Take a Trip to These Charming Wisconsin Towns with European Vibes
If you’ve been craving a European vacation but want something a little more budget-friendly, these Wisconsin cities will do just the trick. Wander down cobblestone streets, sip craft wine in rolling vineyards and join in the fun at cultural celebrations throughout the year while getting a peek into part of Wisconsin’s history.
Stroll Through Stockholm
Get your crew together for a visit to charming Stockholm, a Wisconsin village founded by Swedish immigrants who wove their culture into the natural beauty of the Driftless Region. Take the scenic Great River Road that follows the Mississippi River to where it meets Lake Pepin to soak up the beautiful bluff views before heading into town. Once there, you and your crew can browse art galleries, cute cafes and more in the delightful downtown. Stock up on genuine Scandinavian décor and fashions at Scandihoo, a store full of hygge vibes that also has a focus on sustainability.
When you and your crew get hungry, stop in at the beloved Stockholm Pie and General Store for fresh fare that features many tasty Swedish staples like Smoked Salmon Smorgas. And be sure to grab some of their famous pie on the way out!
For more local specialties, make your way to Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery to sample European-style ciders and wines with a view of the countryside.
Raise A Stein in Germantown
Thanks to the large number of German immigrants that settled in Wisconsin, the country’s culture can be seen in many cities throughout the state. It’s especially celebrated in Germantown, just 30 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Here, you can be transported straight to an authentic bier stube and garten at Von Rothenburg Bier Stube with dozens of German beers on tap and classic German specialties like giant hot pretzels, Schnitzel and more. Sip your brew with friends in the magical outdoor beer garden and prost (cheers) to good times spent together.
Visit in September for Oktoberfest to experience a festive celebration of German culture. With live music, dancing and family fun including a Dachshund Dash, you’re sure to feel the European vibes all around you.
Craving a majestic castle on a hill to round things out? Well, you’re in luck! It’s less than a 10-mile drive to Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary, a picturesque basilica atop a glacial hill that stuns with neo-Romanesque architecture amidst miles of rolling hills.
Soak Up Scandi Vibes in Stoughton
Take a quick trip to Norway via Stoughton, a charming city bursting with culture just southeast of Madison. You and your crew are sure to notice the Norwegian flags lining the picturesque main street full of one-of-a-kind small businesses perfect for browsing.
Stop in at Livsreise, Stoughton’s Norwegian Heritage Center whose name translates to “Life’s Journey,” and learn the stories of those who emigrated from Norway at the turn of the 20th century through interactive exhibits. From there, it’s a short stroll to Viking Brew Pub, which lives up to its name with a wooden bar in the form of a Viking ship! Dine on American and Scandinavian favorites including Norwegian meatballs, Valhalla dip with house-made potato chips and of course, local Wisconsin cheese curds. Pair with one of the pub’s 12 brews for the ultimate meal.
Other Stoughton must-stops include the Nordic Nook for traditional and high-quality Scandinavian gifts and apparel, Eugsters Farm Market where you can bottle feed adorable baby goats and Lake Kegonsa State Park for fresh air adventures with your favorite people. And for festival fun, plan your trip to coincide with Syttende Mai Folk Festival in May that celebrates the city’s Norwegian heritage with music, dancing, parades and more.
Discover America’s Little Switzerland
As you and your group make your way toward New Glarus, the rolling hills dotted with grazing cows will transport you straight to the Swiss Alps. This similarly scenic landscape is one of the things that drew Swiss immigrants to this area of Wisconsin 150 years ago and convinced them to start what’s now known as “America’s Little Switzerland.”
From the chalet-style architecture to restaurants like Puempel's Olde Tavern and Tofflers Pub and Grill to the beloved New Glarus Brewing Co. and Bailey’s Run Winery, this is one city full to the brim with European charm you can both see and taste.
Visit during any of the spirited cultural festivals throughout the year like Polkafest, Swiss Volksfest (Swiss Independence Day) or Oktoberfest for unforgettable fun. For a deeper dive into the area’s rich history, stop by the Swiss Historical Village Museum to explore what daily life was like for New Glarus pioneers.
Explore the Unique Culture of Ephraim
Another whimsical Wisconsin village to add to your mini-Euro trip is Ephraim in Door County. Founded as a religious community by European immigrants in 1853, the village has since worked to preserve many of the original buildings constructed around that time. You and your crew will feel the history as you take a walking tour of the small, striking town with a population of less than 300 that sits on the shore of Lake Michigan.
Get another view of the village by taking a sailing cruise from Bella or Stiletto Cruises, both of which also pass by the towering bluffs of Peninsula State Park. In June, join in Ephraim’s Scandinavian tradition of Fyr Bal Festival that celebrates the transition from spring to summer with music, bonfires on the beach and fireworks over the water.
For an extra adventure with friends or family, take the Washington Island Ferry and seek out the Stavkirke, an astonishing medieval wooden church building once common in northwestern Europe. You’ll be amazed by the unusual architecture inside and out—the Stavkirke is open to visitors year-round and guaranteed to be a memorable stop.
These one-of-a-kind sights are just the beginning of Wisconsin’s story. Dive into even more of Wisconsin’s history and heritage at our many museums throughout the state.
