10 Most Beautiful Towns In Wisconsin You Should Visit

Jun 01, 2023

From quaint small towns to bustling cities, there's no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Wisconsin.

Sometimes, the most beautiful destinations are different from the ones with the most spectacular views or grand architecture. Wisconsin is full of small towns that offer quaint charm and a slower pace of life than the hustle and bustle of city life.

From historical buildings to picturesque parks, there are plenty of places throughout Wisconsin that will take travel enthusiasts' breaths away. Here are 10 of the most beautiful towns in the state that tourists should visit.

Set on a hilltop, this 19th-century lead and zinc mining town is now an art colony with galleries, museums, and antique shops to explore. Enjoy a stroll down Shake Rag Alley and appreciate the beauty of its old limestone buildings. Moreover, the nearby Pendarvis Historic Site is ideal for learning more about prehistoric and Native American history.

Sometimes referred to as the birthplace of Wisconsin, New Glarus is a Swiss-themed village filled with old-world charm. Explore its cheese shops and brewpubs, or go on a hike and enjoy some of the breathtaking views. From the iconic buildings and traditional chalets to Swiss flags that line the streets, travelers will feel like they've stepped back in time.

This stunning village is surrounded by three crystal clear lakes and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, sailing, kayaking, and more. Take a walk through the historical downtown area to appreciate its charming buildings. During the summer months, various festivals take place in Elkhart Lake.

Elkhart lake is also home to the famous Road America, a world-class motor racing facility that hosts some of the most significant motorsport events in the US. Head to the track to watch races, tour the facility, or try out some of their race cars. Besides that, the nearby Sheboygan Marsh is a nature lover's paradise ideal for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

This quaint town on the Door County peninsula is a popular tourist destination for its Victorian-style architecture, wooden boat building, and delicious cherry pies. Spend some time at the Anderson Dock to watch boats come in and out of the harbor or take a stroll along the beach. Nonetheless, don't forget to try some of the local delicacies like fresh fish boils and tasty cream puffs.

Ephraim is the perfect spot for outdoor activities like biking, kayaking, and sailing. It's also home to several galleries and studios where tourists can find unique artwork, pottery, and jewelry. Moreover, the nearby Peninsula State Park offers plenty of trails, lookouts, and a golf course.

This small village is home to numerous Frank Lloyd Wright buildings like Taliesin and The House on the Rock. Enjoy a drive through the countryside to take in beautiful rolling hills and stunning gardens. Besides that, visitors can enjoy the Wisconsin River for fishing, canoeing, or hiking in the nearby state parks.

Moreover, Spring Green is known for its art and culture. It's home to the American Players Theatre, where visitors can watch Shakespearean plays in an outdoor theater. It also has several galleries and studios where guests can learn about traditional pottery, jewelry making, and other art forms.

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This picturesque village is located in Door County and is home to numerous galleries, boutiques, and restaurants for visitors to explore. Spend some time at Peninsula State Park for incredible views of Lake Michigan, or hike on the trails at Whitefish Dunes State Park. The harbor is a great spot to watch the sunset.

Fish Creek is also known for its art festivals and outdoor concerts. The concerts are particularly magical on the village streets, surrounded by beautiful Victorian-style buildings. However, the highlight of Fish Creek is the stunning view of Lake Michigan from the shoreline.

Bayfield historic town is located on Lake Superior and is home to some of Wisconsin's most stunning landscapes. Spend some time downtown and explore its unique shops, cafes, and galleries or take a boat tour around Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. However, the main attraction at Bayfield is its numerous fruit orchards that offer a variety of sweet treats.

Again, Bayfield puts on a variety of summer festivals, such as the Apple Festival and the Bayfield Maritime Festival. It's also home to the Big Top Chautauqua, a multi-stage outdoor venue where travelers can hear live music and other performances.

This beautiful small town is nestled along the shores of Delavan Lake and is considered to be one of the prettiest villages in Wisconsin. Take a historical walking tour of downtown or spend some time at Beckman's Mill, known for its working grist mill and old-fashioned blacksmithing demonstrations.

For outdoor activities, Delavan Lake offers boating, fishing, and swimming, while the nearby nature trails are perfect for hiking and biking. Elkhorn is also home to several antique shops and quaint restaurants. Moreover, remember to check out the Elkhorn Antique Mall, one of the Midwest's largest antique malls.

The vibrant La Crosse city is located along the Mississippi River and offers plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, biking, and hiking. Admire the beauty of its historic downtown area or take a stroll along Grandad Bluff for incredible views.

La Crosse is known for its many festivals and events, such as Oktoberfest and Riverfest. It also has several museums, galleries, and restaurants for visitors to explore. Furthermore, the nearby wildlife sanctuary is home to hundreds of birds and other animals. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a great place to visit, featuring several beautiful buildings and gardens.

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This charming village is home to some of Wisconsin's oldest homes and businesses. Take a walk down Main Street to admire its 19th-century buildings or enjoy some of the area’s excellent restaurants, wineries, and breweries.

Additionally, Amherst offers a variety of outdoor activities. Take a boat ride on Lake Emily or go fishing and swimming at the nearby lakes. Also, don't forget to check out the Amherst Historical Museum, which has various artifacts and exhibits highlighting the area’s history. Plus, Amherst puts on several annual festivals, such as the Cheese Festival and the Bluegrass Festival.

Amherst is a small village located in Portage County, Wisconsin. It has a population of around 1,200 people and is known for its friendly atmosphere and historic charm. The main streets are lined with quaint homes and shops, plus there's an old-fashioned downtown area with the classic brick buildings travelers expect to see in rural Wisconsin.

Amherst is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty, including woods and rolling hills, making it a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Outdoor activities are popular here, from fishing and boating on nearby Lake Emily to enjoying hiking trails throughout the village.

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