Southern Wisconsin not only has vast, vivid cities like Milwaukee and Madison, but also many charming tiny towns with compelling attractions. Some have forceful connections to the culture of their founders, while others are full of natural features and historical attractions.
Whether you prefer a quick visit or a fun place to unwind, you’ll find plenty to do in these quaint little towns in southern Wisconsin. From bustling food and drink shops to artisan shops and glimpses of the culture of distant lands, these towns offer the chance to explore and explore.
1. Beloit
From the first sip of morning coffee Blue Collar Coffee Co.Beloit captivates visitors with its laid-back approach. Downtown is full of things to see, do and eat. The atmosphere is fun and eclectic, never stuffy, even when it’s upscale. Globally inspired tacos at The truck is not are delicious, as are the over 100 tequilas and whiskeys available at the bar. Exquisite dinner at Merrill and Houston’s Steak Joint overlooking the river. The beer stage swings with Beloit Beer Trailwhere you can wander as much as you like, sampling the many local craft breweries along the way. Bushel and Peck is a unique one-stop-shop that includes a market and café, as well as clothing, books, soaps, specialty food products and more. The Beloit International Film Festival and notable museums such as Logan Museum of Anthropology and Wright Art Museum make sure there’s always something compelling to do in this vivid, compact place.
2. Janesville
Parks are one of the most unique features of Janesville. In fact, with over 2,500 acres of land and nature trails, Janesville takes full advantage of its green space. Beautiful Rotary Botanical Gardens AND Riverside Park are among the most popular destinations. History and architecture buffs will want to explore the many sites in Janesville historic districts filled with magnificent buildings and unique stories. For some adult drinks, Fermentation cellars Winery AND Gray’s Brewing Company are great options. Stores like Glass Garden and several consignment and thrift stores filled with hidden treasures are a shoppers’ delight.
3. Stoughton
We first discovered the amusing side of Norwegian culture when we stopped at Norwegian Nauti One day in Stoughton for lunch. It was quite relaxing to sit outside and watch the Yahara River flow gently. The huge list of cocktails and adult drinks made us even more relaxed. We finally managed to get up and explore this absolutely charming town that honors its Norwegian roots. The journey of a lifetimeThe Norwegian Heritage Center tells the story of Norwegian immigration to the Midwest from 1825 to 1910. There are lots of lovely little shops in Stoughton selling Norwegian goods such as Nordic corner a few blocks away from Livsreise. Fosdal home bakery prepares wonderful rye bread, doughnuts and Norwegian specialties that are perfect to take home.
4. New Glarus
The village of New Glarus is full of Swiss culture. This charming town is home to buildings of conventional Alpine design, including flower boxes, plenty of shops and restaurants. When it comes to Swiss cuisine, check out Cozy Glarner Stube. You feel like you’re in a chalet in the Alps. Beer lovers will be pleased New Glarus Brewing Company, creator of Wisconsin’s favorite Spotted Cow coffee and other great drinks. They have a gift shop, beer garden and museum. From time to time, musicians give tiny concerts on their long alpine horns. Swiss Historical Village and Museum and Chalet Museum of the Golden Fleece it’s fun to discover them. Of course, no visit would be complete without tasting the most notable Swiss dishes – cheese and chocolate. Maple Cheese and Chocolate House makes it effortless by offering both delicacies in one delicious place.
5.Middleton
For a diverse tiny town with plenty to do, Middleton is a great choice. Many parks offer recreational opportunities. Pheasant Branch Protection it has plenty of trails for bird watching and exploration. Something you won’t find anywhere else is this National Mustard Museum, with about 6,000 different mustards from all over the world. It’s a fun place to wander around, learn about this delicious spice, and even buy something unique to take home. Award-winning Capital Brewery lives here, and downtown Middleton is full of great food too. One of our favorite places is Hubbard Avenue Restaurant, filled with classic dishes and unforgettable cakes. Longtable Beer Cafe it’s a great place for craft food and beer, and also has a bottle shop where you can buy craft beers to take home. Donut hurts makes jumbo doughnuts in crazy flavors that will satisfy even the sweetest sweet tooth.
