Summer is the perfect excuse for a day trip. There are loads of charming towns you could visit in Wisconsin. But for a relaxing, New England-style excursion, you should definitely go to Bayfield. Bayfield is way up in northern Wisconsin. It is the gateway to the Apostle Islands. But spend a day just going around the town. Here are some things you can look forward to doing:
1. Everything in Bayfield is quaint and reminds you of New England.
The Badger State is full of wonderful small towns that are all unique in their own special ways. Some are known for something made there, others have a fascinating history or are home to an attraction or natural wonder, and still others are simply charming. There's one small town in Wisconsin, though, that has a little bit of everything, and we think you should spend some time exploring it. Come along with us, as we take a look at the sweet little town of Ellsworth, Wisconsin.
Ellsworth is a village of around 3,300 people and the seat of Pierce County, Wisconsin, which is in the extreme western part of the state, near the Minnesota border. Named for Colonel Elmer Ellsworth - the first Union officer to die in the Civil War - the town is home to several historic buildings, including the Pierce County Courthouse. The main business district also exudes the kind of small-town charm you'd expect to find in a tidy, Midwestern county seat.
And in a state that's renowned for - and takes fierce pride in - its cheese, Ellsworth makes the bold claim of being "The Cheese Curd Capital," and, frankly, few would dispute it. The cheese curds from Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery are known far and wide and sold at retail outlets throughout the Midwest.
As far as natural beauty goes, Ellsworth is located on Isabelle Creek, atop a high ridge in western Wisconsin's Driftless Area. Just half an hour west of the village, you'll find Kinnickinnic State Park, on the wild and scenic St. Croix River at its confluence with the park's eponymous river. With more than nine miles of hiking trails tracing the bluffs and the park's rivers, this is a spot you could easily spend a day exploring from your Ellsworth base camp. Bring along AllTrails Plus for downloadable trail maps and other resources.
We absolutely think you'll enjoy exploring this charming small town in Wisconsin. It's a perfect destination for a day trip or even a weekend adventure. You could even spend some time exploring the area with a side trip down to nearby Stockholm. It's about 30 minutes from Ellsworth, on the Mississippi River, and it's renowned for its eateries, including its famous pie. Or head 20 minutes west of Ellsworth to Prescott, at the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers, to learn more about the Great River Road, which passes through Pierce County on its way to the Gulf of Mexico, at the Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center.
Have you visited Ellsworth, WI, "The Cheese Curd Capital?" Let us know in the comments, and tell us about some of your favorite small towns - and cheese curds - in Wisconsin.
Do you find yourself dreaming of a getaway to the Northwoods of Wisconsin? Enjoy the simple life when you visit the tiny rural community of Clam Lake in Wisconsin. Nestled in the thick of the Chequamegon-Nicolet Forest, and less than a two-hour drive from Minnesota, it offers fine outdoor living, and even elk viewing.
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Clam Lake is the Elk Capital of Wisconsin! Did you know that?
If you visit in the fall season when the leaves are changing and the scenery is so gorgeous, you might even hear them bugling at twilight. You never know when you may see one or two, or four.
You will most definitely want to seize the day, spending time on the lake fishing or boating.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) began re-introducing elk in 1995. It is estimated that there are over 300 elk in the Clam Lake area now.
You can’t help but enjoy the simple life when you visit this tiny rural community in Wisconsin, Clam Lake. I think you will like what you find. Everyone should see the Elk Capital of Wisconsin - and a waterfall is not far away either. For lodging, dining, and outdoor fun, visit the Clam Lake website, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest website, the Copper Falls State Park website, the Chippewa Outpost website, and the Ransom’s Place Facebook page.
So, have you ever been to Clam Lake in Wisconsin? If so, what was your favorite part? What are some of your favorite small towns in Wisconsin? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!
If you’d like to explore hikes in and around the area, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.
A lot of hikers also love to go camping. If you'd like to try it in an RV but don't have one, visit RVShare. And whether you are new to RVing or are a seasoned pro, here are some great RV tips for your next adventure!
