New Glarus: Wisconsin's enchanting Swiss village

Nestled in the rolling hills of Green County, New Glarus delivers an authentic Swiss experience without the transatlantic flight. This village of 2,200 residents has preserved its heritage so faithfully since 1845 that visitors genuinely feel transported to the Alps—complete with chalet architecture, alphorn serenades, and fondue on every corner. For families, New Glarus offers a rare combination: educational Swiss history, 24 miles of flat biking trails, world-class brewery culture, and festivals that bring European traditions to life year-round. Located just about 1 hour 50 minutes, it makes an ideal weekend escape or extended day trip.

The founding story

Understanding New Glarus begins with its origin. In 1844, economic crisis gripped Canton Glarus, Switzerland—failed crops, food scarcity, and unemployment forced desperate families to seek new opportunities. The Glarus Emigration Society selected two scouts, Judge Nicolas Duerst and Fridolin Streiff, who traveled ahead and purchased 1,280 acres for $1.25 per acre along the Little Sugar River on July 17, 1845.

After a grueling four-month journey, 108 Swiss settlers arrived on August 15, 1845. That first winter, twelve families crammed into a single wooden hut. Men received 20 acres free of rent for ten years, then could purchase the land outright. Remarkably, every franc loaned by the Emigration Society was eventually repaid with interest. The surrounding hills reminded these pioneers of their homeland, and they poured that homesickness into recreating Switzerland in Wisconsin. Walking through downtown today, with its half-timbered facades, Germanic platitudes in Gothic script, and Swiss canton flags flying alongside the Stars and Stripes, you're experiencing 179 years of deliberate cultural preservation.

Two museums anchor Swiss heritage

The Swiss Historical Village at 612 7th Avenue stands as the town's premier attraction. Open May 24 through October 12 (Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm), this 14-building complex recreates 19th-century immigrant life through an authentic 1850s log cabin, one-room schoolhouse, 1890s cheese factory replica, blacksmith shop, general store, and the impressive Hall of History built with funds from Canton Glarus. Admission runs $9–11 for adults and $3 for children, with combo tickets available. Plan 90 minutes to two hours for a thorough visit, as guided tours begin at 3:15pm daily.

The Chalet of the Golden Fleece at 618 2nd Street offers a completely different experience. This 1937 Bernese mountain chalet—one of only three authentic Swiss chalets in Wisconsin—houses an eccentric collection assembled by Edwin Barlow, founder of the Wilhelm Tell play. Across three floors, you'll discover a jeweled watch once owned by King Louis XVI, 2,000-year-old Etruscan earrings, Gregorian chants on 1485 parchment, and Swiss woodcarvings alongside items linked to a poison spy ring. Drop-in tours run Saturdays 10am–3pm and Wednesdays noon–3pm during season (Memorial Day through October). A $15 combo ticket covers both museums—excellent value for history-loving families.

The Swiss Center of North America at 507 Durst Road rounds out the cultural offerings with free admission. The Donald G. Tritt Archives houses over 10,000 books and documents, including genealogy records for families tracing Swiss-American ancestry.

New Glarus Brewing requires a pilgrimage

The New Glarus Brewing Company has achieved cult status by refusing to sell outside Wisconsin. This strategic scarcity created such demand that a New York bar was raided in 2009 for illegally selling Spotted Cow, and a Minnesota establishment faced similar consequences in 2015. The message is clear: you must come to Wisconsin.

The brewery operates from 218 Hoesly Drive, open Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm. Free self-guided tours of the original Riverside Brewery run daily during these hours—no reservation needed. Families can explore the production facility together, though the real draw is the tasting room: $8 buys three generous samples plus a commemorative glass. The flagship Spotted Cow farmhouse ale accounts for 40% of production and ranks as Wisconsin's best-selling draft beer. The Wisconsin Belgian Red, made with a full pound of Door County cherries per bottle, earned platinum at the 1995 World Beer Championships by defeating Belgian brewers at their own style.

Children are welcome on self-guided tours, and the outdoor patio is dog-friendly. For non-drinkers, the brewery recently introduced "Splash," a natural zero-alcohol beverage. The serious Hard Hat Tour runs Fridays at 1pm ($30, 3 hours, 21+ only) and includes behind-the-scenes access plus a beer and cheese pairing. Important note: the famous hilltop brewery facility is currently closed to visitors—operations have moved to the Hoesly Drive location. The brewery has no restaurant, so plan to eat in town before or after your visit.

