Location: New Glarus
Top Things to do in New Glarus
What to do and see in New Glarus, United States: The Best Places and Tips
New Glarus is a village in Green County, Wisconsin, United States at the intersection of Wisconsin Highways 69 and 39. It has a population of 2,172 according to the 2010 census. Since 2000 it has had a population growth of 2.9 percent. The village, and the town that surrounds it, were named after the canton of Glarus in eastern Switzerland. The community was founded in 1845 by immigrants from that canton and was incorporated in 1901.
Restaurants in New Glarus
1. New Glarus Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 531 reviews
Reviewed By Cellowu - Chicago, Illinois
New Glarus is still one of my favorite brew among all micro-breweries. From its Spotted Cow to Apple Ale, Raspberry Ale, Serendipity, there is no bad beer from New Glarus. Most importantly, you can only get them in Wisconsin, as New Glarus Brewing Company does NOT have liquor license outside the state.
It takes some effort to visit the brewery, though. Located in New Glarus, Wisconsin. it's a solid 2.5-3 hours drive from Chicago. And even if you are in Wisconsin, it still takes you at least 1.5-2 hours driving from Milwaukee. The brewery sits on a hilltop off the highway. The building looks like a modern-castle -- actually more like a road-side-attraction-ish building. Inside there is a gift shop/tasting room, and free self-guided tour is offered to everyone. I would say the so-called "tour" is just fine - basically you walk through the facility on your own. However, it's a bit dry without interaction with the staff that can give you more insight of the brewing process.
So what's my take? I'd say it's great to visit the brewery that produces my favorite beers. But if you just want to try the beer, you don't have to drive all the way here -- simply stop by any grocery stores or bars in Wisconsin and you can get (most of) them.
2. Swiss Historical Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
This 14-building compound presents the story of the founding of New Glarus in 1845 and traces the colony's growth into a dairy farming community that continues to keep alive its ethnic heritage.
Reviewed By Susan C - Plainfield, IL
My husband and I visited the Swiss Historical Village on Memorial Day Weekend 2017. We learned about both of our Swiss Roots to some extent and enjoyed the tour. Both the tour guide Michael and the Cashier both were very knowledgable and friendly and we appreciate all their help. Enjoyed seeing the old fire trucks from the 1900's and learning about the volunteer fireman of that time. Was also interesting to see the Courting Wagon and the farm implement tools that were used in that time and how things have truly changed technologically speaking to make life a little easier for today's Swiss farmers in the area. For those history buffs out there, the Civil War section was very informative and interesting learning about the Swiss Volunteers and what their experiences were like during that time. Admission was $9.00 a person and we felt it was well worth it. After the tour we explored more on our own and spent most of the day there reading up on the history of the Swiss and understanding their journey and challenges as they arrived in the New World. Very nice - a must see if in New Glarus. We highly recommend it. They have a very nice but small gift shop too.
3. Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By Calmac3 - Crystal Lake, Illinois
Great place for delicious fudge (they had Jack Daniels dark chocolate fudge as well as the usual suspects: milk chocolate, chocolate with walnuts, Oreo etc.) and Swiss chocolates. Plus there's cheese galore (and samples), jams and jellies, Sprecher root beer, and New Glarus beers! And a another famous decorated cow outside the door!
4. Brenda's Blumenladen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By blanche&milver - chicago
This is a great stop for both tourists and locals. It is a beautiful garden center with plants, gardening supplies and everything for the outdoors. There is a beautiful collection of small fountains, outdoor furniture, flags and outdoor decor. There is also an indoor store with a huge selection of candles, home decor, and small gift items. There are also ornaments and Christmas items. This is a great shop to purchase gifts. There's something for everyone.
5. Primrose Winery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Jo F - Kenosha, Wisconsin
We visited Primrose during the Beer, Bacon & Cheese Fest In June. For a mere $5 per person, we were able to taste their entire selection of wines. The gentleman that did our tasting was very knowledgeable and very personable. He gave excellent suggestions for pairings that the average person could relate to and would use in a normal setting. We ended up buying 13 bottles of wine! The Holiday Wine and the Summer Wine were my favorites.
6. Sugar River State Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By MLivestoEat - Illinois
Enjoyed an afternoon of biking on this and Badger trail. Took diversion up to the tunnel which was pretty cool (do bring that headlamp). Would be muddy after rain, so that's a consideration. It was a little "thick" in places, but all in all pretty nice. Day passes are $5, not $4 as advertised everywhere.
7. Swissland Miniature Golf
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By kenneth123 - west bend,wi
Positives: friendly staff, scenic area, artificial turf is in good condition.
Negatives: Vegetation growing over the course, mounded holes that cause balls to roll back against the bricks around the course, lumps and bumps everywhere on the course so that luck is more important than skill.
You can feed Pickles the goat (an ice cream cone with goat food in it) for 75 cents. That was the highlight of our time there.
8. Arguement Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Argue-Ment Golf Course offers a 9 hole golf course and 18 hole FootGolf course, located between New Glarus and Belleville, Wisconsin.
Reviewed By DEL K - Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
The course is 9 holes that was laid out over the hillsides and not much landscape was disrupted to build it. The course is neat and no fairways cross or go back in forth. There is large greens for the most part and the fairways are wide enough for the average golfer. The grass could be better kept, but it is a eco type course. Very peaceful and quiet...........no pressure.
9. Puempels Olde Taverne
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Ken G - La Grange, Illinois
Just stopped in and took a peek. I heard they had a great copper top bar but I only saw wood. Did not stay for a drink or food.
10. A Gathering of Rogues and Ruffians
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By OneDirtyMartini - Springfield
It's about $7.00 to get in per adult and the parking is free. This was the first time I had been to an event like this and I was impressed with the vendors and events. Everybody that was participating at the event was very nice!
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