Need a cozy weekend escape with Old World charm? Head to New Glarus! Known as “America’s Little Switzerland,” this quaint village offers alpine architecture, Swiss cuisine, scenic trails, and Wisconsin's most iconic brewery. Whether you're seeking culture, nature, or cold craft beer, New Glarus delivers small-town magic with a European twist.
New Glarus, WI Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Bike or hike the Sugar River State Trail – Explore a scenic 24-mile rail trail with river views, wildlife, and historic bridges.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Swiss Historical Village and Museum – Step back into 19th-century Swiss immigrant life through authentic buildings and artifacts.
- For Shoppers: Explore downtown New Glarus – Find Swiss souvenirs, handmade goods, and delicious chocolates on charming Alpine-style streets.
- For Couples: Sip and relax at New Glarus Brewing Company – Enjoy craft beer tastings, sweeping countryside views, and a fairy-tale hilltop setting.
- For Families: Play and picnic at Village Park – Let kids run on playgrounds, enjoy sports courts, or have a family cookout in a shady picnic shelter.
When I like to visit New Glarus, WI
The best time to visit New Glarus is from late spring to early fall (May through October). Enjoy sunny weather for hiking, patio dining, and festivals. Visit in September for peak Swiss-themed celebrations like Oktoberfest and Wilhelm Tell Festival.
My tips for getting to New Glarus, WI
- If you are traveling by car: New Glarus is located along Highway 69, just 25 miles south of Madison, WI, and about 2.5 hours from Chicago.
- By Air: The closest airport is Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) in Madison, with car rentals available for the scenic drive.
- By Bus: There’s no direct bus or train, but you can take regional transportation to Madison and rent a car from there.
Where I like to stay in New Glarus, WI
- Recommended for Families: Chalet Landhaus Inn – Swiss-style inn with an indoor pool, restaurant, and proximity to town attractions.
- For Couples: The Swiss Aire Motel – Clean, cozy, and affordable, this retro roadside motel is a short walk from breweries and shops.
- For a Boutique Hotel Stay: Kristi’s Guesthouse – Charming B&B in a historic home, offering personalized touches and local flair.
Best Things to Do in New Glarus, WI
1. Sugar River State Trail
"Walk or bike along scenic paths with peaceful countryside views." - VI
The Sugar River State Trail is a scenic trail that winds its way 23 miles through picturesque countryside, connecting four Green County communities - New Glarus, where the trail starts, Monticello, Albany and Brodhead. The trail begins at Trail Headquarters located in the historic train depot in New Glarus.
A short trail connects the Sugar River State Trail to New Glarus Woods State Park. There are fourteen trestle bridges that cross over the Sugar River and its tributaries. The trail passes by farmlands, woods, scenic meadows, rolling hills, prairies and glacial topography. Sugar River State was one of the first rails-to-trails conversions in Wisconsin. It is also one of the most beautiful and simple ways to get outside and enjoy nature in south central Wisconsin.
W5508 CTH NN, New Glarus, WI 53574, Phone: 608-527-2334
2. Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museums
"Explore unique Swiss artifacts and discover local history." - VI
The charming Swiss Alps chalet-style home of Edwin Barlow in New Glarus, Wisconsin, is the home to the collection of thousands of artifacts Barlow collected during his travels around the world in the early- to mid-20th century. The museum is located just a couple of blocks from the downtown and is easily recognized as a typical chalet normally found in the Canton of Bern in Switzerland.
Barlow’s collection is vast and very eclectic. It includes a peacock pendant and earrings set once belonging to Empress Carlota of Mexico. There is a set of Etruscan earrings from 600 BC. There is jewelry and unusual jewelry cases with a secret poison compartment and exquisite pieces of Waterford and Tiffany china and crystal ware. Donated to the City of New Glarus, Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum continues Edwin Barlow’s pride in Swiss heritage and initiatives promoting Swiss culture.
