Wisconsin is known for its cheese, beer, lakes, and... well, not much else in the grand scheme of things, it deserves another lookover for anyone itching to explore a wonderful and unique corner of the United States. Bordering Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and the beautiful and little-known driftless region, there is no shortage of outdoor activity and breathtaking sights to be found here. But for those who are interested in cultural destinations, historic landmarks, or simply a comfortable place to escape to for the weekend, Wisconsin is full of gems that will provide you with exactly what you want. Let's further explore these nine cozy towns in the Badger State.
More in WisconsinExplore 11 of the most overlooked towns to visit in Wisconsin.
Cedarburg
Cedarburg, located an easy-to-reach 20 miles north of Milwaukee, is an excellent choice for anyone looking to escape the big city. Being a place of historical importance in the original settling of Wisconsin, many come here to see up close landmarks from the past. One of Cedarburg's key historical sites is the Cedarburg Mill, a preserved 19th-century structure that now houses a variety of businesses, most notably Rebellion Brewing USA, a popular haunt for both locals and tourists looking for tasty food and refreshing beverages. For more info about this town, pay a visit to the Cedarburg History Museum downtown.
Be sure to explore the nearby Cedar Creek Park, a very short walk from downtown. This is a popular destination for picnicking and walking along its creekside paths. Cedarburg also hosts several annual festivals, such as the Strawberry Festival and the Wine & Harvest Festival, in the summer and Fall respectively. These are great events to go to to get a taste of the produce this agricultural region grows.
Mineral Point
Mineral Point is situated in the southwestern part of Wisconsin, on the edge of the "driftless region," a unique geological area that was never covered by ice during the last ice age, notable for its rolling hills and deep river valleys. For nature lovers looking to explore this landscape, nearby Governor Dodge State Park offers hiking, camping, and boating opportunities. Here, you can walk to natural landmarks such as the Twin Valley Cave or Stephen's Falls.
As one of the state's oldest towns, it contains many old buildings from the early 19th century, most of which reflect its lead mining heritage. The Pendarvis Historic Site will give you a look into the lives of early Cornish settlers and their mining practices. Additionally, Mineral Point has become a hub for artists and craftsmen, with numerous galleries and studios throughout the town.
Fish Creek
On the far northern tip of Wisconsin on the Door Peninsula, Fish Creek is an idyllic place to stay for a weekend on Lake Michigan. Adjacent to the town, Peninsula State Park offers extensive opportunities for fun stuff to do outdoors. This includes a web of hiking and biking trails, and kayaking and canoeing on the lake. The park also features the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, an important historical landmark offering guided tours and scenic views of the bay.
The downtown core of Fish Creek is full of amenities like outfitters, restaurants for all budgets, cottage resorts, and museums, like the Alexander Noble House. For something to do a short drive south of town, the historic Peninsula Players Theatre, the oldest professional resident summer theater in the United States, provides all with both a unique cultural attraction and a wonderful place to take a photo.
Bayfield
Bayfield, positioned on the shores of Lake Superior to the far northwest of the state, is a well-known stop for people looking to explore the vast forests and lakes of this area. Notably, this town is one of the official gateways to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, where you can see sea caves, lighthouses, and old-growth forests.
Bayfield’s harbor is a hub of activity and services, with marinas for sailing and kayaking rentals/docking, and regular ferry services to the islands. The town itself features a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants, many of which highlight local artisans and cuisine. The Bayfield Maritime Museum downtown will teach you more about the nautical history of this town, on top of insights into its founding.
Bayfield is also renowned for its orchards and berry farms. Tour the "Fruit Loop," a route on the bluffs near town that features many of these orchards.
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva, located in southeastern Wisconsin on... Geneva Lake, is a town beloved as a weekend lakeside getaway. Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat tour starting from town, which gives you a unique and scenic look into the area’s history and showcases the impressive lakeside mansions nearby. For a closer look at the lake shore, the Geneva Lake Shore Path, a 21-mile walking trail, offers an intimate look at the beautiful estates and natural landscapes that can be found here
One of Lake Geneva's main downtown attractions is the historic Riviera Ballroom, a venue that has hosted countless events since the 1930s and has unbeatable views of Geneva Lake from its grounds. The downtown area also features an array of upscale stores and restaurants, like Oakfire, a long-running and highly-rated bistro.
