7 Most Eccentric Towns in Wisconsin

Although the Upper Midwestern state of Wisconsin is best known for its scenic lakes, lush forests, tasty cheeses, and the beautiful Northwoods, it also has an eccentric side. The state is filled with small, quirky towns that you can use as a fun and interesting home base while exploring. From mythical creatures and beasts to an actual, climbable fish statue, Wisconsin has something for anyone looking to get off the beaten path on their next weekend getaway or family vacation.

Hayward

Situated in Wisconsin's beautiful Northwoods surrounded by pristine lakes and forests, Hayward's claim to fame is its "Big Musky." Visitors can climb this almost 5-story-tall statue and be treated to a panoramic view of Lake Hayward from the top. The statute plays homage to the area's large muskellunge, which draws fishermen in from all over to test their luck on the lakes. Known as the "Shrine to Anglers," the impressive statue is located on the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum premises and can even be used as a wedding venue. After ascending the big fish and checking out the museum's more than 50,000 fishing artifacts, rent a boat and spend the day on the pristine Namekagon River or Lake Hayward. When you get thirsty, grab a cold drink at Hayward's Moccasin Bar, a historic local watering hole.

Rhinelander

Also located in the heart of the Northwoods, the small town of Rhinelander is as pretty as it is quirky. This woodsy town stands out from all the other ones in Wisconsin because it's home to the Hodag, a mythical creature that came to life in 1893. Although the scary beast was later proved to be a hoax, the legend of the Hodag is alive and well in Rhinelander today. Visitors can go on a "Hodag hunt," which consists of everything from statutes and murals dedicated to the bull-horned creature to cute toys. As you look for the infamous legend, pop into some of downtown Rhinelander's fun stores, such as the Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe. If you're visiting during July, don't miss the famous Hodag Country Festival, which features family-friendly activities and an impressive line-up of famous musicians.

Mount Horeb

What do trolls, expansive and scenic parks, and delicious local eateries have in common? Well, they're all located in the quaint small town of Mount Horeb, which features more than 30 wooden Scandinavian trolls displayed throughout the community. During the warm spring, summer, and early fall months, you can ride your bike or take a pleasant stroll through town in search of these whimsical carvings. If you want to get even more lost in the town's Scandinavian culture, check out the gift shops selling authentic Swedish clogs downtown and grab a sweet treat at the Sugar Troll. Adults won't want to miss a stop at the Grumpy Troll Brewpub, which features delicious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. If you indulged too much during your visit, exercise and enjoy the views at Blue Mound State Park or Stewart Lake County Park.

Sparta

Nestled in Wisconsin's driftless region just a 30-mile drive from the bustling city of La Crosse, the sweet small town is home to another one of the state's legends. A 32-foot-tall statute of "Ben Bikin," the world's largest bicyclist, stands in town, securing its title of the "Biking Capital of America." The eccentric statue consists of a Victorian-era man sitting on a vintage high-wheel contraption. As if this isn't quirky enough, the town features the FAST Fiberglass Mold Graveyard, a fun roadside gallery where you can peep various projects that the local company is undertaking. Other notable attractions in Sparta include the Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bicycle Museum and the Little Falls Railroad and Doll Museum.

Monroe

Affectionately known as the "Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA," quaint Monroe is a one-of-a-kind destination in the heart of Wisconsin's "Cheese Country." If you love all things cheese, Monroe is your unique getaway location. The cute town is home to several cheese factories and shops selling fresh fromage, both sweet and savory. Once you arrive in town, make a stop at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center to get the scoop - or slice - on cheese production. You can also see cheesemaking in process inside the local factory. After you've learned about all the different types of Wisconsin cheese, sample them at a specialty shop such as the Chalet Cheese Cooperative or the Alp & Dell Cheese Store. Wash down all that cheese with a beer from Minhas Brewery, built in 1845.

Baraboo

If you drive just 90 miles north of Monroe, you'll run into the eccentric town of Baraboo, which is home to Devil's Lake State Park, Wisconsin's largest state park. Baraboo is known as "Circus City" because the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus called it home during the winter from 1884 until 1918. Today, the town celebrates its whimsical heritage with Circus World, a venue where you can see live performances and historic exhibits showcasing circus memorabilia, such as clown cars. No trip to Baraboo is complete without a stroll through downtown, which is filled with more than 160 businesses, such as antique shops, cozy cafes, art galleries, and eateries such as the Old Baraboo Inn. You can also see the Ringling mansions in all of their Romanesque and Neo-Revival style glories.

Spring Green

Last but certainly not least, the sweet small town of Spring Green shows its eccentricity in various ways. One aspect that draws visitors into the area is the fact that it was home to the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. You can spend a day at the 600-acre Taliesin Preservation, which features a school, studio, and home that Wright constructed. While you're there, sign up to tour the site's interesting exhibits dedicated to the famous architect's life and craft. Spring Green's most eccentric attraction is the House on the Rock, a complex of architecturally distinct rooms, gardens, and shops designed by Alex Jordan Jr. Art and culture lovers will delight in Spring Green's American Players Theatre, which produces several live productions a year.

No matter what time of year you visit Wisconsin, you'll find no shortage of interesting shops, historical sites, and outdoor recreational opportunities to keep you busy and engaged. Part of the joy of traveling through this Midwestern state is running into small towns filled with unexpected and eccentric landmarks, including larger-than-life sculptures and mythical monsters from legendary lore. You'll never get bored during a road trip through Wisconsin, where unmatched natural beauty blends seamlessly with unique roadside attractions.