Downtown dining delivers authentic Swiss flavors

Glarner Stube at 518 1st Street has served authentic Swiss-German cuisine since 1991. The name translates to "The Living Room of New Glarus," and with only 11 tables in a wood-paneled interior decorated with hand-carved Swiss pieces, it earns that intimacy. The cheese fondue, pork schnitzel sandwich, rösti (Swiss fried potatoes), and apple strudel represent essential tastes. Hours are Thursday–Saturday 11am–8pm and Sunday noon–4pm, with prices ranging $21–36 for entrees. First-come seating means arriving early is wise. The restaurant offers a dedicated kids' menu, making it the top Swiss dining choice for families.

The New Glarus Hotel Restaurant has closed for renovation, with reopening expected in 2025–2026. When operating, it featured live polka music, yodeling demonstrations, and balcony seating overlooking the village.

Chalet Landhaus Restaurant at 801 State Road 69 serves Swiss specialties using locally produced meats and Green County cheeses. The famous summer Swiss Cookout on the outdoor garden terrace shouldn't be missed if visiting during warm months.

For families with children, Kennedy's Ice Cream & Grill at 400 Railroad Street sits directly on the bike trail—perfect for post-ride treats. Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream comes in dozens of flavors, while the burgers have earned devoted fans. Sugar River Pizza at 700 Railroad Street offers scratch-made pizza with local cheese, 24 craft beer taps, and covered outdoor seating with fire tables right on the Sugar River Trail. Both are ideal for families with kids of all ages.

The New Glarus Bakery at 534 1st Street has operated since 1910, with 95% of ingredients made in-house using Old World recipes. The nut horns—flaky cream cheese dough with brown sugar and walnuts—have been a bestseller for over 30 years. Swiss specialties include Basle Leckerli, anise springerli, bratzeli, and holiday stollen. Open daily 7am–5pm.

For cheese lovers, Chalet Cheese Haus at 554 1st Street sells products from the only U.S. producer of Limburger cheese, plus grilled cheese sandwiches and Cedar Crest ice cream—a perfect quick stop with kids.

The Sugar River Trail offers easy family cycling

The Sugar River State Trail runs 24 miles from New Glarus south to Brodhead along a former railroad bed. The first 0.3 miles from the New Glarus depot are paved asphalt; the remaining 23 miles feature compacted crushed limestone suitable for hybrid bikes and trail bikes (not road bikes). With only 219 feet of elevation gain over the entire route, the gentle 3% grade makes this trail accessible to children and casual cyclists alike.

The New Glarus Depot Trailhead on Railroad Street serves as headquarters, offering parking, restrooms, bike repair stations, and trail passes. Bike rentals cost $25 full-day or $20 half-day from the Chamber of Commerce. Trail passes ($5 daily, $25 annual) are required for cyclists age 16 and older—hikers ride free.

The most popular family route runs from New Glarus to Monticello (6.5 miles one-way, 13 miles round-trip), passing through farmlands, woods, and crossing 14 trestle bridges over the Sugar River and tributaries. The trail connects to the Badger State Trail at Monticello, which extends 40 miles to Madison and south to the Illinois border. A nine-mile segment also overlaps with the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in America, tracing the terminal moraine of the last continental glacier.

New Glarus Woods State Park lies just two miles south of town, connected via a paved spur trail. The 435-acre park offers wooded hiking trails, prairie restoration areas, a fort-style playground, and camping. The 18 drive-in sites and 14 walk-to tent sites cost $15–25 per night; note there are no showers at the park, but the New Glarus village pool offers showers for $3. A Wisconsin State Park Vehicle Admission Sticker is required ($13 daily for Wisconsin plates, $16 for out-of-state).

For water activities, S&B Tubing in Albany offers tube and kayak rentals with shuttle service on the Sugar River. The four-mile float takes about 3 hours 45 minutes by tube or 1.5 hours by kayak—slow-moving and safe for children with adult supervision. Wildlife sightings include bald eagles, deer, beavers, and turtles.

Festivals transform New Glarus

The Wilhelm Tell Festival on Labor Day weekend (August 22–23, 2026) has run continuously since 1938. Over 200 local volunteer actors perform Friedrich Schiller's drama of Swiss independence at the Wilhelm Tell Grounds (W5199 Hwy W), complete with live goats, cows, and horses on stage. Tickets are just $10 adults, $5 children—remarkable value for this theatrical tradition.

The Heidi Folk Festival in June (June 13–14, 2026) features youth performances of Johanna Spyri's classic tale at the New Glarus Fest Haus, plus alphorn demonstrations, yodeling, and Swiss folk dancing. The 45-minute Heidi play includes live goats and costs only $5 admission—perfect for young children.

Oktoberfest (September 24–27, 2026) spans four days with live music, chainsaw carving demonstrations, wagon rides, and an artisan fair. Swiss Volksfest on the first Sunday in August celebrates Swiss Independence Day with flag throwing, talerschwingen, and alphorn playing—all free.

