Small Towns in Wisconsin You'll Want to Move to
Known for its natural beauty, Wisconsin is a charming state brimming with quaint small towns. With a population of just under 6 million, it's the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of larger tourist havens. From fishing to flea markets, the state has something to suit everyone. Wisconsin has some of the most charming towns in the country, and there are plenty of things to see and experience here.
01 Taste the local wines in Cedarburg
Just north of Milwaukee is the picturesque town of Cedarburg. It's known for a bustling downtown area with boutiques, galleries, and historical buildings. Perhaps the biggest attraction is the Cedar Creek Winery, where visitors can enjoy tasting tipples from the local area. The town also hosts a Wine and Harvest Festival every year and a Strawberry Festival. For a historical day out, tour the Cedarburg Woolen Mill, which has been in operation since 1864.
02 Discover the lead mining history of Mineral Point
If you love history, Mineral Point is home to stunning architecture and rich mining history. The Pendarvis Historic Site is the perfect place to learn about the lead mining era. Art enthusiasts can revel in the work of local artists at galleries and studios like the Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts. The center also hosts workshops and classes for visitors to get involved with.
03 Hike or bike in Bayfield
Situated on Lake Superior, Bayfield is a great small town for outdoor activities. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the perfect place to hike, cycle, or kayak. The Apostle Islands is a group of 22 islands to explore, camp, or fish. As with most waterfront towns, Bayfield hosts plenty of seafood restaurants, serving up the local catch of trout and salmon.
04 Watch the sunset in Ephraim
Situated on the edge of the Door County peninsula, Ephraim is the perfect place to book a bed and breakfast and watch the sunset. Head to the Peninsula State Park or opt for a sunset sail on the bay for the best views. Ephraim is also home to the Anderson House Museum and the Ephraim Historical Foundation. If you want to be at one with nature, the Ephraim Wetlands Preserve is the perfect place to spend the day exploring different plants and wildlife.
05 Head out on the town in La Crosse
La Crosse is renowned for its vibrant nightlife. Nestled on the Mississippi River, the town has a historic downtown area that's home to a great selection of bars and restaurants. Alternatively, La Crosse has plenty of outdoor spaces like Riverside Park and the Great River State Trail for a cycle or hike. Before heading home, check out the La Crosse Queen, a replica of the nineteenth-century paddlewheel riverboat that operates tours across the river.
06 Hit the beach at Fish Creek
Another town to visit along the Door County peninsula is Fish Creek. The town is known for its scenic parks and beaches, so make sure to pack a picnic. With a number of galleries and studios, Fish Creek is a great place to see works from local artists. You can also watch a show at the Peninsula Players Theatre, which has been in operation for almost a century.
07 Enjoy the outdoors in Cedar Grove
If you love the outdoors, Cedar Grove is the place for you. Located along Lake Michigan, it's a picturesque town bursting with wildlife. The Kohler-Andrae State Park and Cedar Grove Ornithological Trail are popular destinations for birdwatchers and hikers alike. While staying in the area, you can also take a trip to Sheboygan, a nearby town known for its beautiful beaches and lakefront park.
08 Go Swiss in New Glarus
New Glarus is the perfect destination for something a little different. The town is entirely Swiss-themed and is known for its unique shops and hotels. Visitors can head to the Swiss Historical Village, stay at the Chalet Landhaus Inn, and enjoy a locally-brewed beer at the New Glarus Brewing Company. Depending on the time of year, you can also explore the New Glarus Woods State Park for cycling, hiking, or skiing.
09 Relax and unwind in Kohler
Kohler is well known for its luxurious spas and resorts, making it the best place to relax and unwind. The American Club is a historic resort offering relaxing spa treatments and is just a stone's throw away from the Whistling Straits Golf Course. You can also head to the Kohler Waters Spa and the Immigrant Restaurant, which serves exquisite French cuisine.
10 Take a boat tour of Lake Geneva
In the southeast region of Wisconsin lies Lake Geneva. Visitors can enjoy a boat tour of the lake or take part in water sports around the marina. Lake Geneva also has a charming downtown area with galleries and local boutiques to peruse at leisure. For a slice of history, visit the Black Point Estate and take a tour of an 1800s mansion.
11 Visit the circus in Baraboo
Possibly the biggest attraction of Baraboo is the Circus World Museum, which is perfect for a day out with the family. Baraboo is located near Devil's Lake State Park, so you can also go camping, hiking, and rock climbing. The town has a charming downtown area with historic sites like the AI Ringling Theatre and exciting museums.
12 Hunt for antiques in Spring Green
Spring Green was put on the map by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America's most celebrated architects. Here you can tour his famous home and studio, Taliesin, or visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center to check out his work. There's also the Taliesin Playhouse for those more interested in performing arts. The House on the Rock is another unique attraction showcasing a vast collection of eclectic art and antiques.
13 Sail away in Sister Bay
Sister Bay is another small town in Wisconsin that's definitely worth a visit. The town boasts a number of boat rental shops for you to enjoy boating and fishing in the area. There's also the nearby Peninsula State Park for lapping up 3,700 acres of natural beauty. For a day trip, visitors can take a ferry to Washington Island to enjoy remote beaches and stunning sunsets.
14 Get artsy or thrifty in Cambridge
Cambridge is a quaint town in southeastern Wisconsin that's also the perfect shopping destination. The town is home to a huge range of gift and souvenir shops, along with flea markets, antique shops, and the annual Cambridge Arts and Crafts Fair. Once you're finished shopping, take a hike along the CamRock Trail or hire bikes to cycle along the scenic Koshkonong Creek.
Scroll Down
for the Next Article
