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Wisconsin is a delightful Midwestern state with unique natural beauty and exciting outdoor opportunities. From sprawling farmlands and rolling hills to picturesque lakeshores, there is something special to experience across the Badger State. As the new year 2024 begins, this is an excellent opportunity to start ticking off your travel checklist with a trip to Wisconsin. Beyond major cities like Milwaukee and Green Bay, it has several hidden gems in the backcountry awaiting discovery.

Whether you are looking for rare historical experiences, sumptuous culinary adventures, or unforgettable outdoor thrills, the small towns in Wisconsin have something for everyone. You can choose from scenic waterfront villages and quaint alpine hamlets to relaxed riverine communities for an easygoing getaway in America鈥檚 Dairyland. Here are some of the most exciting places in Wisconsin to visit in 2024.

Platteville

This charming community in Grant County is known for its pleasant outdoor scenery and recreational opportunities like camping and hiking in its 15 city parks. This provides fans of the outdoors with multiple options, highlighted by the Rountree Branch Trail. Stretching over 3.4 miles, the route welcomes hikers, bikers, walkers, and skaters to enjoy the great outdoors. History buffs have a few gems to discover in Platteville, including the Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums. This museum campus, spanning several acres, features a 19th-century lead and zinc mine, offering tourists an exciting underground adventure with a ride on an authentic 1931 mine train.

The site also hosts various community events, including the Miner鈥檚 Ball, scheduled to be held at the museum on February 17, 2024. Platteville is also home to a University of Wisconsin campus, which gives the town a youthful and vibrant vibe with a mix of shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the downtown corridor. If you appreciate the arts, you can join other connoisseurs in admiring a fine collection of visual art pieces at the Rountree Gallery.

Egg Harbor

Enjoy a quiet lakeside retreat in this tiny Door County village set along the scenic shores of Green Bay. Egg Harbor charms with a spanking new marina, oozing coastal charm, serving as the perfect getaway for remarkable aquatic adventures. The Egg Harbor Marina offers some of the town鈥檚 best views, which you can admire on a lazy walk through the vibrant corridor. Not too far away, you will encounter Egg Harbor Beach, a popular tourist hub in the town. The sandy beach provides recreational opportunities for sunbathers, swimmers, boaters, and even anglers.聽

Meanwhile, you can get an insightful history lesson with a tour of the Cupola House Shops. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the structure was built in 1871 and is among the oldest buildings in the region. But if you don鈥檛 want to miss out on any of the top sites in town, the best option is to hop on the Door County Trolley for a scenic tour through all the major points of interest in Egg Harbor.聽

Ellison Bay

This quaint waterfront community in northern Door County serves as the ideal jump-off base for visitors seeking to experience the natural beauty of Wisconsin鈥檚 backcountry. It charms with lush surroundings and a laid back atmosphere, providing a sweet escape from the busy city. Highlights include the Ellison Bluff State Natural Area, a pleasant nature space with dramatic limestone bluffs, picturesque lake views, and isolated walking trails. Also, Newport State Park delights adventurers with 2,300 acres of raw wilderness, presenting opportunities like camping, backpacking, biking, and hiking along its 30 miles of trails.聽

For history enthusiasts, a visit to Death鈥檚 Door Maritime Museum introduces you to the region鈥檚 nautical heritage and commercial fishing tradition. Although small, it has a charming selection of artifacts showcasing Ellison Bay鈥檚 colorful past. Finally, remember to stop by Hugel Haus whenever you are hungry to enjoy tasty German cuisine paired with great beer.聽

Minocqua

Minocqua offers a little bit of something for everyone! This lovely town on the shore of Lake Minocqua promises a mixed bag of outdoor pursuits around the year, from hiking and biking to cross-country skiing and snowboarding. The Show presents one of the region鈥檚 best live performances. This family-friendly spectacle is the oldest amateur water ski show in the area and has captivated audiences since 1950. Animal lovers will relish a tour of the Wildwood Wildlife Park & Zoo, which features more than 1,700 animals representing over 200 species. It is an excellent venue to encounter exotic wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and kudu.聽

For cold-season travelers, Adventure North Snowmobile Tours & Rentals provides a thrilling way of shaking off the chill with remarkable excursions on the snow. Lastly, the indoor inclined will prefer to visit the Minocqua Museum for some background to the city. The facility houses diverse exhibits showcasing the city鈥檚 interesting past.聽

Sister Bay

Sister Bay鈥檚 charm comes from its picturesque surroundings punctuated with breathtaking bay views, fun water-based adventures, and an impressive culinary scene. Outdoor opportunities abound, with locals and tourists gathering at the popular Waterfront Park to make the most of it. Boasting 1,800 feet of water and a 600-foot sand beach, it is Door County鈥檚 largest waterfront and serves as a prime recreation zone for families in Sister Bay. If you have a soft spot for the arts, you should consider a tour of the Frykman Studio Gallery. The establishment has a relaxed atmosphere and showcases beautiful art by David Frykman, including oil paintings and wood carvings.

