9 Towns In Wisconsin With Thriving Local Businesses
Wisconsin is a state known for its charming food, whether it is its nickname as “America’s Dairyland” or the delicious cheese available all around. To this end, the state is home to plenty of local businesses, from cheesemaking stores to breweries selling delicious craft beer. Moreover, with plenty of tourists visiting throughout the year, craft stores, galleries, theatres, and other shops thrive in small towns, offering unique trinkets rarely found elsewhere. An added bonus is that most towns boast plenty of natural and historic landmarks, from the waterfront of Sturgeon Bay to Circus World in Baraboo. Thus, visitors interested in exploring Wisconsin while supporting local economies can look at these nine towns with thriving local businesses.
Sturgeon Bay
The county seat of Door County, Sturgeon Bay, is a tourist hotspot known as the “Shipbuilding Capital of the Midwest.” The town’s history is infused with maritime tales, and it is still a mecca for bass fishermen all over the country. Those interested will adore spots like the Door County Maritime Museum, which showcases the past with interesting exhibits and a restored tug boat. For a more scenic experience, one can get out onto the water via SkipperBud’s Harbor Club Marina or watch the waves from Stone Harbor.
Inland from the coast, downtown Sturgeon Bay features plenty of businesses, each offering a great way to spend some time. Those looking for a grilled sandwich can grab a bite at the Door County Fire Company, a former fire station turned restaurant with a rustic ambiance. Down the road, grab a drink at Starboard Brewing Company, known for its tasty beer options and community spirit. Before leaving, check out Bliss on historic 3rd Avenue, a gift shop with great souvenir options.
Elkhart Lake
Another waterside community, Elkhart Lake, lies along its namesake, Elkhart Lake, in Sheboygan County. With less than 1,000 residents, the town may seem quite relaxed, but there are many surprises within. Some of the top places for local shopping are the Farmers Market and Two Fish Gallery. The latter sells unique jewelry, paintings, and handicrafts from various artists, while the former is held every Saturday with plenty of local sellers and organic goods. Afterward, one can grab a drink at SwitchGear Brewing Company, a great spot for some chill conversations.
If you’re interested in some outdoor recreation, Fireman’s Park is the place to be. With a seasonal sand beach and hiking trails, there is lots to do with a great waterside environment. Moreover, Elkhart Lake is also a cultural wellspring, with a rich heritage hosting road races in the 1950s. Residents celebrate the past with events like the Road & Track Concours d'Elegance, wherein people can get a close look at vintage automobiles parked along the streets. For more history, visit the Elkhart Lake Depot Museum to learn all about this town’s storied past.
Baileys Harbor
Those looking to get interesting souvenirs from their Wisconsin trip should add Baileys Harbor to the itinerary. This town in Door County is full of intriguing gift shops and antique stores to compliment its natural allure. Visitors can check out Koepsel’s Meadow Lane Antiques for their vintage items, bolstered by great staff who will help anyone find the best items. On the other hand, Knit Whit’s and Northcote Clock & Stein Shop offer a different set of items, including wooden carved clocks and knitted scarves, so there is something fun for everyone.
Once you have your keepsakes in order, it's time to explore Baileys Harbor further. Nature lovers will have the time of their lives at The Ridges Sanctuary. This 1,700-acre preserve boasts 29 unique orchard species, 30 ridges and swales, and a 2,600-foot boardwalk to explore. They also offer guided hikes, yoga sessions, and wildlife explorations to completely experience Wisconsin’s wilderness. After a hike, end the day with some refreshments at Door County Brewing Co. to support another one of Wisconsin’s lovely businesses.
Stoughton
About half an hour from the capital of Madison, Stoughton mixes urban hustle and bustle with rural tranquillity. The town has a distinct Norwegian heritage, which is palpable in the Main Street Commercial Historic District through architecture and businesses. Fosdal Home Bakery is a local gem that sells everything from kringles and brownies to jelly-filled Danish pastries. For a proper meal, Tailgaters of Stoughton, down the road, is a bar & grill with some of the best burgers and chicken strips in town.
Stoughton also celebrates its heritage through plenty of festivals and attractions. The citywide Syttende Mai celebration for Norwegian Constitution Day brings the town together with traditional dances, memorabilia, and food. Tourists who miss out on the dance can catch a performance at the Stoughton Village Players Theater, which hosts regular plays and concerts with comfortable seating. Last but not least, grab some cheese from Cheesers, a local shop with a large variety of cheese at reasonable prices.
