New Glarus, Wisconsin

In 1999 New Glarus was chosen as the future home of the Swiss Center of North America, a cultural center dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Swiss culture in North American. The village, as well as the town that surrounds it, was named after the Canton of Glarus in eastern Switzerland because of its founding in 1845 by immigrants from there. Incorporated in 1901, New Glarus is a popular tourist destination best known for its Swiss heritage, old world architecture, ethnic dining, and outdoor festivals. New Glarus has maintained much of its Swiss heritage and many old world traditions. More than 160 years after it was founded, Swiss-style chalets and flower boxes filled with red geraniums still grace the streets of the village. Swiss flags fly next to the American flag at many businesses and homes. Old World meat markets, restaurants, and a Swiss bakery are also found in downtown New Glarus, along with folk art, museums, and Swiss-style shops. Many Swiss customs are still alive in New Glarus, including the card game Yass, yodeling, and flag tossing. The 23-mile Sugar River State Trail is a crushed limestone and asphalt path that extends from New Glarus to Brodhead.