There’s a lot to discover in Wisconsin’s small towns, but there’s a little catch – there are a lot of them! There are more than 1,200 towns in the Dairy State, plus over 400 villages and nearly 200 cities. If you would like to choose some to visit, here are some of the very best Wisconsin small towns that have great shops, restaurants, and history. Pay them a visit this year – here’s where to go.
- Port Washington
Facebook / Visit Port Washington This lakeside community is just north of Milwaukee and it has a gorgeous waterfront. A historic downtown is filled with charming shops and restaurants.
- Ephraim
Facebook / Ephraim - Door County, Wisconsin In the 1800s, Moravian immigrants settled this little village and it hasn’t lost its lakeside charm. Take in an awesome sunset on the gorgeous and walkable waterfront or stroll a quiet road.
- New Glarus
Facebook / New Glarus Chamber of Commerce When you arrive in this Green County hamlet, you might feel like you’ve stepped into the old country. In a way, you have – New Glarus is incredibly proud of its Swiss heritage and it’s eager to blow its horn!
- Platteville
Facebook / Platteville Regional Chamber This Wisconsin town grew up during the state’s early mining days. While the lead boom is long over, you can still explore mining history here and even climb a giant M just outside of town!
- Mount Horeb
Facebook / Mount Horeb Area Chamber of Commerce If you visit Mount Horeb, you’ll have some unusual company downtown. This town is filled with large troll statues, as well as a nice mix of stores and restaurants.
- Bayfield
Facebook / Bayfield and the Apostle Islands For a trip you won’t forget, head to far Northern Wisconsin. The little town of Bayfield has it all – sea caves, offshore islands, apple orchards, art, and more.
- Pewaukee
Facebook / Positively Pewaukee Longtime locals remember time when the Pewaukee waterfront wasn’t lined by adorable shops. Live in the now – get an ice cream, and soak up the sun on this walkable stretch of stores and restaurants.
- Trempealeau
Alltrails / Steven Garner Flanked by towering bluffs along the Mississippi River, this little town is the gateway to a beautiful state park. Enjoy a hike with incredible views and then tuck in for a cosy meal as river barges drift by.
- Stockholm
Facebook / Stockholm Wisconsin: Small Village, Big Heart Feeling hungry for pie? Head to this charming waterfront town to get your fill of the state’s best pie, as well as a great view of Lake Pepin.
- Sparta
Facebook / Minhas Craft Brewery If you’re looking for great local flavor, look no further than Sparta. The town holds lively events throughout the year, including a picture-perfect holiday market.
- Mineral Point
Ben Jones / OIYS There as a time when this little town was the center of the state’s mining industry. Those days have passed and today Mineral Point is known for its big collection of art galleries.
- Monroe
Facebook / Minhas Craft Brewery There’s just one decision you’ll need to make when you visit this town in southern Wisconsin. Beer or cheese? The town has some iconic offerings and fortunately, they pair very well together.
Once you’ve explored these towns, here are some more unforgettable day trip ideas.
Facebook / Visit Port Washington
This lakeside community is just north of Milwaukee and it has a gorgeous waterfront. A historic downtown is filled with charming shops and restaurants.
Facebook / Ephraim - Door County, Wisconsin
In the 1800s, Moravian immigrants settled this little village and it hasn’t lost its lakeside charm. Take in an awesome sunset on the gorgeous and walkable waterfront or stroll a quiet road.
Facebook / New Glarus Chamber of Commerce
When you arrive in this Green County hamlet, you might feel like you’ve stepped into the old country. In a way, you have – New Glarus is incredibly proud of its Swiss heritage and it’s eager to blow its horn!
Facebook / Platteville Regional Chamber
This Wisconsin town grew up during the state’s early mining days. While the lead boom is long over, you can still explore mining history here and even climb a giant M just outside of town!
Facebook / Mount Horeb Area Chamber of Commerce
If you visit Mount Horeb, you’ll have some unusual company downtown. This town is filled with large troll statues, as well as a nice mix of stores and restaurants.
Facebook / Bayfield and the Apostle Islands
For a trip you won’t forget, head to far Northern Wisconsin. The little town of Bayfield has it all – sea caves, offshore islands, apple orchards, art, and more.
Facebook / Positively Pewaukee
Longtime locals remember time when the Pewaukee waterfront wasn’t lined by adorable shops. Live in the now – get an ice cream, and soak up the sun on this walkable stretch of stores and restaurants.
Alltrails / Steven Garner
Flanked by towering bluffs along the Mississippi River, this little town is the gateway to a beautiful state park. Enjoy a hike with incredible views and then tuck in for a cosy meal as river barges drift by.
Facebook / Stockholm Wisconsin: Small Village, Big Heart
Feeling hungry for pie? Head to this charming waterfront town to get your fill of the state’s best pie, as well as a great view of Lake Pepin.
Facebook / Minhas Craft Brewery
If you’re looking for great local flavor, look no further than Sparta. The town holds lively events throughout the year, including a picture-perfect holiday market.
Ben Jones / OIYS
There as a time when this little town was the center of the state’s mining industry. Those days have passed and today Mineral Point is known for its big collection of art galleries.
There’s just one decision you’ll need to make when you visit this town in southern Wisconsin. Beer or cheese? The town has some iconic offerings and fortunately, they pair very well together.
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