New Glarus, Wisconsin is one of those Midwest towns that feels fully itself, confident in its heritage and welcoming to anyone curious enough to slow down and look around. Known as Little Switzerland, this small community south of Madison celebrates its Swiss roots with a level of pride and participation that shapes daily life, architecture, food, and festivals. Visiting New Glarus is about more than checking sights off a list; it is about experiencing a place that knows who it is and enjoys sharing that identity with guests who appreciate culture, flavor, and a sense of place.
The village was founded by Swiss immigrants in the 1840s, and that history is visible everywhere, from chalet-inspired buildings downtown to the Swiss Historical Village Museum, which offers a thoughtful look at early settlement life. Walk the compact downtown, and you will find locally owned shops selling imported chocolates, cheese, and crafts alongside cafes and bakeries that take European tradition seriously. Glarner Stube and Chalet Landhaus are widely recognized for Swiss cuisine that feels both celebratory and grounded, making them favorite stops for couples planning a Romantic getaway or a long weekend getaway.
Things to do in New Glarus extend well beyond downtown. The Sugar River State Trail is a major draw, offering miles of scenic cycling and walking through farmland and rolling countryside. It connects easily to town, making it simple to spend a morning outside and return for lunch and shopping. The New Glarus Brewing Company is another essential experience. The brewery is nationally known for Spotted Cow and other Wisconsin-only releases, and the hilltop beer garden provides sweeping views that pair well with a tasting flight. Reservations are not required, but time is well spent here, especially on a clear afternoon.
Seasonal events add another layer of fun to your getaway if you time it right. Wilhelm Tell Festival, Polkafest, and holiday celebrations bring music, traditional dress, and community gatherings that feel authentic rather than staged. These weekends are popular for repeat visitors, particularly couples who enjoy returning to the same town year after year and staying somewhere familiar and personal.
Choosing a Bed and Breakfast or independent inn in New Glarus, Wisconsin, is the best way to experience the town at a human scale. Unlike standard hotels, independent inns here are often restored historic homes or thoughtfully designed properties run by hosts who live locally and know the rhythms of the village. Mornings begin with a real breakfast made with regional ingredients, along with recommendations you will not find anywhere else.
Visitors often come for the beer or the Swiss theme and return because the town feels genuine. When planning your visit and exploring Things to do in New Glarus, booking directly with a Midwest Association of Independent Inns Bed and Breakfast ensures your stay gives you the most meaningful connection to this one-of-a-kind Wisconsin destination.
