Discover Wisconsin USA's Classic Small Towns

Historic architecture, quaint downtowns and hometown flavor are the hallmarks of many small towns in Wisconsin. More than just a pit stop en route to another locale, these Norman Rockwell-esque gems can be destinations in themselves, offering visitors memorable day-trip opportunities — not to mention a welcome escape from the pace and pressures of big-city life.

Here are a few favorites:

Algoma
Travelers in search of a unique harbor town experience will find a diverse collection of eclectic restaurants, unique shopping and outdoor beauty in Algoma (1-800-498-4888; www.algoma.org) The area boasts two properties on the State and National Historic Register of Historic Sites – the von Stiehl Winery (1-800-955-5208; www.vonstiehl.com/), Wisconsin's oldest winery, and the Art Dettman Fish Shanty (920/487-2041), one of the last 1920s era original fish shanties on Lake Michigan.

Scenic terrain and great wildlife watching opportunities can be found along the 16.3-mile Ahnapee State Trail (920/388-7199; www.ahnapeetrail.org) A unique combination of folk art, unusual green space and a coffee and tea bar make a trip to the Flying Pig (920/487-9902; www.theflyingpig.biz) a must. The olive burger at The Pilot House (920/487-0371) is top notch and for your caffeine fix, CafГѓВ©’ Tlazo (920/487-7240) offers a diverse selection of Italian gourmet sandwiches, Greek-style wraps and homespun caffeinated beverages.

Trempeleau
Set in the shadow of the cliffs that rise above it, Trempealeau (1-800-927-5339; www.trempealeaucountytourism.com) offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, restored Victorian buildings and a classic small town feel for those interested in exploring the upper Mississippi River. Located along the Great River Road, the area is known for its picturesque, idyllic side valleys and gorgeous views of the river and its wetlands.
Following a fire that destroyed all but five downtown businesses in 1888, Trempealeau rebuilt its commercial district in an architectural style common to 19th century river towns. Today the entire two blocks that make up Historic Downtown Trempealeau (608/534-6555; www.trempealeau.net) are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

While in Trempealeau, the Trempealeau Hotel (608/534-6898; www.trempealeauhotel.com) offers great hospitality in a comfortably funky environment.

Trempealeau is renowned for its extensive mountain biking trails on and around the Great River Road. Perrot State Park (608/534-6409; www.wiparks.net) offers the best views of the Mississippi, but you'll definitely have to work for it. Visitors will climb more than 450 feet along the bluffs before reaching the summit. The view of the river and the rumbling tug boats and river barges along Lock and Dam No. 6 are worth the effort.

New Glarus
Known as "America's Little Switzerland," New Glarus (1-800-527-6838; www.swisstown.com) nurtures its Swiss traditions, customs, crafts and cuisine throughout the year. The Heidi Festival (1-800-527-6838; www.swisstown.com) June 23 – 25 and the Wilhelm Tell Festival (1-800-527-6838; www.wilhelmtell.org) Sept. 1 – 3, are great opportunities to truly experience the "genuine Swiss" experience.

For a true taste of the area's unique history, the Swiss Historical Village (608/527-2317; www.swissistoricalvillage.com) does a great job. The 14-building village includes a firehouse, one-room schoolhouse, general store, bee house and cheese factory highlighted by a continuous tour throughout the day. Conclude your tour with a stop at the Maple Leaf Cheese & Chocolate Haus (1-888-624-1234; www.mapleleafcheeseandchocolatehaus.com) for some of the best homemade fudge around.

Experience the area's scenic beauty pedaling, or hiking, along the 23-mile Sugar River State Trail (608/527-2334) as you gently meander along the trail's namesake river through New Glarus, Brodhead, Albany and Monticello on the limestone trail. Wet your whistle with a stop by the New Glarus Brewing Company (608/527-5850; www.newglarusbrewing.com) for a brewery tour and sampling or their extensive annual and seasonal brews.

Cedarburg
Consistently ranked as a favorite small town getaway, Cedarburg's (1-800-237-2874; www.cedarburg.org) collection of specialty stores, charming restaurants, cozy taverns, gracious historic inns and a full calendar of events make this Wisconsin village irresistible. Located just 20 miles north of Milwaukee, Cedarburg's history is best understood with a trip through its downtown area where the Washington Avenue and Columbia Road districts account for more than 130 historically significant buildings. This historic area is home to Cedarburg's famous Strawberry Festival (1-800-237-2874; www.cedarburgfestivals.org) June 24 – 25.

The restored Woolen Mill (262/377-0345; www.execpc.com/~wiswool), once the largest mill west of the Alleghenies, houses both the Cedar Creek Settlement (1-866-626-7005; www.cedarcreeksettlement.com), a quaint collection of shops, and Cedar Creek Winery
(1-800-827-8020; www.cedarcreekwinery.com), ideal for a day of shopping and wine tasting.

Art aficionados looking for something off the beaten path will be delighted with a trip to The Treehouse (262/377-2664), an artist-run co-op gallery, featuring funky, original artwork by artisans that reach "beyond the brush." If you need a little downtime, nestle into a comfy chair while you sip a cup o' joe at the Dancing Goat Coffee House (715/831-4491) in their 70s-styled upstairs area.

When you build up a hunger, the outdoor cafГѓВ© at Cedarburg Bistro (262/474-0057) provides a leisurely setting while the occasional visits from the chef create the ambiance or meander down to the Silver Creek Brew Pub (262/375-4444; www.silvercreekbrewing.com) to enjoy one of their locally brewed spirits as you overlook the water. Pub regulars rave about the Silver Creek Hefe-Weiss while, for those under 21, a Silver Creek Blonde Root Beer is an indescribable treat. (Dogs are welcome.)

