9 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In Wisconsin

Wisconsin has more than 1,200 small towns and villages, many of which barely get featured on TV or travel magazines. With many tourists rushing to experience the glitz and glamor of its big cities and famous towns, it's clear that much of the Badger State remains to be discovered. Many underrated destinations promise a fresh travel experience that introduces you to a forgotten side of the state. Each of the towns on this list presents a distinct charm away from civilization, resulting in a novel encounter wherever you venture. From the dense jungles of Fish Creek to the secluded shores of Cornucopia, these remote towns in Wisconsin should be on your radar for your next off-the-beaten-path adventure.

St. Croix Falls

Popularly known as the City of Trails, St. Croix Falls is a haven for ardent adventures, boasting many opportunities to immerse in the great outdoors. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway provides 252 miles of scenic beauty along the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers. This forested oasis offers miles of riverside trails and access to the water, cultivating hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking adventures. Many miles of nature trails weave through Interstate State Park, inviting you to discover dramatic gorges and picturesque cliffs along the St. Croix River course. At FAWN-DOE-ROSA Wildlife Educational Park, guests revel in rare and up-close wildlife encounters with species like elk, deer, and tortoises. The facility has a child-friendly petting zoo where children can play with ponies and fawns.

Baraboo

Baraboo may be famous for its circus heritage and its Big Top Parade, but the lovely community hosts stunning natural landscapes that warrant exploring off the beaten path. Beyond the bustling downtown district, Devil's Lake State Park serves as the ultimate escape for nature lovers. It spans over 10,000 acres of endless wilderness, with at least 30 miles of tracks cutting through. The reserve's scenic allure manifests through 500-foot bluffs overlooking the glistening waters of Devil's Lake. Furthermore, Mirror Lake State Park provides over 2,000 acres of additional outdoor space for ardent outdoorsmen, promising recreational activities like camping, canoeing, and kayaking on the narrow Mirror Lake. After a long day of adventure, AL. Ringling Brewing Company lets you unwind with freshly crafted beer in downtown Baraboo.

Delavan

This adorable waterfront community, located about 53 miles from Milwaukee, is rich in natural beauty punctuated by the glistering waters of Delavan Lake. The 1,900-acre reservoir supports a range of aquatic fun, including boating, fishing, and canoeing. Meanwhile, hikers, campers, and picnickers revel in the secluded, tranquil setting of Community Park, which sits on the shores of the lake. Phoenix Park Bandshell impressively blends nature with the arts, welcoming guests to enjoy live music in a quaint venue amidst shady trees and grassy lawns. Delavan is also famous for its vibrant arts landscape. It is home to Dancing Horses Theatre, which treats audiences to exotic performances in an intimate 300-seat venue. These range from Vegas-style horse shows to acrobatic maneuvers that delight all ages.

La Pointe

Situated on Madeline Island (and part of the Apostle Islands), La Point is surrounded by the sprawling waters of Lake Superior. La Pointe is a picturesque escape and one of the most remote towns in Wisconsin. It takes a ride on the Madeline Island Ferry Line ride to reach La Pointe, where miles of lake beaches, including Joni's Beach, allow vacationers to immerse in the outdoors. This sandy enclave has a quiet, isolated atmosphere ideal for a nonchalant soak, picnic, or lazy stroll. Nature photographers easily gravitate towards Big Bay State Park. Its mile-long boardwalk places you in the perfect position to document the spectacular sandstone bluffs, ice caves, and rugged cliffs that make up the reserve's landscape. Elsewhere, La Pointe Center Art Gallery offers a taste of local arts with rotating exhibitions featuring artists from the Apostle Island region.

