10 Little-Known Towns In Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a Midwestern paradise in the US, nestled in the Great Lakes Region, where lakes are as charming and magnificent as oceans. Across the lakeside landscape and panorama of Wisconsin are little-known towns hiding within the shadows of the big cities. But they are no less endearing and full of amazing things to do, gorgeous sights to take in, and sensational experiences to engrave in the mind. From Fish Creek and Lake Geneva to Elkhart Lake, visitors will have more than a handful of indulgences cutting across nature, history, culture, and good eats to enjoy in these 10 towns in the Badger State.
Mineral Point
Mineral Point is quite charming in landscapes as it lies in the Driftless Area, a region in the Midwest marked by high bluffs, hills, cliffs, and river valleys. However, the town is more of a historic destination, renowned for its Cornish history, and as the birthplace of Wisconsin since Henry Dodge was declared the first governor of Wisconsin in the area. Visitors here will be delighted with the several historic attractions, such as The Pendarvis House, which is a must-visit as it reflects Wisconsin’s Cornish history with several exhibits while remembering the couples who safeguarded it. Also, the town hosts the Mineral Point Railroad Museum, which is the oldest depot in Wisconsin, open for tours from May to October.
Other sites worth visiting in Mineral Point include Fort Jackson, Trinity Episcopal Church, Jerusalem Springs, and Walker House. After exploring these historic sites, visitors can kick back at the Mineral Point Opera House to enjoy a show or visit the Wantoot Gallery to admire artworks.
St. Croix Falls
St. Croix Falls is a natural paradise worth visiting year-round. This sensationally stunning town along the St. Croix River is home to Interstate State Park, a magnificent outdoor haven on the border with Minnesota, featuring a dramatic basalt gorge sliced by the St. Croix River. Activities in the park include boat cruises, kayaking, and canoeing, as well as rock climbing, camping, hiking, and swimming in a swim beach.
Meanwhile, the St. Croix River is part of the over 200 miles of waterway known as the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, and visitors can learn about the riverway at its visitor center in town. Remember to catch a music or comedy show at the St. Croix Festival Theatre before leaving, and enjoy tasty American staples at the Loggers Bar and Grill when hungry.
Pepin
Pepin is a lovely, secluded, and lesser-known town on the shores of Lake Pepin, perfect for a laid-back vacation. The town’s highlight attraction is the lake, which is a naturally occurring fresh water source from the Mississippi River. This waterbody offers a myriad of adventures, from sailing and boating to fishing and cruising, among others. Pepin also boasts a small public beach on the lake's shores for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking.
For history enthusiasts, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Pepin Depot Museum are worth visiting to delve into the town's yesteryears through unique exhibits. Don’t forget to dine at the Harbor View Cafe after soaking in this small town’s beauty and attractions, and pair the meals with more lake views.
Fish Creek
Fish Creek is a small town of around 1,000 people that punches more than its weight in terms of tourism. This jaw-dropping community along Green Bay is home to Peninsula State Park, which is considered one of Wisconsin's best parks and has many attractions. This park on the bay shores features an adorable sand beach, a 150-foot bluff, a summer theatre, a historic lighthouse, picnic areas, a tower, a nature center, and more than 400 campsites.
Elsewhere, Sunset Beach Park is also fascinating and the best place to catch the sunset views in town while picnicking on the soft sands. For some history, take a tour of the Alexander Noble House Museum, home to one of Fish Creek's founders, and visit Skyway Drive-in Theatre later to enjoy movies.
Elkhart Lake
Visit Elkhart Lake, a small town of below 1,000 people, and be swayed by its beauty along Lake Elkhart and the numerous attractions the town harbors. Once here, a relaxing pontoon cruise across the water is an ideal way to spend an evening while capturing the sunset. Fireman’s Park and Swimming Beach is an inviting, seasonal recreational space with lake and beach access for swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, and lounging under the sun.
Step into the corridors of history at the Elkhart Lake Historic Depot Museum, a railroad museum complete with ancient, original furnishing and lavish with railroad artifacts and memorabilia. Also, tour around the Elkhart Lake Village Square Park and savor its greenery, see 15 allegiance sculptures, and enjoy picnics in shaded spots. Wrap up by visiting the Two Fish Gallery to browse through art collections and exhibits and purchase some as souvenirs.
