9 Most Idyllic Small Towns in Wisconsin
For your idyllic vacation in Wisconsin, explore the most idyllic small towns in the Badger State. Journey through a land where the inaugural ice cream sundae was first served and where Sputnik IV from the USSR crashed in 1962. From the lush woodlands of the Door Peninsula to the spectacular Apostle Islands in Lake Superior, these nine most idyllic small towns are sure to attract all manner of visitors. Be enticed by the intriguing past and bucolic present of each town, and let yourself be enchanted by the simple, laid-back ambiance of a state teeming with badgers.
Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay, regarded as one of the Top 10 Happiest Seaside Towns in the US, Sturgeon Bay mesmerizes travelers with captivating artworks at the Millers Art Museum and Margaret Lockwood Gallery. In the Popelka Trenchard Glass, you can also be astounded by the impressive glassware hewn by the masterful artisans of Sturgeon Bay. Serving as a cornerstone of Door County and the Door Peninsula, you can dive into the maritime past of the town at the Door County Maritime Museum. Travel down the Sturgeon Bay Canal, past the historic lighthouse watches and into Lake Michigan. Visit the Peninsula State Park, an arboreal paradise with splendid sceneries of Green Bay from atop Eagle Tower. Last but not least, attend the Sturgeon Bay Fine Arts Fair on May 25 to 26. Only 44 minutes away from Green Bay, book a room at either the White Birch Inn or The Foxglove Inn.
Elkhart Lake
About 30 miles from the tranquil shores of Lake Geneva and 26 miles from Lake Winnebago, Elkhart Lake is an alluring village with access to the Cedar Creek State Wildlife Area and Kettle Moraine State Forest. Both these locations are pristine spots for camping, hiking, and biking. Similarly, the Sheboygan Marsh State Wildlife Area, including Sheboygan Lake and the Sheboygan River, is a breeding ground for many of Wisconsin’s diverse wildlife. The Henschel’s Indian Museum and the Hidden Springs Trout Farm contextualize the indigenous cultures that once called the region their home. Racing enthusiasts can experience the thrill of the Road America racetrack, which has been around since 1962. And for the most weary of explorers, you can seek respite at The Osthoff Resort.
Lake Geneva
As beautiful and grand as Geneva Lake in Switzerland, the town of Lake Geneva in Wisconsin rejuvenates people from the tiring metropolitan lifestyle with a resort-town atmosphere. Soar the skies on a zipline above Lake Geneva, and be sure to sightsee the animals of Africa in the nearby safaris. Head on over to the Big Foot Beach State Park for the exploration, and afterwards to the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre for the magic of showmanship. At the Black Point Estate and Gardens—summer estate of Conrad Seipp, a beer baron from Chicago in 1888—you can travel through august halls and serendipitous vestibules of a bygone time. Afterwards, you can explore Baker House, an atmospheric venue for local events and performances. The best that Lake Geneva has to offer is the Yerkes Observatory, where many Nobel prize-winning astronomers flourished since 1897. For those desiring to stay a while, you can find accommodations at the Seven Oaks Bed & Breakfast or Lake Geneva Lodge.
Sister Bay
Sister Bay is an exceptional neighbor and sibling to Sturgeon Bay, which is only 44 minutes away. From Peninsula Park, particularly atop Eagle Tower, you can see as far as the state of Michigan across Green Bay. Other majestic destinations include the Three Springs Nature Preserve, a great spot to see Wisconsin’s wilderness; the Wagon Trail Campground, where you can gaze up at the unpolluted stars at night; and the Mink River Reserve, fragrant with marshes and creeks leading to Lake Michigan. Attend the well-celebrated Al Johnson's Goat Festival and Goat Parade on June, and do not forget to purchase a room or two at the Open Hearth Lodge, The Coachlite Inn, or County House Resort.
