12 Towns In Wisconsin With Rich History

A vital outlet to multiple waterways and trading paths, the Badger State boasts a rich history dating back to the pre-Revolutionary era. Today, it has numerous towns and cities, ranging from small communities with a few hundred residents to metros with hundreds of thousands. These destinations can trace their beginnings to the 19th and 20th centuries and house diverse historical landmarks and sites that remain an important part of their heritage. Each town has a different story to tell, offering tourists a unique experience wherever they choose to visit. Cumulatively, they demonstrate a key element of Wisconsin’s storied past through their old-world architecture, ancient sites, captivating traditions, and other experiences. Uncover historic towns in Wisconsin that will give you an exciting journey back through time. 

New Glarus

Little Switzerland, as it is popularly known, has attracted Swiss immigrants since the 1800s, resulting in a historically and culturally rich community. You can see the town’s European heritage through its chalet-style architecture, cuisine, and other points of interest. New Glarus hosts the Swiss Center of North America, which promotes Swiss heritage, pride, and culture through a collection of immigrant items. It is also home to the Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum, where you can explore various artifacts donated by wealthy Swiss pioneers during their travels. 

For some quality time in the open spaces, you can slip into your trainers to take on the Sugar River Trail. The scenic route traverses the New Glarus countryside, with farmlands, forests, and meadows providing the ideal setting for a cozy outdoor experience. The town has many gift shops that allow you to leave with a cute souvenir as a reminder of your stay. You will find decorative Polish pottery to buy as a gift at the Bramble Patch.

Osceola

From beautiful natural scenery and picturesque riverways to historic downtown with old-world structures, Osceola promises a richly diverse experience for all types of travelers. Exploring the quaint town center, you will encounter several historic buildings, such as the Emily Olson House. Constructed in 1862, it is among the oldest structures in Osceola and serves as the headquarters of the Osceola Historical Society. Another interesting venue to check out is the St. Croix Artbarn, a century-old dairy barn transformed into a community theater. Besides experiencing its rustic vibe, you can catch a captivating, family-friendly play. 

You can’t ignore the beautiful outdoor scenery in Osceola. One of the best places for adventurers, Wilke Glen and Cascade Falls, provides a serene natural setting in the heart of the town’s wilderness. Alternatively, you can enjoy a laid-back excursion along St. Croix River with Riverwood Canoe & Kayak Rental to discover Osceola from the water. 

Ripon

Ripon is most famous for being the birthplace of the Republican Party. This small town in Fond du Lac County hosts the Little White School House, a National Historical Landmark built in 1853, where you can browse exhibits chronicling the founding of the Republican Party. For a deeper dive into the history of the region, you can walk into the Ripon Historical Society, which is the state’s oldest operating historical society. Here, you can check out a library of archives, documents, photographs, and other artifacts preserving the history and heritage of Ripon. 

Stepping into the open, Vines & Rushes Winery provides an ideal environment to spend a day in the outdoors. The lovely establishment sits on the Prellwitz family farm and welcomes visitors to enjoy a chill spot with a tasting room, restaurant, and fun kids’ activities. Meanwhile, Silver Screen enthusiasts can stop by Marcus Campus Cinema to catch the latest Hollywood productions. 

Cambridge

Downtown Cambridge is a charming neighborhood that showcases Victorian life in southern Wisconsin. This tiny village of less than 2,000 is home to Norwegian and Scottish immigrants, and renowned for being the birthplace of Arthur Davidson. A walk down its historic Main Street exposes you to a mix of restaurants, handmade pottery galleries, restaurants, and distilleries. Remember to pass by Dancing Goat Distillery to sample some award-winning bourbon in one of the state’s largest distilleries. Outdoor adventurers will find a lot do in the 422-acre CamRock County Park. 

The sprawling nature space provides endless opportunities for hikers, canoers, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers. Meanwhile, Ripley Park offers a cozy, more family-friendly setting on the shores of Lake Ripley, where community members gather to enjoy a fun time in the outdoors. 

Potosi

Potosi is a few minutes from Iowa and sits along the scenic Mississippi River. Besides its diverse water adventures, the little village hosts a mix of historical points of interest, including the Passage Thru Time Museum. The facility preserves Potosi’s heritage through the years, focusing on its farming and mining undertakings. Elsewhere, the ABA National Brewery Museum is an excellent facility centered on brewing, distribution, and beer artifacts in the nation. It exhibits a collection of cans, bottles, and signage from different beer brands from across the country. 

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the open spaces along the Badger Hut Trails, which also offer a look into the state’s mining history at the St. John Mine. Your trip to Potosi is not complete without tasting the river fun. Grant River Tubing Company presents visitors with relaxed yet entertaining river tubing excursions down the Grant River. 

Galesville

Galesville’s population might be modest, at less than 2,000, but the town is home to a rich history evidenced by three historic districts. Its beginnings date back to the 1850s, and you can get a sense of it at the Old Main Historical & Community Arts Center. This 1862 stone building exhibits an array of books, maps, photos, artifacts, and other documents telling the histories of several Wisconsin communities. Meanwhile, souvenir hunters can walk into the Craft Barn to browse personalized handmade crafts, including wooden letters, jewelry boxes, plaques, and name tags. 

