With coastlines on two Great Lakes, expansive and exciting state parks, and miles of pristine, sandy beaches, Wisconsin is a Midwestern state to put on your must-visit list. Although Wisconsin is best known for its big, bustling cities of Madison and Milwaukee, it’s the small towns that dot the map that make visitors feel at home. If you find yourself on a road trip through Wisconsin this year, take some time to explore these charming communities.

Minocqua

Located in the heart of the state’s beautiful and pristine Northwoods, Minocqua is named “The Island City” due to the fact that a small portion of town is only accessible by a bridge. The charming, outdoorsy town is home to about 45 lakes, 18 campgrounds, and nine sandy beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Minocqua also offers approximately 100 boat launches, so bring your own watercraft if you’re visiting in the summer, or rent one from a local shop such as Minocqua Lakeside.

Although the Minocqua area features several hiking and biking trails, the Bearskin Trail is the most popular one since its trailhead is located right downtown. The 18-mile crushed granite trail runs along a former train rail corridor, and gives outdoor enthusiasts to see local wildlife such as bald eagles and white-tailed deer. To see animals in a more controlled setting, check out the Minocqua Zoo, which is the second-largest one in the state and houses everything from parakeets to giraffes.

New Glarus

Dubbed “America’s Little Switzerland,” quaint New Glarus was founded by Swiss immigrants in 1845, and and has kept its its Alpine-inspired feel through its charming architecture, ethnic special events, and Swiss restaurants and shops. The town plays host to several popular annual festivals, including the New Glarus Family Fest, Swiss Volksfest, the New Glarus Polkafest, and the Beer, Bacon, and Cheese Festival.

Start your visit to this charming town by checking out the Swiss Historical Village Museum, which depicts life on an orginal Swiss settlement in Wisconsin. The New Glarus Brewing Company is known as Wisconsin’s “hometown brewery” and produces craft beer using seasonal local ingredients, such as cranberries and cherries. The brewery offers a tasting room and is open to self-guided tours. If you’re looking for a more family-friendly attraction, you can’t beat Swissland Miniature Golf during the warm summer months.

Bayfield

Beautiful Bayfield is nature’s playground no matter what time of year you visit. Conde Nast Traveler placed the quaint town on its “The 23 Best Places to Go in the U.S. in 2023” list, and USA Today voted it one of the 10 Best Coastal Small Towns. Located on the scenic shores of Lake Superior, Bayfield is known as the “Gateway to the Apostle Islands,” which are easy to boat and sail to from town.

If you’re visiting during the summer, spend some time swimming at one of the town’s beaches, or go kayaking along the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which features unique carved arches and sandstone cliffs along the Bayfield Penninsula. You can also paddle along the peaceful Madeline Island Lagoon. If you need to rent a kayak or canoe, head to Big Bay Town Park and check a boat out on a first-come-first-served basis.

Hayward

Stunning Hayward is another small Northwoods town known for its abundance of sparkling lakes, miles of pristine wilderness, and one-of-a-kind natural beauty. Hayward draws in anglers from all over, as it’s considerd a world-class fishing destination for those hoping to catch walleye, musky, bass, and northern pike. Lake Hayward Public Beach is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike in the summer, as it offers a soft, sandy beach and clear water for swimming.

One of Hayward’s most notable attractions is the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, which is a non-profit sport fishing museum and education organization. You can’t miss the world’s largest musky sculpture that sits in front of the complex, as it measures 143 feet long, and is four stories high. The 35-acre Wilderness Zoo and Recreation Park is another must-see, family-friendly destination. The nearby Cable Natural History Museum offers naturalist-led hikes and live raptor programs.

Lake Geneva

Arts, culture, history, and outdoor recreational opportunities combine to create a unique small Wisconsin town called Lake Geneva. Just over the Illinois border, this coastal town is situated on pretty Lake Geneva and has long been known as as summer resort destination. One of the town’s biggest draws is its beaches, including Riviera Beach and Williams Bay Beach. Big Foot Beach State Park offers 5 miles of hiking trails, a family campground, and a sandy beach.

If you’re seeking a thrilling experience, spend a day at Lake Geneva Ziplines and Adventures, which features zip line tours, a climbing tower, high ropes excursions, and other heart-pumping attractions. Safari Lake Geneva is fun for the whole family, as it allows you to view herds of exotic animals,such as giraffes, from the comfort of your vehicle.

Fish Creek

Situated in idyllic Door County, picturesque Fish Creek is Wisconsin’s ultimate summer vacation destination. No matter if you want to spend your getway on a sunny Lake Michigan beach, out on the water, or immersing yourself in local arts and culture, you’ll find it in this lakeside enclave. Fish Creek offers easy access to Peninsula State Park, which offers more than 460 campsites, hiking and biking trails, an 18-hole golf course, a lighthouse, eight miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, and sweeping Niagara Escarpment bluffs.

You can either rent a watercraft from a local outfiiter such as Nicolet Beach Rentals or Northern Door County Boat Rental, or sign up for a ride with Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours. Other family-friendly activities include the Skyway Drive-in Theatre, Evergreen Miniature Golf, and Segway the Door Tours.

Baraboo

Situated at the crest of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area amongst the Baraboo Bluffs, historic Baraboo is a small Midwest town like no other. Baraboo is the hometown of the world-famous Ringling Brothers Circus, and delights visitors with the unique Circus World Museum. The colorful attraction offers seven buildings of exhibits, as well as live shows.

Nature enthusiasts will fall in love with nearby Devil’s Lake State Park, which is located along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and offers breathtaking views of the lake from 500-foot quartzsite bluffs. The park also features 30 miles of hiking trails, sandy swimming beaches, quaint picnic areas, and opportunities for fishing, cross-country skiing, rock climing, and much more. At the end of a action-packed day in nature, treat yourself to a glass of wine at the Balanced Rock Winery.

No matter what time of year your find yourself traveling through the dynamic Upper Midwest state of Wisconsin, you’ll come across a charming small town just awaiting exploration. Although Wisconsin is known for its pristine lakes and wilderness areas, as well as opportunities for fishing and swimming, its quaint communities also come to life with no shortage of history, arts and culture.