If you’re longing for a European vacation but want something more affordable, these Wisconsin cities will suit your needs. Wander cobblestone streets, sip craft wine in rolling vineyards, and join in the fun of cultural celebrations year-round while learning about a part of Wisconsin’s history.
A walk around Stockholm
Gather your crew for a visit to charming Stockholm, a Wisconsin village founded by Swedish immigrants who wove their culture into the natural beauty of the Driftless region. Take the scenic Great River Road, which follows the Mississippi River to where it meets Lake Pepin, to enjoy lovely bluff views before heading into town. Once there, you and your crew can browse art galleries, quaint cafes, and more in the quaint downtown area. Stock up on truly Scandinavian decorations and fashion at Scandihoo, a hygge shop that also puts an emphasis on sustainability.
When you and your crew get hungry, stop by the beloved Stockholm Pie and General Store for fresh dishes, including many tasty Swedish products, such as Smorgas with smoked salmon. And remember to eat some of their notable cake when you leave!
If you want to try more local specialties, head to Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery to taste European-style ciders and wines with views of the surrounding area.
Build a Stein in Germantown
Thanks to the immense number of German immigrants who settled in Wisconsin, the country’s culture can be seen in many cities throughout the state. It is especially celebrated in Germantown, just 30 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Here you can be transported straight to the real Bier Café and Garden at the Von Rothenburg Bier Stube with dozens of German beers on tap and classic German specialties such as giant heated pretzels, schnitzel and more. Sip your brew with friends in the magical outdoor beer garden and elementary (greetings) for the nice moments spent together.
Come to Oktoberfest in September to experience a festive celebration of German culture. With live music, dancing and family fun, including Dachshund Dash, you will definitely feel the European atmosphere around you.
Do you want a majestic castle on a hill that will complete everything? Well, you’re in luck! The Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary, a picturesque basilica atop a glacial hill that boasts neo-Romanesque architecture amid miles of rolling hills, is less than 10 miles by car.
Enjoy the Scandinavian atmosphere in Stoughton
Take a brief trip to Norway through Stoughton, a charming, lively town located southeast of Madison. You and your crew will surely notice the Norwegian flags displayed along the picturesque main street, full of one-of-a-kind tiny businesses perfect for browsing.
Stop at Livsreise, the Norwegian Heritage Center in Stoughton whose name means “Journey of Life”, and learn about the stories of those who emigrated from Norway at the turn of the 20th century through interactive exhibitions. From there it’s a brief walk to the Viking Brew Pub, which lives up to its name with a wooden bar in the shape of a Viking ship! Dine on American and Scandinavian favorites, including Norwegian meatballs, Valhalla dip with homemade potato chips, and, of course, local Wisconsin cheese curds. Pair with one of the pub’s 12 brews for the perfect meal.
Other must-sees in Stoughton include Nordic Nook, where you can shop for classic and high-quality Scandinavian gifts and clothing, Eugsters Farm Market, where you can bottle-feed adorable goats, and Lake Kegonsa State Park, where you can experience outdoor adventures with favorite people. And for festival fun, plan your trip to coincide with the Syttende Mai Folk Festival in May, which celebrates the city’s Norwegian heritage with music, dance, parades and more.
Discover the little Switzerland of America
As you and your group head towards New Glarus, rolling hills dotted with grazing cows will transport you straight to the Swiss Alps. This similarly picturesque landscape is one of the things that attracted Swiss immigrants to this area of Wisconsin 150 years ago and convinced them to establish what is now known as “America’s Little Switzerland.”
From mountain-style architecture to restaurants like Puempel’s Olde Tavern and Tofflers Pub and Grill, to the beloved New Glarus Brewing Co. and Bailey’s Run Winery – this town is full of European charm that you can both see and taste.
Visit any of the captivating cultural festivals throughout the year such as Polkafest, Swiss Volksfest (Swiss Independence Day) or Oktoberfest for unforgettable fun. For a deeper dive into the area’s wealthy history, stop by the Swiss Historical Village Museum and learn what daily life was like for the New Glarus pioneers.
Explore the unique culture of Ephraim
Another whimsical Wisconsin village worth adding to your Euro mini-tour is Ephraim in Door County. Founded as a religious community by European immigrants in 1853, the village has since worked to preserve many of the original buildings constructed at that time. You and your crew will feel the history as you take a walking tour of the tiny, impressive town of less than 300 people located on the shores of Lake Michigan.
See the village again on a sailing tour with Bella or Stiletto Cruises, which also sail past the towering bluffs of Peninsula State Park. This June, join Ephraim’s Scandinavian tradition of the Fyr Bal Festival, which celebrates the transition from spring to summer with music, bonfires on the beach and fireworks over the water.
If you want to have an extra adventure with friends or family, take it with you Ferry to Washington Island and find Stave church, an astonishing medieval wooden church building once common in northwestern Europe. You will be amazed by the extraordinary architecture inside and out – the Stavkirke is open to visitors all year round and guarantees an unforgettable stop.
These one-of-a-kind monuments are just the beginning of Wisconsin’s history. Immerse yourself in even more of Wisconsin’s history and heritage at our many sites museums statewide.
