Wisconsin Has One Of Most Beautiful Small Towns In US, Condé Nast Says

WISCONSIN — If you’re looking for a getaway in an idyllic small town, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, is a good option, according to a guide that highlights locations from coast to coast that offer charm, friendly residents, and walkable downtown areas lined with mom-and-pop shops.

Condé Nast Traveler said its Most Beautiful Small Towns list offers travelers a slower pace without teeming crowds and “put any Hallmark rom-com setting to shame.”

“And these towns aren’t just great for the people who live there — they’re also standout travel destinations with plenty of things to do,” the publication said, noting there are plenty of quaint hotels for days-long stays. With a delightfully favorable ratio of restaurants to residents, “you may never want to leave,” Condé Nast said.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (population 8,684), is among the destinations highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler, which calls it “one of our favorite day trips from Chicago” and says it has “managed to stay at the top of many travel recommendation lists.”

The publication points to the town’s “year-round resort-like atmosphere and attractions,” with warm-weather options like fishing and golfing, plus scenic hot air balloon rides when the lake is too cold.

To lean into what it describes as a “Long-Island-meets-the-Midwest vibe,” Condé Nast recommends booking a table at The Baker House, a Gilded Age mansion known for its garden terrace, Champagne brunches, and live piano music.

The towns on the list are:

• Woodstock, Vermont
• Magnolia Springs, Alabama
• Camden, Maine
• Jekyll Island, Georgia
• Jackson, Wyoming
• Paia, Hawaii
• Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
• Beaufort, South Carolina
• Cannon Beach, Oregon
• Rockport, Massachusetts
• Gatlinburg, Tennessee
• Whitefish, Montana
• Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
• Ketchikan, Alaska
• Lake Placid, New York
• Sedona, Arizona
• Portsmouth, New Hampshire
• Taos, New Mexico
• Mackinac, Michigan
• Snowmass Village, Colorado
• Friday Harbor, Washington
• St. Augustine, Florida
• Hudson, New York
• Block Island, Rhode Island
• Eureka Springs, Arkansas
• Lewes, Delaware
• Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
• Bar Harbor, Maine
• Deadwood, South Dakota
• St. Michaels, Maryland
• Montpelier, Vermont