100 Best Small Towns In America: 3 In WI Make List

WISCONSIN — Three small towns in Wisconsin have been named among the best in the country, according to a new report, including one that was ranked no. 3 overall.

The travel media company Far and Wide recently ranked the 100 best towns with fewer than 10,000 residents.

The list includes well-known towns across the country — including Harpers Ferry in West Virginia, Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, and Cooperstown in New York — and as well as lesser-known gems such as Monowi, Nebraska. Monowi, with a population of one, has ranked as the No. 1 small town in America.

Here are the towns from Wisconsin that made the list:

45. Mineral Point, Wisconsin

Population: 2,581

Why it made the list, per Far and Wide:

Considered "Where Wisconsin Began," Mineral Point was built with limestone the English settlers brought with them. A mining town, stone buildings still stand and provide a glimpse at the town's early 1800s beginning.
Preserved since the 1960s, you'll step back in time but experience all of today's modern comforts.

Fun fact: Settlers arrived in Mineral Point to mine its zinc and lead.

41. Hayward, Wisconsin

Population: 2,302

Why it made the list, per Far and Wide:

Hayward is extremely exciting for lovers of the outdoors who want equally thrilling summer and winter activities. There are plenty of opportunities to hike, camp, mountain bike or boat. You can also go to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and see some seriously impressive catches.

Fun fact: The town hosts the American Birkebeiner cross country ski race, the World Lumberjack Championship and the Chequamegon Fat Tire bicycle race.

3. Stockholm, Wisconsin

Population: 65

Why it made the list, per Far and Wide:

Stockholm was named so for a reason — the town has a deep Sweedish heritage that it still takes pride in. From its food to its architecture, this beautiful tiny town displays its roots with gusto.

Fun fact: Stockholm Pie and General Store’s pies are almost a local treasure.

The Midwest and South regions were home to several of the best small towns in America, according to the report. Towns in Nebraska, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Missouri, Alabama, West Virginia, South Dakota, and Kentucky all cracked the top 10.

1. Monowi, Nebraska
2. Mooresville, Alabama
3. Stockholm, Wisconsin
4. Medora, North Dakota
5. Watch Hill, Rhode Island
6. Rocheport, Missouri
7. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
8. Keystone, South Dakota
9. Trinidad, California
10. Grand Rivers, Kentucky