7 Eclectic Small Towns In Wisconsin

Tourism in Wisconsin is booming, with 2023 bringing in a record-breaking $25 billion. It seems the rest of the country is finally catching on to what makes this state special, including some of the quirkiest towns around. Mythical creatures, troll sculptures, long-running circuses, Swiss festivals, and a legendary cheese scene are just a few reasons these towns stand out as extraordinary. Let’s take a look at some of the most eclectic destinations Wisconsin has to offer.

Rhinelander

Legend has it that a mythical creature known as the Hodag roams the Northwoods near Rhinelander. This horned beast, said to be around seven feet long, has been a part of local lore since the late 19th century and is today widely considered one of the Rhinelander’s symbols. Travelers can grab a photo near one of the many Hodag sculptures, near landmarks like the Cedarwood Plaza and Visitor Center. Ice fishing is another popular activity in Rhinelander, with the winter months being perfect for fishing on some of the town’s lakes such as Boom Lake, a reliable ice fishing spot whose water comes from the Wisconsin River. Summertime promises an array of entertaining events in Rhinelander, with the Hodag Country Festival being one of the largest. This festival, taking place in July, attracts around 50,000 attendees each year, with well-known country music artists taking to the stage.

Baraboo

Often nicknamed, “Circus City”, Baraboo is famously known for being one of the headquarters for the Ringling Brothers Circus and five other circus companies. Today, travelers can attend a show at Big Top Circus, which offers seasonal circus shows that include acrobats, clowns, jugglers, and other traditional circus performers. Less than a 20-minute drive from Baraboo, visitors can see numerous exotic animals at the Timbavati Wildlife Park, home to species such as howler monkeys, bongos, white rhinos, wildebeests, Bengal tigers, and many more. While in Baraboo, it is only fitting to get breakfast or lunch at one of its quirky diners. Broadway Diner is the perfect choice, as a 1954 restored vintage diner that serves signature breakfast classics like breakfast scrambles, hash, and eggs benedict.

Sparta

Sitting in the heart of Sparta, near the La Crosse River, travelers will encounter the Ben Bikin’ Sculpture, which Sparta proudly claims as the world’s largest bicyclist. This sculpture rises 32 feet and features a Victorian-style bicycle and cyclist made of fiberglass. After grabbing a photo with the impressive sculpture, travelers can make their way to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, the country’s first rails-to-trails biking route. This route is over 32 miles long and connects Sparta with the neighboring town of Elroy, featuring three rock tunnels along the way. Before leaving town, make sure to explore some of Sparta’s eccentric shops, such as Sparta’s New and Used Shop, an antique store, or Cotton + Birch, a trendy clothing and home decor boutique.

Mount Horeb

Mount Horeb, known as the “Troll Capital of the World,” is famous for its 36 quirky troll sculptures scattered throughout town. This tradition began in the 1970s when a Scandinavian gift shop placed imported sculptures from Norway on its lawn, later growing to become a major tourist attraction. Many can be found along Main Street, so keep an eye out! Mount Horeb also has two mouthwatering chocolate shops along Main Street, such as Sjolinds Chocolate House, which offers a variety of handmade chocolates, chocolate tarts, mousse, cookies, and other sweet treats. After devouring some chocolate, get your exercise in at Blue Mound State Park, just a 10-minute drive from town. This park, home to the tallest peak in southern Wisconsin, offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, along with cross-country skiing and off-road biking routes.

New Glarus

Settled in 1845 by Swiss immigrants, New Glarus has attracted Swiss settlers for generations, largely due to its resemblance to Switzerland’s alpine farmlands. Travelers can experience this natural beauty for themselves at New Glarus Woods State Park, a 435-acre park that offers remote wooded campsites, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Each August, the community celebrates its Swiss heritage during the Swiss Volksfest, which includes yodeling, folklore music, alphorn playing, flag throwing, and other cultural entertainment. Before exploring the town, travelers can fuel up for the day at the New Glarus Bakery, which has been operating in the community since 1910 and serves both Swiss and American pastries.

Monroe

Cheese production has been a pillar in Monroe’s community for over a century, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking to try some of Wisconsin’s beloved cheese. The National Historic Cheesemaking Center is a great starting point for your cheese tour, which explores the area’s dairy farmers and cheesemaking processes. There is even a restored historic cheese factory onsite that replicates what the cheesemaking process was like over 100 years ago. Every other year, Monroe holds an epic cheese festival, known as the Cheese Days, which includes plenty of local food vendor booths, polka dancing, and yodeling. During the rest of the year, however, there are numerous cheese shops in town to check out. One of the most popular is Baumgartner Cheese Store and Tavern, which offers a wide selection of local Wisconsin cheeses, imported varieties, and cheese-themed dishes like Philly cheesesteaks.

Spring Green

If you are looking for a town that delivers nonstop entertainment and plenty of laughs, Spring Green is the place to be. The House on the Rock has been an entertaining pillar in Spring Green since 1960 and is a great place to start your trip in Spring Green. This eclectic museum features a wide range of exhibits, including an Asian garden, a Tribute to Nostalgia exhibit, a doll carousel room, a circus room, and a model ship exhibit that includes over 200 model ships on display. The American Players Theatre is another must-visit, featuring an outdoor amphitheater and a smaller indoor theater that hosts performances ranging from Shakespearean classics to more contemporary works. The Wisconsin River is easily accessible from town as well, with visitors able to launch their kayak from points around town like the Spring Green Boat Launch.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let the small populations of these towns fool you: each of these Wisconsin towns is bursting with personality. Cheesemakers, circus performers, and Swiss settlers are just a few of the community groups that make these small Wisconsin towns so unique. Strange sculptures like Mount Horeb’s trolls and Sparta’s largest bicyclist further contribute to these towns’ unconventionality. So as you prepare to plan your vacation for 2025, think out of the box and visit one of these eclectic towns. You will not get bored!