In the winter months, the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition is held here, an extremely popular event in which you can see some of the best snow sculptors from around the country demonstrate their craft.
Spring Green
On the banks of the Wisconsin River in the southwestern part of the state, a short drive west of Madison, Spring Green is a destination for sightseers looking for a cozy place to stay on their trip. Many come here for the plethora of breathtaking parks located on a notable bend on the Wisconsin River just south of town. For one, the nearby Tower Hill State Park has hiking trails, picnic areas, and a historic shot tower (a tower that produced ball ammunition for various projectile weapons), a somewhat common sight in this once highly productive mining/manufacturing region. The Bakken's Pond State Natural Area is another worthwhile destination, particularly in the fall when its woodlands begin to turn out brilliant colors beside the river and its various ponds.
One of Spring Green's most notable cultural landmarks is Taliesin, the estate designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Taliesin offers tours that provide a deep dive into Wright’s architectural innovations and his connection to the local landscape.
Ephraim
Ephraim is most known for its scenic views of Eagle Harbor on Lake Michigan. This village offers a variety of commercial establishments, including shops, galleries, and eateries that highlight regional specialties like freshly caught lake fish and fruits and vegetables from nearby orchards. On the other hand, Prince of Pierogi Restaurant is a delicious testament to the Eastern European heritage here, which is prevalent in this region of the country.
Ephraim's history is preserved in landmarks like the Anderson Dock, where you can view the Ephraim Historical Foundation’s various museum exhibits. The village also boasts several well-preserved buildings dating back to the 1800s, such as the Ephraim Moravian Church
One of the most picturesque golf courses in Wisconsin is located near Ephraim too. Peninsula State Park Golf Course is a wonderful place to play a round in a hilly forested area with yet more views of Eagle Harbor.
New Glarus
New Glarus, often referred to as “America’s Little Switzerland,” was originally founded by Swiss immigrants in the mid-1800s. The town has expertly maintained its Swiss character through architecture, food, and various cultural festivals held throughout the year, like the Wilhelm Tell Festival and Swiss Volksfest,
With shops, bakeries, and restaurants that serve traditional Swiss foods and products, this place is a foodie's delight. One of New Glarus’s other highlights serves up another kind of Swiss product- the New Glarus Brewing Company, the place to go for its European-style craft beers that attract enthusiasts from far and wide. Also downtown is the Swiss Historical Village and Museum, which provides insight into the town’s origins and the lives of the early settlers, with period-accurate buildings and artifacts from the past to the present.
When the weather is nice, the New Glarus Woods State Park provides an ideal escape to the great outdoors surrounding town.
Elkhart Lake
Elkhart Lake's namesake lake is a prime spot for swimming, boating, and fishing, drawing visitors who want to spend a weekend on the water from around the state.
History buffs will appreciate the Elkhart Lake Depot Museum, a curated museum with provides info on this town's founding and its role as a popular resort destination in the early 20th century. Speaking of historic resorts, such as the Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake continues to offer luxurious accommodations and spa services to this day.
This cozy town is also home to the famous Road America, a renowned motorsports road course that hosts a variety of racing events and doubles as a driving school for aspiring drivers. for more automobile-based things to do, the Elkhart Lake Vintage Festival further celebrates this town’s racing history with classic car shows and races.
Get Comfortable in These Small Wisconsin Towns
From the ambiance of Mineral Point to the maritime heritage of Fish Creek, each town here provides a unique experience for visitors of all kinds. Whether you're exploring historic sites, enjoying outdoor activities, or getting a taste of local culture and cuisine, these cozy destinations highlight the charm and character of Wisconsin, a very underrated state in the Midwest. Plan your visit to discover the unique appeal of these picturesque towns.
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Brendan Cane June 13 2024 in Places