The Christkindli Market (December 4–6, 2026) transforms downtown into an Old World Christmas village with decorated mini chalets, horse-drawn sleigh rides, Santa appearances, and exclusive New Glarus Brewing Wassail. Attendance tops 10,000 visitors; the event is dog-friendly and free to attend.

Most unique is Silvesterchlausen in early January—an ancient New Year celebration from Appenzell, Switzerland. New Glarus is the only place in the United States that celebrates this tradition, with a procession beginning at the Swiss Center and moving through downtown over two hours.

Nearby attractions expand your itinerary

Monroe lies 17 miles south (20 minutes) and claims the title of America's "Swiss Cheese Capital." The 1891 Green County Courthouse anchors the historic square, surrounded by well-preserved buildings housing shops and cafes. Essential stops include Baumgartner Cheese Store and Tavern (serving Limburger sandwiches with raw onion since 1931), Turner Hall (a 1938 Swiss chalet with Ratskeller restaurant and 8-lane bowling), and the National Historic Cheesemaking Center. The Minhas Craft Brewery, America's second-oldest continuously operating brewery (founded 1845), offers tours for $20 including a six-pack to take home.

Mount Horeb sits 20 minutes north and bills itself as the "Troll Capital of the World." Over 40 hand-carved wooden troll sculptures line the main street Trollway—free to explore and irresistible for kids. The 16-foot Jörgen the Giant makes an essential photo stop. Pair the troll hunt with lunch at the Grumpy Troll Brew Pub.

Cave of the Mounds near Blue Mounds (25 minutes northwest) is designated a National Natural Landmark. One-hour self-guided tours descend 40–60 feet underground to view stalactites, stalagmites, and rare "cave pearls." The cave maintains 50°F year-round—bring a sweater. The Gemstone Mine lets kids sift for treasures. Open daily 9am–5pm; children routinely describe being "hooked within the first few steps."

Paoli, just 15 minutes northeast, offers upscale dining at the Paoli Schoolhouse (an 1864 building overlooking the Sugar River) and artisan shops in the restored 1864 Mill. Landmark Creamery produces award-winning artisan cheese, while Sugar River Outfitters rents canoes and kayaks.

Practical planning ensures a smooth visit

From Milwaukee, New Glarus is 106 miles, approximately 1 hour 50 minutes via I-94 and US-18. From Madison, it's just 28 miles (35–40 minutes), making day trips effortless. Chicago residents face a 2.5-hour drive. The nearest major airport is Dane County Regional (MSN) in Madison.

For lodging, the Chalet Landhaus Inn at 801 Hwy 69 offers the most family-friendly amenities: 70 rooms, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, on-site restaurant, and direct access to the Sugar River Trail with bike storage. The newer Blanc Chalet provides boutique accommodations downtown. Budget-conscious families might consider Kennedy's Guest House above the ice cream shop (sleeps 5, full kitchen, deck with BBQ) or camping at New Glarus Woods State Park.

Recommended trip length depends on your home base. Madison families can accomplish a satisfying day trip covering downtown exploration, one museum, and a meal. For complete immersion—biking, brewery, museums, and a nearby attraction like Cave of the Mounds—plan two nights. Three to four days allow exploration of Monroe, Mount Horeb, and multiple trails without rushing.

Best times to visit run from late May through mid-October, when both museums operate and outdoor activities peak. September offers ideal weather with emerging fall colors and fewer crowds than summer weekends. Festival weekends (especially Wilhelm Tell and Oktoberfest) bring the most energy but require advance lodging reservations. The Christkindli Market delivers winter magic but operates only one weekend annually.

A destination that rewards return visits

New Glarus succeeds because its Swiss identity isn't manufactured for tourists—it's the authentic expression of a community that has preserved its heritage for nearly 180 years. The founder's determination to repay every borrowed franc echoes in today's attention to detail: the flower boxes overflowing with red geraniums, the Hand-Hat Tour's beer-and-cheese pairing, the local actors who volunteer for Wilhelm Tell year after year.

For families, this translates to substance beneath the charm. Children learn about immigration and perseverance at the Swiss Historical Village, discover geology underground at Cave of the Mounds, and experience European festival traditions without leaving the Midwest. Parents enjoy world-class craft beer, farm-to-table dining, and scenic trails. The combination proves genuinely rare—educational without being boring, beautiful without being pretentious, and accessible from major cities without losing its small-town soul. Most visitors who come once find reasons to return, whether for a different festival, an unexplored trail, or simply another slice of apple strudel at Glarner Stube.