What is better than growing up in one of the many quaint towns in Wisconsin? It’s safe, there’s a great community always there to help you when you’re in need, and you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a great lifestyle. We’re looking at some of the best small towns in Wisconsin:
Cedarburg is a small town with a lot of things going for it, like a winery, art museum, cultural center, and the General Store Museum. The limestone buildings are breathtaking and there are several that are listed on the National Historic Register. And at no point are the buildings or town more beautiful than at Christmastime. You'll be happy you visited during the holidays. This is one of the most beautiful places in Wisconsin.
Lake Geneva has an absolutely fantastic downtown with ice cream and fudge shops, as well as more upscale retailers. Soak up some rays on the beautiful beach or take an architecture cruise. Walk the 25 mile trail around the lake. It's one of the most charming small towns in Wisconsin to reconnect with your spouse or spend the day with the kids.
New Glarus is known internationally for its craft beer. So a huge selling point is getting some awesome samples of their brews. It's great for foodies, with some awesome restaurants. But it's also a great place to hike. Check out the Badger State Trail, and don't forget to bring a flashlight when going through the 1,200 foot Stewart Tunnel.
Mazomanie is a step back in time and one of the most beautiful places in Wisconsin with housing still intact from the mid-1800s. Old buildings have become new places, like libraries and restaurants. Check out some great art galleries as well as B&Bs. The town's prime location by Madison and Wisconsin Dells makes it a great place to stop in and stay a while.
Lakeside lodging and dining make Port Washington a great place to spend a few days. Check out the Interurban Trail, which is great to hike, bike, or even observe some of Wisconsin's great birds. Shopping is excellent, with a nice blend of boutiques and specialty food shops.
Ephraim is the crown jewel of Door County, in my humble opinion. This quiet place is one of the most charming small towns in Wisconsin and has some of the best ice cream in all of the state! Rent a boat and head out on the idyllic water. Explore homes that are on the National Register of Historic Places on a self-guided walking tour.
Stockholm has a good deal of Swedish influence, which means you can sample tons of Scandinavian foods. Drive down the Great River Road for some absolutely breathtaking views. Check out the Stockholm Pie Company for the some of best sweet and savory pies you'll ever sample.
Bayfield is famous for the Apostle Islands, 21 islands to explore by boat or through hiking. The islands are considered some of the most beautiful places in Wisconsin. This small town of 550 has some great food offerings, including a great slice of pie.
Known as the "Spirit on the Lake," Sheboygan offers some beautiful shots of Lake Michigan. There are plenty of places to get out on the water, whether you want to swim, boat or fish. Also, Sheboygan is the bratwurst capital of the world...which means you can get some great brats!
Columbus is just 5,000 residents but its proximity to Madison makes it a popular place to stop off. First on most people's lists is the Antique Mall and Museum. The Christopher Columbus Museum is a cute little place worth checking out. There is also Arts & Ales, which is a celebration of--you guessed it--crafts and beers. Is there a better way to celebrate summer in Wisconsin?
What do you think of this list of the best small towns in Wisconsin? What’s your favorite small town in the state? Let us know in the comments. Check out our restaurants in Wisconsin road trip for more fun things to do in Wisconsin.
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With a population of approximately 200 residents, Eland is considered the smallest town in Wisconsin. Technically a village, it was incorporated in 1905.
What are some of the best small-town restaurants to visit in Wisconsin?
Many of the small towns in Wisconsin have some of the best restaurants in the state. When in Stockholm, stop by the Stockholm Pie Company for a slice of one of their famous pies. Located in Cedarburg, you’ll find the best steaks at The Farmstead. Read our post about the best food towns in Wisconsin for more.
