The Best Small Towns in Wisconsin to Chill Out In 2024
Although big cities are usually considered to be the height of popularity, given their wealth of opportunities for fun, smaller, often-overlooked towns bring a different meaning to the term. This is quite true when you travel to Wisconsin, where beautiful outdoor scenery, captivating heritage, and wilderness adventures bring out the best of its small towns. With rolling green hills, thousands of lakes, and hardwood forests in abundance, the Badger State nurtures countless scenic bergs perfect for recharging amid nature.
However, with so many options available, choosing the perfect destination can take time and effort. For travelers seeking to unwind within a short weekend or a longer vacation, these stunning towns in Wisconsin promise rewarding relaxation in 2024. Stacked with scenic charm and low-key pleasures, each ensures a most excellent adventure.
New Glarus
This charming village in Green County was nicknamed "America's Little Switzerland" for its laid-back vibes associated with the European country that inspired its moniker. New Glarus guarantees a balanced combination of cozy outdoor pursuits and rich cultural experiences. Thanks to the 430-acre New Glarus Woods State Park, tourists can escape the noise in the town center to a peaceful wilderness area where recreations like camping, hiking, and picnicking help them relax and unwind. Alternatively, an easygoing golfing spell with friends on the plush greens of Edelweiss Chalet Country Club is an ideal way of reveling in the outdoors.
On the other hand, visitors can spend their indoor sessions touring the Swiss Historical Village Museum. This fascinating cultural center uncovers the town's colorful heritage, featuring the Swiss pioneers who founded it. Your New Glarus itinerary is incomplete without tasting delicious traditional treats at the New Glarus Bakery, where offerings include bread, cookies, and donuts.
Bayfield
This picturesque waterfront community on the port of Lake Superior lures tourists with promises of remarkable adventures in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Several local outfitters, including Apostle Islands Cruises, stand on hand to fulfill this, with easygoing sightseeing trips allowing tourists to explore the region's beauty. With this, visitors can enjoy a lovely session inside the Bayfield Maritime Museum. This quaint facility harbors various historical artifacts that bring to life the life of seafarers in Bayfield and the surrounding Apostle Islands.
A vibrant arts community in Bayfield invites enthusiasts to browse some of the best local creations at its top art centers, such as the family-friendly Bayfield Arts Guild. Furthermore, witnessing first-hand the intricate process of creating fine pottery art and the results at Eckels Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery proves to be a satisfying experience for many.
Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells' famous amusement centers present the perfect atmosphere to spend quality time unwinding with friends and family. The "Water Park Capital of the World" is an exciting town with plenty of venues, highlighted by Noah's Ark Waterpark. As the largest outdoor waterpark in the country, the young and old alike gather here to enjoy over 50 fun water slides. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Deer Park promises a surreal experience in a delightful petting zoo, where guests enjoy intimate encounters with species like bison, elk, and deer.
Historically inclined tourists are encouraged to explore a vital part of the town's history at H.H. Bennet Studio. The museum is housed inside a 19th-century building and exhibits dated photographs depicting Victorian-era Wisconsin Dells. Finally, a relaxed boat tour along the Wisconsin River, courtesy of Original Wisconsin Ducks, is an excellent way to appreciate the town's natural scenery.
Mellen
Uncrowded and isolated, Mellen is one of the most chill towns in Wisconsin to visit. This hidden gem in Ashland County is the ultimate getaway to the outdoors. Wisconsin's unmatched natural beauty comes alive at the Copper Falls State Park, punctuated with dense woodlands and breathtaking waterfalls. This 3,000-acre preserve houses natural wonders like Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls, which present the perfect subject for nature photographers. This town also proves to be a recreational hub, drawing adventurers from across the region to indulge in activities like camping, hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
Beyond the park, Mellen offers hikers an exciting opportunity to discover its lovely outdoors along the Red Granite Falls Trailhead. The 2.5-mile route winds through a wooded network with notable climbs and descents. While it is generally considered challenging, the breathtaking sight of Red Granite Falls justifies the effort.
Fish Creek
Fish Creek offers all the ingredients for a chilled getaway in small-town Wisconsin, from scenic outdoor beauty, relaxed boat tours, pristine beaches, and quaint galleries. This cozy Door County enclave notably hosts Peninsula State Park, which is the key reason for bringing a chunk of tourists to the town. Straddling over 3,700 acres, the nature area receives almost a million annual visitors to explore its vast wilderness by camping, hiking, golfing, and other adventures. Meanwhile, Sunset Beach Park provides a serene, secluded setting that places you at the perfect point to watch stunning sunsets over the horizon.
Those craving to get on the open water can take advantage of sightseeing trips by Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours, which offers tourists a unique perspective of the town from the wide waters. It is a chance to spot iconic Fish Creek landmarks, including Eagle Bluff Lighthouse.
Egg Harbor
This adorable village in Door County is known for its high level of relaxation, particularly amidst nature, and for enjoying the perks of small-town living. Egg Harbor hosts several isolated outdoor spaces you can escape to for some alone time. The sandy shore of Egg Harbor Beach is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the lake scenery as boats sail on the calm waters. Alternatively, you can take a lazy stroll along the shoreline to free your mind or try catching some fish. Egg Harbors' relaxed atmosphere gets even cozier when sipping a glass of locally crafted wine at Harbor Ridge Winery. The establishment offers luxurious wine-tasting opportunities with friendly outdoor seating.
Many tourists come here to golf as a result of its beautiful Orchards at Egg Harbor. Built on a 200-acre property, this 18-hole championship course lets you enjoy a relaxed tee time surrounded by lush nature and epic views. Lastly, be sure to sample local arts by touring Off The Wheel Pottery.
Stockholm
Stockholm's friendly Nordic culture and woodsy beauty have calming effects on newcomers. This Pepin County village is steeped in Nordic heritage, stemming from Swedish immigrant founders. The town entices tourists with a solemn cultural experience, involving stops at exciting cultural centers and sampling of unique traditional cuisine. The Stockholm Museum provides a fascinating look into local history and harbors various artifacts and exhibits showcasing deep European roots. Strolling through the quiet town, visitors will enjoy meeting locals in their charming businesses, with the opportunity to taste delicious Swedish pies at the Stockholm Pie & General Store.
Meanwhile, the Stockholm Village Park Campground provides the ideal setting to commune with nature. With campsites, picnic tables, boat ramps, and a swimming beach, it draws outdoor lovers looking for a relaxed atmosphere to let loose and unwind.
From sunbathing on sandy lake shores and strolling through quaint downtowns to hiking isolated nature trails, these fabulous towns in Wisconsin offer the ultimate laid-back exploration and respite. Nestled amid the Badger State's abundant forests and waterways, they nurture a calming vibe with access to lush outdoor playgrounds and charming historic buildings. If you are planning to visit the Badger State in 2024, don't forget to include them in your itinerary. Their laidback charms revive both body and soul, leaving travelers inspired to linger among enduring Midwest warmth.
