In Cornucopia, WI you can travel back in time while shopping for dinner. Built in 1915, Ehlers General Store in Wisconsin is a day trip destination that takes you back to simpler times representative of a thing that was once commonplace but is now incredibly rare: a general store. There was a time when every town of any size had one of these places, a shop where you could buy food and all the bits you needed to keep your home or farm running. Fortunately, in this place, nothing has changed, and this charming little store has become a destination worthy of a day trip.

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Ehlers General Store may be the state’s oldest general store that’s still in operation – one in Southern Wisconsin that held the title closed in spring 2021. So if you want to step back in time, head north, to Bayfield County.

The store is located near Lake Superior, in a little unincorporated town with a population of just 98 people. The store is much the same as it was when it opened in 1915. It was founded by a bookkeeper who lost his job at a lumber company after a huge fire destroyed three mills.

More than 100 years later, the store is still going. There have been a few updates – while the store retains its historic charm, there are amenities like free Wi-Fi, which is useful for Northwoods travelers who need to get online.

It sells all sorts of grocery items, including hard to find things like Ahi tuna. There’s fresh bread for sale and a small selection of Asian food, including Edamame. You’ll also find the freshest hamburger and chicken around, and locally-grown produce.

There’s a deli at the store, and a pleasant place outside to enjoy a meal and some fresh air. The seating area is surrounded by fragrant herbs. If you've been in the car for a while, this is the perfect place to relax.

The store makes out-of this-world pizza that’s only available on certain days. It’s as fresh as the Lake Superior breeze – they even make their own pesto from scratch.

Ehlers General Store also sells some hardware items and dry goods - if you discover that you need something while you’re exploring northern Wisconsin, you may find it here. The store is open seasonally, closing from December until May. If you enjoy exploring our state's many historic spots, you may want to take this road trip to some of the state of Wisconsin's most fascinating places. Planning to visit and need some ideas for things to do? Check out all the goings-on from our friends at Airbnb Experiences.