When folks first started coming to Wisconsin in the 1800s, they came from parts of Europe well-known for their sweets. Those folks that settled here brought with them an incredible knowledge of chocolates and candies, and they used that knowledge to open up candy shops here. You know they brought a wealth of talent because many of those original places are actually still open today. There are 11 different chocolate and candy shops in a less than 300 mile loop that date back as far as 1899 and the "youngest" is still 60 years old, and we've included them on a delicious Wisconsin chocolate shop road trip. These are family-run, local, delectable places making chocolates and candies the old-fashioned way with recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Many of these places do nearly everything by hand and create some of the most delicious, wonderful treats you've ever experienced. They make the candy your parents and grandparents are nostalgic for as they grew up eating them, as well.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could visit all these spots in one day or make a super sweet weekend out of this trip and try them all. It's not surprising that a good chunk of them are located in and near Green Bay, Wisconsin's first city. The other large group is in the Milwaukee area, so you could break up the trip and still taste many of the oldest, most delicious candies in the state in just an afternoon. Leading to several Wisconsin chocolate shops, this is the sweetest road trip you'll ever take... start planning now!

You can check out an interactive map with directions.

This fun and not-too-far road trip will take you to 10 different historic, old school Wisconsin shops in fewer than 300 miles.

1. Guth's Candy - Waupun and Green Lake

Established in 1921, this spot was out of the family for a very short time before the grandson bought it back and continued a third generation of master candymaking.

Address: 928 E Main St., Waupun, WI, 53963 and 509 Mill St., Green Lake, WI 54941. To learn more about Guth's Candy, be sure to visit their website.

2. Wilmar Chocolates - Appleton

The "youngest" of these spots, these folk still have been making small-batch goodies for 60 years. The best part is that here, you can custom-make a candy bar, adding whatever mix-ins you'd like and then you get to watch it being made. Address: 1222 N Superior St., Appleton, WI 54911. To learn more about Wilmar Chocolates, be sure to visit their website.

3. Seroogy's Chocolate - Green Bay

Brothers Joe, Jim, and Sol Seroogy began making fine chocolate candies in De Pere, Wisconsin in 1899. Maybe most well known for their fundraising candy bars, Seroogy's Chocolate is actually two full-service shops in the Green Bay area serving everything from simple chocolates, nut mixes, and candies to elaborate gift boxes, unusual combinations, and so much more.

Seroogy’s has two locations in the Green Bay area — De Pere at 144 N. Wisconsin St. and Ashwaubenon at 786 Willard Dr.

4. Hughes' Home Maid Chocolates - Oshkosh

Easily the best candy store in Wisconsin, this place has been serving up goodies since 1942 and is in a cozy home location that invites you in to sample all the goodies. Address: 1823 Doty St., Oshkosh, WI, 54902.

5. Oak's Candy Corner - Oshkosh

This charming spot has more than a century of history serving goodies to the people of Oshkosh. The same commitment to quality has kept them around for 100 years and counting. Address: 1200 Oregon St., Oshkosh, WI, 54902. To learn more, visit the Oak's Candy Corner website.

6. Beerntsen's - Manitowoc

The Beertnsen family has been making candy since 1905. Founder Joseph Beerntsen was making candy in Chicago, Milwaukee and Green Bay before he settled in Manitowowc to open up his own shop in 1932. Address: 108 N 8th St., Manitowoc, WI 54220. To learn more, visit the website for Beerntsen's.

7. Burke Candy and Ingredients - Milwaukee

The fourth generation is now making candies and chocolates in this store that started in 1929. They specialize in both century-old recipes and new innovations. Located at 3840 N. Fratney St., Milwaukee, WI, 53212. To learn more, visit the Burke Candy and Ingredients website.

8. Kehr's Kandies - Milwaukee

This Milwaukee institution actually started during the Great Depression making potato chips and caramel corn, as there was little overhead or cost needed to make them. The family stayed afloat and afterwards started collecting candy recipes and expanding the business. Kehr's has come to represent chocolate and candy in Milwaukee. Located in the Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N Water St., Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Kehr's is one of those iconic Milwaukee stores worth checking out.

9. Niemann's Candies & Ice Cream - Wauwatosa

The Niemann family has been making candy by hand since 1919 using family recipes that have been passed down through generations. There are no shortcuts here - many of the processes and implements are the same ones used decades ago.

Located at 7475 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa, WI, 5321. To learn more, visit the website for Niemann's Candies & Ice Cream.

10. Freese's Candy - West Allis

These folks have been making delicious chocolates, candies, and caramels in West Allis since 1932. Try the cherry cordials! Located at 7312 W Greenfield Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53214. To learn more, visit the website for Freese's Candy.

What are your favorite candy stores in Wisconsin? Let us know in the comments!

Looking for another sweet trip? Check out this ice cream and custard road trip in Wisconsin where you can visit 10 places in less than 90 miles and two hours.