618 2nd St, New Glarus, WI 53574, Phone: 800-527-6838
Where to Eat:
3. Puempel's Olde Taverns
I like:
"Enjoy a casual drink in a historic, charming setting." - VI
Puempel's Olde Taverns was established in 1893 by Otto Puempel, whose family ran the bar for 99 years. During Otto's youth Puempel's was a railroad workers' boardinghouse, with meals cooked by Otto's mother, Bertha. Puempel’s is considered an example of rare authentic American taverns, one of the country's "most impressive historic survivors." The comforts, charm, and atmosphere that appealed to travelers back in 1893 have been lovingly preserved in the today’s Puempel’s Olde Tavern.
The ambience of old-world Swiss tradition is still there, the menu that contains New Glarus beer, sausage and Green County cheese show a commitment to local foods and drinks. Even the folk art mural with the scenes from the Old Country is still there. The front porch is wonderful during the warmer months.
18 6th Ave, New Glarus, WI 53574, Phone: 608-527-2045
4. New Glarus Brewing Company
"Savor iconic craft beers and tour the picturesque brewery." - VI
The New Glarus Brewing Companys is a quaint craft microbrewery in New Glarus, Wisconsin. Its brews, especially everyone’s favorite Spotted Cow, are very popular in Wisconsin. New Glarus beers have also won numerous national and international awards. At the moment, they are only available in Wisconsin, in liquor and grocery stores, or at the brewery's gift shop.
The New Glarus Brewing Company produces six beers available year round and several seasonals for various annual holidays. The brewery has a cozy tasting room that is part of the production facility and a gift shop and it offers self-guided tours. Only in Wisconsin! New Glarus brews are only available in Wisconsin. They can be found in liquor and grocery stores, or at the brewery's own gift shop.
2400 WI-69, New Glarus, WI 53574, Phone: 608-527-5850
More Places to Eat in New Glarus, WI
- Recommended for Families: Glarner Stube – Enjoy hearty Swiss comfort food like fondue, schnitzel, and rösti in a warm, wood-paneled setting.
- For Swiss Food: New Glarus Hotel Restaurant – Classic dishes served in an elegant setting, often with live polka music and yodeling.
- For a Casual Meal: Sugar River Pizza Company – Family-friendly pizzeria with creative pies and local beer on tap.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Culture Lovers: Wilhelm Tell Festival (September) – Outdoor folk theater, alphorn music, and a celebration of Swiss independence.
- For Beer Fans: New Glarus Oktoberfest (late September) – Prost with live music, beer tents, and Bavarian festivities.
- For Holiday Magic: Christkindli Market (early December) – Shop handmade gifts, sip mulled wine, and celebrate Swiss-style holidays downtown.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of New Glarus, WI:
- For Wine Lovers: Bailey’s Run Vineyard (5–10 min) – Sip Wisconsin wine with views, live music, and pizza from their wood-fired oven.
- For Nature Lovers: New Glarus Woods State Park (5–10 min) – Hike wooded trails, camp overnight, or picnic in peaceful forested surroundings.
- For Cheese Fans: Decatur Dairy (20–25 min) – Taste award-winning cheeses and fresh curds at this local creamery and store.
- For Art and Culture: Monroe (25–30 min) – Visit the National Historic Cheesemaking Center or attend a show at Monroe Arts Center.
- For Scenic Drives: Mount Horeb (25–30 min) – Drive the “Trollway,” explore Scandinavian shops, and walk the Troll Stroll trail downtown.
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What is the history of New Glarus?
- New Glarus is a village in Green County, WI, established as a Swiss Colony in 1845.
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Why is New Glarus called "Little Switzerland"?
- The village, called Little Switzerland, has many features from the Old Country, including Alpine-style architecture, ethnic festivals, and Swiss food.
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What beer is produced in New Glarus?
- The New Glarus Brewing Company produces six beers available year-round, along with several seasonal selections.
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What outdoor activities are available in New Glarus?
- The Sugar River State Trail is a scenic trail that connects New Glarus with Monticello, Albany, and Brodhead.
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Are there any wineries in New Glarus?
- Hawks Mill WineHaus is a local winery that specializes in sweeter blends and fruit wines.
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What can visitors see at the Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum?
- The Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum features a vast, eclectic collection of items that Edwin Barlow picked up during his travels around the world.
Map:
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