By Kristine Hansen | Photography By Shanna Wolf
They don’t call it America’s Little Switzerland for of Switzerland in the tiny town of New Glarus (pop. 2,276) — no airline ticket needed. Strolling its downtown streets feels like you’re in the Swiss Alps, due to its chalet-style architecture and lacy curtains hung in the windows.
During the mid-1800s, Swiss immigrants settled in the area, naming the village New Glarus in 1845 after the canton of Glarus, Switzerland. Yet it wasn’t until the next century when Swiss-style architecture emerged to honor the town’s roots. With two new boutique hotels and festive events this fall and winter — not to mention world-acclaimed cheese and a cult-favorite beer — it makes for the perfect cultural mini-getaway.
WHERE TO STAY
By the end of this year, the 173-year-old New Glarus Hotel (founded in 1853 as a supper club and dance hall, with Roger Bright’s polka group as the house band) will unveil its next chapter. The $7 million restoration was led by a group that includes Nic Mink, who also revitalized Seven Acre Dairy Company in Paoli. Like that project, this historic building will be thoughtfully restored while reimagined as stylish, modern accommodations. Its on-site restaurant, The Yodel Room, is inspired by supper clubs and will serve classic Swiss entrees and Wisconsin favorites. And, it’s already been confirmed that polka music will be on the calendar.
The Blanc Chalet is inspired by Mont Blanc in the French/Swiss Alps. Owner Melissa Gordon and her mother, Joyce Kleier, spruced up the 25-room, 1960s-era roadside motel (formerly called the Swiss-Aire) with fun wallpaper, Scandinavian-inspired furnishings and luxury vinyl tile flooring. The duo reopened the property in 2023.
There’s also a super-cute coffee shop tucked into a tiny house just outside the guest rooms’ doors called Trouvaille Coffee Co., which serves up fall-themed drinks with signature flavors like pumpkin and apple.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
In the 1990s, Daniel and Deb Cary opened New Glarus Brewing Company and the cult-favorite beer, Spotted Cow, came shortly after — in part because it’s only sold in Wisconsin.
Deb’s a Wisconsin native and the first female to found and operate a craft brewery in America, while Daniel apprenticed at a Munich brewery and worked as a production supervisor at Anheuser-Busch. Browse the gift shop for apparel and other swag, take a self-guided tour and sample a flight of its beers.
New Glarus’ time-capsule appeal includes Puempel’s Olde Tavern, which dates back to 1893. A Green County cheese plate (featuring brick, cheddar and Swiss, all made locally by award-winning cheesemakers) and a pint of Spotted Cow costs under $20. To dine like you’re in Switzerland, visit Chalet Laundhaus Restaurant at the Chalet Landhaus Inn, along State Route 69, serving everything from deep-fried local cheese curds, fondue and geschnetzeltes (thin strips of veal in a cream sauce) to schnitzels. On your way out of town, swing by New Glarus Bakery where anise springerle cookies, gipfel (Swiss croissants) and Swiss croquettes with candied cherries will entice your taste buds. Many recipes are based on Swiss staples, and the bakery’s been buzzing since 1910.
WHAT TO DO
To have two museums in such a small town is incredible, but also speaks to its rich history. The Swiss Historical Village & Museum is operated by the New Glarus Historical Society and is open between late May and mid-October. Within 14 buildings — some are original structures — are artifacts tied to 19th-century Swiss immigrants to this farming community. Guided 75-minute tours are offered or explore on your own. The Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum is the late Edwin Barlow’s former Swiss chalet-style home and filled with trinkets from his travels. (It’s also one of just three remaining Wisconsin homes of its kind.) Barlow was a world traveler with New Glarus roots who founded the Wilhelm Tell Festival, held annually in the village in late August.
Downtown New Glarus’ shopping scene ranges from shops filled with Swiss souvenirs (like fondue pots, dirndls, handcrafted cowbells and Swiss flags) at Jackie’s European Imports — owned by a Swiss immigrant — to home décor boutiques. Hutch + Hide is stocked with candles, rugs, gifts and adorable children’s clothing.
At Alpenhaus Market, the 1970s are back in vogue with a stylish stash of antiques and furnishings, as well as artist-made pottery and art.
