Known as America’s Little Switzerland, New Glarus is a small community in southern Wisconsin that Swiss settlers have called home for over 175 years. Among Wisconsinites, New Glarus is known for its chalet-style architecture, annual Oktoberfest celebration, and the New Glarus Brewery.
I’ve had many adventures in New Glarus, and each visit, I find something new to love about this charming village.
This guide to New Glarus showcases the best things to do and top spots to visit, including parks, shops, and restaurants.
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- Where is New Glarus?
- Where to Stay in New Glarus:
- Your Guide to New Glarus: Best Things to Do –
- Chalet Cheese Haus
- Browse Home and Garden at Brenda’s Blumenladen
- Explore New Glarus Woods State Park
- Walk, Run, or Ride the Sugar River State Trail
- Badger State Trail
- Enjoy Local Wine at Bailey’s Run Vineyard and Winery
- Take a Brewery Tour at New Glarus Brewing Company
- Indulge in Post-Ride Pizza at Sugar River Pizza
- Conclusion
Where is New Glarus?
New Glarus is located about 40 minutes southwest of Madison in Green County.
Where to Stay in New Glarus:
If you’re looking to spend the night in New Glarus, you’ll be delighted to know that there are a couple of unique, Swiss-style chalets available. Otherwise, there are common hotel chains, like Marriott and Hilton, just minutes down the road in Verona and Madison.
A few New Glarus hotel options:
– Chalet Landhaus Inn (Check out reviews on Tripadvisor!)
– Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott – Verona
Your Guide to New Glarus: Best Things to Do –
Chalet Cheese Haus
554 1st St, New Glarus, WI 53574
Every visit to America’s Little Switzerland should include a stop at the Chalet Cheese Haus. Located in downtown New Glarus, the Chalet Cheese Haus can meet all of your Wisconsin-made cheese needs, along with delicious samples.
You can also stop in to order a grilled cheese sandwich or pick up an ice cream treat. Additionally, the Cheese Haus has gifts for purchase like popcorn, fudge, candles, wine and more.
You can visit 7 days a week in the summer season, but keep in mind that the Chalet Cheese Haus has reduced hours of Friday through Sunday during the off season (around October until May).
Browse Home and Garden at Brenda’s Blumenladen
17 6th Ave, New Glarus, WI 53574
If you’re in the mood for colorful browsing, Brenda’s Blumenladen’s is the perfect stop for you. This popular New Glarus shop has a large selection of plants, home goods, and gifts. And it’s downtown location makes it easy to visit.
Browsing the aisles of the garden center or the gift shop is a great thing to do in New Glarus whether you’re a lifelong resident or an area visitor. There’s always something new at the shop.
Explore New Glarus Woods State Park
W5446 County Highway Nn, New Glarus, WI 53574
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring New Glarus Woods State Park, located just a couple miles down the road from the downtown area. It’s a very peaceful park just outside of Madison that provides the perfect escape from city life.
Although a bit of a smaller Wisconsin state park, the area still boasts eight miles of hiking trails through forest and prairie, drive-in and “walk-to” campsites, and a playground with an open-air shelter. Snowshoeing and winter hiking are allowed on the trails during the snowy months.
A Wisconsin State Park annual sticker (or day pass) is required for admission.
Check out the Best Ice Age Trail Segments Near Madison for more hiking ideas!
Walk, Run, or Ride the Sugar River State Trail
One of my favorite Madison-area rail-trails is the 24-mile Sugar River Trail that travels from New Glarus to Brodhead. The trail, also designated as a National Recreation Trail, is comprised of compacted limestone which makes it perfect for walking, running or biking.
There are several short bridges along the route and an opportunity to spot plenty of wildlife. From Bump Road to the Badger State Trail you’ll even be on a segment of the Ice Age Trail.
After enjoying the trail, I highly recommend stopping for lunch or dinner at Sugar River Pizza.
Bicyclists 16 years of age and older are required to purchase a State Trail Pass.
Badger State Trail
Cyclists, runners, and hikers will enjoy the 40-mile Badger State Trail, which is a rail-trail that travels between Madison and the Wisconsin-Illinois border.
If you enjoy hiking the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, you can do so in a couple of sections along the Badger State Trail:
- – Between Purcell Road and County Hwy A (Dane County)
– Between County Hwy W and the Sugar River State Trail (Green County)
A popular feature of the trail is Stewart Tunnel, although the tunnel has been closed since 2019 due to safety concerns.
Snowmobiling is allowed on portions of the trail during the winter months.
Bicyclists 16 years of age and old are required to purchase a State Trail Pass
Enjoy Local Wine at Bailey’s Run Vineyard and Winery
N8523 Klitzke Rd, New Glarus, WI 53574
Whether you’re a wine lover or not, Bailey’s Run Vineyard and Winery is a can’t-miss spot in New Glarus. I swear there is always something going on here from live music and bridal showers to get-togethers with friends.
Bailey’s Run has a wide variety of wines, including dry reds and whites, sweeter options, and bubbles. I love their wines that include liquid gold bubbles and glitter – so fun! They also offer local and craft beers that rotate seasonally, along with non-alcoholic options.
The winery is open year-round and serves brick oven pizza on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The views from the winery are beautiful and so relaxing. During the warmer months, the outside area will be packed with people, including families with lawn blankets for the kiddos.
Take a Brewery Tour at New Glarus Brewing Company
2400 WI-69, New Glarus, WI 53574
It wouldn’t be a visit to New Glarus without a stop at the home of the Spotted Cow Beer: New Glarus Brewing Company.
The brewery offers free, self-guided tours Monday through Friday from 10am until 5pm. There’s also a gift shop and museum that you can visit.
After your tour, grab a cold beverage and head out to the beer garden. Your leashed pup is welcome to join you in the garden.
Please keep in mind that New Glarus Brewing Company is closed to the public on the weekends.
Fun fact: New Glarus beer is sold and distributed only in Wisconsin!
Indulge in Post-Ride Pizza at Sugar River Pizza
700 Railroad St, New Glarus, WI 53574
Sugar River Pizza is the go-to spot for food and drink after a good bike ride or to enjoy a meal with friends. The restaurant is located right along the Sugar River Trail and even offers outdoor seating where you can watch the trail users.
Even if pizza isn’t your jam, Sugar River Pizza offers a large menu full of delicious salads, sandwiches, and pastas, alongside their famous pizzas.
Sugar River Pizza also has two additional locations – one in Sun Prairie and another in Verona. While the New Glarus and Verona restaurants are closed on Mondays, the Sun Prairie location is open so you can still get your Sugar River fill!
Conclusion
New Glarus is a charming small Wisconsin town well worth a visit during any season. Add this town to your must-visit list and let me know what you think of it!
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