Thanks to the large number of German immigrants that settled in Wisconsin, the country’s culture can be seen in many cities throughout the state. It’s especially celebrated in Germantown, just 30 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Here, you can be transported straight to an authentic bier stube and garten at Von Rothenburg Bier Stube with dozens of German beers on tap and classic German specialties like giant hot pretzels, Schnitzel and more. Sip your brew with friends in the magical outdoor beer garden and toast (cheers) to good times spent together.
Visit in September for Oktoberfest to experience a festive celebration of German culture. With live music, dancing and family fun including a Dachshund Dash, you’re sure to feel the European vibes all around you.
Craving a majestic castle on a hill to round things out? Well, you’re in luck! It’s less than a 10-mile drive to Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary, a picturesque basilica atop a glacial hill that stuns with neo-Romanesque architecture amid miles of rolling hills.
Soak Up Scandi Vibes in Stoughton
Take a quick trip to Norway via Stoughton, a charming city bursting with culture just southeast of Madison. You and your crew are sure to notice the Norwegian flags lining the picturesque main street full of one-of-a-kind small businesses perfect for browsing.
Stop in at Livsreise, Stoughton’s Norwegian Heritage Center whose name translates to “Life’s Journey,” and learn the stories of those who emigrated from Norway at the turn of the 20th century through interactive exhibits. From there, it’s a short stroll to Viking Brew Pub, which lives up to its name with a wooden bar in the form of a Viking ship! Dine on American and Scandinavian favorites including Norwegian meatballs, Valhalla dip with house-made potato chips and of course, local Wisconsin cheese curds. Pair with one of the pub’s 12 brews for the ultimate meal.
Other Stoughton must-stops include the Nordic Nook for traditional and high-quality Scandinavian gifts and apparel, Eugsters Farm Market where you can bottle feed adorable baby goats and Lake Kegonsa State Park for fresh air adventures with your favorite people. And for festival fun, plan your trip to coincide with the Seventeenth Mai Folk Festival in May that celebrates the city’s Norwegian heritage with music, dancing, parades and more.