12 Picturesque Small Towns in Wisconsin for a Weekend Retreat
The Badger State is home to famous cities like Green Bay and Milwaukee. However, its authentic charm lies in the often-overlooked small towns, hidden in the backcountry and away from the tumult and turmoil of urban life. Nestled amongst sprawling farmlands and pristine wilderness areas, these quaint communities present the ideal laidback setting for a quick weekend getaway. Whether you enjoy strolling through historic Main Streets, getting lost in the great outdoors, or sampling culture-rich cuisines, a trip to small-town Wisconsin promises to leave you asking for more.
From the scenic shores of Lake Superior and the lush banks of the Mississippi River to the secluded foothills of Lookout Mountain, the small towns in Wisconsin boast picturesque natural scenery. So, if you are planning a weekend retreat to America’s Dairyland, uncover the best possible destinations to consider.
Mineral Point
This tiny city in Iowa County is steeped in mining history. During its heyday in the mid-19th century, Mineral Point was arguably the most vital lead-producing region in the country. Today, it preserves this critical part of its historical heritage at the Mineral Point Railroad Museum. Constructed in 1856, Wisconsin’s oldest depot exhibits a series of artifacts chronicling the town’s colorful mining and railroad past. For more background to the city, you can check out Pendarvis, an iconic site on the National Register of Historic Places. It features a cluster of masonry and timber structures built by Cornish immigrants during the 10th century.
Beyond its rich history, Mineral Point has a thriving culture scene, with several art venues dotting its laidback downtown. The Mineral Point Opera House is a famous theater center where you can catch family-friendly performances like plays, musicals, and concerts. Meanwhile, Brewery Pottery displays pottery arts and crafts inside an old limestone brewery.
Cable
Dubbed "Trail Town USA," Cable is an outdoor adventurer’s dream come true, providing hiking, ATVing, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing opportunities. This relaxed Bayfield County hamlet is ideal for outdoorsy travelers to experience and explore the scenic natural surroundings. The Porcupine Lake Wilderness Area presents the perfect environment to embrace Mother Nature’s bounty. It straddles over 4,000 acres and hosts picturesque trails through a densely forested area with ample wildlife viewing opportunities. On the other hand, the Wayside Wanderings Natural Play Area offers a less remote and family-friendlier reason to be outside. It is an adorable natural playground with hands-on activities for kids, featuring a fabulous treehouse.
When not discovering the great outdoors, you can peek into local history at the Cable Namakagon Historical Museum. Waiting inside is an exciting journey back through time with historical archives, photographs, documents, and other memorabilia to explore. Nature lovers will gravitate towards the Cable Natural History Museum, which focuses on all aspects of nature, from tiny birds to bear exhibits.
Egg Harbor
Set on the scenic Door County Peninsula, this relaxed lakeside village spoils tourists with a soothingly quiet atmosphere with unprecedented views of Green Bay. The Egg Harbor Marina is one of the town’s biggest attractions and an excellent venue to admire the natural scenery. You can enjoy a lazy stroll along the pier, watch boats sail into the horizon, or find a quiet fishing spot. A short distance from the marina, beachgoers enjoy a cool dip in the water at Egg Harbor Beach. The sandy shore also offers recreational activities like fishing, hiking, boating, and more.
But if you are more interested in exploring the small town, you can hop aboard the Door County Trolley for a sightseeing tour with the narrator guiding you through all the top sites in Egg Harbor. Later, you can join other visitors and locals at the Harbor Ridge Winery for a relaxing, wine-sipping session in a chill environment. The charming establishment has lovely outdoor seating and serves an assortment of freshly crafted wines.
Sister Bay
Another Door County Peninsula gem, Sister Bay, charms with fun water-based adventures, scenic beaches, and a thriving restaurant culture. Sister Bay Beach presents one of the most popular hangouts in the town for residents and tourists alike. This family-friendly public beach has a range of amenities, including picnic tables, a playground, a pavilion, and a swimming raft. But if you don’t want to get wet, visiting the Frykman Studio Gallery is an excellent alternative. The quaint gallery exhibits an impressive art collection, comprising oil paintings and wood carvings.
Also, Sister Bay boasts a bustling dining scene with a collage of eateries serving delectable dishes with diverse cultural inspirations. However, Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik is easily one of the most popular joints in town. Besides sampling traditional Swedish fare, guests are usually intrigued by the goats grazing on the restaurant’s sod roof.
Bayfield
The community of Bayfield allows you to explore the sheer beauty of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This serene town, with a rich maritime heritage, delivers numerous fun adventures, but taking the Apostle Islands Cruises Boat Tour is a must-have experience. Guests enjoy an easygoing trip through the scenic Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, with camping, hiking, and kayaking opportunities. Those who want to stay on dry land will find a chill atmosphere at Bayfield Civic League Memorial Park. It has grassy lawns, park benches, and a century-old gazebo perfect for relaxing and people-watching.
History enthusiasts may fancy a tour of Bayfield Maritime Museum to discover the town’s nautical heritage. The facility exhibits various artifacts documenting the dynamic seafaring heritage of Bayfield and the larger Apostle Islands region. However, art lovers may prefer admiring the sophisticated pottery-making process at Eckels Pottery and Fine Art Gallery.
