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New Glarus is a small village of roughly 2,000 residents tucked into the rolling hills of Green County in southwestern Wisconsin, about 25 miles south of Madison. Founded in 1845 by Swiss immigrants from the canton of Glarus, the town has retained its Alpine identity more visibly than almost any other European-heritage community in the United States.
Visitors arrive expecting beer — New Glarus Brewing Company's Spotted Cow is one of the most recognized craft ales in the Midwest — and leave pleasantly surprised by the village's broader character: hand-painted murals on storefronts, Swiss flags above cheesemakers, hiking trails through coulees, and a genuine small-town rhythm that feels unhurried.
Because the town is compact and walkable, it rewards slow exploration rather than a checklist approach. A long afternoon and one overnight stay is enough to hit the highlights; a full weekend lets you linger at the brewery, catch a performance or festival, and explore the surrounding Green County farmland.
Before You Go
Visas
New Glarus is in the United States. For entry requirements into the US, check the TravelerPulse Visas section and consult the official US Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) or your nearest US embassy or consulate.
Best seasons
- Summer (June–August): Warm, green, and festival-heavy. Expect the village to be busiest on weekends.
- Fall (September–October): Arguably the most scenic, with foliage color across the surrounding hills. The Wilhelm Tell Festival takes place over Labor Day weekend.
- Winter (November–March): Quiet and charming but some smaller shops and attractions may have reduced hours. Verify locally before visiting.
- Spring (April–May): Shoulder season with fewer crowds and reasonable lodging availability.
Practical notes
- New Glarus Brewing Company products are sold only in Wisconsin by state law. You cannot ship them home; plan to carry bottles yourself if traveling by car.
- The village is small. Parking is generally easy except during major festival weekends.
- Most businesses are independently owned; hours can vary — call ahead or check business websites before making special trips.
Getting There
New Glarus sits along State Highway 69, roughly 25 miles southwest of Madison and about 130 miles northwest of Chicago.
By car
Driving is the most practical way to reach New Glarus. From Madison, the route via US-18 West to WI-69 South takes under 40 minutes. From Milwaukee, plan roughly 90 minutes via I-90/94 West. Ample street parking and a public lot are available in the village center.
By bus
Limited regional bus service connects Green County to Madison. Verify current routes and schedules with Green County Transit or the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, as service details change. A car is strongly recommended for flexibility.
Nearest airports
- Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), Madison — approximately 30 miles away; the most practical option for air travelers.
- General Mitchell International Airport (MKE), Milwaukee — approximately 130 miles away; suitable if combining with a broader Wisconsin itinerary.
- O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago — approximately 150 miles away; an option for travelers arriving from international connections.
Getting Around
New Glarus is highly walkable. The main commercial streets — First Street and Sixth Avenue — can be covered on foot in under 20 minutes, and the Swiss Village historic core is compact enough that you rarely need a vehicle once parked.
The Sugar River State Trail, a paved multi-use path, begins at the edge of the village and extends to Brodhead and beyond, covering roughly 23 miles. It is popular with cyclists and walkers; bike rentals may be available locally (verify current availability on arrival or via the village's tourism resources).
A car remains essential for visiting the New Glarus Brewing Company (located on a hill above the main village) and for exploring the surrounding Green County countryside, farms, and cheese factories.
Things to See & Do
New Glarus Brewing Company
Founded in 1993, this brewery produces some of the most sought-after craft beers in the Midwest, including Spotted Cow (a farmhouse ale) and Wisconsin Belgian Red. The brewery campus includes a biergarten and tours. Hours and tour schedules vary by season — check their official website (newglarusbrewing.com) before visiting.
Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum
This local history museum is housed in a replica Swiss chalet and holds a collection of folk art, antiques, and artifacts related to the founding Swiss settlers. Confirm current hours and admission fees before visiting, as hours vary seasonally.
