Celebrate Hispanic Culture in Wisconsin

The story of Wisconsin is woven together by many groups of people, including Indigenous groups who have lived here for thousands of years, French and British colonists and immigrants from Europe and all over the world.

One of the groups that plays an important and ongoing part of Wisconsin’s identity is Hispanic people. Spanish-speaking communities of Wisconsin date back to 1910, when people of Mexican heritage began to settle here after the Mexican Revolution. Since then, many other Hispanic groups have also made Wisconsin their home and brought with them vibrant cultural traditions, art, food and more. And today, over 18% of Wisconsin's population identifies as Hispanic.

Read on to discover some amazing local Wisconsin attractions, events, stores and tasty restaurants owned by Hispanic Wisconsinites that are sure to add extra fun and meaning to your vacation.

Delicious Spots to Dine Together

Food is a huge part of Hispanic culture and there are tons of great authentic, locally-owned spots in Wisconsin to savor. Stop in Alice Good Coffee in Verona for a delicious brew that also returns as much of the economic benefit as possible back to Colombia. Here, you and your crew can also enjoy tasty bakery items like sweet potato doughnuts from Bloom Bake Shop and bring home stylish glassware made from recycled bottles in Bogotá.

For lunch and dinner, there are dozens of tasty options throughout the state. From the Mexican Favorites at Tello’s Grille in Port Washington passed down for five generations to the Whitewater local favorite Cozumel Mexican Restaurant, each offers unique specialties in generous portions with options for everyone in your group.

In the Driftless Region, stop in Hillsboro for traditional Nicaraguan cuisine at La Marimba. Travelers come all the way from Chicago to taste the flavorful specialties here like Baho, made up of brisket, green plantains and yuca cooked in banana leaves and originating from the mix of cultures found throughout Nicaragua.

And who doesn’t love taquerias and food trucks? Visit Milwaukee to enjoy Zócalo Food Truck Park, a collective made up of diverse businesses including Mazorca Tacos and Anytime Arepa.
Farther north in Oshkosh, The Taqueria is a family-owned restaurant offering Mexican street food like elote (street corn), tamales and Cali fries topped with pico de gallo, cheese, guacamole and a meat of your choice.

For something sweet, visit downtown Wisconsin Dells to try the wide variety of treats at WIchoacana Mexican Dessert Bar. Choose from colorful popsicles, Mexican-style ice cream and other goodies homemade with fresh fruit and perfect for enjoying with friends and family on a hot day.

Find even more sweet (and savory) snacks at Dulce Vida in Beloit for fresh-baked desserts, ice cream and shaved ice as well as a full lunch and dinner menu.