Love historic charm, art festivals, and boutique shopping? Head to Cedarburg, Wisconsin! Just north of Milwaukee, this storybook town features 19th-century limestone buildings, a walkable downtown, and seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re browsing galleries or sipping local wine, Cedarburg is a cozy Midwest gem.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Cedarburg is in spring through fall (May to October). Enjoy art fairs, warm-weather strolls, and autumn festivals. Winter is also lovely with a festive downtown, twinkling lights, and holiday markets.
Tips for getting There
- By Car: Cedarburg is located off Highway 60, about 30 minutes north of Milwaukee and 2 hours from Madison or Chicago.
- By Air: Fly into Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), then drive or take a shuttle north to Cedarburg.
- By Bus/Train: Amtrak and intercity buses stop in Milwaukee; from there, rent a car or use a rideshare to reach Cedarburg.
Where I like to stay
- Washington House Inn – Elegant boutique hotel in a restored 1886 building with fireplaces and cozy charm.
- Lilly Pad – A Guest House – Quaint riverside retreat in the heart of downtown, perfect for couples and small groups.
- Comfort Inn & Suites Grafton – Modern chain hotel just minutes away, offering convenience and affordability.
Top Attractions
1. Take a picture of the Cedarburg Covered Bridge
Cedarburg Covered Bridge is one of just a few iconic covered bridges that still exist in Wisconsin. The bridge was constructed in 1876 and spans 120 feet crossing Cedar Creek.
Pedestrians can still cross over the pine and oak bridge which was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1973. Visitors can drive over a more modern bridge built just a few yards away and see the Cedarburg Covered Bridge by car. A replica of this iconic bridge was built in Waushara County in 1997. Visitors can relax in Covered Bridge Park when visiting the bridge and enjoy fishing, bird watching, canoeing, and picnicking.
Find it at this Address: 1728-1784 Covered Bridge Road, Cedarburg, WI, 53012
2. Take a tour of the Cedar Creek Winery
Cedar Creek Winery is an award-winning and family-owned winery that began as a woolen mill in 1864. The mill was open for 105 years before closing after synthetic fabrics became popular. A local winemaker purchased the mill in 1972 and redesigned the property into a winery famous for cherry wines. Today, the wines are grape focused and barrel aged in stone wine cellars.
Tours and tastings are available daily on the main floor of the Cedar Creek Winery. A wine shop is on site where guests can take home bottles of award-winning blush, white, and red grape wines.
Find it at this Address: N70 W6340 Bridge Road, Cedarburg, Wisconsin 53012, Phone: 262-377-8020
3. Bike or jog on the Ozaukee Interurban Trail
The Ozaukee Interurban Trail is a paved, 30-mile trail that traverses the entire length of Ozaukee County. For the most part, the trail is off-road and connects the towns of Belgium, Cedarburg, Grafton, Mequon, Port Washington, and Thiensville. The path is one of the few recreational trails in the state that is free for use for all pedestrians year round.
Biking, skating, running, walking, and even cross country skiing are favorite activities on family-friendly trail. Ozaukee Interurban Trail has been named "The Great Wisconsin Birding Trail" due to its abundant wildlife sightings along the woodlands, wetlands, creeks, rivers, and Lake Michigan.
4. Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts
The Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts was founded by quilters as The Wisconsin Quilt Project Inc in 1988 with a mission to preserve the creativity and history of quilting. The museum currently has more than 8,000 quilts, each with a particular story, and is located in the Hoffman-Boeker farmstead.
There are typically artists exhibitions at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts, workshops for children and adults, classes, lectures, lunches with artists, special events, and fundraisers hosted at the Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts which is a non-profit organization.
Find it at this Address: N50 W5050 Portland Rd., Cedarburg, WI 53012, Phone: 262-546-0300
5. Spend a morning at the Cedarburg Art Museum
The Cedarburg Art Museum is a historic residence dating back to 1898 and features beautiful red brick showcasing several architectural styles including Romanesque, Classical, and Queen Anne.
Visitors to the museum still walk on the original oak floors underneath hand painted canvas ceilings that have been preserved beautifully. Much of the original stained glass also remains with views overlooking the historic district of Cedarburg. The museum is home to a collection of 49 paintings that were gifted to the museum by The Ozaukee Bank in 2007.
