These 9 Towns Are Wisconsin's Best-Kept Secret

Wisconsin offers the best of both worlds, containing a seamless blend of rural and urban areas. With over one million dairy cows in the state, it is clear that the rural landscape makes up a good chunk of Wisconsin. Embark on a restful adventure into the best-kept secrets of this charming Midwestern area. Coast in the open waters at Green Lake while taking in the waterfront views. Discover the European influence in Coon Valley and New Glarus while feasting on local specialties. The state boasts many small-town beauties waiting to be explored.

Shawano

Shawano has a cozy, small-town vibe with many enchanting shops and stops. Drop by Twig's Beverage, a unique spot with handcrafted sodas and a quirky museum. Twigs have been a local favorite since 1951, with iconic flavors such as Black Cherry, Root Beer, and Sundrop. Walk through the self-guided museum featuring a video about the shop's history, watch the bottling line in action, and then finish off the tour with soda samples. Continue satisfying sweet tooths at Old Glory Candy, an old American-style candy store selling delectable confectionery. Grab a bag of malted milk balls, chocolate pretzels, nut clusters, and nostalgic bites like Charleston Chews.

Shawano is a quiet Wisconsin retreat. The city is perfect for nature enthusiasts looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of a bigger city. Spend the day fishing at Shawano Lake. Panfish, Largemouth bass, and Walleye are commonly found in the flowing lake. To get closer to the waters, head out for a boating trip or go kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Pitch a tent and sleep under the stars at Shawano Lake County Park Campground. Walk along the lake and let the kids play at the playground. The area offers washrooms, showers, picnic tables, and barbeque grills for those who love the great outdoors but still prefer modern amenities.

Sparta

Ditch the car and grab a different set of wheels—Sparta is the Bicycling Capital of America! Wave hello and take a picture with Ben Bikin, the World's Largest Bicyclist. This eccentric roadside attraction is a 32-foot-tall sculpture and an excellent photo opportunity to commemorate this fascinating bike town. The Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum is another essential stop in Sparta. See over 70 different artifacts, from vintage to modern-day bikes.

Sparta has many unusual oddities, and the FAST Fiberglass Mold Graveyard is no exception. This crowd-pleaser features fiberglass molds of everything from sharks to teddy bears and a massive strawberry. Finish off with a biking expedition on the Elroy-Sparta Trail, the first rail-to-trail in the country. The journey stretches around 32.5 miles and is a well-loved biking path. Experience the beauty of Wisconsin on wheels and traverse through small towns, prairies, farmlands, and wetlands on this iconic path.

New Glarus

Known as "America's Little Switzerland," New Glarus was founded in 1845 by Swiss immigrants. Today, the cute village still retains its European charm. Celebrate Swiss Independence Day at the annual Swiss Volksfest. Gather with the locals for an action-packed event filled with yodeling, flag throwing, alphorn playing, and accordion music. From May to October, trek around the Swiss Historical Village Museum. The replica 1850s community has an original schoolhouse, an authentic log house, a cemetery, and a model of a cheese factory.

Indulge in a Swiss feast at Glarner Stube, conveniently in downtown New Glarus. The rustic interior provides a comforting European-style atmosphere. Try a wiener schnitzel, German potato salad, Schublig, or a classic wurst salat. Raise a glass and say, Prost at the New Glarus Brewing Company. Tour the magnificent brewery and sip on Wisconsin's finest handcrafted beers. Taste a seasonal flavor like Tailwagger Amber, or browse the year-round selection with picks like Moon Man Pale Ale and Spotted Cow.

Sturgeon Bay

Sturgeon Bay is a striking bayside masterpiece known for waterfront exploration and abundant cherry orchards. During the summer harvest season, grab a bucket of pre-picked cherries or wander through the grounds and fill up a bucket yourself at Meleddy Cherry Orchard. Finish off the day at Cave Point County Park and bask in the views of Lake Michigan. The area is popular for fishing, kayaking, and forested hiking trails. The Garden Door is another phenomenal choice for soaking in Sturgeon Bay's lush countryside. From a rose garden to a vegetable demonstration garden, the expansive yard is a serene afternoon stroll.

Relish in the city's peculiar art scene at one of the many galleries. Lily Bay Pottery is an adored Sturgeon Bay business featuring handcrafted works by Linda Sheard. The surrounding gardens are just as breathtaking as the pottery inside the adorable home. Purchase a one-of-a-kind piece while supporting the local economy. Popelka Trenchard Fine Art Gallery is an unconventional Sturgeon Bay treasure with an impressive collection of blown glass and glass cast sculptures. Get up and close at a public demonstration, mostly held on Saturdays.

Viroqua

Viroqua is a food lovers' paradise, with over 200 organic farms and farm-to-table runs rampant in the region. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, book a table at Norwegian Hollow Hideaway. Enjoy the silence in this remote location as you dig into the restaurant's specialties. Indulge in a hearty brick oven pizza or salmon burger, or choose a lighter fare such as the cranberry walnut salad. Warm up with a good old cup of Joe at Wonderstate Coffee. The cafe is in a former 1940s gas station and sells seasonal culinary creations and specialty drinks. Wonderstate Coffee takes pride in sourcing ethical coffee at a 100% solar-powered roastery. Enjoy the center of all the action with its convenient Main Street location.

