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Cave of the Mounds near Mount Horeb, Wisconsin

12 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Wisconsin

Travelers to Wisconsin will be saying cheese for two reasons: either to eat the delectable cheese that Wisconsin is famous for producing or when taking groupies and selfies and other types of photographs in one of these 12 perfect destinations for a long weekend in Wisconsin. For the latter, you can find these excellent locations among the best and most beautiful small towns worth visiting in Wisconsin. There is, for example, Bayfield, which is happy to ferry visitors to the Jewels of Lake Superior. There is the "Little Switzerland" of the United States in New Glarus, where Swiss festivities and attractions are in abundance. Finally, there is Sturgeon Bay where one can witness the multitude of spectacles in the Door Peninsula. These are just some of the many perfect destinations worthy for a long weekend vacation in Wisconsin.

New Glarus

Monument in New Glarus, Wisconsin
Monument in New Glarus, Wisconsin

New Glarus promotes itself as the “Little Switzerland of America.” Annual festivals, like the Swiss Volksfest (Swiss Independence Day) and the Wilhelm Tell Festival (in honor of a legendary 14th-century archer) will make you feel like you are high in the Alps. The Swiss Historical Village & Museum explains much on how New Glarus is historically and culturally related to the nation of Switzerland. Of course, you can always immerse yourself in Swiss culture not merely through the festivities and activities but also through New Glarus’s exquisite brews from both the New Glarus Brewing Company and the Whiskey Run Distilling Co. For those of you intrigued by this Swiss-like destination, you can spend a long weekend in New Glarus by booking a room in places such as the Chalet Landhaus Inn or The Blanc Chalet.

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Editorial credit: Tony Savino / Shutterstock.com

Lake Geneva is another town that harkens to something related to Switzerland; in this case, the Geneva Lake which the town is named after. A stellar day can be found in Lake Geneva next to the Big Foot Beach State Park. In contrast, a stellar observatory, the nearby Yerkes Observatory, entreats visitors to its chambers, where many astronomers, including a Nobel Prize winner, have gazed into the stars since the observatory’s founding in 1897. Fans of magic and mystery will be mesmerized by the stupendous performances at the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre and at the much quieter and simpler Baker House. Those with an inclination towards the past will find the Black Point Estate and Gardens a beautiful and informative destination, since this summer estate from 1888 was the home of a Chicago beer baron named Conrad Seipp. Should you intend to make Lake Geneva your perfect destination this year, you ought to first book a room at either the Seven Oaks Bed & Breakfast or the Lake Geneva Lodge.

Chippewa Falls

Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company
Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company

On the banks of the Chippewa River near Lake Wissota, the splendid town of Chippewa Falls is a perfect destination for tourists enthusiastic to see Wisconsin’s vibrant culture. The Northern Wisconsin State Fair is undoubtedly the best occasion to admire the state’s and the town’s vivacious attitudes, as this state fair held each July has thrilled everyone in Chippewa Falls and beyond since its founding in 1897. Tourists can partake in a tour and a friendly drink of beer at the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company’s Leinie Lodge. People with a thrill for daring escapades will want to go parachuting at the Skydive Wissota or go horseback riding at Lake Wissota State Park. There are small mementos of the past to peruse at the Cook Rutledge Mansion and the Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry and Technology. Last but not least is the Irvine Park Zoo, a home and rehabilitation center for many amazing animals from around the 鶹AV.

Elkhart Lake

Elkhart Lake
Elkhart Lake

Elkhart Lake is a charming town on the shores of its namesake lake. Travelers seeking the great Wisconsin outdoors will certainly find plenty at nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest. There is also a bit of history and culture for you to see at the Henschel’s Indian Museum and the Hidden Springs Trout Farm specifically delve into the indigenous cultures that once built a settlement in the region. Additionally, you can admire the Road America racetrack which has accommodated many a race car driver since 1955. You need not worry about your own accommodations in Elkhart Lake, since lodgings like The Osthoff Resort will fulfil your daily and nightly needs.

