While cities like Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay helped put Wisconsin on the map, some small but wonderful towns have put Wisconsin into people’s hearts. These towns offer equal doses of charm and character, and they welcome visitors with an experience that’s as timeless as it is vibrant. A small-town getaway could be just what you need – here are the most charming small towns in Wisconsin that you’ll want to visit.

1. Port Washington

Facebook / Visit Port Washington
This lakeside city welcomes walkers – go ahead and park your car and explore Port Washington’s vibrant downtown shops and restaurants. There’s a lot to discover right along the waterfront.
Port Washington, WI, USA
Yinan Chen/Wikimedia Commons
If you’re up for a longer walk, some lighthouses can be visited on foot – one requires a bit of a climb, but it offers panoramic views of the city. Port Washington is one of the most charming places in Wisconsin.

Take a look at this aerial footage of Port Washington by @CharlieAntoine:

2. New Glarus

New Glarus, WI 53574, USA
Facebook / New Glarus Chamber of Commerce
When you arrive in this little town, you might feel like you’ve arrived in Switzerland. New Glarus holds its Swiss heritage close and it's a destination that foodies love. The town’s dining scene serves up old-world favorites as well as craft beers that you won’t find anywhere else. New Glarus is one unique Wisconsin small town!

Take a look at this video by @newglaruschamberofcommerce9162:

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3. Mineral Point

Mineral Point, WI 53565, USA
Facebook / Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce
This town is about as historic as they come – Mineral Point is filled with buildings constructed in the 1800s when Mineral Point was a booming mining town. Today the mines are all closed but it’s a good place to prospect for art in Mineral Point’s varied art galleries.

4. Mount Horeb

Mount Horeb, Mt Horeb, WI 53572, USA
Facebook / Mount Horeb, WI
In Mount Horeb, you may run into some unusual residents. The town is filled with troll statues that are practically begging to be photographed. As you stroll the "trollway," you’ll also find some great shops and restaurants. This is certainly one of the most interesting small towns in Wisconsin.

5. Portage

Portage, WI 53901, USA
Facebook / Portage Area Chamber of Commerce
Portage grew up at a strategic spot between the Fox and Wisconsin rivers – it allowed paddlers to reach the Mississippi River from the Great Lakes. You can still see the old portage route, and the city still draws travelers today with a vibrant downtown shopping district, exciting events, and historical sights. The city’s slogan is "Where the North Begins."

Take a look at this Portage promo video by @PortageChamber:

These charming small towns in Wisconsin are just the start of the rural adventures you can have in Wisconsin. Here are small towns that offer nothing but peace and quiet.

Looking to take a road trip to one of Wisconsin’s most charming small towns? Check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List before you hit the road. And don’t forget the snacks!

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More to Explore

Small Towns In Wisconsin

Melissa M. | November 15, 2023

What are the best beach towns in Wisconsin?

With coastlines along Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, not to mention all the smaller lakes, there are plenty of beach towns in Wisconsin. Here are some of the best ones:

  • Sturgeon Bay, WI is located on the Door Peninsula in Lake Michigan.
  • Washington Island, WI is a small community along the shores of Lake Michigan.
  • Cornucopia WI: This beach town sits along the shores of Lake Superior.
  • Lake Geneva, WI can be found at Geneva Lake.
  • Madeline Island, WI is one of the Apostle Islands located in Lake Superior.
  • Bayfield, WI is also along Lake Superior.

Check out more of the best beach towns in Wisconsin.

What are some of the most rural small towns in Wisconsin?

The heart and soul of any state usually lie in its small towns. However, some towns are smaller than others like, let’s say, rural parts of a state. Among the most rural small towns in Wisconsin that exude charm and have a slower pace of life are the following:

  • Warrens, WI
  • Boscobel, WI
  • Richland Center, WI
  • Stockholm, WI
  • Mazomanie, WI
  • Fredonia, WI

Check out more of the most rural small towns in Wisconsin.

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