6. Mount Horeb
The people of Mount Horeb have a particular fondness for trolls, making their charming little town the Troll Capital of the World. If you’re in the mood for troll walk, you can look for these mythical wood carved creatures in about twenty locations. Eat a snack in Grumpy Troll Brewery or one of many other great dining options. Tyrolean Basin offers fun winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, rafting, and scenic chairlift rides. Craft shops offer unique items such as wood products, handmade soaps, antiques, jewelry and gifts. If you’re looking for outdoor fun, Linstroth Valley View Farm specializes in autumn products. You can choose from pumpkins, pumpkins, potatoes, onions, carrots and attractive fall decorations such as corn stalks, colorful mums, Indian corn and decorative gourds.
7. Monroe
Monroe is known as the Swiss cheese capital of the USA National Historical Centre of Cheesemaking is a frosty place to visit, offering lots of history and information about the cheese-making process. Then, to sample some cheese delicacies, head to Alp and Dell Cheese Shop to check out their vast selection of cheeses and other goods. If you need an immediate cheese and beer fix, Baumgartner the pub offers a great selection of beers, a plain but tasty menu with many cheese items and intriguing wall art depicting scenes of cheese making and battles between bottles of wine and pints of beer. Cheese fans from all over the world gather in Monroe for the annual Green County Cheese Days a celebration where cheese makers compete and cheese lovers eat all types of cheese. Celebrated since 1914, Cheese Days have their own cheese day theme song and the Wedgie mascot.
8. Blue Mounds
Blue Mounds is the perfect place to experience a bit of nature’s beauty. Blue Mound State Park has stunning views from the highest point in southern Wisconsin. Mound Cave is an compelling natural limestone cave filled with unique mineral formations. For a chance to get up close to the adorable animals, stop Havens Baby Animal Farm. They have lots of cordial creatures like alpacas, ponies, mini potbellied pigs, bunnies, minnows, fainting goats and more. This outdoor farm offers lots of laughs, the occasional goat yoga, pony rides and other fun activities. Leave your adult restraint at home and cuddle up with a bunch of kids (I mean goats).
9. Dodgeville
The charming town of Dodgeville is nestled peacefully among rolling hills, attractive lakes, and rocky bluffs. Doby’s stable provides great horseback riding on scenic trails through the picturesque landscape of Dodgeville. You can explore Governor Dodge State Park on foot, horseback, by bike, boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard in summer, and on snowmobile or skis in winter. Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ is a local favorite, specializing in slow-smoked meats Duke’s Brew Pub and Ale House it’s a lively place with a vast rotation of local microbreweries. Visit Folklore Village to learn more about the folk art and cultural traditions that are so vital to this city.
10. Mineral point
Founded by miners from Cornwall, England, this charming town Mineral point transports you with its historic architecture and stone houses. Shoppers delight in specialty retail boutiques, art studios and galleries. Mineral Point Railway Museum offers a glimpse into the historic train station, built in 1856 from local materials, which became the oldest train station in Wisconsin. Other attractions include Pendarvis Historic Site with houses built in the 1840s Gundry House Museumsprawling mansion with attractive grounds. The spirit of Cornwall lives on in Mineral Point with gift shops such as Cornish Corner AND Mineral Point Collection. Sample delicious Cornish pasties at compelling venues such as Red Rooster Cafe AND Walker’s house. Check the annual Cornwall Festival for a full range of dining and entertainment options.
11. Spring green
Most people know Spring Green as home TaliesinFrank Lloyd Wright’s home, studio and school of architecture. And certainly when visiting Spring Green, this 800-acre estate is a must-see. Another attraction is unusual House on the Rock. Originally the owner’s dream retreat, the home has grown into an ever-expanding collection of exotic and unusual items that fill the themed rooms and outdoor gardens. Tower Hill State Park offers stunning views of the river, hiking trails and picnic areas. Spring Green General Store is a unique place where you can find carefully selected gifts handmade by local artists and carefully prepared food from the cafe. They host the extremely popular BobFest (in honor of Bob Dylan) and BeatleFest outdoor events, which bring music fans together to celebrate songs.
Wisconsin cities come in many shapes and sizes. Some of our favorite models are minuscule but mighty. We hope that if you have the opportunity, you will visit some of these charming tiny towns in southern Wisconsin.
