Top 10 Best Small Towns in Wisconsin

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Wisconsin truly has it all, from breathtaking natural wonders to vibrant cities and thriving farm-to-table scenes. But it's the state's plethora of charming ... read more...

  1. Lake Geneva is a town in Wisconsin, United States. Lake Geneva has become a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the Chicago and Milwaukee metropolitan areas. Since the late 19th century, it has been home to numerous lakefront mansions owned by wealthy Chicagoans as second homes, leading it to be nicknamed the "Newport of the West". Many people know the Lake Geneva region for its beautiful landscape, world-class golf courses, and outstanding restaurants, making it the ideal small town to begin your trip in Wisconsin.


    A stroll along Shore Path, where you'll see a lot of historic estates and homes as well as huge fields of tulips and daffodils, is one of the top things to do here. In this town, the clean waters of Geneva Lake can be the ultimate place for relaxation. There are four beaches, each with its own operating hours and rates. There are numerous activities available in Lake Geneva throughout the year. Beginning with ziplining, scooter tours, skydiving, and cruises and progressing to winter activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, and others. It is unquestionably an exciting day trip from Chicago. The arts and entertainment sector is also of high quality, with fantastic live music shows and delicious meals and menus featuring Italian gourmet dishes, standard steaks, and seafood. With so many things to do in Lake Geneva, it's difficult to imagine someone visiting and not finding what they're looking for.

    Photo by Gabriel Garcia Marengo  on Unsplash
    Photo by Gabriel Garcia Marengo on Unsplash
    Photo by Dino Reichmuth  on Unsplash
    Photo by Dino Reichmuth on Unsplash

  2. Stockholm, located on Wisconsin's west coast, is a small town with a lot to offer. Stockholm is the kind of place you want to visit again and again, with Swedish heritage that can be traced back to the original settlers, a gorgeous location on the widest part of the Mississippi River, and all the charm of small-town Wisconsin. Stockholm is a small town with a population of only 66 people, but it's packed with interesting things to do and see. Stockholm, located on Wisconsin's west coast about 90 minutes downriver from Minneapolis, was founded in 1851 by a Swedish explorer who climbed what is now known as Maiden Rock Bluff and decided it was a good place to settle.


    Lake Pepin is a naturally formed lake located along the Mississippi River just north of where it meets the Chippewa River. This is the widest section of the Mississippi River, and the lake was formed by sediment carried by the Chippewa River. Erik Petterson, the original settler, enticed a group of 200 Swedes to emigrate to this area. Only 30 of them survived the journey and arrived in Stockholm. Many of the town's residents can trace their ancestors back to those early settlers. The views from Maiden Rock Bluff are unrivaled. It's easy to see why the original settlers wanted to stay.

    Photo by Vicente Viana Martínez on Pexels
    Photo by Vicente Viana Martínez on Pexels
    Photo by Maria Orlova on Pexels
    Photo by Maria Orlova on Pexels
  3. In postcard-perfect condition In Door County, there is a small village that has been named the most beautiful small town in Wisconsin. Visit Ephraim to see why: this Wisconsin town combines historic charm, natural beauty, and lakefront tranquility. It's a place to slow down and enjoy a scenic Wisconsin getaway that will undoubtedly provide much-needed R&R. Ephraim is right on Highway 42 and is difficult to miss when driving up the Peninsula - it's just past Peninsula State Park, between the villages of Fish Creek and Sister Bay.


    It's far from a "large" village. Ephraim has a year-round population of less than 300 people, but during the summer and fall, the population explodes as visitors flock to the community for rest and relaxation. It's a lovely place to spend a vacation, but even if you only have a few hours, it's worth parking your car and strolling through the village. It's right on the water, with a soft sand beach and a long stretch of shoreline. Moravians founded Ephraim in the 1800s, and there are many historic buildings and churches along the bluff and lake. Anderson's Dock is a must-see along the lakefront.


    This dockside warehouse has been signed by generations of boaters and is one of the county's most photographed locations. Wilson's Restaurant and Ice Cream is another location where you'll want to take photos if you can put down that delicious ice cream cone! The shop has been open since 1906, and each cone contains a surprise: a jelly bean tucked into the bottom!

