11 Charming Wisconsin Towns For The Perfect Getaway
Wisconsin boasts spectacular natural scenery, from the picturesque Great Lakes shoreline to the dense canopy of the Northwoods. Its diverse landscapes host a long list of delightful destinations that lure travelers from around the country. While many people come to explore big cities like Milwaukee and Madison, there is much more to experience in the Badger State, especially when you decide to venture off the beaten path.
The often-forgotten small towns harbor a mixed bag of surprises that allow newcomers to discover well-preserved histories, indulge in long-standing traditions, and immerse in unique outdoor adventures. Whether seeking a laid-back lakeside escape like Lake Geneva or a remarkable cultural adventure in a friendly community like New Glarus, these are the top Wisconsin towns for the perfect getaway.
Osceola
This lovely riverside municipality on the banks of the St. Croix River is known for spell-binding natural scenery that calls for nonstop outdoor adventures. Nature lovers flock to the tranquil setting of Mill Pond Park to be in their element. The reserve's manicured grounds have gazebos, picnic pavilions, and walking trails to support different activities. For photographers, the scenes don't get more appealing than Wilke Glen and Cascade Falls. A series of interconnected trails lead to this storybook wonderland, where a gorgeous waterfall plunges 25 feet, turning into a surreal water curtain.
Beyond the nature spaces, Osceola has a walkable downtown district with a lot of history. You can visit the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway to learn about the town's railroad heritage. As part of the package, guests ride on a vintage locomotive through the Saint Croix River Valley for an unforgettable ordeal. Lastly, staying at the River Valley Inn & Suites allows you to sleep cozily without spending a fortune on accommodation.
Sister Bay
Sister Bay is the perfect small-town getaway in Door County, offering a soothing waterfront atmosphere and a delectable culinary scene. Many visitors are drawn to the sandy shores of Waterfront Park, which boasts 1,800 feet of public waterfront. This results in a popular recreation hub for swimmers, sunbathers, strollers, picnickers, and sightseers. However, those who crave to get out on the water can find several local outfitters at the Sister Bay Marina. Sail Door County is a great example, known to take tourists on easygoing excursions exploring the town's best sights.
A trip to Sister Bay is incomplete without savoring its delicious flavors. While there is no shortage of quaint eateries in town, you can't miss the quirky Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant. Besides serving traditional Swedish fare, this lovely establishment stands out for the goats grazing on its sod roof. When it is time to call it a night, consider booking a room at Birchwood Lodge.
Chippewa Falls
This exciting town on the banks of the Chippewa River has a rich history steeped in craft brewery production that complements its remarkable art landscape. The Brewster Bros Brewing Company is one of the trendiest spots in town. It brews great-tasting beers and handcrafted cocktails, serving them in a cozy atmosphere. Meanwhile, art enthusiasts gravitate towards the Heyde Center for the Arts. This gorgeous Neoclassical venue hosts diverse events, from art shows and musical performances to theatrical productions in its rustic interior.
Tourists keen on exploring the open spaces head to Lake Wissota State Park, where a 1,062-acre wilderness allows them to immerse in the great outdoors through camping, boating, fishing, and hiking. Chippewa Falls has several price-friendly hotels that will interest visitors on a budget, including Cobblestone Hotel & Suites.
Egg Harbor
If your idea of a perfect getaway is isolation from the crowds and access to serene nature spaces, this is precisely what to expect from Egg Harbor. This Door County village offers vast open spaces and exquisite lake views at locations like Egg Harbor Beach. A sandy stretch borders the shiny waters of Lake Michigan, inviting vacationers for carefree strolls and sunbathing sessions. However, you can visit the Egg Harbor Marina to get on the water courtesy of the different tour companies at the site.
Egg Harbor treats cultured visitors to compelling stage shows at Peg Egan Performing Arts Center. This charming outdoor amphitheater entertains audiences with compelling music concerts featuring jazz, bluegrass, jazz, and blues bands. At the end of an eventful day, you can sleep cozy at the Newport Resort.
Ephraim
Ephraim perfectly embodies the beauty of Door County and rewards its guests with breathtaking panoramas of Green Bay, stretching as far as the eyes can see. Its open spaces cultivate a range of outdoor experiences, including an easygoing round of golf at Peninsula State Park Golf Course. This lovely course, set in the middle of the popular park, challenges all skill levels but stands out for its magical views of the Door County woodlands and Green Bay. But if you are feeling more adventurous, you can take on the rugged trails weaving through the Ephraim Preserve at Anderson Pond. This 27-acre space has a quiet setting with a thriving bird population and a pristine fishing pond.
The local arts community welcomes newcomers to check out its long list of galleries and browse homegrown creations. You can stop by Hardy Gallery to learn about visual arts and admire a premier gallery exhibition. Afterward, book a stay at Pine Grove Resort to take advantage of its private shoreline and awe-inspiring sunsets.
Fish Creek
If you plan to spend most of your Wisconsin getaway outdoors, Fish Creek guarantees enough adventures to fill a multi-day itinerary. The town famously hosts Peninsula State Park, an adventurer's haven with over 3,700 acres of recreational terrain. Almost a million annual visitors descend upon its wilderness for hiking, boating, camping, golfing, and angling expeditions. But those trying to escape the crowds for some alone time can relax on the sandy shoreline of Sunset Beach Park and wait for the photogenic sunsets over Green Bay.