Shop until you drop at Viroqua's eclectic selection of bewitching retailers. Get lost amongst the pages and shelves at Driftless Books & Music. Since 2004, this massive second-hand store has sold a spectacular selection of books, vinyl, paintings, and sculptures. Although many cans are not for sale, the Beer Can Collection is an intriguing display. Driftless Artifacts is another downtown gem with stunning vintage fashions and accessories. Purchase a "blast from the past" outfit that will be turning heads.

Plymouth

It is not an authentic trip to Wisconsin unless there is cheese involved. Meet a Plymouth icon, Big Cow Antoinette. This towering cow statue on S Milwaukee Street stands as a tribute to the renowned Wisconsin dairy industry. Afterward, stop at the Cheese Counter and Dairy Heritage Center. Purchase locally sourced cheese curds and string cheese, or take home a cheesy gift box for someone special. Before heading out, visit the lunch counter for a panini loaded with Wisconsin cheese.

Plymouth is loud and proud when it comes to dairy, and the city is known as the Cheese Capital of the World. Venture downtown and photograph the Plymouth Arch in the downtown area, displaying the city's legendary title. Visitors flocking to the area at the end of June can gather for the excitement at the annual Cheese Capital Festival. This lively extravaganza hosts out-of-the-ordinary events such as a foam cheese wedge race, a cheese-eating contest, endless cheese vendors, and a cheese-themed parade. Bring the kids for face painting, a petting zoo, a bounce house, and a farm-themed playground.

Green Lake

Green Lake is a tranquil waterfront destination ideal for adapting to a slower pace of life. Head down to Green Lake Marina to rent a fishing boat, pontoon, wakeboard, water ski, or tube. Many visitors compliment the customer service from Green Lake Marina and say it is one of the best rental services in the area. Kick back with a long game of golf at Tuscumbia Golf Course. Established in 1896, it is one of Wisconsin's oldest and lives up to the reputation that it has built. Choose from 9 or 18 holes and put the day away in Green Lake's lush surroundings.

Nothing beats a good show at the cherished Thrasher Opera House. The venue hosts live music highlighting talent from all over. Vibe out to tunes from Harry Manx, Paul Thorn Band, Della Mae, and The Brit Pack. See local art at the in-house gallery and take home a locally made masterpiece. Thrasher Opera House also hosts compelling events such as Eats For The Arts. This magical foodie event allows visitors to taste flavors from culinary establishments throughout the region and neighboring areas.

Coon Valley

Coon Valley is a calm, rural Wisconsin village with a strong Norweigan heritage. Visit the Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center, offering endless activities. Trek through the various nature trails ranging from rugged terrain to woodlands and prairies. Explore the Bekkum Homestead, replicated to show life back in the day on a Norwegian immigrant farm. Locals have donated antique heirlooms and artifacts to fill this extraordinary museum. Available by appointment only, stop by at Norskedalen’s Thrunegaarden. This gorgeous 1853 log house is believed to be one of the oldest homes in the area. Make the holidays even more special with one of Norskedalen's many events. Make memories at Midsummer Fest, Old Fashioned Christmas, or a Civil War reenactment.

Browsing up and down Central Avenue is a sublime way to spend an afternoon in Coon Valley. Sweet Valley Artisans is a unique mall selling an attractive collection of handmade crafts, jewelry, fudge, furniture, and paint. Scan around dozens of vendors and treat yourself to something tailor-made. It is a phenomenal way to support Coon Valley residents. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at The Stockyard Grill & Saloon. The Western-style atmosphere pairs perfectly with their indulgent menu of burgers, wings, and steaks. Dine on Fridays for the fish specials and signature cocktails.

Bayfield

Established in 1856, Bayfield is a historic city on the shores of Lake Superior. Walk through time at the Bayfield Heritage Association. The nonprofit organization takes pride in showcasing the rich history of the surrounding area. Exhibits include a Bayfield Model Railroad, the Old Bayfield City Jail, and Ray Cahill Barbershop. Being a lakeside town, the city naturally has a captivating maritime heritage. Have a look at the stunning archive of Bayfield and the Apostle Islands at The Bayfield Maritime Museum.

Steeped in natural beauty, Bayfield is a flawless combination of rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling waters, providing many outdoor activities. Relax with a peaceful game of golf at Apostle Highlands Golf Course. Known for the panoramic views of Lake Superior, Madeline Island, and Michigan's Porcupine Mountains, the public golf course is renowned and loved by many. Explore Wisconsin's winter wonderland at Mount Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area. Ski, snowboard, or snowshoe on over 65 acres of land. Join the crowd in the summer months for hiking and mountain biking. The area lights up in the fall during the foliage season.

Discover Wisconsin's Lesser Known Treasures

Some travelers wish to escape the hectic and energetic lifestyles of Milwaukee and Madison. Nicknamed America's Dairyland, Wisconsin is naturally saturated with farmlands and quiet rural towns. Go cherry-picking in Sturgeon Bay or seek top-tier farm-to-table cuisine in Viroqua. Understand Wisconsin's fame by eating mountains of cheese in Plymouth, the Cheese Capital of the World. Travel the world without leaving the state by visiting the Swiss-style New Glarus or learning about Norweigan history in Coon Valley. During the fall foliage season, Wisconsin comes alive, bursting with color. Bayfield and Green Lake are exceptional destinations for soaking in the stunning seasonal hues.