This Walkable Stretch Of Shops And Restaurants In Small-Town Wisconsin Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination
By Ben Jones|Published January 24, 2023
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Ben Jones
Author
Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
In a time when everything you can possibly want is available online, there’s something that’s still out of reach. An unsatisfying click of a button won’t replicate the experience of walking into a charming local shop, chatting with the store owner, and discovering a few things that you didn’t know you needed. The little town of Mount Horeb, famous for its troll statues, is the perfect Wisconsin shopping destination for days like this – a place where you can park your car, slow down, and enjoy a classic shopping experience that’s become all too rare.
You’ll find Mount Horeb, pop. 7,500, west of Madison in Dane County. It’s a doable day trip from most places in southern and central Wisconsin.
The town is proud of its Norwegian roots – the first settler from Norway arrived in 1871 and you can find products from the old country for sale downtown.
You’ll have some company on your shopping trip – the town is known as the Troll Capital of the World and there are large carved trolls scattered throughout town.
Antique lovers will find treasures and if you're looking for outdoor apparel, you’ll find plenty of it as well – there’s a large Duluth Trading Company store that’s a must-visit.
You may work up a hunger during your time in Mount Horeb and you’re in luck – there are some great restaurants and brew pubs, right in the center of town. There are also places that will appeal to people who have a sweet tooth.
Learn more about the dining and shopping options in Mount Horeb on the Mount Horeb Area Chamber of Commerce website. There are a lot of interesting towns to explore in Wisconsin. Once you’ve taken in a bit of Norway in Mount Horeb, here’s where to find a little slice of Switzerland.
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