Cambridge

CamRock County Park in Cambridge, Wisconsin
CamRock County Park in Cambridge, Wisconsin

The village of Cambridge, about 25 miles east of Madison, is a perfect destination for those hungry for the simple and laidback atmosphere of a Wisconsin small town. Lake Ripley is the crown jewel of attractions in Cambridge; the glacial waters are home to plenty of fish for you to catch, along with opportunities for boating. More importantly, Lake Ripley and the adjacent Ripley Park host the annual Dip for Dozer in February; it's a fundraiser that encourages scores of people to leap into Lake Ripley’s frigid waters. If you prefer the warm comforts of dry land, however, you can always take leisurely strolls through CamRock County Park or along the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. Some might fancy seeing nostalgic exhibits of a bygone time at the Historic School Museum (1906) or perhaps marvel at the vast herds of dairy cows with Hinchley's Dairy Farm Tours. Long weekend visitors can book a room in local lodgings, such as the Cambridge Inn on Main.

Stockholm

Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area near Stockholm, Wisconsin
Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area near Stockholm, Wisconsin

On the border of Minnesota, where the Mississippi River flows into and out of the breadths and depths of Lake Pepin, you will be enamored by the captivating town of Stockholm. Named after the city of Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden, by immigrants from the Scandinavian countries who migrated from the Old 鶹AV to the New 鶹AV, this small town has prospered thanks to local establishments, such as the Stockholm Pie and General Store. Meanwhile, destinations like the Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area and the Heritage Woods are filled with trails. Heritage Woods, in particular, is one of the best places to learn about beekeeping. Weekend visitors can book a room at any number of local inns, including the Rivertown Landing or Art Orchard Gallery and Guest House.

Mount Horeb

Military Ridge State Trail near Mount Horeb
Military Ridge State Trail near Mount Horeb. Editorial credit: Dave Jonasen / Shutterstock.com

Approximately 30 minutes away from Madison, the village of Mount Horeb is a magnificent destination in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin, a place formed by glaciers from the last ice age. Even though the town is named after Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai, where religious texts say Moses received the Ten Commandments, the village is primarily Scandinavian in theme and attitude. After all, you will come across dozens of life-sized, carved wooden trolls throughout town that harken to the mythic folklore of Norway, which Mount Horeb’s founders originated from. At the nearby Cave of the Mounds, one of the 10 most loved tourist attractions in Wisconsin, you can go spelunking through vast caverns filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Like Moses descending from Mount Horeb, you will come out of the village of Mount Horeb fulfilled and purposeful. So for those of you interested in seeing more, like the 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail, you should look into either Sunniva Inn or The Little Village for your daily accommodations.

Bayfield

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore near Bayfield, Wisconsin
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore near Bayfield, Wisconsin

Bayfield lives up to its position as the gateway to the Jewels of Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands. This collection of 22 islands is accessible through Bayfield’s bays. The largest is Madeline Island — the only one not part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Still, one can visit to begin an exploration of the exquisite biomes and habitats of Lake Superior. There are also several historic lighthouses dotted all over the Apostle Islands that have shepherded many a ship to safe harbor, such as the Devils Island Lighthouse. Now, even though Bayfield is notably a gateway to the Jewels of Lake Superior, there are undoubtedly touristic gems that shine from Bayfield’s own attractions. Among them are the Native American-made boozes and beers from the Copper Crow Distillery, the first indigenous distiller in North America. There are also pots and artworks to be admired at the Eckels Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery for those with artistic aptitudes. Finally, you will be salivating for fresh fruits during the Bayfield Apple Festival in October, when apple trees in Bayfield are ripe for picking. You need not be fretful about the accommodations afforded to you with options like the Old Rittenhouse Inn, Lake Superior Lodge, or Pine Cottage.

Sturgeon Bay

Downtown Sturgeon Bay
Downtown Sturgeon Bay. Image credit: Richie Diesterheft via Flickr.com.