The downtown area houses a charming collage of ice cream shops, beer gardens, and cozy restaurants, representing a bustling local dining scene. While there are numerous eateries, Al Johnson鈥檚 Swedish Restaurant & Butik is among the more impressive joints. Besides serving sumptuous traditional Swedish cuisine, it intrigues guests with a sod roof where goats graze as people eat inside the restaurant.聽

Ephraim

Captivating history, a picturesque waterfront, and a bustling history describe this tiny Door County Village. Ephraim is home to less than 500 residents and offers plenty of space to explore its touristy delights without the crowds. Those interested in the town鈥檚 cultural and historical heritage can visit the Ephraim Historical Foundation to peruse a diverse collection of archives, documents, artifacts, and historic structures. But if you prefer the outdoors, you will find a delightful natural oasis at the Ephraim Preserve at Anderson Pond. The park houses a nice blend of habitats, from forests and wetlands to open fields, providing the right setting to commune with nature.聽

The Ephraim community appreciates the arts, evidenced by the impressive gallery collection in its downtown area. With so much artistry to experience, you can pass by the George Burr Gallery to admire breathtaking landscape paintings by the local artist.聽

Bayfield

Despite housing a small population of just about 600 residents, Bayfield is one of the most beautiful towns in Wisconsin. It is known to be a popular Apostle Islands getaway and has a rich nautical heritage. You can explore this side of Bayfield鈥檚 history at the Bayfield Maritime Museum. The fine facility documents regional seafaring exploits through a vast collection of artifacts inside a lovely building. One of the best experiences in the town involves a scenic tour on the Apostle Islands Cruise Boat. A must-do for newcomers, the trip takes you through 55 miles of the gorgeous Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, exposing you to the sheer natural beauty surrounding the town.聽

But if you are too coy to get on the water, you can still explore the outdoors along the West Rim Trail. This 1.3-mile nature trail inside the Big Ravine Nature Preserve passes through a densely forested area and is perfect for hikers, bikers, skiers, and snowshoers.聽

Fish Creek

Thanks to its eclectic nature spaces, outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to a jam-packed vacation in this Door County village. Fish Creek is best known for being home to the beautiful Peninsula State Park. Covering over 3,700 acres, the sprawling nature spaces harbors endless recreation opportunities, from hiking and off-road biking to swimming and camping. Sightseers can also make the most of the spectacular views inside the park by climbing to the top of the highest point, Eagle Tower, which rises 70 feet.聽

With so much to see in Fish Creek, the Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tour offers a faster and easier way of soaking in as much of the lovely scenery as possible. The laidback cruise, which can be taken at sunset, takes you through all the beaches, islands, limestone bluffs, and lighthouses for a remarkable adventure on the water. To break the monotony of the outdoors, you can tour the Alexander Noble House Museum, a historic 1875 Greek Revival farmhouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places.聽

Algoma

This idyllic waterfront community on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan delights with small-town charm, multiple art galleries, and unique outdoor opportunities. Driving into the town, you can鈥檛 miss the Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse, a historic landmark built in 1893. The structure is proof of Algoma鈥檚 rich maritime heritage and offers the perfect background for a photo. If you love to take in the scenes, you can take a lazy stroll along the Crescent Beach Boardwalk. The wooden promenade straddles the lakeshore, spoiling you with picturesque water views and a peaceful atmosphere.聽

Meanwhile, Algoma has a bustling art scene to explore, with several art galleries in the downtown area showcasing some of the best local creations. The Robert Ray Gallery is an excellent venue to admire an impressive fine art collection and antique displays. Finally, don鈥檛 forget to interact with the friendly townsfolk at Wienke鈥檚 Market, with a chance to sample delicious homemade delicacies.聽

Final Thoughts

America鈥檚 Dairyland has more to offer than its milky delights! From captivating history to unique traditions and exciting outdoor adventures, these small towns in Wisconsin are a prelude to the fun experience you can look forward to in the state. They are the perfect alternative to the big cities in the Badger State, promising just as fulfilling a vacation.聽