2025's Most Underrated Towns In Wisconsin
There is no shortage of pleasant places and fun things to do across the beautiful state of Wisconsin. Between the Great Lakes' scenic shorelines and the Northwoods' dense foliage, America's Dairyland is awash with exotic destinations waiting to be discovered. While most tourists are used to main cities like Milwaukee, several intriguing towns remain under the radar, grossly overlooked for their apparent lack of hype.
Whether because of their more famous neighbors or relatively isolated settings, these hidden gems maintain a unique charm that automatically hooks first-timers. From the picturesque waterfront in Sister Bay to the adorable Swiss heritage in Monroe, these hidden gems redefine off-the-beaten-path getaways. So, if you are tired of visiting the usual suspects, consider venturing into the countryside to sample the most underrated towns in Wisconsin in 2025.
Monroe
Despite being the "Swiss Cheese Capital of the World," Monroe remains in the overbearing shadow of nearby Madison. This Green County community impresses visitors with its unique Swiss heritage and captivating cheese-making history, which is documented at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center Museum. A walkable Monroe Commercial District transports visitors to the past by displaying stunning old-world architecture. Highlights include Goetz Theatres, which sport an Art-Deco design from 1931. The Green County Cheese Days underscores Monroe's cheese and Swiss heritage, celebrating this long-standing tradition with great food, live music, and a host of family-friendly entertainment.
Monroe also welcomes vacationers to explore its lush outdoor scenery along the Badger State Trail. This stretchy bike path cuts through open farmland, pristine meadows, and undulating landscapes, exposing you to the town's backcountry charisma.
Prairie Du Chien
Prairie du Chien gets unfairly overlooked, especially considering the depth of state history this Mississippi River community harbors. Tracing its origins to the 17th century, when French voyageurs established it as a settlement, there is no shortage of historical sites to explore, starting with St. Feriole Island Park. This waterfront reserve hosted the Battle of Prairie du Chien during the War of 1812 and hosts multiple annual events on its 240-acre territory. The Prairie Dog Blues Festival is among the most anticipated and is scheduled for July 2025.
The Prairie du Chien Country Club spoils tourists with an 18-hole championship golf course, where they can test their swing on manicured greens and enjoy stunning nature views. If you travel with kids, remember to take them to Prairie Fun Land for a family-friendly adventure featuring go-karts, miniature golf, trampolines, and bumper cars.
Egg Harbor
With so many gems in Door County, Egg Harbor doesn't get as many visitors as it should, but this doesn't take away anything from its natural beauty. Its vast open skies reflect on the sparkling blue waters below, and visitors can head to the Egg Harbor Marina for fishing, boating, kayaking, and other aquatic activities. The Egg Harbor Beach cultivates easygoing walks on a sandy lakefront with stunning water views. A ride on the Door County Trolley offers a unique way of discovering the town during a customized tour in an open tram.
Egg Harbor is also known for its artsy personality and entertains vacationers with riveting stage performances at the Peg Egan Performing Arts Center. Several festivals spread cheer to the Egg Harbor community, especially the Pumpkin Patch Festival, set for October 2025. This features fun activities like carnival rides, face painting, craft vendors, and kids' games.
Ellison Bay
Ellison Bay is another gorgeous gem in Door County and a quintessential getaway to discovering the unmatched beauty of the Wisconsin countryside. The town charms holidayers with unmatched panoramas of Green Bay and exciting outdoor adventures. An escape to Ellison State Natural Area exposes you to sandy beaches, secluded walking trails, and picnic spaces in a tranquil setting. Additionally, the 2,300-acre Newport State Park provides a lovely playground along the Lake Michigan shoreline, with fishing, camping, hiking, and snowshoeing opportunities.
Ellison Bay treats art lovers to an intimate display of paintings, pottery, woodcarvings, and jewelry art at the Clay Bay Pottery. Furthermore, you can sample savory dishes at Blue Bear Ellison Bay, which specializes in made-from-scratch meals.
Sister Bay
Sister Bay lures vacationers with its unrivaled mix of harborside beauty, outdoor recreation, and delectable dining opportunities. Beautiful water views and wide open spaces make up the outdoor scenery, with families gathering at Sister Bay Beach for easygoing fun on the sand. Its 600-foot shoreline is a playground for picnickers, swimmers, strollers, sunbathers, and sightseers. Those who want to get on the water can book a trip with Sister Bay Scenic Boat Tours for a mellow-paced cruise on the calm waters accompanied by informative narrations.
Sister Bay's dining scene can easily rival more prominent destinations, boasting a string of restaurants serving different flavors. While there are numerous dining options, Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant leaves a lasting impression with its authentic Swedish fare and the herd of goats grazing on its roof. Meanwhile, one of the best times to visit Sister Bay is during its many festivals, including the Sister Bay Marina Fest, planned for August 2025.
Fish Creek
The secluded location of Fish Creek keeps many travelers from experiencing its stupefying natural beauty, which presents a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The community is home to Peninsula State Park, whose 3,700-acre wilderness welcomes ardent adventurers for hiking, camping, hunting, wildlife watching, golfing, and more. A trip aboard the Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours delivers an unmatched perspective of the town's allure from the water, with sightings of old lighthouses, dramatic shoreline bluffs, and ice caves among the highlights.
Fish Creek's thriving art community welcomes enthusiasts for a rare theatrical performance in the middle of the woods at the Peninsula Players Theatre. Elsewhere, oenophiles will relish sampling homegrown wines at Lautenbach's Orchard Country Winery & Market.
Washington Island
It takes about 30 minutes by ferry from the mainland to access this island haven, making it one of the most underrated towns in Wisconsin. Washington Island presents the perfect break from civilization with its peaceful beaches, secluded trails, and laid-back atmosphere. You will get a good idea when visiting Schoolhouse Beach Park, whose smoothened limestone rocks glow through its clear waters. The Washington Island Farm Museum provides a glimpse of life in the old days. This interesting museum complex features nine historic structures exhibiting old farm implements, archaic tools, and other relics from the 1870s to the 1940s.
Art lovers on the island will naturally gravitate towards the Art & Nature Center, which blends nature studies and creative arts to produce eccentric yet intimate pieces. Alternatively, they can catch a compelling show inside Trueblood Performing Arts Center, such as dramas, concerts, and musicals.
Bayfield
Being the gateway to the immaculate Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Bayfield hasn't fully reached its potential to draw visitors. This Bayfield County jewel opens doors to exotic discoveries of nature's unadulterated beauty when you take the Apostle Island Cruises. This must-have experience takes vacationers on unforgettable viewing excursions, exposing them to dramatic coastal bluffs, underwater sea caves, historic lighthouses, and stunning islands in the middle of Lake Superior. Meanwhile, the Bayfield Heritage Association focuses on the area's colorful past, exhibiting artifacts, archives, and memorabilia chronicling the town's evolution.
Bayfield has an artsy side, which can be explored by visiting Eckels Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery. This quaint establishment introduces newcomers to the intricate technique of pottery making, with a chance to buy a cute souvenir at the end of the tour. While there are many festivals to experience in the town, don't miss out on the Bayfield Apple Festival from October 3rd to 5th, 2025, for a blend of arts, wines, and farm tours.
It is a disservice that tourists don't get to truly experience the authentic charm of the Badger State when they fail to tour these underrated towns in Wisconsin. Taking a break from the normal to explore these hidden backcountry gems results in novel and unforgettable experiences, promising more with every visit. Whether you want to revel in the island vibes of Washington Island or delve into the history of Prairie du Chien, each has a special character and charm that will spark your vacation in 2025.
