10 reasons to visit this charming Wisconsin town 2 hours from Chicago

At first glance, Switzerland and Wisconsin seem like worlds apart. But not so quick…

New Glarus was settled in 1845 by immigrants from Switzerland and this influence is still felt today, earning it the nickname “America’s Little Switzerland”. Rumor has it that yodeling and alpine horns still ring in the streets, but when we visited I didn’t hear any. Still, it’s a nice image, worth considering and somehow completely believable.

Just a few hours from Chicago, this miniature town is full of Wisconsin charm, from its gorgeous bike path to its decorated cows to its state-of-the-art brewery. Come with me and see why there are at least 10 reasons why you should visit New Glarus.

1. Sugar River Bike Trail

Last fall, my husband Dean and I were on a trip to the East Coast, but we planned to stop in New Glarus for a few days to take a break from driving, explore this quaint town, and exercise on the Sugar River State Traila bike route we’ve only heard about.

The Sugar River State Trail is another great rail-to-trail trail that follows an abandoned railroad for 20 miles from New Glarus to Brodhead. The route includes trestles (14 of them) that cross the Sugar River and its tributaries, and provide ample opportunities to view farmland, forests, rolling hills, and prairies (the bike route is flat and straightforward).

We began our journey at the Sugar River Trail headquarters (trailhead), a restored 1887 train depot. We didn’t take our bikes with us, but it was straightforward and capable bicycle rentals are easily accessible. Since we paid for the bike rental online, we arrived at the trailhead and found two bikes marked with our names. They were seven-speed bikes, so not our usual ride, but a step above other rentals we had previously had.

Pro tip: Every cyclist aged 16 or over needs: state pass exploit the trail.

2. Wildlife observation by bike

During our bike ride we saw groups of distinctive enormous white birds with red markings. From my internet research, whooping cranes resemble prairies and fields (check and verify). The National Wildlife Federation acknowledges “unnatural migratory species…breeding in the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge [which is north of New Glarus] in Wisconsin.” We love watching wildlife in natural surroundings from the seat of our bike.

Pro tip: Need more cycling? South of the Monticello trailhead, this trail connects to the 60-mile trail Badger State Trail.

3. Replica of the Clarence Covered Bridge

We biked about 12 miles before turning around and riding back to New Glarus. The trail map showed us that there is a replica of the Clarence Covered Bridge on the southern part of the trail. I am always interested in covered bridges because of their charm, diversity and history. But the bridge is only noticeable from the trail; it cannot be seen from any road. So we went to what it looked like the nearest country road, and my patient husband waited for me to go jogging/walking to the bridge. It’s a long story, but I finally found this beauty.

This bridge was built in 1984, but closely mimics the original mid-19th century bridge. It was a pretty, radiant day and I loved the way the behind schedule afternoon sun created airy contrasts on the bridge.

4. New Glarus Cow Parade

What other city can boast 16 uniquely decorated cows? According to SwissTown.com “New Glarus”Cow paradeit started when two New Glarus store owners saw a cow parade at the airport in Zurich, Switzerland. Since the cows are produced in Zurich and New Glarus is located in dairy country, the painted cows seemed like a perfect fit. The cows were imported from Switzerland and painted with unique designs by local artists.”

I agree, they are a perfect nod to Switzerland and Wisconsin and add to the charm of New Glarus.

5. Fat Cat Coffee works

Farm-to-table breakfast and lunch

If you want to have a great breakfast or lunch, give it a try Fat Cat’s coffee works. It’s an eclectic place with lots of character. We ordered coffee to complement the breakfast burritos and wraps – all wonderful. You can bet I was looking for good things in their bakeries and cakes! They also have great lunch deals.

Pro tip: Rainy day? Travel to nearby Black Earth and visit Shoe box, which claims to be the “largest shoe store in the Midwest.” (Being a casual shopper, I had more success at the outlet store next door.) Or take a trip to the capital Madisonabout half an hour away.

6. The sound of church bells

Swiss United Church of Christ

There is something elated about the sound of church bells, and thanks to the Swiss United Church of Christ, the church bells in New Glarus still ring true. The church’s website shows that the first bell rang in 1852 at noon and at sunset to lend a hand people keep the correct time. It was also a fire warning so residents could lend a hand fight a neighbor’s blaze. Nowadays, there are more state-of-the-art methods of keeping time and extinguishing fires, but the bells are another part of New Glarus’ undeniable charm.

7. Brenda’s Flower Shop (Flower Shop)

There is no shortage of captivating shops to explore and browse in Nowy Glarus. This is a great example Brenda’s flower shop (Blumenladen means flower shop). From a trellis garden, through flower arrangements, to home decorations and gifts – there is always something modern here.

8. Kristi’s Bistro restaurant and bar

It’s nice to sit outside on the veranda Kristi’s Bistro Restaurant and Bar and enjoy a good meal. Their dinner menu varies, but my beef tenderloin with herb butter, roasted potatoes and sautéed vegetables, and Dean’s pork tenderloin with the same sides were equally delicious.

Pro tip: They run a bustling business, so call and ask about dinner reservations.

To our surprise, across the street from Kristi, we saw another infamous decorated cow sitting on a platform above the entrance to Tofflers Pub and Grill! The internet told me it was Chuck the cow and explained his outfit: “Tofflers – Swiss slang for a biker – that’s why the cow wears a leather vest…”

9. Painted barn quilts

New Glarus takes on the barn quilting art you’ll find throughout Wisconsin. A barn quilt is a square, quilted design that is painted on a roughly 8-by-8-foot piece of plywood and attached to the barn. These tributes to local wildlife, plants, agriculture, woodwork or just colorful quilt patterns are fun.

10. Nowa Kompania Piwowarska Glarus

Since 1993 New Glarus brewing company brews beer from a high hill overlooking New Glarus. The buildings look like a Bavarian village, and the long driveway leading up to them makes you feel like you’re on top of the world (or at least on top of New Glarus).

We took a guided tour for a fee that included a glass of beer (save the glass) with a selection of regular and seasonal offerings: Spotted Cow, Fat Squirrel, Moon Man, Deer, Raspberry Tart and more. Rejoice, because New Glarus beer can only be purchased in Wisconsin.

During our tour, signs explained the history of the brewery. It’s a story of beer, a story of love and a story of a miracle (in the beginning, a German brewery’s equipment worth a million dollars was bought for $24,000). Born from humble beginnings: “Our goal was never to do something big. We just wanted to pay our bills and be honest with the people around us. We hoped that one day we would sell 10,000 or 15,000 barrels.” I don’t know how much they sell per day, but judging by the facility, I think they’re doing well.

This sign quoting Francis of Assisi sums up their artistic passion: “He who works with his hands is a worker. He who works with his hands and head is a craftsman. An artist is one who works with his hands, his head and his heart.” Who would have thought that a brewery tour could be so ambitious?

The outdoor courtyard is roomy, terraced and well-designed, with plenty of seating. By mid-week in behind schedule October, we had the area to ourselves, but I could imagine it coming alive on hot days and on weekends.

Nowy Glarus is a special place. Is this a bike path? Cattle? Bells? Brewery? It could be any of these things and that’s it. Whenever the sun sets over New Glarus, it is a good day. It’s a sunset cow in dramatic colors, depicting the sunset falling over the rolling farmlands and hills of New Glarus. This seems like a fitting way to end this article about the many reasons to visit this quaint Wisconsin town, located about two hours from Chicago.