11 of the Most Overlooked Towns in Wisconsin

While there is no shortage of fine destinations to visit in Wisconsin, some places are often noticeably left out of the tourism trail. Beyond major metro areas like Milwaukee and Green Bay, the Badger State is rife with under-the-radar towns with charm and personality waiting to be explored. Consider taking a detour off the main highways for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the backcountry, promising a pleasant surprise.

From laidback villages along scenic river banks and forgotten old towns with unexplored historical sites to lakefront communities harboring cultural traditions, these underrated towns in Wisconsin are a breath of fresh air for accustomed visitors to the state. Whether an outdoor lover, culture vulture, culinary connoisseur, or history buff, uncover fun getaways on your next trip to America’s Dairyland.

Egg Harbor

Egg Harbor lures tourists with an eclectic mix of attractions, from cozy beach scenery and an award-winning arts scene to interesting history. Among the best ways to explore this modest Door County town is to hop on the Door County Trolley for a relaxed tour through all its major points of interest. However, many first-timers love to get close to the water and take in the awesome lake views stretching to the horizon. The Egg Harbor Marina places you in the ideal position to do this, with an opportunity for fishing, boating, and paddleboarding.

An impressive cluster of quaint galleries makes Egg Harbor a go-to destination for art connoisseurs. Visitors can choose among venues like Cappaert Contemporary Gallery and Peg Egan Performing Arts Center to enjoy both visual and performance art.

Minocqua

Minocqua is a lovely four-season destination in Oneida County, known for its amazing sprawl of lakes. Summers are designated for fun on water, and one of the best spectacles in town is presented by the Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Show. This entertaining amateur water ski show has been amusing local residents and guests since 1950, spurred by the calm waves of Lake Minocqua. Meanwhile, Torpy Park provides a pleasant atmosphere for a fun day with family. The lakefront nature space offers recreation amenities like tennis courts, playgrounds, volleyball courts, a sandy beach, and relaxed picnic pavilions.

When the snow season comes along, Adventure North Snowmobile Tours & Rentals ensures the fun doesn’t stop by taking tourists on thrilling snowmobile tours through Wisconsin’s Northwoods. The forested landscape transforms into a wintry wondered when blanketed in snow.

Monroe

Nicknamed “the Cheese Capital of America,” this small village in Green County promises visitors a raft of milky delights. It boasts a rich cheese production heritage that you can get a feel for in one of the many restaurants downtown. Baumgartner’s Cheese Store & Tavern serves some of the finest cheese produced in Wisconsin, with delicacies like a cheese sandwich on the menu. Besides cheese production, Monroe impresses with a thriving craft brewery scene, and enthusiasts can sample some of its freshest craft beer at Minhas Craft Brewery. While there, you will have the chance to explore the country’s largest brewery memorabilia museum.

The Monroe community appreciates the arts, and this is apparent from the different art centers across the town. Theater fans often gather at the Monroe Theater Guild to watch a variety of live shows, including plays and musicals, and support local creatives.

Hudson

Hudson packs a punch of tourist attractions despite a modest population of about 15,000 residents. Many visitors come to experience its lovely outdoors, with an abundance of parklands and nature spots. Lakefront Park is one of the best hangouts in Hudson, boasting a serene environment with secluded trails, picnic areas, and fishing spots along the river. Additionally, Willow River State Park is a must-visit for those who prefer wild adventures. The over 2,800-acre park is home to gorgeous cascades along the Willow River, highlighted by the picturesque Willow Falls.

But you won’t spend all your time outdoors; for indoor pursuits, guests visit the Octagon House Museum for a glimpse into the past. The awesome mansion was built in 1855 and stands out for its unique eight-sided design. Alternatively, the Phipps Center for the Arts is an excellent stop if you appreciate live theatrical performances.

Manitowoc

Manitowoc gained national prominence when it was featured in the chilling crime documentary about the convicted murderer Steven Avery. But the film may not have painted this lovely lakefront community in the right light. Situated on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, Manitowoc has no shortage of touristy delights. Some of its top attractions include the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, which chronicles the nautical heritage of the Great Lakes region with world-class exhibits like the USS Cobia and World War II submarines. The town is also home to the Manitowoc Lincoln Park Zoo, a sanctuary for awesome species like black bears, lynx, and cougars.

If you have a soft spot for the arts, Manitowoc’s thriving arts scene won’t disappoint. Capitol Civic Center is among its acclaimed theater venues, inviting locals and newcomers alike to enjoy a variety of live events scheduled throughout the year.