Wilhelm Tell Festival
Held annually over Labor Day weekend since 1938, this outdoor dramatic production is performed in both English and German and tells the story of Swiss folk hero Wilhelm Tell. It is the defining cultural event on the New Glarus calendar.
Swiss Historical Village Museum
A collection of historic structures — including a schoolhouse, church, and log cabins — that document the lives of the original 1845 settlers. Verify opening season and hours on the museum's official site.
Sugar River State Trail
A paved rail-to-trail path ideal for cycling and walking, passing through farmland and small coulees between New Glarus and Brodhead.
Green County cheese country
Several farmstead and artisan cheese producers operate in the surrounding area, including operations near Monroe (the self-described Swiss cheese capital of the US). A short drive opens up a rewarding cheese-trail excursion.
Food & Drink
Local specialties to look for
- Swiss-influenced dishes: A few restaurants in town lean into the heritage with dishes like rösti, schnitzel, and fondue, though menus vary by establishment.
- Wisconsin cheese: Expect local curds, aged Swiss, and a range of artisan varieties sourced from nearby Green County dairies.
- Craft beer: New Glarus Brewing Company beers appear on many local menus. This is genuinely the place to drink them fresh.
Dining scene
The village has a modest but solid selection of restaurants, bakeries, and a pub or two concentrated on First Street. Because establishments are small and independently run, hours can be limited on weekdays or in the off-season — check hours before planning meals around a specific restaurant. A Swiss-themed bakery offering strudel and other pastries has long been a visitor staple; verify which businesses are currently operating before your trip.
Biergarten
The New Glarus Brewing Company biergarten is one of the more pleasant outdoor drinking spots in southern Wisconsin on a warm day, with views over the surrounding hills. Capacity can fill quickly on summer weekends.
Shopping
Shopping in New Glarus is oriented around heritage goods, locally made food products, and Wisconsin souvenirs. First Street hosts several gift shops selling Swiss-themed items, glassware, cuckoo clocks, and handcrafted woodwork.
The New Glarus Brewing Company gift shop and taproom sells merchandise alongside their beers — and this is your only legal opportunity to purchase their products to take home if you are a Wisconsin visitor. Remember that by Wisconsin law these beers cannot be shipped out of state.
Local cheese and food shops stock Green County dairy products. If you are driving, picking up a selection of aged Swiss or cheese curds to bring home is a practical and genuinely worthwhile purchase.
Practical Information
Emergency services
For any emergency in the United States, dial 911. New Glarus is served by the Green County Sheriff's Department and local volunteer fire/EMS services.
Medical care
New Glarus is a small village without a full-service hospital. The nearest hospital facilities are in Monroe (approximately 12 miles south) and Madison (approximately 25 miles north). Travelers with serious medical needs should plan accordingly.
Connectivity
Cell coverage from major US carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) is generally reliable in the village. Many restaurants and the brewery offer Wi-Fi — ask locally for network details.
Money
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. An ATM is available in the village; verify location on arrival. Cash is handy for farmers markets or smaller vendors.
Accessibility
The main commercial streets are relatively flat and walkable. The Sugar River Trail is paved and accessible to many mobility devices. The Brewing Company's hillside campus involves some uneven terrain; contact them directly for accessibility specifics.
Local Culture & Etiquette
New Glarus takes its Swiss heritage seriously without being performative about it. The original settlers arrived in 1845 fleeing economic hardship in the Swiss canton of Glarus, and the community has maintained deliberate cultural ties ever since — including an official sister-city relationship with Glarus, Switzerland.
The Wilhelm Tell Festival, running since 1938, is performed entirely by local community members rather than professional actors, which gives it a distinctly authentic character. The German and English bilingual performances draw visitors from across the Midwest each Labor Day weekend.
Despite the tourism trade, New Glarus functions as a real, working small town. Residents use the shops and restaurants year-round. Visitors are welcomed warmly, but treating the village with the same respect you'd extend to any small community — keeping noise down in residential areas, not blocking narrow streets, supporting local businesses — goes a long way.