Sturgeon Bay, one of the Happiest Seaside Towns in the United States, according to Coastal Living Magazine, is the doorway to some of the perfect destinations worth visiting in the Door Peninsula. Visitors can learn all about Sturgeon Bay’s role in the history of Wisconsin at the Door County Maritime Museum. Other museums, such as the Miller Art Museum and Margaret Lockwood Gallery, showcase the artistic nuance and aptitude the people of Sturgeon Bay and Door County exemplify. Furthermore, the Popelka Trenchard Gallery & Glass Studio is home to some of the greatest glassblowers and their works in Wisconsin. The historic Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Light at the Sturgeon Bay Canal offers both a look into the past as well as stellar sights of Sturgeon Bay’s scenery. In May, the townsfolk celebrate the annual Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair with much merriment and enthusiasm, more proof that Sturgeon Bay is indeed one of the happiest seaside towns in the US. More moments and memories can be made in Sturgeon Bay by first booking a room at either the White Birch Inn or The Foxglove Inn Bed and Breakfast.

Ephraim

Ephraim, Wisconsin
Ephraim, Wisconsin. Editorial credit: Nejdet Duzen / Shutterstock.com

Less than 30 miles from Sturgeon Bay, the village of Ephraim is another gateway community for the many wonders you will find in the Door Peninsula. The Three Springs Nature Preserve, the Mink River Reserve, Newport State Park, and the Wagon Trail Campground are just some of the many awesome areas you can explore along Lake Michigan. At the Peninsula State Park, specifically, you will find opportunities for biking, golfing, and hiking in the expansive wilderness areas. One can also get a grand view of the Door Peninsula and Green Bay from atop Eagle Tower. The town itself is nothing short of marvelous, with the Moravian Church and the Anderson Store representing the town's preservation of its culture and history. One can immerse themselves more into Ephraim’s history at the Pioneer Schoolhouse, too. If ever you get worn and weary from all the memorable adventures, you can always rest up at fine accommodations, including The Water Street Inn, the Eagle Harbor Inn, or Bay Breeze Resort.

Hayward

Nelson Lake near Hayward, Wisconsin
Nelson Lake near Hayward, Wisconsin

Hayward will have you going backwards and forwards throughout the many lakes to lounge about in Wisconsin. Although the town itself is situated on the banks of Hayward Lake, there are several other lakes, including Nelson Lake, close to Hayward that you will absolutely adore. Between these bodies of water are geographic playgrounds, such as the Bean Brook State Wildlife Management Area and Kissick Swamp State Wildlife Management Area. Hayward is renowned for its fishing industry, and the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame displays the many rods and reels that legendary fishermen have used to catch fish in the lakes around Hayward. The town is no stranger to hosting a number of unique events this year. For example, there is the annual summertime Lumberjack 鶹AV Championship. You might be more invested in playing games of chance at the Sevenwinds Casino, Lodge & Conference Center. On the other hand, you might want to entertain yourself with sights of alpacas at the Joyful Journey Alpacas. In any case, you will want to rent a room at places like the Flat Creek Lodge.

Port Washington

Port Washington, Wisconsin
Port Washington, Wisconsin

About 27 miles north of Milwaukee, the town of Port Washington shines like a lighthouse on Lake Michigan’s western shores. Immigrants from Europe's country of Luxembourg founded this town when they first arrived in the New 鶹AV, and since then they have continued to uphold the memories and experiences of their people — and even the history of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg at the Luxembourg American Cultural Society's Roots and Leaves Museum. Visitors to this town can see more of Port Washington’s enduring and endearing history through a handful of Victorian buildings, like the Judge Eghart House. You might even fancy touring the living museum of the Port Washington Breakwater Light, which has been instrumental in keeping ships in Lake Michigan from grounding ashore. Those with a desire for languid and laidback walks can let their feet and mind drift about at the nearby Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve and Harrington Beach State Park. Lastly, those who would like to spend their evenings in Port Washington can do so in one of the town’s lovely establishments, like The Harborview or The Port Hotel.

Conclusion

One theory regarding the name Wisconsin is that it originated with the Miami tribe, which had a word (Meskonsing) that signified (what came to be called) the Wisconsin River's meandering course through the red sandstone bluffs of the Wisconsin Dells. Similarly, the state itself will have visitors meandering through many cheerful and rosy towns. These destinations are perfect for a long weekend in Wisconsin as they are within driving distance from each other and from the major cities of Wisconsin. Port Washington, for example, is only about 30 minutes away from Milwaukee. Then there is Hayward with its proximity to some of the best lakes and fishing areas in the state. In any case, you will not regret taking a long weekend in one or all of these perfect destinations in Wisconsin.

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