7 Wisconsin Towns That Give Off Serious Summertime Vibes

Traveling through Wisconsin offers a charming mix of scenic beauty, small-town hospitality, and outdoor adventure. The state is famous for its rolling hills, vast forests, and more than 15,000 lakes, perfect for hiking, boating, and fishing. Summertime in Wisconsin is the best time to check out what makes it the great Midwest state that is. These seven towns exemplify that to both residents and visitors alike. 

1. Bayfield

This charming northern Wisconsin town is the perfect gateway for outdoor lovers. If you enjoy hiking and kayaking, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. For instance, the Meyers Beach Sea Caves Lakeshore Trail is the number one attraction in the area. You can see the Apostle Island Sea caves from many of the uphills. For a quick adult day trip, consider heading over to Madeline Island. There you can find the Big Bay State Park. But there is plenty to do for those not so keen on hiking. Copper Crow, the very first Native owned distillery in the United States, is also located in Bayfield. Before you leave, don’t forget to stop at any local fishery to sample the famed smoked fish.

2. Stockholm

Stockholm has been labeled the coziest small town in America. It is steeped in Swedish vibes. It is a great place to stop if you are travelling along the Great River Road. Honey lovers can head over to Heritage Woods. While there, you can learn about harvesting honey and even take classes about native plants. At the Stockholm Museum, visitors can learn more about the area’s history as well as research their family lineage. For nature lovers, Lake Pepin is easily accessible as the town is right on its banks. 

3. New Glarus

America’s Little Switzerland is a must-visit destination with its unique mix of rich culture and landscape of rolling hills. Right on the outskirts of the town overlooking classic Wisconsin countryside lies New Glarus Brewing Company. Get your hike on across the Badger State Trail, which is close by. For the kiddos, Kinderladen toy store is must must-visit before the end of your stay. The Swiss Historical Village Museum is a must-visit stop, for it gives visitors a peek into the now preserved records of the 19th-century settlement. 

4. Lake Geneva

Whatever you feel like choosing, Lake Geneva promises that all experiences will make it worth coming back again and again. Plenty of outdoor fun awaits all over town. With eight boats in its fleet, Lake Geneva Cruise Line has plenty of sightseeing opportunities for the entire family to enjoy. Hop in your car and head over to Safari Lake Geneva, where you can feed and watch animals through your window. Afterwards, stroll through downtown for some shopping and enjoy some lunch. Want a drink? There are plenty of wineries and distilleries to choose from in and around the area. Topsy Turvy Brewery, once a church, is perfect for kids and adults alike to enjoy drinks and board games. The Bottle Shop is the perfect downtown winery with a nice little patio oasis neatly hidden off the beaten path. 

5. Door County

If you are looking for a perfect Choose Your Own Adventure type of trip, Door County is the best place in Wisconsin for that. The abundance of lighthouses can certainly point in the right direction. For the true lighthouse aficionados out there, be sure to check out the Pottawatomie and Plum Island Lighthouses. Other than lighthouses, Door County has become synonymous with the word cherries. The best picking time is July and August for those who want to fill up their own baskets. Lautenbach’s Orchard in Fish Creek is a great option for cherry pickers. Don’t forget about their wine! Wineries are perfectly abundant all along Door County. In Egg Harbor, hop on the Door County Trolley, and it will take you from winery to winery. Of course, you can’t forget to check out the many beaches that are sprinkled all over the thumb of the Badger State. 

6. Wauwatosa

Known affectionately by locals as Tosa, this extremely walkable town is the perfect urban small town. In each of its five unique districts, there is something dynamic for everyone. The iconic State Street is a perfect hub for anything you can imagine. From Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club to The Village Cheese Shop, there is something for everyone. And if the kiddos are obsessed with animals as much as I was and still am, head over to the Milwaukee County Zoo. I personally love the otters and feeding the goats. But don’t forget to find the murals that are scattered all over town! Those are great for a photo op.

7. Wisconsin Dells

If you haven’t already heard, the Dells, as it is simply known to all of us Wisconsinites, is the Water Park Capital of the World. But it is so much more than water slides. Take one of the many scenic tour options and you’ll soon find why. In business for over seventy years, the Dells Army Duck Tours gives you the best of both worlds of land and water. At the Wisconsin Deer Park, you can walk around and feed deer. This is great for the whole family to experience, but just watch out for the antlers. For a little tongue-in-cheek eating, head over to the Grateful Shed for a taste of what makes Wisconsin truly cheesy.