8 Wisconsin Towns That Rival Europe's Best

Bitten by a travel bug? Symptoms may include dreaming of storybook architecture or ethnic cuisine. Europe is totally worth it, but more serious cases require an immediate reprieve, like a winter escape to the "Troll Capital of the World” next to Tyrol Basin. Cedarburg, Egg Harbor, and Stockholm: basically every waterfront town shows you don’t need rolling Tuscan hills to enjoy wine.

Bring back pictures that look straight from Western Europe and memories—priceless. New Glarus attracted initial settlers with landforms that reminded them of home. This enigmatic town draws nationwide culture and beer lovers. So, live out your dream without the costly flights through these eight Wisconsin destinations that nail the European flair.

Cambridge

While not a European nation per se, but on the same continent, nothing feels more like home in a foreign land to a Midwesterner than an English town. Cambridge is a charmer with a telling name. The downtown is a slice of old England, with brick buildings, antiques, and local crafts, including pottery. One particular place, Keystone Grill, features a whole courtyard that feels cut out from the UK. This nook serves sizable Cuban sandwiches and crispy French fries, among other American favorites, at the riverfront along West Water Street. After that, the state's British namesake for the world-renowned university takes a turn for the unexpected.

Housing the world’s largest collection of mustard at its National Mustard Museum, this local Louvre depicts how the "Badgers" can turn anything into an attraction. With no pretentious art critics, admire your favorites on display among other condiment lovers. Home to Riley Park on Ripley Lake, the countryside can bring tears to the eye of nearly every megalopolis resident in the US. Take the CamRock Walking Trailhead, anticipating a fun evening. When you get chippies to down with a beer at Cash & Olive's Pub, order it with a side of the honorable condiment, showing respect to the locals.

Cedarburg

This quaint German village, inspired by its early settlers, looks straight from the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales. Settled by the Germans and Irish in the 1840s, Oktoberfest attracts over 100,000 for two days every year. Sprinkled with Midwest nice, Cedarburg is also the friendliest town in the Badger State. Under thirty minutes north of Milwaukee, find something for everyone on your next getaway, minutes away from the Lake Michigan shoreline. Traversing diagonally along the riverbend, Washington Avenue is decorated by antique shops and ice cream parlors. Among them, PJ Piper Pancake House is a must-stop for charging up on a huge stack, among other American breakfast favorites.

And even if it doesn't sound like something up your alley, the nearby Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts offers fascinating exhibits in a beautiful building that you would never know could be created with fibers. Top it off with a "healthy" dose of wineries in the area. Cedar Creek Winery, right at the heart, in one of the historic moss-covered buildings, is a restored 1860s woolen mill. The next-door Cedarburg Cultural Center is across Cedar Creek Park, home of the town's pond for nature from the doorstep. Slightly north, Covered Bridge County Park features Cedarburg Covered Bridge. One of the state's oldest covered bridges is very cool and sound, creekside, with kayaking opportunities.

Egg Harbor

Named following an egg-throwing battle between two boats in 1825, Egg Harbor perches its Mediterranean charm on the eastern shore of the transcendent Green Bay of Lake Michigan. From the marina and Harbor View Park, take the Bird View Trail to the town's beach, shaded by scenic rocks, and the sunsets are astounding. The nearby Alpine Resort features renovated cabins and the main lodge, with floral grounds. Door County Trolley is a must-take hop-on and hop-off ride to fit in most sites even on a short "Eurotrip." From Champagne Rock Park and a nature-ridden peninsula to the north, cultural venues are as abundant in the area.

Families enjoy Egg Harbor Fun Park plus the nearby kid-friendly Harbor Ridge Winery. The town's own Off The Wheel Pottery is an absolute gem, as lovely on the inside as its exterior. Split into a small building, barn, and studio space with treasures to browse and purchase, keep, or gift, it represents different artists with pottery, functional pieces, and more. Just up the shore, Peninsula Players Theatre welcomes patrons seasonally into a cozy/glam vibe against the lake's scenery over 16 wooded acres, staging classic and contemporary works since 1935. You can stay nearby at Little Sweden Resort, which has doorfront access to the lake, orchards, and wineries.

Elkhart Lake

Between the immense Lake Michigan to the east and the smaller Lake Winnebago to the west, Elkhart Lake is another tiny lake and a very special town wrapped around it. Reflecting in the crystal-clear waters, the lakeside village and surrounding forestland have a je ne sais quoi vibe of a hidden Alpine resort. There are so many cool things about this town, including a famous Monaco street circuit where you can browse for fresh cheese curds and other concessions. The Swiss-inspired Osthoff Resort is a grand lakefront hotel that looks fit for the Alps. There are two Ice Age trails in the area; you'll be ready to conquer them after downing an off-the-rail sandwich at, well, Off The Rail.

A world’s premier racing track featuring NASCAR events runs by Plymouth and east of Elkhart. Known as Road America, it speaks to the Autobahn fans of European motorsport who wouldn't grumble about it with views along its 640 acres of park-like grounds that would slow anyone down. In addition, Elkhart Lake offers the best access, just nine minutes west to Sheboygan Marsh State Wildlife Area, a natural 14,000-acre refuge of marshland with canoeing, fishing, and bird-watching trails. There's also Henschel's Indian Museum and Hidden Springs Trout Farm. After climbing Sheboygan Marsh Tower, overlooking yet another lake, catch the sunset from Fireman's Park.