    Photo by islandworks on Pixabay
    Photo by islandworks on Pixabay
    Photo by islandworks on Pixabay
    Photo by islandworks on Pixabay
  4. There are many small towns in Wisconsin to visit and get lost in, but Elkhart Lake is one of the best. There's something about sleepy lake towns that makes you want to dig your toes in the sand, forget about life at home, and completely unwind. Even in the winter, when you want to get away from the beach, Elkhart Lake has plenty of recreation, dining, shopping, and entertainment to keep you occupied. Elkhart Lake is a town in Sheboygan County with a population of less than 1,000 people. Despite its small size, Elkhart Lake has so much to offer that you may find yourself needing more than a weekend to explore.


    Though the lake is popular in the summer, there is plenty to do in Elkhart Lake all year. Elkhart Lake embraces its small town, resort past, which was first accessed by train by Milwaukeeans looking to escape the city. Hiking, swimming, and biking are popular summer activities, and snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing are popular winter activities. The Road America track opened in 1965 and now hosts over 425 events per year. However, prior to the construction of the track, the city hosted road races around the lake.


    Road America hosts NASCAR Xfinity Series, Weather Tech Sports Car Championship, SCCA Pirelli World Challenge, ASRA, AMA Superbike Series, and IndyCar Series races, as well as the Kohler International Challenge, one of the country's largest vintage car road races. In addition, they host a bicycle race, an inline skating race, and a run/walk to benefit the American Cancer Society. Do you yearn for the excitement of a music festival in the summer? Swamp grass is held at the Victorian Village in February.

    Photo by  Fern M. Lomibao on Unsplash
    Photo by Fern M. Lomibao on Unsplash
    Photo by AppletonOnfoot on Pixabay
    Photo by AppletonOnfoot on Pixabay
  5. Stevens Point is the center of the Stevens Point Micropolitan Statistical Area, which had a population of 70,377 in 2020, according to the US Census Bureau. Stevens Point is the home of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a Mid-State Technical College campus. This is yet another Wisconsin destination that combines stunning natural beauty with sophisticated art and culture. This area was once a logging stop along the Wisconsin River; however, it now houses not one, but two universities. When in town, start by exploring the downtown area. Many of the best things to do in Stevens Point can be found there!


    Visit the Riverfront Arts Center's gallery or the Scarabocchio Art Museum for unique art exhibits and workshops, as well as the historic farmers market (one of the oldest in the state of Wisconsin). During the summer, stroll around the public square fountains or take part in Riverfront Rendezvous, one of the city's well-known community celebration festivals. The 27-mile Green Circle Trail is ideal for hiking or biking, and the Iverson Park Winter Sports Area offers ice skating and toboggan slides. Overall, the town offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for people of all ages. If you're interested in history, start by looking at the murals on downtown buildings and then go to the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information on those murals and much more.

    Photo by KJ .  on Unsplash
    Photo by KJ . on Unsplash
    Photo by Tim Oldenkamp on Unsplash
    Photo by Tim Oldenkamp on Unsplash
  6. Eau Claire is a town in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin, and is the county seat. It also has a small portion in Chippewa County, Wisconsin. Eau Claire is located on traditional Ojibwe, Dakota, and Ho-Chunk land at the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers. Eau Claire is known for its excellent music and breathtaking riverfront views. The abundance of great music festivals that take place is one feature that distinguishes this town. Country Jam, Eaux Claires, and Blue Ox Music Festival are among the best. Carson Park, High Roller-Skating Center, and Altoona Family Restaurant are among the many family-friendly attractions in Eau Claire. You should plan your entire itinerary ahead of time because there are so many options for family fun!


    And almost everything else here is the same. Even the downtown area has so many restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities that you could spend an entire day, if not two. The Pablo Center at the Confluence and other nearby museums in the downtown area are a must-see for art enthusiasts. In terms of outdoor activities, Trinity Equestrian offers therapeutic horseback riding, you can walk around the Chippewa River State Trail, or you can take advantage of the two rivers that run through town and paddle your way along the water trail.

    Photo by Timothy Abraham  on Unsplash
    Photo by Timothy Abraham on Unsplash
    Photo by Chris Palmer on Unsplash
    Photo by Chris Palmer on Unsplash
  7. Wisconsin has many unique places, but one of the most beautiful is in the far north, where you can find apple orchards and sea caves, bluegrass music and lighthouses. Does that sound magical? Welcome to Bayfield, Wisconsin's most enchanting town. Bayfield is in far northern Wisconsin, on the shores of Lake Superior, about six hours north of Milwaukee. It's a former lumber and commercial fishing town with a postcard-sized downtown full of cute shops and restaurants. Bayfield bills itself as the "Gateway to the Apostle Islands", and it is the starting point for adventures in the nearby Apostle Islands.


