There are hidden gems tucked away in all corners of our state and we have gathered a few ideas for smaller towns worth checking out on a day trip this fall. We want to remind travelers to follow public health guidance and take necessary precautions for safe and responsible recreation.
Spooner is a Northwoods gem, nestled under towering pines and among gorgeous lakes with a rich history and historic downtown area. Home to the Spooner Murals and the Spooner Tin Ceiling Tour, these public art pieces and the local architecture add to the charm of this delightful community. The Spooner Tin Ceiling Tour is a self-guided tour to view the intricate beauty of the tin ceilings of historical buildings
Not far from Spooner, the Beaver Brook Wildlife Area has over 6 miles of incredible trails that wind through the nearly 2,000 acre property. This area offers a variety of trout streams, springs and lakes, as well as remnant of old homesteads built in the 1870’s.
Spooner has delicious options for dining, from coffee and breakfast at Alley Cats Coffee to a cold craft brew later at Round Man Brewing Company – you’ll be able to find a great meal along the way.
There’s so much to discover in Monroe’s historic downtown. From cheese tours to bike trails, authentic eateries to public art – there is something for everyone in this charming community.
Known as Cheese City USA, visitors can dive right into learning about the tradition of cheesemaking at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center or visit one of the handful of cheese factories and stores that call the area home. Stroll downtown Monroe and check out the many unique shops offering products and gifts of all kinds.
Make sure to check out their new “Greetings from Monroe” mural in downtown, which highlights some of the incredible destinations and features in Monroe that will bring you back time and time again
Whether you are strolling downtown, sipping wine or speeding down the bike trails, the quaint town of Cambridge offers fun at every pace.
Start the day with a warm drink at one of the downtown coffee shops like CommonHouse Café and shop for treasures at the various boutiques and art stores. For lunch, grab takeout from an area restaurant and enjoy it with a picnic at the park along the shores of the crystal clear Lake Ripley.
For outdoor fun, a must visit is CamRock County Park. This gorgeous property sprawls over 400 acres along the Koshkonong Creek and is home to an extensive and well-maintained trail system for biking and hiking. This summer, a new natural playground was completed in the park and offers an accessible play space for wheelchair users and others with mobility challenges.
Before you leave town, make sure to stop at Cambridge Winery for a flight of wine and bite to eat at their gorgeous facility… and their Cambridge location is dog-friendly!
To learn more about these communities and find other travel ideas, visit TravelWisconsin.com or call 1-800-432-TRIP.
