9 Coziest Small Towns in Wisconsin

Cabins, cheese, lakes, and beer — What do these things have in common? Besides being quintessential comforts, Wisconsin is the best place to enjoy all of those! Cute lakeside cabins, fresh dairy products, and locally-made crisp ales are just a few things to experience in the "Badger State." Wisconsin earned that nickname because lead miners in the 1820s had to burrow into the hillside during the winter like badgers due to Wisconsin's cold climate! 

Perhaps due to the harsh winters, comforting food, and cozy, warm sweaters are Wisconsin staples. Even in summer, the sparkling bright lakes with charming cottages project a certain warmth and provide a feeling of home, even if you are not from Wisconsin.

It is imperative to note that, due to Wisconsin's tempestuous winters, many attractions are seasonal and open for specific times each year. Check if what you want to see is open before heading out!

Kick back, relax, and find your home away from home in these nine cozy Wisconsin small towns!

Stevens Point

Almost at the direct center of the state, Stevens Point is a town of many charms.

Arts and nature are equally important features of Stevens Point, and a great place to observe this is Sculpture Park. Located off the 27-mile scenic hiking/biking loop of the Green Circle Trail, this 20-acre park is full of artwork from both local and national artists. Take a revitalizing hike on the Trail, then cool down while wandering through the Sculpture Park. Get inspired by the whimsical (an outhouse on stilts) to abstract and conceptual pieces.  

Even the streets are dotted with bright, colorful murals, the oldest being delightful pastel Polish chickens and the most prominent being “E Pluribus Unum" (From Many, One), an iconic piece on the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus made up of over 280,000 individual pieces.

After a busy day, go on a tour of the Point Brewery, one of the country's oldest breweries (founded in 1857), and indulge in a beverage. Whether a gourmet soda (in flavors like black cherry cream or orange cream) or a beer like the refreshing Green Circle Pale Ale and the decadent Milkshake Malt Porter, it will be a treat!

Stockholm

About three hours to the west of Stevens Point, near the border with Minnesota on the Great River Road lies Stockholm. A Swedish-settled surprise on the Mississippi River full of mys (a Swedish concept akin to cozy), it's no surprise that Stockholm is a solid choice for a delightful escape. 

Amble down the main street of Stockholm and feel like you've stepped onto the set of a Hallmark movie. Scandihoo carries a wide variety of Nordic ware, with an extensive collection of clogs and sweets from black licorice cats to cardamom chocolates. Hugga Bugga houses locally-made kitchen items, knitwear, soaps, and lotions.  

Top off a shopping day by sampling the famous pies at Stockholm Pie and General Store. Rich "toasties" such as the "Sconnie" made with cheese curds, sharp cheddar, bacon jam, and mayo, and savory pies such as chicken, beef, and potato, provide a hearty meal to be topped off by a slice of sweet pie. The available selection is dizzying, from blueberry peach to lingonberry lemon to peanut butter fudge.

Before departing, hike up Maiden Rock Bluff to catch unparalleled views of the Mississippi and Lake Pepin and, if lucky, a peregrine falcon.

Superior

At the tip of Lake Superior, Superior is another waterside town that is a can't-miss for the cozy connoisseur.

Go camping at Pattison State Park and explore 1,476 acres of lush forest, majestic waterfalls (Big Manitou is 165 feet tall and the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin), and over 7 miles of hiking trails highlighting the geology, wildlife, and beauty of the area. Swim at Interfalls Lake, and try snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

In town, comfort foods abound. Try savory and sweet waffles at Superior Waffles- the Warm Apple Crisp Waffle and the Braffle (a bratwurst served in a waffle) are stand-out choices. If something heartier is desired, the Anchor Bar and Grill (featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives) serves up juicy burgers and fresh fries in a quirky atmosphere featuring items like a life ring from the Edmund Fitzgerald. 

After trying the local fare, history awaits. The SS Meteor is the sole remaining whaleback ship, the Firehouse from 1898 is filled with historic equipment, and the Fairlawn Mansion is a gorgeous Queen Anne Victorian residence. 

Sunset streaks the sky behind the Superior Entry Breakwater Lighthouse, providing a picture-perfect opportunity for photographs.

Bayfield

Also on Lake Superior and the gateway to the Apostle Islands, Bayfield is Wisconsin's smallest city but has plenty to experience!

The adorably-named "Fruit Loop" is a self-guided tour circuit visiting berry and apple farms in and around Bayfield. Blueberries, gooseberries, strawberries, and juneberries are just the beginning of what can be expected on this sweet trail.

Kayak or boat out to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore from convenient Meyers Beach, or have a guided tour around the area. The sea caves (ice caves in winter) are breathtaking, with striking striations in the sandstone cliffs. Tour a 19th-century lighthouse on Devil's Island, Outer Island or Raspberry Island. 

Peruse the art galleries in downtown Bayfield, then pick up a new novel at Honest Dog, a local bookstore with an exceptional section dedicated to local authors. Pub food is served at Morty's- try the Lake Superior fish sandwich or tacos with a local brew or a Morty's Bloody Mary.

The Copper Crow Distillery is an indigenous distillery creating award-winning spirits. Visit their tasting room and try cocktails brimming with local ingredients like the Blueberry Hibiscus Slush, an Old Fashioned made with apple brandy or a spicy Angry Mule.

Three Lakes

On the south end of a chain of 28 interconnected lakes (the largest inland chain of lakes in the world) and surrounded by the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Three Lakes is a peaceful Northwoods oasis.