Spring Green

This secluded village in southwest Wisconsin is known for world-class attractions that far outrank its size. It is recognized as the hometown of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright and hosts the nearby — and quirky — House on the Rock. This architecturally pleasing complex was designed by Alex Jordan Jr. and opened in 1959. It features a series of shops, gardens, and exhibition rooms, with the highlight being a gigantic 200-foot whale skeleton. Theater lovers often gather at the American Players Theatre to watch entertaining classical plays and dramas focusing on Shakespeare's works. Elsewhere, a vast wilderness area surrounds the small town, beckoning adventurers to get lost in the great outdoors. This includes the 1,000 acres of Spring Green Reserve, which harbors a diverse ecosystem of black oak barrens and rolling prairie. A 1.6-mile trail cuts through the park, ideal for those seeking to explore and discover rare native plant species.

Fish Creek

This small town in Door County houses one of Wisconsin's most visited state parks, making it a popular destination for outdoor immersion. Almost 1 million tourists visit Fish Creek annually to indulge in the numerous opportunities at Peninsula State Park. Spread over 3,700 acres, this spectacular nature space offers miles of hiking trails, hundreds of wooded campsites, an 18-hole golf course, and several miles of Green Bay shoreline. The Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours allow guests to discover the park from the water and feature remarkable sightings of the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, sandstone cliffs, and underwater caves. In addition to the exciting adventures, Fish Creek treats foreigners to exciting stage performances in the middle of the wilderness. The lakeside Peninsula Players Theatre stages Broadway-level musicals and dramas in an open-air venue to the delight of spectators.

Cornucopia

This appealing village on the shores of Lake Superior invites travelers to experience its unprecedented beauty on land and at sea. Those who feel comfortable on the water can enjoy a trip with Lost Creek Adventures, which explores the famous and dramatic Apostle Island Sea Caves during an unforgettable kayaking excursion. Cornucopia charms with idyllic park areas with magical waterfalls. This includes the spell-binding Lost Creek Falls to the southwest of the towns, which plunges 8 feet in an unspoiled wooded setting. Downtown Cornucopia may be sleepy, but there is always something to do. If you appreciate the arts, you can stop by Hestekin Pottery to admire a collection of porcelain and stoneware pottery handcrafted by Evan Hestekin. It's a nice spot to buy a souvenir to take back home after the vacation.

Bayfield

This uncrowded community in Bayfield County has no shortage of outdoor adventures, come rain or shine. As a gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, many visitors come to experience the magic of Lake Superior. Apostle Islands Cruises is one of the top tour companies in the region and offers exceptional sightseeing cruises into the heart of Lake Superior, where you can explore the 22 Apostle Islands. The area features magical natural features, including the picturesque Mainland Sea Caves, which transform into a winter wonderland with dramatic icicles when it snows. Golf lovers can indulge in their favorite pastimes at the Apostle Highlands Golf Course. This pristine 18-hole course presents a friendly test for amateurs and professionals alike, enveloped by sprawling greens and sweeping vistas of Lake Superior.

Minocqua

Famous for its endless bodies of water and dense woodlands, Minocqua draws aquatic fun lovers and outdoor thrill seekers. You can spend a whole day water skiing, fishing, wakeboarding, or kayaking on one of the many lakes in the town, including Minocqua Lake. Thanks to the Northwoods Zip Line Adventure Tours, vacationers can up the ante with a range of adrenaline-filled activities, from ziplining over the Minocqua countryside to ATVing and snowmobiling. There's also the Bearskin State Trail for hikers looking to dive into the heart of the region. Animal lovers can also spend quality time with friendly creatures at Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari. This 168-acre sanctuary provides a habitat to over 200 species and an exciting safari in an open tram to explore its different sections. Guests can enjoy up-close encounters like petting penguins and feeding giraffes.

Final Thought

On your next trip to Wisconsin, consider swapping the concrete jungle and constant noise of its major metro areas for the unspoiled woodlands and quiet atmosphere of its secluded rural destinations. Opportunities abound to explore and discover the United States, as evidenced by the off-the-beaten-path towns in Wisconsin. Whether chasing waterfalls in Cornucopia or reveling in the island vibes of La Pointe, you can always look forward to a unique experience impossible to find in the city.