The Sweetest Road Trip in Wisconsin Takes You to 9 Old School Chocolate Shops

When folks first started coming to Wisconsin in the 1800s, they came from parts of Europe well-known for their sweets. Those folks that settled here brought with them an incredible knowledge of chocolates and candies, and they used that knowledge to open up candy shops here. You know they brought a wealth of talent because many of those original places are actually still open today. There are nine different chocolate and candy shops in a less than 250-mile loop that dates back as far as 1899, and the "youngest" is still 60 years old. We've included them on a delicious road trip to shops with some of the best chocolates in Wisconsin.

These are family-run, local, delectable places that make chocolates and candies the old-fashioned way with recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Many of these places do nearly everything by hand and create some of the most delicious, wonderful treats you've ever experienced. They also make the candy your parents and grandparents are nostalgic for as they grew up eating them.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could visit all these spots in one day or make a super sweet weekend out of this trip and try them all. It's not surprising that a good chunk of them are located in and near Green Bay, Wisconsin's first city. The other large group is in the Milwaukee area, so you could break up the trip and still taste many of the state's oldest, most delicious candies in just an afternoon. This leads to several Wisconsin chocolate shops, which is the sweetest road trip you'll ever take. Start planning now!

You can check out an interactive map with directions. This fun and not-too-far road trip will take you to 10 different historic, old-school Wisconsin shops in fewer than 250 miles.

1. Guth's Candy - Waupun

Established in 1921, this spot was out of the family for a very short time before the grandson bought it back and continued a third generation of master candy making. Between the almond clusters, caramels, and butter toffee, you'll want to try it all. This is one of the best WI candy shops, and you won't want to miss it! Address: 928 E Main St., Waupun, WI, 53963. To learn more about Guth's Candy, be sure to visit their website.

2. Wilmar Chocolates - Appleton

The "youngest" of these spots, these folk still have been making small-batch goodies for 60 years. The best part is that here, you can custom-make a candy bar, adding whatever mix-ins you'd like, and then you get to watch it being made. Address: 1222 N Superior St., Appleton, WI 54911. To learn more about Wilmar Chocolates, be sure to visit their website.

3. Seroogy's Chocolate - Green Bay

Brothers Joe, Jim, and Sol Seroogy began making fine Wisconsin chocolate candies in De Pere, Wisconsin, in 1899. Maybe most well known for their fundraising candy bars, Seroogy's Chocolate is actually two full-service shops in the Green Bay area serving everything from simple chocolates, nut mixes, and candies to elaborate gift boxes, unusual combinations, and so much more.

Seroogy’s has two locations in the Green Bay area — De Pere at 144 N. Wisconsin St. and Ashwaubenon at 786 Willard Dr.

4. Hughes' Home Maid Chocolates - Oshkosh

Easily the best candy store in Wisconsin, this place has been serving up goodies since 1942 and is in a cozy home location that invites you in to sample all the goodies. And there are so many goodies to try—vanilla creams, coconut creams, meltaways, peanut clusters, and more. Which will you try first? Address: 1823 Doty St., Oshkosh, WI, 54902.

5. Oak's Candy Corner - Oshkosh

This charming spot has more than a century of history serving goodies to the people of Oshkosh. The same commitment to quality has kept them around for 100 years and counting. Make sure you buy an Oaks Melty Bar to take with you on the road. Address: 1200 Oregon St., Oshkosh, WI, 54902. To learn more, visit the Oak's Candy Corner website.

6. Beerntsen's - Manitowoc

The Beertnsen family has been making candy since 1905, and it's one of the best chocolate shops in WI. Founder Joseph Beerntsen was making candy in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Green Bay before he settled in Manitowoc to open up his own shop in 1932. Address: 108 N 8th St., Manitowoc, WI 54220. To learn more, visit the website for Beerntsen's.

7. Burke Candy and Ingredients - Milwaukee

The fourth generation now makes candies and chocolates in this store, which started in 1929. They specialize in both century-old recipes and new innovations. Located at 3840 N. Fratney St., Milwaukee, WI, 53212. To learn more, visit the Burke Candy and Ingredients website.

8. Niemann's Candies & Ice Cream - Wauwatosa

The Niemann family has been making candy by hand since 1919, using family recipes that have been passed down through generations. There are no shortcuts here - many of the processes and implements are the same ones used decades ago. This store is located at 7475 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa, WI, 5321. To learn more, visit the website for Niemann's Candies & Ice Cream.

9. Freese's Candy Shoppe & Heavenly Roasted Nuts- West Allis

These folks have been making delicious chocolates, candies, and caramels in West Allis since 1932. Try the cherry cordials—there's no other candy quite like them! Located at 7312 W Greenfield Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53214. To learn more, visit Freese's Candy Shoppe & Heavenly Roasted Nuts website.

What are your favorite candy stores or shops making some of the best chocolates in Wisconsin? If your favorite isn't on the above road trip route, you can nominate it through our nominations form.

Looking for another sweet trip? Check out this ice cream and custard road trip in Wisconsin, where you can visit 10 places in less than 90 miles and two hours. Before going on any road trip, make sure you have everything you need by checking out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List. Safe travels!