Favorite Tiny Towns in Wisconsin

The Cabin53mMay 19, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The Cabin Podcast dives deep into Wisconsin's most charming tiny towns, revealing that the state's smallest communities often pack the biggest personality and cultural punch. Hosts Andrea Belke and Megan Christian, joined by returning guest Eric Paulson, spotlight hidden gems like Paoli’s walkable riverfront charm, Mineral Point’s haunted history and historic preservation, and Elkhart Lake’s gangster-era glamour and racing legacy. From the whimsical kite festivals in Algoma to the ghostly tales at Eliza’s Cocktail Lounge, each town offers a unique blend of nature, history, and local flavor. Eric’s passion for off-the-beaten-path destinations shines through, especially in his love for Bayfield’s Lake Superior vistas and the surreal, artsy vibe of Wittenberg’s murals. The episode reveals a counterintuitive truth: the most memorable experiences in Wisconsin aren’t found in big cities, but in towns with populations under 2,000—where community, history, and quirky traditions thrive. With plans for multiple follow-up episodes, the hosts make a compelling case that Wisconsin’s soul lives in its smallest towns.

Key Takeaways
1

Visit Paoli, a tiny unincorporated community south of Verona, for a walkable, charming day trip with historic buildings, a brewery, and a vibrant arts scene along the Sugar River.

2

Mineral Point, settled in 1827, is considered the birthplace of Wisconsin and the first city on the National Register of Historic Places—every building has a plaque and many are haunted.

3

Elkhart Lake, home to Road America and Seapkin’s Resort, was a Prohibition-era gangster hotspot with rumored tunnels and a legendary 1968 Paul Newman filming visit.

4

Algoma’s Soar on the Shore kite festival features 150-foot kites flown by master flyers from across the U.S., with the best time to visit being August.

5

Egg Harbor, a Door County gem, has a legendary egg fight origin story and a Sunday sunset concert series at the Egg Harbor Amphitheater with free admission.

…and 5 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
1 min

Welcome Back & Spring Vibes

Andrea and Megan welcome listeners back after a break, celebrating the arrival of spring with blooming flowers and renewed energy. They tease the episode’s focus on Wisconsin’s tiny towns.

1:00
1 min

Personal Roots in Small Towns

Andrea and Megan share personal stories of growing up in tiny Wisconsin towns—Random Lake, Johnson Creek, and Boltonville—highlighting the tight-knit communities and small graduating classes.

2:00
1 min

Eric Paulson Returns with Expertise

Eric Paulson rejoins the show, sharing his deep knowledge of Wisconsin’s towns. He reveals he’s recently bought a house in Oconomowoc and now owns an electric lawnmower.

3:00
2 min

Paoli: A Charming Unincorporated Gem

It's maybe two blocks long along one street. Very walkable. And I'm looking at it up right now. Is it under 170 people? Yeah, the town of Montrose, which is the township around it, barely has a thousand.

Highlight
5:00
2 min

Mineral Point: The Haunted Heart of Wisconsin

She'll say that Eliza will be there, just standing watching her, making sure she's getting everything done. It's crazy the stories that they were telling me.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
They're trying to make it this big kind of like an Art Basel of Wisconsin. I was going to say
Eric Paulson33:47
Viral: 88.0
They have this one area where they actually, he brings in all these different artifacts from either Ghostbusters or the Salem Witch Trials. The Annabelle dolls. The Annabelle dolls from the actual movie.
Eric Paulson41:19
Viral: 86.0
She'll say that Eliza will be there, just standing watching her, making sure she's getting everything done. It's crazy the stories that they were telling me.
Eric Paulson8:49
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Hosts

Andrea BelkeMegan Christian

Guest

Eric Paulson
Topics Discussed
tiny towns in wisconsin95%mineral point history90%elkhart lake racing88%fish creek art fair87%bayfield lake superior86%algoma kite festival85%land o lakes halloween83%trempeleau walnut burger80%
People & Brands

eric paulson

person

25xPositive

elkhart lake

other

12xPositive

andrea belke

person

12xNeutral

megan christian

person

11xNeutral

mineral point

other

10xPositive

paoli

other

8xPositive

algoma

other

7xPositive

egg harbor

other

6xPositive

land o lakes

other

6xPositive

trempeleau

other

5xPositive

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