The more than 1.5 million acre forest itself offers endless possibilities, from biking to horse riding to taking scenic drives. Fishing is among the most popular pastimes due to the over 50 varieties available, including the musky- Wisconsin's state fish! 

Rent a cabin for the maximum stress relief of being surrounded by the tranquil woods and sounds of nature. Boats available for rental provide the local experience of parking your boat at a dock for a bite to eat- try Pike's Pine Isle Lodge for hand-breaded and fried walleye cheeks or brat pizza with beer cheese on their signature crust.

Cranberries are big news in Three Lakes! Tour the Lake Nokomis farm and shop for various goodies, from cranberry barbecue sauce to "bog berry" salsa. 

Three Lakes Winery has been offering cranberry wine since 1972. The tasting room in downtown Three Lakes is the best way to imbibe the unique flavors, with pumpkin and Wisconsin wild plum particularly intriguing choices. 

Cedarburg

There's nothing cozier than a homemade quilt- and Cedarburg is home to an abundance! Home of the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts and a lauded historic downtown, this laid-back lovely little town north of Milwaukee is an appealing retreat.

Housed in a rustic homestead, the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts dedicates itself to the exhibition, creation, and preservation of the coziest crafts, quilting, and other fiber arts. Browse the colorful collections, take a crafting class, and pick up a souvenir to cuddle up with.

Take a leisurely walk through the Washington Avenue and Columbia Road Historic Districts to take in over 100 historic buildings from the 1840s onward, including a woolen mill turned into Cedar Creek Settlement, a collection of restaurants, local shops, and a winery. Relish in a gooey grilled cheese or short rib shepherd's pie at the Anvil Pub and Grille, and catch a movie at the nostalgic Rivoli Theater downtown.

Covered bridges used to be fixtures in many towns, but Cedarburg is home to the last original wooden covered bridge in Wisconsin. Covered Bridge Park is the perfect background for a photo shoot or setting for a romantic picnic. 

New Glarus

Around 125 miles west of Cedarburg is New Glarus, a taste of Swiss culture in the Midwest, founded in 1845 by Swiss immigrants. 

An ideal place to start during its open visiting season is the Swiss Historical Village. Experience pioneer life with 14 buildings, including a settler's cabin (from the 1850s) and a print shop. Be immersed in the past with the vast collection of well-preserved artifacts from tools to textiles.

After exploring the area's history, take an invigorating hike at New Glarus Woods State Park, 435 verdant acres near the Sugar River State Trail. The Bison Nature Trail is a standout, a 0.8-mile-long interpretive trail providing local wildlife information and history, complete with a life-size bison replica.

Cap off the day with a stroll through New Glarus, looking for the adorable painted Cows on Parade, which are cow statues scattered throughout town, with Swiss breeds and folk attire represented. They are the ideal companion for a pastoral portrait. Finish off with a warming pint at the New Glarus Brewery, whose beers are only available in Wisconsin. Popular choices include the classic Spotted Cow and the Belgian Red, made with Door County cherries. 

Mount Horeb

Quite close to New Glarus, about 18 miles to the north, lies the "Troll Capitol of the World." Mount Horeb is home to over 34 quirky wooden troll statues, depicting the rather large mischievous creatures. They are on a jaunt through town, known as the "Trollway". Pick up a guide at the Chamber of Commerce and get hunting!

While hunting, grab some sweets at the Sugar Troll and Scandinavian gifts (like Swedish clogs or Icelandic chocolate) at Open House Imports. The Duluth Trading Co. flagship store provides not only a great place to shop for rugged workwear and gadgets but also houses an unexpected plethora of vintage tools in the Walley Keller Tool Museum. For a marketplace comprised of the work of over 40 local artists, KELLA is the store to find souvenirs for every taste, from funky stickers to retro T-shirts. 

Enjoy the calm serenity of Stewart Lake County Park. A bright spot is the Olive Thomson Native Shrub Area, including elderberries, ninebark, and New Jersey tea shrubs in the mix of colors, creating an inspiring spot. Fishing for trout and bass is another relaxing pastime to try at Stewart Lake. 

Spring Green

Twenty-seven miles northwest of Mt. Horeb is Spring Green, a town of just over 1,500 residents with Frank Lloyd Wright's stamp on the architecture, as well as one of the strangest museums in the world.

Frank Lloyd Wright designed Taliesin and the Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center. Taliesin has Wright's earliest work (the Unity Chapel from 1886) and a studio, a windmill, and multiple residences designed by Wright over his career. The Wyoming Valley School was built in honor of his mother, who was a kindergarten teacher—Discover Wright's innovative designs by touring both sites.

If quirky were a place, it would be the House on the Rock. Alex Jordan's magnum opus, built upon a chimney of rock, contains the world's largest carousel, an unfathomably giant model of a sea creature, and the "Infinity Room," a room built out of glass that hangs 218 feet out over the valley.  

Any visit to Wisconsin would not be complete without a visit to a supper club, and Arthur's Supper Club in Spring Green is a prime example. Dine on sumptuous steaks and seafood, accompanied by an Arthur's House Old Fashioned.

Discover the Charm of Wisconsin's Small Towns

Wisconsin has cozy, nostalgic, quaint historical districts, spectacular natural beauty, eclectic shops, and the best comfort food. Small towns are often the best ways to experience the unusual and quirky regional differences a state has, so slow down and appreciate the beauty of the less-populated destinations.

A trip spent exploring Wisconsin will be time well spent- memories will be made, and stories to be shared will be written! Dive in and explore the limitless potential in Wisconsin's small towns!