8 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in Wisconsin This Summer
Wisconsin is a charming state brimming with natural attractions to explore across all seasons. Blessed by the elegant shores of Lake Michigan alongside other series of lakes, rivers, forests, and wildlife, the outdoor scenery in Wisconsin is as pretty as it comes. While the state is renowned for its chilly winters, it becomes a dazzling world of beauty and adventures in summer, as the lakes unfreeze and the land is kissed by the sun. From the irresistible shores of Lake Geneva with its thrilling water sports to the Swiss appeal of New Glarus, step into these eight lovely towns in Wisconsin this summer and have a blast!
Sister Bay
Sister Bay is a lovely small town in Door County that promises a sensational summer experience. Typical of Door County towns, the shores of Lake Michigan are always a draw, and Sister Bay is one of the county's finest waterfront communities. Hence, the town’s beach, boasting 1,900 feet of public waterfront, is a focal point for tourists during the sunny season, serving as a launch pad to kayak, paddle, boat, sail, and swim on the lake. Otherwise, visitors can bask under the sun, build sand castles, enjoy picnics, catch the sunset, and promenade the massive waterfront area. Sneak out from the beach to check out what the past looks like at Corner of the Past Museum and for art lovers, check out handcrafted works sourced locally and regionally at Earth Art Studio. Don’t forget to dine at the Waterfront Restaurant or Sister Bay Bowl and enjoy mouthwatering treats.
Ephraim
Ephraim is a small town with just below 300 residents; however, it has plenty to offer in summer. For starters, it is across Eagle Harbor, with scenic views of bluffs and the picturesque shoreline of Green Bay. The outdoors already looks enticing from its location, but it gets more sensational at Peninsula State Park, where one can spend the entire summer exploring. The park features 468 campsites, 150-foot bluffs, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, hiking/biking trails, a sand beach, a summer theatre, a nature center, a 76-foot observation tower, and an 18-hole golf course. Elsewhere, history buffs can immerse in the past with historic tours at the Ephraim Historical Society. Regarding dining, Ephraim offers great options like Old Post Office Restaurant with its waterfront views and Sip with its exotic and colorful culinary offers.
New Glarus
New Glarus is a small town in Green County famous for its nickname - the little Switzerland of America. True to its name, this town offers a taste of Switzerland, especially as it is home to the Swiss Historical Village Museum, which features 14 historic buildings filled with artifacts reflecting Swiss pioneer life. Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum and the Swiss Center of North America are more attractions in town dedicated to preserving and showcasing Swiss culture. Away from its Swiss heritage, New Glarus invites adventurers to the 435-acre New Glarus Woods State Park, featuring hiking/biking trails alongside campsites and picnic areas. The park also links to the 24-mile Sugar River State Trail, where adventurers can hike and bike across woods, farmlands, and rolling hills. If there’s time, New Glarus Bakery is a great place to stop by for fresh treats, while Bailey’s Run Vineyard and Winery offers delicious wine and great vineyard views.
Elkhart Lake
Elkhart Lake is a small village big on history and outdoor charms. A summer vacation here can start at the Elkhart Lake Historic Depot and Museum, where tourists can glimpse the town’s railroad past. The Henschel’s Indian Museum is another historic attraction in town, located in an archaeological site, housing a collection of Indian pottery, stone tools, copper implements, and other artifacts. For outdoor buffs, Fireman’s Park and Beach is the town’s only public beach and opens in summer. The beach features gorgeous sands, picnic tables, grills, and the charming waters of Elkhart Lake for dips and water sports. In addition, the all-season Broughton Sheboygan Marsh Park is a must-visit outdoor attraction in town, with fishing, camping, and picnic areas alongside an 80-foot observation. After the exploration, visitors can always chill at Lake Street Café and enjoy palatable meals.
Hayward
Hayward is a unique town in Sawyer County, famed for its numerous surrounding lakes. However, it is more renowned for hosting the world’s largest muskellunge (aka muskie) sculpture at the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum. While the museum houses records of the world’s largest freshwater fish in the US, tourists can climb to the mouth of the 143-foot muskie sculpture to enjoy views of the town and Hayward Lake. Fishing enthusiasts can hop the many lakes outside the town, such as Round Lake, Sand Lake, Lake Namakagon, and Chippewa Flowage, to fish bass, muskie, crappie, and walleye, among others. Otherwise, recline back in town to enjoy Lake Hayward Public Beach by swimming, building sand castles, picnicking, and promenading. For animal lovers, Hayward offers the Wilderness Walk Zoo, home to lemurs, fawns, tigers, wolves, and bears. If there’s still time, head to Out of the Woods Winery to taste some of the finest wines in America.
Eagle River
Eagle River is a unique town renowned for its 28 connected lakes between Eagle River and Three Lakes. The 28 chains of lakes make up the world’s largest inland lake network, so a summer vacation in this town will surely include a lot of water adventures, although there’s more. Once here, Eagle Lake County Park and Beach is a great spot to begin an adventure as it offers scenic lake views, birdwatching opportunities, picnic pavilions, a swimming pier, and a beach. Silver Lake Park is an alternative just outside the town, featuring picnic stands, a beach, and a playground. Away from the numerous lakes, history enthusiasts can learn about the town’s railroad history at the Eagle River Depot Museum. For ardent hikers, hit the 12-mile Anvil Lake Trail or the mile-long Franklin Nature Trail for sightseeing and birdwatching. When it’s time to wine and dine, head to Andy’s Pontoon Saloon or Braywood.
Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay is an inviting town in the bay of the same name that promises a sensational waterfront summer experience. Once here, visitors can head to the captivating Cave Point County Park to hike to magnificent dolomite cliffs overlooking the charming Lake Michigan. Next, step down from the cliffs and join kayakers on the lake to discover underwater caves. Proceed with more adventures at Sunset Park, featuring an 18-acre lake, a swimming beach, a short trail, sports areas, and mesmerizing sunset views. Mix the experience with a little history at the Door County Maritime Museum which educates the public about the region’s maritime roots. Meanwhile, Sonny’s Pizzeria and Nightingale Super Club are great spots to stop by for world-class dining, while the Third Avenue Playhouse hosts exciting shows.
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is a charming town in Walworth County with so much to offer year-round. In summer, the town is especially exciting as the waters of Geneva Lake offer endless opportunities for cruising, boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Visitors are also invited to recline at Riviera Beach to sunbathe, build sand castles, play, catch the sunset, and swim in the water. Head to Lake Geneva Ziplines and Adventures for some thrills to tour nine ziplines, five sky bridges, and four spiral staircases. History buffs can head to the Geneva Lake Museum to see Potawatomi Indian artifacts, Geneva Hotel artifacts, and other historic exhibits about the area. Before the end of the vacation, grab a souvenir from Trader’s Jack Gift Shop and White River Gifts to remind you of the town’s amazing features.
There are tons of reasons why towns like these have continued to top the list of summer travelers. With their irresistible natural and man-made charms, they offer a thing or two for every kind of visitor. From history buffs to foodies, adventurers, and laid-back visitors, everybody in these towns will have something to appreciate. Plus, each town is beside one or more water bodies, and there’s no better place to be in the middle of summer than near plenty of H2O. Visit these towns today and create memories while the summer lasts.
