and a sidewalk ticket booth.
The first film to premiere at the Rivoli was A Tale of Two Cities, accompanied by a newsreel and a cartoon. Today, the theater continues to screen movies, maintaining its role as both a local landmark and a working cinema within the downtown district.
Eating and Shopping in the Historic District
Dining and shopping are easy to combine along Washington Avenue, where restaurants and small businesses line the historic street and contribute to its steady foot traffic throughout the day. For lunch, The Stilt House offers a casual tavern setting. The establishment earned its name in the early 20th century after the city denied the owner’s request for a second story, leading him to raise the entire building on stilts and construct a new first floor beneath it. Today, the menu includes burgers, sandwiches, tacos, steaks, and pasta, along with a selection of craft beers and wine.
C. Wiesler’s Saloon & Eatery is another long-standing stop, operating since 1885 and known for its historic interior. The menu features classic pub fare such as chicken wings, potato skins, soft pretzels, hot dogs, and burgers. For something sweet, Amy’s Gourmet Apples on Washington Avenue specializes in caramel apples made in small batches. Varieties include chocolate-dunked, nut-coated, turtle-style, and candy-topped caramel apples, all prepared fresh.
A Rom-Com Christmas and Year-Round Sequels
Seasonal events play a large role in Cedarburg’s appeal and help shape the town’s calendar. During A Cedarburg Christmas, a multi-week celebration held between November and December, the downtown area fills with holiday activities. These include Santa’s Dash Away 5k, Santa’s Workshop, craft fairs, exhibits, a tree lighting ceremony, and other scheduled community events.
Throughout the rest of the year, the town hosts several additional festivals that draw visitors and residents alike. The annual Winter Festival takes place on the third full weekend of February, bringing themed events, contests, and family-friendly activities. In late June, the Strawberry Festival highlights fresh strawberries alongside artisan vendors, wine and beer gardens, and live music. During the third full weekend of September, the Wine & Harvest Festival marks the seasonal transition with grape stomping, regional wines, and locally sourced produce.
Make Life Feel Cinematic This Year
In the coming year, making time to travel can offer a change of pace and perspective. For Wisconsin residents, that experience does not require going far. Cedarburg provides a setting shaped by preserved architecture, a historic Art Deco theater, and seasonal traditions that continue throughout the year and reflect the town’s long-standing community rhythms. With its walkable Main Street and established landmarks, the town presents a cohesive sense of place that feels carefully maintained rather than staged. Much of that experience centers on Washington Avenue, where history and daily life continue side by side.