Bayfield

One of the prettiest waterfront towns in Wisconsin, Bayfield is best recognized as a gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The town’s spectacular natural scenery beckons visitors to step outside and revel in the cozy atmosphere. Locals and visitors often congregate at the Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion, set on the scenic Chequamegon Bay, to soak in panoramic water vistas and attend different social events. Those looking to explore the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore regions can book a trip with All Hands Sailing for a remarkable sailing trip.

For more about the Apostle Islands, the Bayfield Maritime Museum offers interesting lessons about the region’s seafaring heritage by displaying a vast collection of related artifacts. Be sure to follow this up with a stop at the Bayfield Heritage Association for a broader look into the town’s history.

Ashland

A series of colorful murals in Ashland’s historic downtown earned this tiny Lake Superior port town the moniker “Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin.” There are enough attractions to impress the indoor and outdoor inclined. The Ashland Historical Museum is the perfect start, allowing first-timers to explore the town’s colorful past. Elsewhere, art lovers can join the local community at Chequamegon Theater Association to enjoy family-friendly productions in a cozy atmosphere.

On the other hand, outdoorsy travelers can check out the town’s multiple nature spots with a visit to Prentice Park. Being the largest park in the area, it is a hub for recreational activities, such as camping, hiking, picnicking, and nature viewing. Maslowski Beach Artesian Well is also a popular spot for tourists, providing laidback scenery with stunning views of Lake Superior.

Sparta

The self-proclaimed “Bicycling Capital of America” has a couple of related attractions to back its claim. Sparta hosts the Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bike Museum, which pays tribute to astronaut Deke Slayton, a native of Sparta, and chronicles the development of bicycling as a form of transportation. Being the seat of Monroe County, the town houses the Monroe County Local History Room and Museum, where visitors go to explore local history as depicted through archives and artifacts.

The famous La Crosse River State Trail stretches from Sparta to the town of La Crosse, inviting outdoor lovers to slip into their hiking shoes or hop on a bike to explore the great outdoors. During winter, Sparta’s charm lies in the Whitetail Ridge Ski Area, where snowboarders, skiers, and snow tubers converge to make the most of powdery slopes.

Sheboygan

Sheboygan’s appeal comes from a combination of attractions, ensuring there is something to keep everyone entertained. Historians will want to pass by the Sheboygan County Museum for a historical perspective of the town by browsing a portfolio of old documents, photographs, archives, and other memorabilia. Arts enthusiasts are spoilt for choice, as Sheboygan hosts several renowned galleries and theater venues. The John Michael Kohler Arts Center is among the top local establishments if you want to admire awesome visual art pieces.

When you travel with kids, the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum is the ideal venue to entertain them with interactive exhibits and practical activities. Finally, adventurers can appreciate nature through wild recreations across the vast expanse of the Kohler-Andrae State Park.

Baraboo

Baraboo is perhaps better recognized for its links to the circus world. It was the designated winter quarters for the famous Ringling Brothers, which made the town to be christened “Circus City.” Exploring the laidback town reveals influences of its circus past, with several businesses paying tribute to the Ringling Brothers, including the Al Ringling Theater. Baraboo also features an impressive craft winery and brewery culture, and visitors can sample its finest productions at the Von Klaus Winery and Al Ringling Brewing Co.

However, the outdoors might be the most exciting aspect of Baraboo, thanks to an impressive cluster of nature areas and parklands. This is highlighted by the sprawling Devil’s Lake State Park, where recreation opportunities like hiking, camping, bird-watching, kayaking, and angling are available around the year.

Sister Bay

Besides a relaxed waterfront atmosphere, Sister Bay draws vacationing families with its kid-friendly attractions. This adorable Door County town spoils visitors with front-seat views of Green Bay. One of the most popular spots for visitors is Sister Bay Beach, where people flock to enjoy swimming, picnicking, sunbathing, kayaking, and sightseeing. Sticking to the outdoors, Sister Bay Dog Park is better suited for those accompanied by their canine companions, offering grassy lawns on an open field for them to run around.

Tourists who yearn for a great experience can look to Sister Bay Scenic Boat Tours for an easygoing trip on the lake, with awesome sights to take in along the way. Finally, remember to cap off the day on a full stomach by savoring scrumptious Swedish cuisine at Al Johnson’s Restaurant & Butik.

While most tourists often gravitate towards popular destinations like Madison and Milwaukee for their vacation, these overlooked towns in Wisconsin are proof that a trip to the countryside can be just as fulfilling if not more than the city experience. Not only are you safeguarded against the crowds and chaos synonymous with the metro areas, but you can also discover unexplored history, experience cultures, sample traditional cuisines, and partake in thrilling outdoor adventures around the year.