Baraboo
Baraboo is nicknamed Wisconsin’s “Circus City” as it is the former headquarters and winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus. Most visitors head straight for the 1915 AI. Ringling Theatre, a rustic landmark that has hosted performances by famed entertainers such as Lionel Barrymore and Mary Pickford. Even if you don’t go inside, the Beaux-Arts architecture style is an experience of its own. For a more informative experience, one can visit the Circus World Museum, which houses plenty of circus artifacts and hosts regular performances.
While the circus may take up all your day, a short walk down Water Street opens up many new opportunities. For a hearty lunch, the Gem City Saloon & Eatery is ideal for wings, pizza, and cocktails of all flavors. Further down the road, Family Values Thrift & Variety sells plenty of thrifted items offering a budget-friendly shopping experience. Lastly, if you have any automobile issues while in town, RMH Automotive and Racing is sure to help out.
Bayfield
Five hours north of Baraboo on the other side of the state, Bayfield is a waterside town with plenty of charming views and bustling businesses. For outdoor enthusiasts, the obvious spot to visit is the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Lake Superior. This group of 21 islands is a wellspring of natural allure, with 70,000 acres of protected land. It hosts landmarks like the rugged Devils Island shoreline, Sand Island Lighthouse, and Big Bay State Park, where boating, hiking, camping, and kayaking are among the possible activities. The Apostle Island Sea Cave Tours is a great local provider for kayak and canoe tours of the island chain.
Back on land, the downtown area is full of urban opportunities, whether you want to dine, sleep, or do some shopping. Starting off with a meal, the Pickled Herring and Dessert Dock make for a great combination of dinner and dessert. Afterward, grab some gifts from the Keeper of the Light gift shop and book a room near the boardwalk at The Bayfield Inn. As night falls, head out to the waterfront to glimpse the moonlight before hitting the bed for a good night’s rest.
New Glarus
Take a step back in time in the rustic town of New Glarus in Green County. The town was settled by Swiss immigrants in 1845 and has since become a thriving hub of heritage and tourism. One of the most prominent landmarks and local businesses is the New Glarus Brewing Company. This independent craft brewery started in 1993 and is currently the 25th-largest brewing company in the United States. Tourists can tour the iconic establishment and try their delicious concoctions, such as the Wisconsin Belgian Red, an award-winning ale. If you’re more of an oenophile, Bailey’s Run Vineyard & Winery offers delicious reds and whites with scenic views.
History enthusiasts can also choose between museums such as the Swiss Historical Village and Chalet of Golden Fleece Museum. The Swiss Historical Village is a living museum complex with 14 buildings, including a schoolhouse, settler’s cabin, and smokehouse. Similarly, the Chalet of Golden Fleece Museum documents Swiss culture in town with free tours from May through October.
Viroqua
While it may seem like a quaint abode without many businesses, Viroqua has a thriving economy and plenty of great places to visit. Unique options abound, such as the Vernon Vineyards near town, a 75-acre complex with delicious locally grown wines. After a fresh sip of wine, visitors can book a show at the 1922 Temple Theatre, a historic landmark and event venue. With 552 seats and a classical revival-style design, it is a blast to the past, hosting live music, films, and plays.
On the other hand, Eckhart Park is a great place to spend some time, with its walking trails and verdant greenery that will ease the mind. After walking through town, be sure to visit the Viroqua Public Market or Vinhost Vintage Mercantile for antiques and gift items to take back home from your trip.
Mineral Point
Art enthusiasts flock to the vibrant community of Mineral Point in Iowa County. Developing as an artist’s colony in the 20th century, the town has dozens of galleries, pottery centers, craft stores, and more. To look at some of the local artwork, one should visit Wantoot-Modern American Art and Craft and the Jane Wilcoxson Studios. From fine art to studio furniture, these galleries have it all. Similarly, businesses like Brewery Pottery offer a different type of creativity, with intricate pottery work available to purchase.
The colorful charm of Mineral Point doesn’t end with its galleries but is also prevalent through its culture and heritage. For example, the Mineral Point Railroad Museum in the 1956 depot building puts the town’s past into perspective with photos and maps from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For more history, the 1835 Pendarvis is a collection of stone and timber cabins that now showcase the town’s lead mining past.
These small towns in Wisconsin are bustling with local businesses, each offering amazing food, goods, and services for consumers. Whether you are enjoying a pottery lesson in Mineral Point or grabbing a meal along the coast in Sturgeon Bay, there is something for everyone. Moreover, with coastal views, historic landmarks, and fun outdoor activities, there is always something to do in these thriving destinations. That said, don’t forget to try local delicacies like the cheese and kringles of Wisconsin.
