From towns with mythical creatures to those with unbeatable beauty, these Wisconsin towns look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale.

Sure, fairy tales are works of fiction, but they don’t always have to be. While fairy tales are types of folklore, with fantastical settings, mythical creatures, and unrealistic plots, there are many places throughout the world that capture the magic of fairy tales through their natural beauty, or charming architecture, and make fairy tales seem real, including several Wisconsin towns.

From historic towns with European-inspired architecture and traditions, to towns set in some of the most stunning locations imaginable, and even some towns with mythical creatures of their own, Wisconsin is home to numerous

1. New Glarus

Many fairy tales are set in vague European destinations. The closest anyone in Wisconsin can get to Europe, while remaining in the state, is New Glarus, a village in Green County. The small village, which has a population of just over 2,200 residents, according to the 2020 census, was founded by Swiss immigrants from the canton of Glarus. While the village was founded in the mid-19th century, it still is evocative of the small European country, with its rolling hills and Swiss-inspired architecture.

New Glarus is well-known for being the home of the Swiss Center of North America, a cultural center dedicated to preserving Swiss Culture. The Wisconsin village is also known for its contributions to Wisconsin’s brewing industry, particularly through the New Glarus Brewing Company. The brewing company, which produces one of the state’s most beloved beers, Spotted Cow, has been crafting its products—exclusive to Wisconsin—since 1993.

2. Ephraim

Located along Eagle Harbor, Ephraim is an exceptionally historic and beautiful village in Door County, and it makes efforts to maintain its charm. According to the village website, they have strict zoning to help ensure that Ephraim is able to maintain its charming atmosphere and character. 

The waterfront village is renowned for its Moravian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as its extensive historic district, which features numerous significant structures. Every year, Ephraim hosts Fyr Bal, Norwegian for bonfire, which is a summertime Scandinavian celebration, whose purpose is to drive out the wicked winter witch—just like the plot of a fairy tale.

3. Bayfield

Fairy tale locations often feel otherworldly, just as the sea caves near Bayfield, Wisc. do. The sea caves are part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and are sometimes available to visit year-round—in the winter, they’re transformed into something quite magical: ice caves. It’s not always possible to visit the ice caves, which feel like stepping into a naturally formed winter wonderland. The ice must be stable, and winds must be low enough to allow the ice caves to form. The last time that the conditions were ideal for the caves to be accessible was 2015.

Another thing that helps Bayfield maintain its fairy tale reputation? The city’s charming downtown, which hosts several festivals throughout the year. Boasting a population of just over 600, the city plays host to the flower festival Bayfield in Bloom during the spring, regular concerts in the park throughout the summer, an apple festival in the fall, and holiday-themed festivities during the winter.

4. Germantown

Many of the most popular fairy tales, like “Snow White,” “Cinderella,” and “Hansel and Gretel,” originated in Germany. So it makes sense that Germantown, a village in Washington County with a significant of German immigration, would evoke some fairy tale imagery. 

The village, located just 30 miles northwest of Milwaukee, is home to Von Ruthenburg Bier Stube, a German restaurant serving steaks and traditional fare, including chicken schnitzel. The restaurant also has a biergarten with a long list of authentic German brews. Germantown celebrates its immigrant population each year during Oktoberfest, held each September, with live music and a dachshund dog race.

5. Cedarburg

Okay, so there’s no medieval castle in Cedarburg, Wisc., but its German-inspired architecture and cozy shops and restaurants help make the Ozaukee County city feel as if visitors have stepped into a laid-back fairytale. Cedarburg is well-known for its historic downtown area, which contains the Washington Avenue Historic District. The district contains several architecturally important buildings, including the Stagecoach Inn, a bed-and-breakfast that was first built in 1853 as an actual stagecoach stop.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Cedarburg’s population was primarily filled by German immigrants and their descendants. The city celebrates that heritage, as well as holidays and seasonal changes, at its many festivals held throughout the year, including Oktoberfest, which is held  annually over the first weekend in October. 

6. Erin

No matter where a fairy tale is set, one thing is for certain: its location is going to be beautiful. The stunning scenery in fairy tales evokes a sense of enchantment simply from the setting itself. Erin evokes a similar feeling. The small town, located in Washington County, is home to Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, a Catholic shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. 

The shrine sits atop a glacial landform and is surrounded by 400 acres of woods, making it a remarkable sight during several seasons—whether it’s emerging out of snow-covered trees in the winter or surrounded by fall foliage. The shrine is open for prayer every day, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while its scenic tower that overlooks the stunning natural surroundings is open from May through October.

7. Mount Horeb

Trolls are commonly featured in many fairy tales, and they’re a regular sight in Mount Horeb, as well. The Wisconsin village has proclaimed itself “The Troll Capital of the World” to celebrate its Norwegian heritage. Many of Mount Horeb’s trolls can be found along The Trollway, the village’s main street, which is lined with more than 40 sculptures of trolls.

In addition to its many mythical creatures, Mount Horeb is also reminiscent of a fairy tale because of its setting. The village is located in the Driftless Area—a region composed of parts of Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa, that was never covered by ice during the last Ice Age, leaving it with steep hills and deep river valleys.

8. Spring Green

Sometimes individual locations can be so enchanting that they make a whole town seem like a fairy tale. That’s the case in Spring Green, a village of just over 1,500 residents in Sauk County. The small village is also home to one of Wisconsin’s most unique attractions: the House on the Rock. Opened to the public in 1960, the House on the Rock is a house built on top of Deer Shelter Rock, constructed on a massive scale. It contains uniquely designed exhibits in each of its many rooms: a carousel room, which features what the house has called the world’s largest carousel with 269 carousel animals and 20,000 lights, and “The Heritage of the Sea,” which features a 200-foot-long model of a sea creature fighting a Kraken.

That’s not the only unique home in Spring Green—there’s also Taliesin. The massive complex sits on 600 acres and was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright to serve as his main home and studio. Taliesin, which offers several tours for visitors, features one main home, as well as numerous other structures, including the Romeo and Juliet windmill, which stands 60 feet high. 

9. Elkhart Lake

With its storybook setting situated along its namesake lake, this small village in Sheboygan County would make for an ideal fairy tale location. The village, which has a population of 941, has a lengthy history and was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi tribe. Now, the lakeside community is a paradise for outdoor lovers, with numerous hiking trails and opportunities to get out on the water. Waterfront resorts like The Osthoff rent watercraft like kayaks and canoes, as well as some really unique options, like hydro-bikes and dragon paddle boats.

When you’re done embarking on a fairy tale-worthy adventure outdoors, stop by Elkhart Lake’s picturesque downtown, including nearby Siebkens Resort. The historic hotel has been operating in Elkhart Lake for over 100 years and offers three distinct dining options.