10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Wisconsin

Sturgeon Bay is a charming town filled with shipbuilding history and natural beauty. Its rich seafaring heritage is on display everywhere you look, from the container ships and fishing tugs in the Door County Maritime Museum to the fresh-caught seafood in the local restaurants. You can fully immerse yourself in local culture by visiting the Bay Shipbuilding facility, taking a bass fishing charter boat, or shopping in local boutiques on historic Third Avenue. For some outdoor fun, visit Potawatomi State Park on the outskirts of the city and take in the natural beauty with a hiking or biking excursion.

Elkhart Lake is a quaint small town and the perfect spot for a scenic retreat. There’s no shortage of outdoor fun, such as exploring the Kiel Marsh Wildlife Area, boating or fishing on Gerber Lake, or wandering the woodlands around Little Elkhart Lake. Fireman's Park is another popular spot for outdoor recreation, especially with the kids. If you want a bit more adrenaline, you can visit Road America, a historic racetrack that hosts many local and national motorsports events. You’ll find plenty of history in Elkhart Lake as well, such as Henschel’s Indian Museum and the Wade House Historic Site, which performs historical reenactments of the American Civil War.

Cedarburg is the ideal place for a small-town getaway on the outskirts of Milwaukee. This town has everything you could want for a romantic retreat or friends' weekend away, such as numerous wineries and vineyards, the Cedarburg Art Museum, and the unique Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts. Kids will love the attractions as well, such as the playground at Cedar Creek Park and the outdoor events of Cedarburg Firemen’s Park. If you want a mix of history and outdoor activities, you can visit Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve, Acorn Park, and Covered Bridge Park. Cedarburg Bog State Natural Area is another prime spot for outdoor fun like hunting, hiking, fishing, and exploring the wetlands and lake areas.

Ephraim is a hub of Moravian and Norwegian culture, exciting activities, and natural beauty. Located on the Door County Peninsula, Ephraim rests on the harbor and offers a range of unique attractions, including the Iverson House Museum, the Ephraim Historical Foundation, and Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf. You’ll find a lot of outdoor adventure in places like Peninsula State Park and Nicolet Bay, a popular spot for boating and fishing. For a cultured experience, visit Hands On Art Studio for creative workshops or spend the day touring the winery and sampling wines and artisan foods at Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market.

Stockholm is a vibrant village bursting with creativity, culture, and culinary delights on the shores of Lake Pepin. Along the streets, you’ll find eclectic shops and boutiques, charming cafés, and delicious restaurants serving a variety of local favorites. Arts, culture, and history are everywhere in Stockholm, and you could spend the day strolling through galleries and artisan shops for unique treasures. At night, local bars and restaurants come alive with drinks and live music. You could also attend a show at the WideSpot Performing Arts Center. If you prefer the outdoors, Maiden Rock Bluff offers stunning waterfront views and wildlife.

New Glarus is a lovely village that retains the Swiss charm, cuisine, and alpine-style architecture that began with its Swiss settlers. You could learn all about the town’s history in places like the Swiss Historical Village Museum or the Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum, an enchanting museum with priceless historic treasures from all over the world. The Montesian Gardens, a garden with a lake and park for nature walks and sitting areas, is perfect for a quiet afternoon in nature. If you want a little more adventure, you can hike or bike in the diverse landscape of New Glarus Woods State Park.

Mazomanie is a bucolic village in Dane County that’s perfect for a quiet getaway. The village is surrounded by lush, rolling hills, endless stretches of horizon, and a network of waterways and trails for outdoor recreation. You’ll find plenty of parks throughout Mazomanie, including Lake Marion Park, Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie, and Walking Iron County Park, all of which give you a chance to hike and take in the natural beauty of the Midwest. For more adventurous outdoor activities, you can visit Mazomanie Bottoms State Natural Area, a popular spot for hunting, fishing, and watersports. There’s also Ferry Bluff State Natural Area, a vibrant nature reserve teeming with wildlife.

Hayward is one of the best places for an outdoor enthusiast to stay in Wisconsin, thanks to its renowned fishing, watersports, and world-class golf. You’ll find a variety of prime fishing areas, including Windigo Lake and Lac Courte Oreilles, as well as hiking areas like Kissick Alkaline Bog Lake State Natural Area. The kids will love the attractions as well, such as the Wilderness Walk Zoo and the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. For adults, Hayward boasts many golf courses, wineries, boutiques, and restaurants, along with the upscale Sevenwinds Casino, Lodge & Conference Center.

Fish Creek is a historic village and one of the best places for a vacation in Wisconsin. Nestled between the bay of Green Bay and the dramatic limestone bluffs, Fish Creek offers a wide variety of attractions and experiences, such as touring local wineries and enjoying a hiking or biking excursion in Peninsula State Park. It’s home to many historic sites, such as the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse and museum and the Alexander Noble House Museum. Sunset Beach Park is a quiet, pristine beach on the lake that allows you to soak up some sun while the kids swim.

Bayfield is known as the “Gateway to Madeline Island and the Apostle Islands” and serves as a base camp for those looking to explore the great outdoors. Many popular hiking trails are around Bayfield, including the Brownstone Trail and Big Ravine Trail, and many watersport enthusiasts flock to Big Bay State Park for kayaking and canoeing adventures. You could also hike or climb at Mount Ashwabay or explore the wilderness in the Nourse Sugarbush State Natural Area, a vast nature reserve with local wildlife.