Mount Horeb

The unlikely "Troll Capital of the World” is a magical place to visit for every age. Even if it is just clever marketing, this Norwegian-flavored town feels unhinged, with wooden trolls lining Mount Horeb Trollway, the main street. Starting next to Driftless Historium & Mount Horeb Area Historical Society, it is home to District #1 Old School House and Duluth Trading Company. Just east, Icky Sticky is a coffee shop, and Center Ground Studios is an intimate art center. West along Hwy 18, Blue Mound State Park features an observation tower and Cave of the Mounds. Take the one-hour guided cave tour with stalactites and stalagmites.

The highly rated Gonstead Guest Cottage to the north is next to the popular Stewart Lake County Park, which features a spacious gazebo and a pier. A quick drive northwest, Tyrol Basin offers downhill skiing and snow tubing in the wintry outdoors, plus disc golf and summer BBQs. Many enjoy the next-door South Brigham County Park during the warm months. The hilly Liberty Park is great to catch the sunset, and Grundhal Park is a festival/picnic ground. A flight from Brix Cider will relieve the tension in those legs after a day of sightseeing, and a booze-soaking grilled cheese can put you into slumber. Zone out at GrandStay Hotel & Suites.

New Glarus

The postcard-perfect rolling hills with wildlife drew Swiss immigrants in 1845. 108 hardy pioneers who escaped Switzerland's economic crisis named it after the Canton of Glarus, their hometown. Having kept up its Swiss appeal, welcome to “America’s Little Switzerland.” Attracting curious visitors and new Swiss immigrants "reinforcements," hear Swiss-German speech and see street names both in German and English. New Glarus transports you overseas with architecture and authentic food, like Glarner Stub, a Swiss restaurant. Creek laces to the south, while heritage festivals include Polkafest, Swiss Volksfest, and Oktoberfest, with folk traditions, music, and beer.

Along the streets, red and white Swiss flags flutter in the breeze. Explore early pioneering life at the Swiss Historical Village Museum. Around the corner, New Glarus Woods State Park offers a dog-friendly space to unwind on a picnic and a nice campground. Being right across from New Glarus Brewing, it's easy to lure even the laziest man for a good hike, while some say that a bottle of Spotted Cow is worth the drive alone. Browse chalet-like shops with wide eaves, unwind with a café on the terrace of a bakery beneath a sloping roof or the Candy Cane Park. Up the road, Bailey's Run Vineyard & Winery features a distillery, pizza, and finger foods to catch the sunset hilltop.

Stockholm

Not quite the ancient-looking, Sweden's capital city on the Söderström River, which flows into the Baltic Sea just south, this tiny Stockholm lures visitors into the natural beauty of the Driftless Region. Painting the natural landscape with vibrant settlement patterns, the scenic Great River Road follows the Mississippi River. Just a short stroll north, perch with a picnic at the dog-friendly Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area, a beautiful blufftop at Lake Pepin, overlooking Minnesota over the mighty river, and your "journey" back to town. At the nearby Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery, European-style ciders and wines are as good as the views from the countryside.

Bursting with galleries, shops, and cafes, the notable Scandihoo sells genuine Scandinavian décor and fashions to hygge up your cave back in the city with sustainable pieces. The beloved Stockholm Pie will hold you over from breakfast, plus a fresh fare picnic from the General Store for a day out until dinnertime at the many authentic places. Humble Moon Folkstead and Saloon serves cheese curds and cocktails with live entertainment, while Stockholm Village Park Campground is a very popular riverfront spot for a budget getaway.

Stoughton

This charming Norwegian-like city bustles with life beneath the round Lake Kegonsa. The Yahara River laces through Stoughton and west of Viking County Park. Replete with trails and greens to relax, take a nice loop from the parking to the water at daybreak or sunset with your pet and let them run around the dog park on-site. Yahara River Trail features a bridge crossing to Viking Village Campground. Many enjoy fishing along the lake north at Lake Kegonsa State Park, which has wildlife trails through prairie, forest, and marshland, plus swimming and boating in the lake. Strolling along the picturesque main street, Norwegian flags flutter against small businesses.

Livsreise, or “Life’s Journey,” is a cool name for Stoughton’s Norwegian Heritage Center, while Nordic Nook sells traditional, high-quality Scandinavian gifts and apparel. Syttende Mai Folk Festival in May celebrates its colorful heritage with traditional music, dancing, and parades. Bottle-feed adorable baby goats at Eugsters Farm Market before a memorable dinnertime. Many come just for the Viking Brew Pub, in wooden digs shaped like a Viking ship. Featuring 12 brews to try over American and Scandinavian favorites, including Wisconsin cheese curds and Norwegian meatballs, your taste buds will be dancing from Valhalla dip with house-made potato chips.

European Flair in the Heart of Wisconsin

Visiting the land of beer and cheese? Well, where do you think the Badger State gets its love for the suds? These eight European suds reveal the diverse character of the state. Without further ado or changing your currency, feed your wanderlust soul in a storybook town without the prices of the expansive countries.

A town's appeal multiplies tenfold with a touch of European charm. Along the way, you will experience genuine Midwestern charm without overpriced food or hotels. Take a spin through Germany, relax along the Mediterranean shore, and visit the Alps. Catching a flight to Sweden, complete the Eurotrip in a charming Norwegian city southeast of Madison.