Why You Should Visit Charming Historic Downtown Cedarburg, WI
Welcome to Cedarburg, WI – where history meets hospitality in the most charming way! Step back in time as you stroll along cobblestone streets, marveling at beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings and soaking up the town’s rich heritage. From exploring the Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement to eating at Cream & Crepe Cafe, there’s no shortage of history here! And when it’s time to rest, choose from a variety of cozy accommodations like The Washington House Inn, Stagecoach Inn Bed and Breakfast, or the Lily Pad. Whether you’re seeking shopping or just taking in all the history of this town, Cedarburg promises a delightful escape filled with hidden treasures and unforgettable memories!
Where is Cedarburg, WI located?
Cedarburg, WI is located 20 miles north of Milwaukee and 9 miles southwest of Port Washington. Cedarburg is situated along the beautiful Cedar Creek.
Where to Shop
The Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement is located in historic downtown Cedarburg. The shops are inside the old Wittenberg Woolen Mill which was constructed in 1864. Once you step inside, you’ll be transported back in time with the original beams, floors, and authentic equipment that’s all been restored. There are 20+ shops, restaurants, and a winery all within the old Mill.
Some of my favorite shops are Cedar Creek Apothecary, The European Cottage, and Cedarburg Emporium. The Cedar Creek Apothecary has some wonderful handcrafted essential oils and teas/coffees. The European Cottage has imported products like soaps, perfumes, and jewelry from France, Ireland, England, and Scotland. Cedarburg Emporium has the #1 custom handmade knife collections in the U.S. featuring world renowned bladesmiths. Even if you’re not really into knives, the collection is impressive.
There are many other boutique shops located in the downtown area within walking distance to the Cedar Creek Settlement. Some of these shops include The Olive Sprig and Jewelry Works. The Olive Sprig has olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars that you can sample and explore flavor pairings. The Jewelry Works specializes in unique handcrafted designs in sterling silver and 14K gold.
Where to Eat
Cream & Crepe Cafe is the cutest spot for crepes and sandwiches located in the Cedar Creek Settlement building. The restaurant is decorated with vintage furniture and antique quilts hanging on the walls. For all you Talladega Nights fans- a crepe is a “really thin pancake”.
I had the Mill’s Delight which was like a reuben but in crepe form-delicious. It was topped with a horseradish sauce- not the “clear your nose” spicy. Dominic had Country Crossroads which was chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese topped with an almond cheese sauce. He said it was really good too. We split a “Rob Peter to Pay Paul” dessert crepe. It was hot apples with cinnamon and sugar that was topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. They had sandwiches and soup too, but we wanted to get what they are known for and the crepes didn’t disappoint. It was a perfect light lunch.
Anvil Pub & Grille is located in the Cedar Creek Settlement building as well. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and is inside a restored 19th century blacksmith shop. They are known for their Forge sandwiches (freshly baked sandwiches in their Stone Hearth Oven). During good weather months, you can sit on their outdoor patio overlooking the Cedar Creek.
Lakeside Cookie Company is located across from Cedar Creek Settlement in downtown Cedarburg. You can get ready to eat warm cookies, frozen cookie dough to take home, and cookie baking supplies at this cute little cookie shop. You can even sign up online for a cookie decorating class.
Tomaso’s Restaurant is located in downtown Cedarburg. It was voted #1 pizza in Milwaukee Magazine and Ozaukee County. It also serves whole-wheat, gluten-free and cauliflower pizza options.
Waynes’ Drive-In located in on Covered Bridge Road in Cedarburg, outside of the downtown area. It’s a 12-sided (dodecagon) building that’s the same shape as early drive-ins. The building was previously used as a snowmobile shop, a party room, as well as other other things until 1998. It got a makeover into a 1950’s style diner restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating and lots of parking. It’s seasonally open from early April- mid November. Enjoy their Thursday Classic Cruise Nights and get some award winning burgers and ice cream.
Where to Drink
Cedar Creek Winery is located in the Cedar Creek Settlement building at the corner of Bridge Road and Washington Ave. in downtown Cedarburg. This winery is open year-round (except some major holidays) and has daily wine tasting flights. You can check their website for tours and special reservation tastings.
Fair Brew and Trade is located in the Cedar Creek Settlement building as well. If you need a little pick me up to continue shopping, stop by the Fair Brew and Trade located on the 1st floor loft of the building. They feature specialty drinks featuring Lavazza coffee. They also serve gelato and African tea. You can also shop fair trade items as you enjoy your beverage or gelato.
Where to Stay
Washington House Inn is located in the heart of downtown on the corner of Washington and Center. It’s within walking distance to everything downtown. The Washington House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is decked out in Victorian elegance. Their motto is “casual elegance, historic tradition” which perfectly describes this inn.
The Stagecoach Inn Bed & Breakfast is a quaint 9-room inn within walking distance to shops and restaurants. It’s located on the main street of downtown and offers continental breakfast and private baths. The Stagecoach Inn was built in 1853 as an actual stagecoach stop between Milwaukee and Green Bay.
Lily Pad (Boerner Guest House) is a 3 inn suite built in 1847 that’s located on the main street of downtown. All suites have a private bathroom with a shower. A grab and go breakfast is included in your stay.
Festivals and Fun Things
Check out the Cedarburg Festivals website for exact dates.
Winter Festival- 3rd full weekend in February
Get Your Lucky On- St. Patrick’s Day weekend
Mother’s Day- weekend of Mother’s Day
Sounds of Summer– free summer concert series on Friday nights 6:30-10PM
Strawberry Festival- 4th full weekend in June
Wine & Harvest Festival- 3rd full weekend in September
Oktoberfest- 1st full weekend in October
A Cedarburg Christmas- starting mid-November. There are many activities to celebrate the holiday season like Festive Friday Eves, Santa’s Workshop, Rivoli Theatre Holiday Film Festival, Luminaries & Trolley Rides, and Art Fairs, Shopping, & Exhibits.
Other Points of Interest
Covered Bridge County Park located 3 miles north of the town of Cedarburg on Cedar Creek. This park has one of the last covered bridges in Wisconsin. The Cedarburg Bridge is known as the “Red Bridge”. Bring a lunch to eat in the beautiful park and then walk along the loop trail that takes you through the historical covered bridge.
Cedarburg History Museum located in the historic Hilgen & Schroeder Mill Store at the corner of Portland and Columbia Roads. It’s also home to the Visitor’s Center and Chamber of Commerce. Admission is FREE along with free parking.
Cedarburg Art Museum is located on Washington Ave. in a large red-bricked Victorian house on the western side of downtown Cedarburg’s main street. The admission is FREE but would appreciate a $5 donation per person. The museum features art by local Wisconsin artists.
From June-October on Thursday and Saturday evenings, the Cedarburg Art Museum has a beer garden serving Lakefront Brewery beer. Check out the summer beer garden website for the live music lineup and to reserve your table. You can read more about Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee in this post about brewery tours or this post about 24 hrs. in downtown Milwaukee for couples.
Witte’s Vegetable Farm has been family owned since 1943 and is located in Cedarburg on Bridge Rd. Pick your own vegetables or buy from their stand. Check the website for in season vegetables.
You’ll enjoy visiting this hidden gem in Wisconsin, whether it’s for a weekend or just for a day.