Green Lake
Glistening waters, scenic marinas, and water-based recreation describe this relaxed lakeside community. The Green Lake Marina is a great place to take in the town’s beauty, presenting panoramic vistas of the lake. It also attracts boaters, kayakers, and anglers looking to take advantage of the water-based fun. Alternatively, you can head to Deacon Mills Park for a greener outdoor space with cool shade to shield you from the sun. The park's tranquil environment is ideal for relaxing and includes food vendors.
For the indoor-oriented, visiting the Thrasher Opera House is a worthwhile pastime. This landmark venue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and promotes local arts by staging various live performances for the public’s entertainment. And when you need a place to lay your head, consider checking into the delightful Bayview Motel and Marina.
Platteville
The largest town in Grant County is home to a community of about 12,000. A sizeable chunk of the population comprises students from the University of Wisconsin campus, giving Platteville a youthful vibe with a buzzing arts scene. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the open spaces along the Rountree Branch Trail. This paved 2.7-mile route accommodates hikers, bikers, and skaters, stretching to Keystone Parkway. Meanwhile, the Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums offers an insightful lesson on local history, with exciting tours of the 1845 Bevans Lead Mine inside an antique train.
Several art centers in Platteville give connoisseurs something to look forward to. At Rountree Gallery, you can peruse a collection of visual art pieces by local and regional artists. But if you have a thing for the Silver Screen, remember to catch the latest Hollywood installations at Millennium Cinema.
Spring Green
Spring Green is famous for being the home of iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright. You can learn more about one of the town’s most famous sons at his former estate, Taliesin. The 800-acre property houses Wright’s home, studio, and school, preserving a unique cultural, architectural, and natural environment. However, Spring Green is also one of the greenest towns in Wisconsin, and you can experience this at the Spring Green Preserve. This beautiful nature space houses some of the rarest plant communities in the region in a diverse ecosystem with hiking and wildlife viewing experiences.
The town also hosts Tower Hill State Park, offering more opportunities to explore the sprawling wilderness. Inside the park, you can see an original shot tower from the 19th century, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For the complete outdoor experience, consider spending your nights at the Wisconsin Riverside Resort campgrounds.
Lake Geneva
The famous resort community along the shores of Lake Geneva provides an excellent escape from the chaos in the city. It harbors many attractions, from historic estates to charming beaches and green parklands. The Geneva Lake Museum is a window into the town's storied past, housed inside a 19th-century brick structure with tons of interactive exhibits featuring Potawatomi Indian artifacts. A stroll through the scenic Lake Geneva Shore Path spoils you with spectacular water views. You can also explore the nearby historic estate with stunning ancient mansions.
But don’t miss out on the beach fun in Lake Geneva. Riviera Beach is one of the most popular hangouts in the area among swimmers, sunbathers, boaters, and hikers. And when you yearn for an adrenaline rush, Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures offers thrilling zipline tours above the dense forest canopy.
Sturgeon Bay
This Door County locality is steeped in maritime heritage, offering some of the best bass fishing opportunities in the country. Sturgeon Bay preserves its historical wealth at different sites, including the Door County Historical Museum. A museum tour exposes you to various educational exhibits showcasing the history of the town and the larger Door County region. Meanwhile, the Door County Maritime Museum focuses on local nautical roots, hosting a collection of artifacts and relics, including a restored tug boat.
Outdoorsy tourists are spoilt for choice, with diverse nature areas to explore. The Cave Point County Park is an excellent venue for hikers. It features a half-mile trail traversing a forest of birch and maple trees, with exquisite vistas of Lake Michigan. Furthermore, you will find more exciting adventures inside the 1,200-acre Potawatomi State Park, from camping and hunting to fishing and other water-based pursuits.
Potosi
Potosi offers a charming mix of river adventures, historical experiences, and wine-tasting opportunities. This modest Grant County village has an interesting heritage preserved at the Passage Thru Time Museum. The museum displays many artifacts focusing on the area’s farming and mining exploits. Potosi also has a thriving brewery and winery scene, with several establishments offering the opportunity to sample freshly crafted beer and wines. Some venues you can visit include the Potosi Brewery and Whispering Bluffs Winery, which produces award-winning sweet and dry wines.
If you prefer outdoor pursuits, the Grant River provides fun water-based opportunities. Numerous local outfitters, including Grant River Tubing Company, organize relaxed river tubing excursions down the calm waters. After a tedious day full of adventure, you can unwind with great food and refreshing cocktails at the Twisted Vines Pun & Eatery.
Stockholm
The tiny village of Stockholm has a population of less than 100, allowing visitors to explore its natural treasures and cultural highlights without distraction from the crowds. The community was founded by Swedish immigrants and took its name from Sweden's capital city, retaining leftovers of its Scandinavian heritage. Nature lovers can experience the beauty of Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area, a preserve rising over Lake Pepin with a dense forest. Within the quiet woods are isolated hiking trails leading to scenic overlooks ideal for taking in the unspoiled natural setting.
History buffs will enjoy Little House Wayside, the birthplace of iconic author Laura Ingalls Wilder, set on a picturesque 3-acre property. Finally, art lovers can browse exhibits at Indigo Swan Jewelry & Fine Art, a small shop housing stunning works by professional and amateur artisans alike.
Although it may not be enough time, spending a weekend in any of these small towns in Wisconsin is the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate during your break from everyday life. Their picturesque natural scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and small-town hospitality provide the ideal combo for a remarkable retreat. There is no shortage of fun activities to keep you entertained during the stay, from discovering rich local history and exploring dense wilderness areas to partaking in scrumptious traditional cuisine. The best part is that you are safe from all the hustle and bustle of the urban areas.