Fish Creek promises theater lovers a once-in-a-lifetime art experience in the middle of the woods. This is thanks to Peninsula Players Theatre, which stages Broadway-like musicals, dramas, and comedies in an open-air arena surrounded by forests and a lakeshore. Finally, guests can cap off the visit in the luxurious Victorian suites of White Gull Inn.
Cedarburg
Cedarburg is a popular vacation destination for travelers escaping the chaotic atmosphere of nearby Milwaukee, favored for its small-town feel, rich cultural vibes, and captivating history. The town is awash with heritage sites, and you can explore its rich beginnings at the Cedarburg History Museum. A fine collection of artifacts chronicles Cedarburg's storied past, dating back to its 1846 founding. Elsewhere, the Cedarburg Cultural Center does an excellent job supporting the local arts and culture scene by displaying galleries of artwork and hosting live music performances.
The townspeople have a taste for sweet wines, and this is apparent from the many wineries dotting the downtown. For visiting oenophiles, you can sample delicious craft wines at Chiselled Grape Winery, known for its Sexy Signature series of wines. When you're feeling a little light-headed after a few glasses, be sure to secure a comfortable room at the vintage Washington House Inn.
Ellison Bay
Ellison Bay is a hidden gem in Door Country that offers tourists seclusion from the crowds to revel in rich natural scenery with endless wilderness adventures. Ardent outdoorsmen are drawn by the prospect of tackling the rugged terrain of Ellison Bluff State Natural Area. Here, you can find winding trails through dense woodlands, slippery rock terraces, and isolated picnic areas to spend quality time alone. The setting is also similar at Newport State Park, which presents an additional 2,373 acres of playing ground. The four-season escape is a hub for fishing, hiking, swimming, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
But if hiking sounds like too much trouble, consider getting behind the wheel for a magical drive along the Coastal Byway. This scenic route loops 66 miles around the backcountry, rewarding drivers with awe-inspiring views of Green Bay, Lake Michigan, and the dramatic bluffs of the Niagara Escarpment. For accommodation, you won't regret sleeping at the Hillside Inn Ellison Bay.
Washington Island
A true escape from the Wisconsin mainland, it takes a 30-minute ferry ride to access this storybook village, known for its easygoing rural atmosphere and picturesque water vistas. One of the most sought-after attractions on the island is Schoolhouse Beach Park. This unique beach intrigues visitors with its perfectly polished limestone rocks that can be seen through the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan. Another precious gem to check out is Little Lake Nature Preserve. It features a 33-acre landlocked lake formed eons ago that you can explore along a 1.25-mile trail.
Washington Island has an impressive arts community that invites first-timers to watch local performers in their element at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center. This intimate venue stages a range of live productions, from concerts and documentaries to dramas. Meanwhile, book a room at Jackson Harbor Inn for a peaceful night's sleep.
Lake Geneva
This famous resort city on the shores of Geneva Lake has long drawn big-city dwellers seeking a relaxed retreat thanks to its laid-back waterfront setting and fun aquatic opportunities. Lake Geneva encourages tourists to let their hair down and enjoy sunbathing on the smooth sands of Riviera Beach. This local hub boasts a 600-foot waterfront next to a marina with a dreamy atmosphere. A short distance from the beach, the Lake Geneva Shore Path winds 21 miles along the lakeshore, giving walkers unprecedented water views. The route also passes through a row of luxurious Victorian estates surrounded by manicured gardens.
Holidayers also love an easygoing trip on the water aboard the Lake Geneva Cruise Line. This two-hour excursion goes around the shoreline as a guide shares invigorating stories from the past. If you are not sparing any expense for your accommodation, Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva is the perfect hotel in Lake Geneva.
New Glarus
If you have a thing for immersive cultural experiences, New Glarus is one of those Wisconsin towns for the perfect getaway. You can credit this to its deep-rooted Swedish heritage, which manifests through its old-world architecture, rare traditions, and exotic cuisine. Every August, the community hosts the Wilhelm Tell Festival to celebrate its Swedish identity, featuring traditions like yodeling, folk songs, dances, food, and a host of family-friendly entertainment. At the New Glarus Brewing Company, guests can sample freshly crafted beers during a hard-hats tour showcasing the art of creating world-class beers.
Don't miss out on the traditional delicacies prepared at the New Glarus Bakery. This quaint venue cooks up delicious European snacks, including croissants, donuts, and Swiss croquettes, guaranteed to tickle your taste buds. Finally, the Chalet Landhaus Inn is one of the best hotels in town.
Final Thought
America's Dairyland offers more than its famous milky delights; it is an exciting vacation destination that leaves many first-timers asking for more. Featured above are a fraction of Wisconsin towns for the perfect getaway you can choose, each with a distinct sense of charm and pleasant points of interest. Whether you want to escape to isolated retreats like Washington Island or bask in the lakeside splendor of Lake Geneva, there are boundless opportunities to make your Midwestern United States sabbatical unforgettable.
