New Glarus area www.swisstown.com
Photo courtesy of New Glarus Chamber
Including New Glarus, Monticello and Blanchardville
Stop in at the New Glarus Visitor Dep ot shops, as well as many fine bars and res- for bike rent al, trail passes, and more. taurants. There are a wide variety of dining options in the quaint village, including tory and find out just how cheese is made. many dishes based on family traditions. Green County is home to the only cheese European specialties Schnitzel, Geschnet- factory in the United States that produces zelets, Rösti potatoes, and the perennial Limburger, a potently aromatic but mild (in favorite Swiss Fondue are delicious. There flavor) delicacy. are also a wide variety of tasty options Visitors love the charming downtown from sandwiches, burgers, and pizza. The area, featuring chalet-styled architecture New Glarus Bakery offers yummy des- and home to some of the most interestserts year-round! To accompany your ing and unique shops outside of Europe. meal, or to take home, the New Glarus Find treasures imported straight from EuBrewing Company offers a wonderful rope, regionally crafted gifts and exquisite selection of world class beers, including art pieces from locally-owned shops. Learn the favorite Spotted Cow! about the history of New Glarus by attendJust west of the Village of New Glarus on ing one of their ethnic festivals or visiting Highway 39 is Bailey’s Run Vineyard. Visi- their area museums. tors are invited to enjoy great wine and a Two unique museums call the village friendly atmosphere, including the beauti- home. The Chalet of the Golden Fleece Muful expansive porch. seum has an unusual collection of antiques New Glarus area businesses are full of and artifacts from around the world. It has award-winning cheeses and meats, breads three floors of coins, artwork, Swiss scissorand pastries, wines and beers, and maple cutting, antique glass and china, dolls and See the Bee House along with many other syrup, many of which are served at the more. The other museum is the Swiss Hislocal restaurants. Visit an area cheese fac- torical Village. First opening in 1942, it tells buildings at Swiss Historical Village. the story of the founding of New Glarus. Visit the 14 buildings with exhibits focusing on rural life during the 19th century. The Sugar River Recreational Trail begins The Swiss Historical Village & Museum story of Swiss colonists, but also shows the in New Glarus. Whether you prefer to bike has been a popular stop for visitors to New evolution of agriculture and dairying and or hike, the 23-mile trail offers a wonderGlarus since it first opened in 1942. The mu- explains New Glarus’ transformation into a continued on page 24 seum not only shares the 1845 migration tourist destination. The museum’s 14 buildings include a cheese factory, a one-room schoolhouse, a print shop, an authentic 1850’s cabin, and a replica of the community’s first church. Be sure to spend some time in the Hall of History, which features a brand-new display chronicling the history of New Glarus Gain a new perspective on and the ways that the original immigrants Wisconsin’s Swiss heritage. shaped our community. For more information on hours of operaSwiss Historical Village tion, please visit www.swisshistoricalvillage. & Museum org or call 608-527-2317. A modest admis612 7th Avenue, New Glarus sion fee of $9 for adults and $3 for children is A rainbow of color around New Glarus 608-527-2317 charged, with a discount for AAA members. is part of what makes the Driftless area www.swisshistoricalvillage.org Group tours are welcome by appointment. of SW Wisconsin so special. Photo by Sue Moen
By Sue Moen Welcome to New Glarus, Wisconsin! “America’s Little Switzerland” The Village of New Glarus was established in 1845 by a group of Swiss settlers. The village is conveniently located on Highway 69 in the heart of Green County. Visitors will enjoy the beautiful rolling hills that reminded the 1845 settlers of their beloved home in Glarus, Switzerland. New Glarus has a picturesque downtown featuring charming architecture and is home to interesting locally-owned
Swiss Historical Village & Museum
Photo by Sue Moen
A Walk in the Past
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The DRIFTLESS EXPLORER • 2022
New Glarus area
