'America's Little Switzerland' Is A Charming, Hidden Gem In The Midwest

Switzerland is a destination that welcomes visitors to immerse themselves in alpine vistas, fresh cheese and chocolate, and well-organized historic cities. It's no surprise it remains one of the most sought-after travel spots, and you probably already have your list of top Switzerland attractions you can't miss. However, if you can't take that trip anytime soon, the United States has places where you can still experience authentic Swiss thrills. Tucked into Green County in south-central Wisconsin is New Glarus, a Midwest hidden gem with just over 2,000 residents that has quietly stayed off most travelers' itineraries.

New Glarus was founded in 1845 by settlers from Glarus, Switzerland, seeking new opportunities in America. Over the years, more Swiss immigrants made their way here, bringing traditions that can still be seen today. This heritage, along with the rolling hills and wooded farmlands reminiscent of Switzerland, explains how the village earned the nickname "America's Little Switzerland." Today, visitors can take historic tours and explore the village's charming chalet-style architecture, which makes up the majority of its buildings. You can also enjoy delicious local foods, attend cultural festivals, and experience the many outdoor activities the village offers. New Glarus is a 40-minute drive from Madison, the state capital, and less than a two-hour drive from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Less than an hour away is Dane County Regional Airport.

One of the top attractions in New Glarus is the Swiss Historical Village. Open from May to October, this historic site features 14 beautifully restored buildings, including a firehouse, schoolhouse, a Swiss settler's cabin, and many more, all housing exhibits and artifacts that tell the history of New Glarus. The Chalet of the Golden Fleece is the historic home-turned museum of Edwin Barlow, a well-traveled collector who lived in New Glarus and helped promote Swiss culture. Visitors can spend hours marveling at the extensive collection inside this chalet-style museum, including rare and ancient pieces such as Etruscan earrings believed to date back to 600 B.C.E., needlework from the 1500s, a table from 1742, and a porcelain tile stove from 1760.

New Glarus Woods State Park is open year-round and features campgrounds, picnic areas, and eight miles of hiking trails that double as cross-country skiing routes in winter. From the park, visitors can connect to the Sugar River State Trail, a 24-mile National Recreation Trail that winds through farmlands, woods, rolling hills, scenic meadows, and charming communities.

New Glarus hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year. Swiss Volksfest, held each August, features traditional Swiss entertainment, including flag throwing — one of Switzerland's oldest sport traditions — accompanied by local music from the traditional Swiss alphorn. June brings the lively New Glarus PolkaFest and the New Glarus Beer, Bacon & Cheese Festival. During the winter holiday season, the Christkindl Market offers a festive shopping experience with local artisans and vendors.

Rated the top attraction in the village, the New Glarus Brewing Company is a must-visit for beer lovers. Founded in 1993, the brewery only sells beers in Wisconsin and is best known for its signature Spotted Cow. Visitors can take a self-guided tour and sample beers on-site for $8. New Glarus also has restaurants where you can eat your fill of Swiss and flavorful international dishes. Glarner Stube serves cheese fondue, sausage, and schnitzel. Sugar River Pizza Company is worth a stop for their pizza, which has received lots of positive reviews on Tripadvisor, and they also serve salads, sandwiches, and pasta. The "build your own pizza" option is worth trying at a reasonable $12.

While large hotel chains like Holiday Inn and Marriott are less than 20 miles from New Glarus, Chalet Landhaus Inn, located right in the village, is a solid base to return to after a full day of exploring, offering comfortable Swiss-style rooms and serving Swiss and American dishes. For those who wish to continue exploring the state, check out this list of iconic Wisconsin tourist attractions you shouldn't skip.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ And if you want another Swiss-like experience right on American soil, check out Oregon's "little Switzerland" for scenic mountain views and recreation.