New Glarus WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near New Glarus, Wisconsin.
1. New Glarus Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER PARADISE
New Glarus Brewing Company is a beloved craft brewery that offers tours and tastings of their famous beers, including the popular Spotted Cow. Visitors can explore the facility to learn about the brewing process while enjoying the beautiful hilltop setting with scenic views of the countryside. The brewery also features a spacious outdoor beer garden where guests can relax and sample various award-winning brews only available in Wisconsin.
2. Swiss Historical Village
LIVING SWISS HERITAGE
The Swiss Historical Village in New Glarus offers visitors a glimpse into 1850s Swiss pioneer life through 14 meticulously restored historical buildings. Each structure houses authentic artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the Swiss immigrants who settled in this area of Wisconsin. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the daily lives, traditions, and craftsmanship of the early Swiss settlers who established this unique cultural enclave.
3. Bailey's Run Vineyard & Winery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Bailey's Run Vineyard & Winery offers a delightful wine tasting experience in the rolling countryside near New Glarus. Visitors can sample a variety of locally produced wines while enjoying the peaceful rural setting and scenic views. The winery often features live music events and has a comfortable tasting room where guests can relax and learn about Wisconsin viticulture.
4. Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum
UNIQUE HISTORICAL COLLECTION
The Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum houses Edwin Barlow's extraordinary collection of treasures from around the world, displayed in an authentic Swiss chalet. This historic home, listed on both the Wisconsin State Register and National Register of Historic Places, contains thousands of artifacts spanning three floors that Barlow gathered during his global travels in the early to mid-20th century. Visitors can explore this eclectic collection maintained exactly as Barlow arranged it when he gifted the property to the community.
5. Puempel's Olde Tavern
HISTORIC SWISS PUB
Puempel's Olde Tavern is a historic pub that has been serving patrons in New Glarus since 1893, making it a beloved local institution. The tavern's walls feature original murals painted by German artist Friedrich Haskell in 1913, depicting Alpine scenes that enhance the authentic Swiss atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy local brews and traditional fare while soaking in the historic ambiance that has remained largely unchanged for generations.
6. Edelweiss Chalet Country Club
SCENIC GOLF EXPERIENCE
Edelweiss Chalet Country Club offers golf enthusiasts a picturesque 18-hole course nestled in the rolling hills surrounding New Glarus. The well-maintained fairways and greens provide both challenging play and stunning views of the area's natural beauty. After a round, visitors can relax in the Swiss-themed clubhouse that features dining options and a welcoming atmosphere reflective of the region's heritage.
7. New Glarus Woods State Park
NATURAL FOREST RETREAT
New Glarus Woods State Park provides outdoor enthusiasts with over 400 acres of serene woodland and prairie landscapes to explore through various hiking trails. The park offers year-round recreational opportunities including camping, picnicking, cross-country skiing, and wildlife observation in a peaceful natural setting. Visitors can immerse themselves in the diverse ecosystem while enjoying views of oak savannas and hardwood forests representative of Wisconsin's native landscape.
8. Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern
ICONIC SWISS CHEESE EXPERIENCE
Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern in nearby Monroe is a legendary establishment known for its authentic Swiss cheeses and famous Limburger sandwich. The historic tavern, founded in 1931, combines a cheese store with a casual dining area where visitors can sample local delicacies including their renowned Reuben sandwich. The venue offers multiple seating options including a long bar and outdoor patio, making it a perfect stop for families exploring the region's Swiss culinary heritage.
9. Sugar River State Trail
SCENIC BIKING ROUTE
The Sugar River State Trail offers 24 miles of crushed limestone path following an abandoned railroad corridor through some of Wisconsin's most picturesque countryside. Cyclists, hikers, and snowmobilers can traverse historic railroad bridges spanning the Sugar River while enjoying views of farmland, woods, and wetlands. The trail connects New Glarus to Brodhead, making it an excellent way to explore the region's natural beauty and small-town charm at a leisurely pace.
10. Wilhelm Tell Festival Grounds
SWISS CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Wilhelm Tell Festival Grounds in New Glarus host the oldest outdoor drama in the United States, performed annually since 1938 when Edwin Barlow introduced it to America. This open-air theater nestled in a natural amphitheater presents Friedrich Schiller's famous play about the Swiss folk hero who defied Austrian tyranny. Visitors can experience this remarkable cultural tradition that celebrates Swiss heritage through dramatic performances, music, and authentic costumes each September.
11. New Glarus Hotel Restaurant
AUTHENTIC SWISS DINING
The New Glarus Hotel Restaurant serves authentic Swiss cuisine in a charming historic building that has been welcoming guests since the 1850s. Diners can savor traditional specialties like fondue, raclette, rösti, and schnitzel prepared according to time-honored Swiss recipes. The restaurant's distinctive architecture and interior decor create an immersive Old World atmosphere that complements the culinary experience.
12. Chalet Landhaus Inn
SWISS-STYLE LODGING EXPERIENCE
The Chalet Landhaus Inn offers visitors an authentic Swiss lodging experience in a charming Alpine-style building that embodies New Glarus's European heritage. Each room features Swiss-inspired decor and amenities, creating a cozy atmosphere that transports guests to the Swiss Alps. The property includes the popular Landhaus Restaurant serving traditional Swiss and American cuisine, as well as beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces for relaxation.
13. Monticello Karst Trail
LIMESTONE CAVE EXPLORATION
The Monticello Karst Trail, located near New Glarus, takes hikers through a fascinating landscape of limestone formations and sinkholes created by the area's unique geology. This one-mile interpretive trail features educational signage explaining the karst topography and underground drainage systems that characterize this region of Wisconsin. Visitors can observe how surface water disappears into the ground through sinkholes and emerges elsewhere as springs, demonstrating the interconnected nature of this distinctive ecosystem.
14. Swiss Center of North America
SWISS CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Swiss Center of North America serves as the primary repository for Swiss cultural heritage in the United States, housing an extensive library, archives, and exhibits dedicated to Swiss immigration and contributions to American society. Visitors can explore displays of traditional Swiss crafts, historical documents, and artifacts that tell the story of Swiss settlement across the continent. The center regularly hosts cultural events, workshops, and educational programs aimed at preserving and celebrating Swiss-American heritage for future generations.
15. Badger State Trail
HISTORIC RAILWAY PATH
The Badger State Trail extends 40 miles from Madison to the Wisconsin-Illinois border, passing near the New Glarus area through beautiful countryside and historic small towns. One of the trail's highlights is the 1,200-foot Stewart Tunnel, a curved passage carved through solid limestone that offers an unforgettable experience for cyclists and hikers. The trail connects to the Sugar River State Trail in Monticello, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to create longer routes through Green County's scenic landscapes.