New Glarus
New Glarus, WI
A village in southern Wisconsin founded by Swiss settlers, with chalet-style buildings, bakeries and a small heritage museum. Walk the main street and look for local cheese and pastries.
New Glarus was founded in 1845 by about 108 Swiss emigrants from the Canton of Glarus and is regarded as America's best-known Swiss settlement. The village ordinance requires Swiss-style architecture for new construction and renovations, which is why chalets, flower boxes and flags shape the townscape. Traditions such as the card game Jass, yodeling, flag throwing and Silvesterchlausen are kept alive. The Swiss Center of North America, which made its home here in 1999, is dedicated to the heritage.
According to Wikipedia, the New Glarus Brewing Company, founded in 1993 by Deborah Carey, was the first brewery in the United States founded and run by a woman. The Sugar River State Trail follows a former railroad line and is about 23 miles (37 km) long. Two to three hours are enough for a stroll through the village. On festival days, arrive early.
- Nearest town
- New Glarus, WI
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 42.8139, -89.6368
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Sweet Minihaha CampgroundMotorhome stopover15 mi from New GlarusMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Yellowstone Lake State Park CampgroundCampsite17 mi from New GlarusTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Crazyhorse CampgroundMotorhome stopover18 mi from New GlarusMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Lake Farm County Park CampgroundCampsite21 mi from New Glarus · 47 pitchesCaravansElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Tom's CampgroundMotorhome stopover22 mi from New GlarusMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Mendota County Park CampgroundCampsite22 mi from New Glarus · 26 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterShowers
All campsites in Wisconsin · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is New Glarus?
New Glarus is in New Glarus, WI, at GPS 42.8139, -89.6368. It is about 14 mi from Mount Horeb.
Can you camp near New Glarus?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Walk-to Campsites, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 21 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near New Glarus?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cave of the Mounds (17 mi), Taliesin (31 mi), House on the Rock (32 mi) and Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area (41 mi).
When is the best time to visit New Glarus?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)