Stockholm
Want to experience the simplicity and allure of Sweden in American soil? Then head to Stockholm, a stupendous town lounging on Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River. When Swedish immigrants first settled in this corner of Wisconsin, they named their town after the capital of Sweden, Stockholm. You can learn more about this inspiring sojourn from the Old World to the New World at the Stockholm Museum. You can also delight in the many pies and snacks at the Stockholm Pie Company. Perhaps beekeeping lessons are to your preference at the Heritage Woods. As for the Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area, you will feel both engaged and relaxed amidst the domains of nature. Should you require lodgigns, the Rivertown Landing and Art Orchard & Guesthouse have you covered.
Hayward
For a state in the middle of America, Wisconsin is filled with many luxurious bodies of water, and Hayward is a fine example of a spot rife with lakes like Lake Hayward, Lake Round, Lake Grindstone, and Lake Bass. Hayward also gives outdoor enthusiasts access to the Bean Brook State Wildlife Management Area and Kissick Swamp State Wildlife Management Area, two perfect parks that are bountiful with wildlife and untampered beauty. The town is renowned for its fishing enterprise, and proudly displays fabled rods and reels at the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. Oddly enough, Hayward attracts lumberjacks all over with the Lumberjack World Championship on August. If you have any plans to participate or watch in fishing or lumberjacking, then you should first find a room at the Flat Creek Lodge.
Bayfield
The Apostle Islands, the Jewels of Lake Superior, are just a boat-trip away from the town of Bayfield. There are over 22 islands that can visited via Bayfield’s bays. Madeline Island, being the largest of the Apostle Islands, is often the most visited due to opulent and well-maintained parks like the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The Devils Island Lighthouse is one of many historic lighthouses that continue to ferry ships in Lake Superior. In Bayfield itself, you can purchase Native American-made booze and beer at the Copper Crow Distillery, the first Native American owned distillery in the US. The exquisite pottery at Eckels Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery might be to your liking, or perhaps the apple-plucking during the Bayfield Apple Festival on October 4 - 6 is suitable for you. Either way, establishments like the Old Rittenhouse Inn, Lake Superior Lodge, and Pine Cottage are certain to keep you staying in Bayfield.
Port Washington
Similar to the Swedish-themed village of Stockholm, Port Washington is a quaint seaside town which European immigrants founded. Specifically, immigrants from Luxembourg established Port Washington as their new home. Their history and tribulations—including that of the Grand Ducky of Luxembourg—can be perused at the Luxembourg American Cultural Center’s Roots and Leaves Museum. Additionally, Port Washington contains several Victorian-era architectures like the Judge Eghart House and the Port Washington Breakwater Light, a lighthouse-turned museum which overlooks Lake Michigan. Only 27 miles north of Milwaukee, come see more of Port Washington by first booking a room at The Harborview.
New Glarus
New Glarus is often hailed as the “Little Switzerland of America” thanks to its faithful impersonation of Switzerland. The Swiss Historical Village & Musuem is a good place to start your trip, not only to get a glimpse of Switzerland but to appreciate the Swiss immigrations to Wisconsin. Meanwhile, you can attend annual the Wilhelm Tell Festival every September, a celebration of a famous archer during medieval Europe. Similarly, you can watch the Swiss Volksfest (Swiss Independence Day) on August 4. Purchase some fine wines and spirits at the New Glarus Brewing Company and the Whiskey Run Distillery or trek through the wonders of New Glarus State Park. Last but not least, find yourself a place to stay at the Chalet Landhaus Inn, The Blanc Chalet, or Wolf’s Den.
Conclusion
Wisconsin was named after the Wisconsin River, which in turn got its name from the Algonquin term "Meskonsing," meaning "this stream meanders through something red”—a nod to the Wisconsin Dell. Wisconsin was also where the legendary magician Harry Houdini was born. But most of all, Wisconsin is where some of the most idyllic small towns can be found—perfect locations for a getaway and a recreational retreat. Whether you are basking in the waters near Port Washington and Sturgeon Bay, marveling at the histories of Lake Geneva and New Glarus, or discovering Wisconsin’s wilderness at Sister Bay and Bayfield, you must not forget to drink the fresh dairy produce from a state famous for producing the most amount of milk in the US.