Find it at this Address: W63 N675 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, WI 53012, Phone: 262-377-6123
6. Take the kids to the Cedarburg Creek Farm
Cedarburg Creek Farm, named for the creek that runs through it, is a giant pumpkin farm offering great family activities in the summer and early fall. The family-owned farm features free hayrides, a petting zoo with free admission, bounce house, barrel train, corn maze, and other family entertainment.
The property is host to several Farm Festivals every season showcasing live musical performers, singing impersonators, and family-friendly entertainment. Guests can also enjoy picking their own pumpkin to take home, harvesting a Christmas tree, or purchasing fall flowers and décor from the onsite shop.
Find it at this Address: 649 Hwy 60 Cedarburg, WI, 53012, Phone: 414-333-5600
7. Have lunch at the Stilt House
The Stilt House is an iconic restaurant and brewery featuring a second story that is raised on stilts.
The property was raised on stilts in 1900 when a clever tavern owner found a way around the city's denial of his application for a permit to add a second floor to his bar.
The current restaurant and brewery opened in 2013 and features craft beers, wine, and small plates. There is a rotating selection of draft beers as well as special "secret stash" offerings, more than 30 wines, and dozens of bottled beers to choose from. The menu offerings feature small plates and full meals.
Find it at this Address: W62 N630 Washington Avenues, Cedarburg, WI, 53012, Phone: 262-618-4889
8. Learn about local history at the free Cedarburg History Museum
At the Cedarburg History Museum you can take a nostalgic trip back in time as you admire an impressive collection of artifacts and memorabilia which document the history of Cedarburg and Ozaukee County.
The museum is housed in the historic Hilgen and Schroeder Mill Store in the heart of historic downtown Cedarburg, where it shares its premises with the local Visitor’s Center. The museum is home to permanent exhibitions such as the Port Washington State Bank General Store Museum and also presents rotating temporary exhibitions to showcase important historic aspects of the town and county.
The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday and admission is free (donations are appreciated).
Find it at this Address: N58 W 6194 Columbia Rd, Cedarburg, WI 53012, 262 377 9620
9. Have great pizza and pick up a t-shirt at Tomaso's
Tomaso's is a second generation owned family pizzeria in downtown Cedarburg. The restaurant is known for its unique way of layering toppings with the cheese on the bottom and high-quality, always fresh ingredients.
Tomaso's was awarded Milwaukee Magazine's Best Pizza and Ozaukee County Best Pizza several years. Their mouth-watering deep dish and thin crust pizzas are customizable with gluten-free or whole wheat crusts available. Other menu items include sandwiches, pasta, salads, and chicken dinners. This casual dining pizzeria also sells apparel and franchise opportunities.
Find it at this Address: W63 N688 Washington Ave, Cedarburg, Wisconsin 53012, Phone: 262-377-7630
10. Visit the Cedarburg Cultural Center
Conveniently located in the heart of Cedarburg’s historic Downtown, the Cedarburg Cultural Center provides a community meeting place where the town’s cultural talents are promoted and showcased.
For more than 30 years the center has brought the vibrancy of live performance art, music, and culture to the Cedarburg community and has nurtured and encouraged generations of artists and performers.
There is always something worth seeing at the center – anything from juried art exhibitions to music concerts, comedy shows and live stage performances. The center also presents their popular First Friday entertainment line-up with shows, music and dancing on the first Friday of each month.
Find it at this Address: Cedarburg Cultural Center, W62 N546 Washington Ave, Cedarburg, WI 53012, 262 375 3676
More places to Eat
- Brandywine – Upscale farm-to-table dining with seasonal menus and creative cocktails.
- Out & Out Eatery & Catering – Casual spot for burgers, sandwiches, and outdoor seating in warmer months.
Local Events
- Strawberry Festival (June) – Celebrate all things strawberry with food, crafts, music, and fun for all ages.
- Wine & Harvest Festival (September) – Live music, grape stomping, food vendors, and fall fun in the heart of town.
- Festive Friday Eves (Winter) – Weekly holiday events featuring lights, caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides, and shopping specials.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Cedarburg, Wisconsin
- Mequon Nature Preserve (20–25 min) – Hike prairie and woodland trails, climb the observation tower, and explore educational exhibits.
- Port Washington (25–30 min) – Stroll the harbor, dine on Lake Michigan’s shore, and explore lighthouses and maritime history just east of Cedarburg.
- Downtown Grafton (10–15 min) – Visit local breweries, walk along the Milwaukee Riverwalk, and enjoy live music and events in this nearby town.
- Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve (20–25 min) – Hike bluff-top trails and boardwalks with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and wooded ravines.
Plan Your Trip