Favorite Tiny Towns in Wisconsin
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
“They're trying to make it this big kind of like an Art Basel of Wisconsin. I was going to say”
“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.”
“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.”
Hosts
Guest
eric paulson
person
elkhart lake
other
andrea belke
person
megan christian
person
mineral point
other
paoli
other
algoma
other
egg harbor
other
land o lakes
other
trempeleau
other
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