Minocqua
Home to just 451 people, Minocqua is a small town that’s often overlooked. Nonetheless, it is as gorgeous and quaint as they come, sitting on a peninsula overlooking Lake Minocqua. The lake beckons for indulgence as it presents its beautiful fresh water for fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
Visitors can spice up things by stopping at the Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo and Safari, home to more than 1,700 animals and 229 species, including Giraffe, Wildebeest, Eland, and Kudu. A better way to enjoy the animal sightseeing tour is by taking the safari tram in the park. For a taste of history, the town invites visitors to the Minocqua Museum for a trip to the area’s past through permanent exhibits. Meanwhile, art lovers can purchase various items and souvenirs at the Earth Goods before leaving.
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is a charming lakeside town nestled along the shores of the seductive blue Geneva Lake in Walworth County. Visitors to this town would wonder why very little is spoken about it, as it is a recreational and tourist melting pot in the state. First, there is a public beach on the lake where tourists can enjoy sunsets, picnics, promenades, and water sports on the lake's alluring waters.
Also, the town hosts the Lake Geneva Shore Path, a recreational walkway along the lake’s shores for biking, walking, jogging, and hiking while savoring close views of the lake’s blue vistas. In the meantime, learn about the town’s early life and days at the Geneva Lake Museum through exhibits that include boating, furniture, and clothing artifacts, among others. Visitors seeking thrills can take to the skies on a zipline adventure with Lake Geneva Zipline Adventures.
Cedarburg
Cedarburg is a small town 20 miles north of Milwaukee, the most populous city in Wisconsin, and seems to be under its shadows. History buffs will, however, discover that this town harbors a treasure trove of history and even arts. The Cedarburg History Museum, for instance, relives the town’s bygone era through various exhibits, artifacts, and programs at its location in the Historic Hilgen and Schroeder Mill Store.
The town is also home to the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts, featuring a collection of over 8,000 art quilts. Additionally, the Cedarburg Art Museum is in town and houses 49 permanent exhibits and other temporary displays in a historic 1898 mansion. Outdoors, visitors can check out the historic Cedarburg Covered Bridge over Cedar Creek. When it’s time to relax, the Cedarburg Cultural Center or Rivoli Theatre are amazing destinations to enjoy movies, performances, stage plays, musicals, and more.
Sister Bay
Sister Bay is a quaint, laid-back bay town with historic and natural charms. For its historic attractions, the site of the Meridian Shipwreck is just off the coast, close to Sister Island, and deserves a glimpse. Also, visit Country House Resort, the town’s first homestead, built in 1859 and still great for lodging.
Away from its historic allure, the town hosts the quiet and cozy Sister Bay Beach, featuring a swimming pier, kayak launch, picnic tables, and gorgeous sunset views. Additionally, the Sister Bay Marina is an irresistible waterfront draw where tourists can embark on boating, sailing, and fishing activities. This Door Country village is also home to Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, where goats graze on its roof in summer, and delicious Swedish meals are offered.
Bayfield
Located in its namesake county, Bayfield has a population of just below 600 people, making it the least populated town in Wisconsin. Its small population may account for its lesser-known status, but don't be discouraged; Bayfield is a wonder along the shores of Lake Superior, with plenty of attractions and things to do. First, it serves as the gateway to the Apostles Islands, an archipelago of 22 islands on Lake Superior. Visitors can take a 55-mile Narrated Guided Cruise to explore the Islands or kayak to the Sea Caves of the Islands, where red sandstones and natural arches complement the blue waters.
In the town center, visitors can soak up the history of Bayfield and its lakeside landscape at the Bayfield Maritime Museum, where several artifacts and exhibits are displayed. After exploring, head to the Pier Plaza Restaurant to enjoy burgers and sandwiches with charming Bay views, or visit Copper Trout for fresh fish.
Overlooked but grand and beautiful, these little-known small towns in Wisconsin have a point to prove to tourists who decide to give them the benefit of the doubt. For one, they are quieter and serene with scanty populations, offering an escape from life’s hustle and bustle. With the less crowded environment, visitors will explore without the obstruction of the crowds. These towns have lots of attractions to keep visitors busy, from indoor spots like shops and galleries to outdoor points of interest like beaches and islands. With all these incredible features, ditching the popular cities in Wisconsin for these small towns promises to be a decision you will forever cherish.