If you're planning an overnight, the Stagecoach Inn Bed & Breakfast (262/375-0208; www.stagecoach-inn-wi.com) and elegant Country Victorian Washington House Inn
(262/375-3550; www.washingtonhouseinn.com) are two of the area's most popular lodging destinations.

Hurley
Rich history, waterfalls, wildlife and miles of wilderness are all on the menu for a trip to Northern Wisconsin's Hurley (1-866-340-4334; www.hurleywi.com) A century-old old mining town (with a well-preserved, albeit toned-down, red light district), Hurley is a Mecca for travelers in search of what one visitor described as a "Northwoods cowboy culture."

Once home to 87 saloons and “variety clubs," early Hurley earned its reputation as the “Life of the Northwoods.” The Hurley Heritage District (715/561-4334; www.hurleywi.com) offers a glimpse into the town's rich history where the likes of Al & Ralph Capone, John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson were entertained at such establishments as Freddie’s Old Time Saloon (715/561-5020).

The Hurley area features more than 50 waterfalls varying in height. Superior Falls (715/561-2922; www.ironcountywi.com) on the Montreal River, near its mouth at Lake Superior, and Potato River Falls (715/561-2922; www.ironcountywi.com, on the western side of the county, each feature cascades greater than a 10-story building. Also on the Montreal River, Saxon Falls (715/561-4334; www.hurleywi.com) drops 78 feet and, in the spring, is the starting point for wild whitewater through the Montreal River Canyon for paddling enthusiasts.

Surrounded by more than a million acres of private, county, state and national forests, Hurley is a great starting point for a wilderness adventure. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (715/362-1371; www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf/) and Apostle Island Lakeshore (715/779-3397; www.nps.gov/apis) are both easily accessible.

Princeton
Abundant outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown make Princeton (920/295-3877; www.princetonwi.com) a welcome adventure for outdoor enthusiasts and bargain finders alike.

Featuring more than 180 booths every week, Princeton is home to "Wisconsin's Largest Weekly Outdoor Flea Market" (920/295-3877; www.princetonwi.com/flea-market.cfm) held every Saturday from late-April through late-October.

Enjoy the outdoors while you pick your own cherries, apples, plums, pears and raspberries at Out On A Limb (920/295-6730). For a taste of days gone by, swing by A Scoop of the Past (920/295-4150) for hard to find vintage candy and sweets in this old fashioned soda fountain and ice cream shop.

Experience fine art with an urban twist at the Water Street Gallery (920/295-3770; www.waterstreetart.com) where you'll find a collection of oils, acrylics, watercolors and photography from local and nationally known artists. Sample the area's nightlife, and great local jazz scene, with a trip to The Fox Note (920/295-4420; www.thefoxnote.com) for an intimate, smoke-free listening experience.

Manitowish Waters
An ideal destination to "get away from it all," Manitowish Waters (1-888-626-9877; www.manitowishwaters.org) is known for its tranquil surroundings perfect for a family vacation, romantic rendezvous, outdoor adventure or leisurely day trip.

Run your fingers over the bullet holes intended for infamous gangsters John Dillenger and Baby Face Nelson at the Little Bohemia Restaurant and Bar (715/543-8433; www.littlebohemia.net) Feel like a treasure hunt? Legend has it that Dillenger stashed a suitcase full of money on the grounds while fleeing federal agents, so keep your eyes peeled. The restaurant is open from mid-April to early January and still has a small building on the grounds that contains items abandoned by the criminals including underwear, medicine and various odds and ends.

Manitowish Waters is home to five cranberry marshes spanning more than 600 acres surrounding the northeast third of Little Trout Lake. The free one-hour Friday morning cranberry marsh tours (715/543-8488; www.manitowishwaters.org) are conducted from July 14 until September 1.

Carve out some time for a shopping excursion at Manitowish Waters' eclectic collection of charming shops. Family fun is for sale at Whoops! (715/543-2836) which features a timeless collection of games and toys. A unique combination farm market and cranberry gift shop, Cranberry Farm Market (715/543-2778) hawks a variety of cranberry foods alongside a collection of unique gift ideas. Featured works by Wisconsin artists including jewelry, paintings, pottery and much more are on display, and for sale, at Gallery 51 (715/543-8582).

St. Croix Falls
Overlooking the scenic St. Croix River, St. Croix Falls (715/483-3580; www.stcroixfallschamber.com) is characterized by its awe-inspiring natural beauty and rich heritage of logging, commerce and ethnic history.

Discover the splendid canyonland geological formations and learn about the impact of the glaciers throughout St. Croix Falls at the Ice Age Interpretive Center at Interstate Park
(1-888-947-2757; www.wiparks.net), Wisconsin's oldest state park. A deep gorge called the “Dalles of the St. Croix” is the scenic focus of the historic state park. Year-round recreational opportunities abound along the park's trail system where hiking and biking are followed by snowshoeing and cross country skiing depending on the season.

Sample the local performing arts scene with a trip to the St. Croix Festival Theatre
(1-888-887-6002; www.festivaltheatre.org) for original performances in their 1917 vaudeville-era playhouse, the historic Auditorium Theatre.

For free Wisconsin travel information and travel-planning guides, including the 2006 Wisconsin Spring/Summer Event & Recreation Guide, visit travelwisconsin.com or call the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's live-operated, toll-free number 1-800-432-TRIP/8747. Travelers can also obtain guides and information at the Wisconsin Welcome Centers, located in select state-border cities.

March 21, 2006   Posted in: United States Central