Small Town Beauty in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is known as “The Badger State.” The state has a diverse landscape with rolling hills, rocky bluffs, and forests. There are many rivers and streams and about 15,000 lakes. Wisconsin joined the Union in 1848 and features historical buildings, preserved town squares, and monuments reflecting the state’s history. The state also has a strong maritime heritage, especially along two Great Lakes—Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.

On the shores of Lake Superior is Ashland. It is one of the most historically significant small towns in Wisconsin. The city has Native American roots and was a key port for French fur traders.

Downtown Ashland has tree-lined streets and historic brownstones and is a picturesque setting.

Mastowski Beach is among the lovely lakeside beaches here.

Sitting on the shores of Lake Superior, Bayfield is the gateway to the Apostle Islands. The town is surrounded by orchards and known for its fresh blueberries.

The Apostle Islands are a chain of 21 islands known for their breathtaking sandstone sea caves and natural beauty. The islands can be reached by boat.

Cambridge has a history in pottery. Its pottery legacy dates back to the 1980s.

Among the highlights is Rowe Pottery Works, where local artisans created their works of art.

The CamRock Park system offers a network of trails for hikers with surrounding natural beauty.

Located a short distance from Milwaukee, Cedarburg is a former lumbering town. The town has lovely covered bridges and impressive architecture. There are restaurants, live performance venues, and the best of local wines.

The Cedarburg Covered Bridge was built in the 1800s.

The Cedar Creek Winery is located in the heart of the town, where you can taste delicious wines, see the historic building, and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

The Ozaukee Interurban Trail is a favorite with both walkers and bikers. The trail stretches through gardens, forests, and wetlands.

The Cedarburg Art Museum exhibits local art housed in a renovated historic building. There are rotating exhibits featuring various artists. On display are paintings and sculptures.

A short drive from Madison is Columbus, with small-town charm. The downtown area offers great venues for dining and shopping. There is historic architecture.

Visit the Farmers and Merchants Union Bank or City Hall, and learn about the history and events of the town.

You can enjoy fishing and kayaking along the Crawfish River. There are also walking and biking trails.

Elkhart Lake is a small town that offers outdoor activities. To enjoy nature, there is hiking around Gerber Lake or Little Elkhart Lake. Elkhart Lake features fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or cruising on a pontoon.

Kiel Marsh Wildlife Area is home to local wildlife in their natural habitats.

Of interest is the Wade House Historic Site.

Visit Henschel’s Indian Museum for a history lesson.

Located on the Door County Peninsula, Ephraim offers impressive views of Peninsula State Park. Here nature blends with history. The town hosts the annual Eyr Bal Festival, a tribute to Midsummer’s Eve in Norway. The town offers recreation on the water like boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse and Horseshoe Island can be seen from the harbor.

For outdoor recreation, the best destination is Sister Bay in Door County on the shores of Green Bay. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.

Death’s Door Maritime Museum is among the highlights. Here you can learn about the town’s fishing heritage.

Sister Bay Beach is a lovely beach with clear waters and a sandy shoreline. Here you can sunbathe, swim, or participate in water recreation.

Visit the Door County Creamery to taste the artisan cheeses.

Newport State Park is the only designated wilderness park in Wisconsin. It stretches along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Visitors hike through evergreen and hardwood forests, wetlands, and upland meadows.

Popularly known as the City of Trails, St. Croix Falls is a haven for ardent adventurers, boasting many opportunities to immerse in the great outdoors.

St. Croix Falls is located by the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway along the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers. There are riverside trails and water recreation like hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and camping.

Interstate State Park offers dramatic gorges and picturesque cliffs along the St. Croix River.

Fawn-Doe-Rosa Wildlife Educational Park offers visitors wildlife encounters with elk, deer, llamas, and tortoises. There is a petting zoo with ponies and fawns.

Along the Cranberry Highway you’ll find Stevens Point. Surrounding the town are cranberry fields, and their scent flavors the air. The lovely downtown area hosts a farmer’s market.

Visitors can take the Green Circle Trail winding along the Wisconsin River. You’ll enjoy beautiful forests, rivers, and parks. It is a favorite of bird watchers.

Stevens Point Sculpture Park is in a wooded park displaying sculptures created by artists from all over the US. There are such fascinating sculptures as Birdcraft that appears to hover in midair.

Stevens Point Brewery has such interesting beers as Peanut Butter Cup, Pumpkin Ale, and Hazy Pebbles.