Wason’s Supper is among the best eateries in Galesville and offers a family-friendly environment where patrons gather to enjoy fine seafood and steaks. Also, bowling enthusiasts can stop by Gale’s Lanes to take advantage of a six-lane bowling alley. 

Prairie Du Chien

Prairie du Chien is among the oldest towns in Wisconsin, established by French immigrants in the 1600s. It hosts a treasure trove of historical structures and delights with spectacular natural surroundings, thanks to its location at the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. The town has multiple National Historic Landmarks, highlighted by the Villa Louis Historic Site. This 25-acre property features a gorgeous Victorian mansion and several other old-day structures depicting the bygone eras. Fort Crawford Museum is another landmark site and former outpost of the US Army. 

Park lovers will find a cozy spot to hang out at St. Feriole Island Park, which offers amenities like picnic shelters and tables, baseball fields, restrooms, and more. Finally, don’t forget to stop by Valley Fish & Cheese for a taste of hickory-smoked fish, frog legs, shrimp, catfish, and other tasty delicacies. 

Mineral Point

During its heyday, Mineral Point was the most significant lead-producing region in the country, a credit to its rich lead deposits. Today, it is a quiet artist colony with an impressive mix of galleries that remain true to its history. Notable venues for art connoisseurs include Wantoot Gallery, an exhibit of modern and fine art pieces by American creatives. The 1914 Mineral Point Opera House is also a highlight in the town and captivates audiences with live performances and movie screenings.

For history enthusiasts, you can have an engrossing experience at Pendarvis, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This interesting site features several 19th-century timber and stone cabins depicting pioneer life during the mining days. You also have an opportunity to tour the state’s oldest depot, which was built in 1856, and currently serves as the Mineral Point Railroad Museum. 

Berlin

Berlin’s strategic location on the Fox River once made it a vibrant hub for French fur and leather traders. The small community in Green Lake County boasts a quaint historic district with Victorian-era homes. You can indulge your love for history and the outdoors at the Nathan Strong Park Historic District. The impressive residential neighborhood with green surroundings harbors multiple gems, featuring diverse architectural styles from the old world. Highlights include the Gothic Revival Ayers House and Neoclassical Hitchcock House. 

For a deeper dive into the region’s past, you can find a collection of books, photos, maps, and other artifacts at the Berlin Areas Historical Society telling the area’s rich history. After a day of exploring the town, you can cap off your itinerary with a stop by Misty Inn to refresh and rejuvenate with a glass of cocktail.

Platteville

The small Platteville community houses about 12,000 residents and lies in the fertile Platte River Valley, surrounded by rolling hills. It has a rich agricultural and mining heritage, which you can explore at Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums. The facility exhibits a collection of mining artifacts from around the region, preserving the mining heritage of the Upper Mississippi Valley Mining District. You can glimpse more town history at Mitchell-Rountree Stone Cottage, an 1883 homestead with period furnishings offering a vivid picture of life back in the day.  

While exploring the outdoors, remember to visit the Platte Mound M, dubbed the world’s largest hillside letter “M.” The mound rises 400 feet above the city, spoiling you with sweeping views of the surroundings. You can find more outdoor opportunities along the Rountree Branch Trail, perfect for walkers, skaters, and bikers. 

La Pointe

La Pointe lies on Madeline Island, the largest of the several islands in the Apostles group of Islands. The small community is a great escape from the urban chaos and boasts rich history; with French fur traders drawn to the island since the 15th century. Madeline Island Museum preserves the region’s history through old books, Ojibwe crafts, handmade jewelry, and other artifacts. La Pointe impresses with picturesque surroundings, punctuated with sparkly waters and lush forests. At Big Bay State Park, you can make the most of a 2,350-acre natural expanse to sunbathe on a sandy beach, hike scenic nature trails, fish, and picnic while taking in stunning views of Lake Superior. When you’re done with the outdoors, you can tickle your taste buds with local delicacies at Café Seiche to restock your energy reserves. 

Port Washington

Port Washington is a picturesque waterfront town with unique maritime charm. Sitting along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, it was once a bustling hub for the shipping and fishing industries along the Great Lakers. Today, you can learn more about this heritage at the Port Washington Historical Society 1860 Light Station. This 19th-century landmark offers surreal tours depicting the life of the day’s lighthouse keeper. Another site worth visiting is Judge Eghart House, a Vctorian-style mansion offering a look into the town’s folk lives in the late 1800s. 

Meanwhile, nature lovers can head outdoors to bask on a sandy beach and dip in the cool waters of Lake Michigan at Port Washington South Beach Park. If visiting with children, you can take them to Possibility Playground, an inclusive play area with diverse amenities to accommodate all kids, including those with physical disabilities.

The Takeaway

Wisconsin’s rich history is best experienced in the small towns, which harbor unique landmarks and maintain interesting traditions. While there are numerous places to visit, these small towns in Wisconsin offer a glimpse of the immersive experience awaiting visitors looking to uncover the state’s storied past.