    Approximately 60,000 people flock here during the first week of October for a massive apple festival. Natural wonders abound just outside of town, including rocky beaches, dramatic sea caves, and offshore lighthouses. The climate is ideal for apple growing, and orchards near town produce some of the best fruit you've ever tasted in the fall. Bayfield is also a popular destination for artists. Many artists live in this scenic area, and there are galleries right in town. When you see the waterfront, you might be tempted to make your own art. There's something to do in every season - in the winter, Bayfield gets a lot of beautiful snow, and in the summer, there's a canvas theater called Big Top Chautauqua where you can hear some great live music. It has hosted well-known performers such as Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash.

    Photo by islandworks on Pixabay
    Photo by islandworks on Pixabay
    Photo by Goodfreephotos_com on Pixabay
    Photo by Goodfreephotos_com on Pixabay
  8. Door County has beckoned generations of visitors with its outstretched thumb into the cold waters of Lake Michigan. Little villages dot the Door County Peninsula's shoreline, tucked into bays that once provided refuge to the fishermen who first settled here. Today, every village is picture-perfect and has legions of fans, but Sister Bay, Wisconsin, has an unrivaled combination of beauty and amenities; it can compete with any vacation spot of its size in the country. Sister Bay is a small town with a population of only 876 people. Its population grows when tourists flock here on busy summer weekends to enjoy the shops, restaurants, waterfront, and small-town charm.


    There are special events throughout the year, but the biggest is Fall Fest, which draws both locals and visitors to the downtown area for a big parade and plenty of fall cheer. In the spring, Sister Bay is an ideal location for viewing the county's apple and cherry blossoms. Color explodes in the orchards just outside of town; it's the ultimate photo opportunity. The expansive waterfront provides a lovely backdrop to the village. It's a great spot to watch the sunset or watch the boats go by. Sister Bay is an excellent place to make landfall if you have a boat. It has a large and well-equipped marina that is close to everything in town.

    Photo by Gary Meulemans on Unsplash
    Photo by Gary Meulemans on Unsplash
    Photo by MOHANN on Pixabay
    Photo by MOHANN on Pixabay
  9. As the human population grows and the world shrinks due to the power of the internet, it is difficult to identify any location as truly remote. Everything is easily accessible and well-known. However, there are still some areas that are quite remote, particularly in Wisconsin. Washington Island is one such location. The population is around 600 people. However, even on this island, which is only accessible by ferry, there are places that will make you feel as if you are in another world. Washington Island, located at the top of Door County, is known as "Death's Door" because of the choppy waters that have killed many sailors.


    That doesn't stop people from going out in kayaks because the views from the water are spectacular. Seriously, there are parts of the island where you may not see another soul while exploring. There are also some lovely forests to explore here. Much of it is undeveloped, so make sure you know where you're going. The Medieval-style church built on the island, known as a stavkirke, is one of the coolest and most unexpected features of this island. It truly is breathtaking. Finally, there may not be a better place to watch the sun set. You simply cannot believe how beautiful it is.

    Photo by David Lang on Unsplash
    Photo by David Lang on Unsplash
    Photo by Benjamin Massello on Unsplash
    Photo by Benjamin Massello on Unsplash
  10. Sturgeon Bay is the largest town in Door County, a Wisconsin peninsula surrounded by the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. The character of the town is rooted in its maritime and shipbuilding history. Begin your visit at the Maritime Museum, where you will learn about Door County's contribution of NAVY ships during WWII. Spend an afternoon touring one or all of Sturgeon Bay's three lighthouses: Sherwood Point, Sturgeon Bay Canal Station, and North Pierhead. Take a walk down to the Michigan Street bridge to see the various types of ships and tugboats that visit the port.


    Fishing is important to the Sturgeon Bay community, so partaking in a traditional fish boil or dining in an authentic Supper Club will make you feel at home. Check out the boutiques and shops on the West Side, Jefferson Street, and Third Avenue, where you can find one-of-a-kind arts and gifts. Cave Point County Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sturgeon Bay. It is a small neighborhood park with trails leading to picturesque, jagged limestone cliffs overlooking Lake Michigan. Spend your evenings watching the sunset at Sunset Park or nearby Potawatomi State Park, where the area's natural landscape has been preserved. You can stay at a lodge like the Bay Shore Inn, which is right on the waterfront and close to everything.

    Photo by Keenan Davidson on Unsplash
    Photo by Keenan Davidson on Unsplash
    Photo by Dave Hoefler on Unsplash
    Photo by Dave Hoefler on Unsplash



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