8 Undiscovered Small Towns in Wisconsin

The numerous small towns dotting Wisconsin's diverse landscapes are more than merely a place to call home; they are charming communities with distinct heritage, character, and way of life. While some destinations are relatively well-known among travelers, others remain unheard of and underexplored in the United States. Touring these Badger State gems is an exciting opportunity to uncover local treasures off the beaten path. From forest hamlets amid the Northwoods to river towns nestled in the driftless region, Wisconsin's overlooked villages tell a unique story through historic main streets, cultural traits, and natural beauty.

From scenic Chippewa Falls to magical Baraboo, this guide introduces a curated selection of lesser-known small towns in Wisconsin, inviting the discovery of regional specialties and experiences to be had nowhere else.

Plover

Relaxed community life and natural scenery bring visitors to this lovely Stevens Point suburb. Guests can explore everything from sprawling county parks to a Korean War memorial. Plover hosts a rich network of nature spaces, inviting newcomers to embrace life in the great outdoors. These range from Easlan-Weslan Park, with amenities like playgrounds and ball fields designed for family hangouts, to Lake Pacawa Park, where visitors can partake in fun water-based adventures, including swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking.

Plover is notably home to the Wisconsin Korean War Veterans Memorial, which pays tribute to the men and women heroes lost during the Korean War with a pleasant monument. Several bars and pubs in downtown Plover, including Monk's Bar & Grill, serve as the perfect hangout after a day of exploring the town's beautiful outdoors.

Waunakee

Billing itself as "The Only Waunakee in the World," this bustling community of Dane County promises tourists a unique experience at its different local attractions at a driving distance from Milwaukee. There is no shortage of outdoor adventures in Waunakee, and newcomers will discover this when exploring the 422-acre Governor Nelson State Park. Set on the beautiful shores of Lake Mendota, it offers multiple trails through prairies and woodlands for a complete immersion in nature. Bolz Conservancy Park is an excellent alternative for extroverted travelers and features a 0.8-mile loop trail from where you can soak up exquisite Lake Mendota vistas.

When not embracing the open spaces, visitors will enjoy sampling great-tasting fruit wines at the Drumlin Ridge Winery tasting room. Meanwhile, Waun-A-Bowl provides the ideal location for quality time with family during an easygoing bowling session with a welcoming atmosphere.

Hudson

This cozy hideaway in St. Croix County exemplifies the perks of small-town living. Located on the banks of the St. Croix River, it enjoys unmatched natural scenery, with several parks and outdoor spaces providing idyllic escapes. The Willow River State Park beckons ardent adventurers to explore its about 3,000-acre expanse and take advantage of swimming, canoeing, hiking, and nature photography opportunities. Closer to the downtown area, Lakefront Park offers a soothing oasis for those looking to escape the urban hustle, with gorgeous water views and a laid-back setting.

Away from the outdoors, Hudson promises art lovers a remarkable experience at the Phipps Center for the Arts, where they can watch exciting live performances and theatrical productions. However, historians will prefer to explore the town's backstory at the Octagon House Museum, a window to Hudson's colorful past in an 1855 mansion with rare Victorian-era furnishings.

De Pere

Outdoor gems and cultural venues rank high among the top attractions in this bustling Brown County community. The Fox River is a significant draw in De Pere and offers recreational opportunities for boaters, anglers, and water skiers. Guests can walk along the De Pere Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Pier to take in the majesty of the Fox River and revel in the delightful atmosphere. De Pere has a vibrant downtown that brings out its lively arts community, which you can interact with during a tour of the Mulva Cultural Center.

Elsewhere, the De Pere Cinema welcomes first-timers to a family-friendly movie experience at a long-tenured local theater screening second-run films. Finally, those who enjoy outdoor pursuits can settle for a low-key golfing session at Hilly Haven Golf Course.

Baraboo

Nicknamed "Circus City," Baraboo experienced its rise during the 1800s when the Ringling Brothers made it their winter headquarters before breaking out as one of the top circus acts in the country. Circus World remains a vivid reminder of Baraboo in its heyday, preserving intimate exhibits and archives that bring back nostalgic childhood memories. Strolling through downtown Baraboo presents evidence of the Ringling Brothers' wide-reaching influence in the community. The Al. Ringling Theatre is a prime example, known for hosting world-class concerts and plays inside an opulently designed historic venue.

Shoppers can look forward to premium retail therapy at Outlets at the Dells, home to brand-name retail stores and designer outlets with trendy merchandise. Finally, you should check out Baraboo's unmatched natural scenery by visiting Mirror Lake State Park, a 2,200-acre sanctuary with a beautiful lake, dense woods, hiking trails, and a swimming beach.

Holmen

92 miles from Wisconsin Dells, Holmen is a popular stop for extroverted tourists, boasting a vibrant outdoor landscape with 14 parks across its territory. Deer Wood Park is among its most sought-after spaces, spanning 40 acres with numerous recreational amenities, such as hiking trails, ball fields, a playscape, and picnic areas. Furthermore, the McGilvray "Seven Bridges" Railroad offers picturesque nature trails that invite visitors of all ages to immerse in the outdoors. This historic trail features bridges from the early 20th century inside the Van Loon Wildlife Area.

Holmen has a lively downtown area with an impressive mix of local businesses, including coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and more. It is the right spot to interact with locals and other foreigners over a refreshing cup of coffee at The Grind Coffee House or a cold beer at Smokey's Bar & Grill.

Chippewa Falls

Chippewa Falls' rich natural and cultural scenery makes it one of the most exciting small towns in Wisconsin to visit. Its downtown is full of artisan shops, local breweries, and antique stores, culminating in a colorful corridor worth exploring. The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company is proof of the town's rich craft brewing heritage. For over 150 years, it has served local great-tasting beers that guests will be happy to sample. Visiting the Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry & Technology introduces you to the captivating history of innovation in Chippewa Falls, with exhibits from local businesses like Darley and Mason Shoes.

Those who gravitate towards the arts can enjoy everything from art shows to live theater and musical performances at the Heyde Center for the Arts. Finally, Irvine Park Zoo intrigues guests with rare wild species encounters in a 318-acre city park, where you can find bison, tigers, bears, and cougars.

New Glarus

Under an hour from Madison, you can enjoy the ultimate cultural experience in this hidden gem of Green County, steeped in European heritage. Popularly known as "America's Little Switzerland," New Glarus was founded by Swiss immigrants in the mid-1800s. It has a colorful history that guests can discover by visiting the Swiss Historical Village Museum, home to interactive exhibits vividly depicting life in a pioneer Swiss settlement. You will also notice the unique Swiss-style architecture employed in the design of downtown buildings, best exemplified by the Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum.

Be sure to sample flavorful, locally crafted beers at the New Glarus Brewing Company. The venue offers self-guided tours with popular stops at the tasting room. But when you need an escape to the great outdoors, the New Glarus Woods State Park presents a 435-acre wilderness area with hiking, camping, and picnicking adventures.

The Takeaway

Stepping off the beaten track to uncover these hidden small-town gems rewards visitors with a genuine taste of local heritage and a landscape largely untouched by commercialization in Wisconsin. Immersing oneself in community characteristics shaped over generations enriches one's understanding and appreciation of life in the Badger State. With welcoming locals and natural beauty, these understated small towns in Wisconsin prove that true treasures sometimes lie beyond the spotlight, and discovering them is a refreshing tourist experience.