Wisconsin's City Near Madison Is A Midwest Gem With A Walkable Downtown And Historic Architecture

If you're looking for a true gem of a destination in Wisconsin, there's plenty to choose from. From a resort that transforms its golf course into a cold-weather playground during winter to the sleepy village of Denmark near Green Bay with its Midwest charm and friendly vibes, Wisconsin has it all. Those in search of a destination with a great downtown area and plenty of historic architecture to marvel at should be sure to visit Evansville. This city is known for those features as well as its friendly community and natural beauty.

Home to a compact, walkable downtown, Evansville boasts plenty of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The majority of these can be found along Main Street, meaning you won't need to stray too far to find all the top spots. Here, you can also see notable historic architecture, such as the John M. Evans Hall. This building has been revitalized and restored and now houses a community theater, an event center, and a law office. The city's laid-back pace and convenient locations make it ideal for exploring on foot.

Despite being home to just around 5,000 people, Evansville's downtown is full of bustling establishments. With boutique shops such as The Cursing Hippies selling tie-dye clothing, The Vintage Roost selling furniture and home goods, and Whiskers and Sniffs Pet Boutique selling pet products, there's something for every kind of shopper here. Be sure to pay a visit to Allen Creek CoffeeHouse as a pit stop during a day out exploring downtown, where you can indulge in freshly baked goods, paninis, and tasty coffee.

From the downtown area and beyond, Evansville is also not to be missed for those who love historic architecture. In fact, the Wisconsin State Historical Society has named it "the finest collection of 1840s to 1915 architecture of any small town in Wisconsin," according to the official Evansville city website.

The city is home to three historic districts: the Grove Street Historic District on the north side of Evansville, the South First Street Residential Historic District on the south side, and the Evansville Historic District, the largest and most notable. Curious visitors can enjoy a 4.5-mile self-guided tour, uncovering iconic buildings across the three districts in a range of architectural styles, including Victorian, Queen Anne, Tudor Revival, and Greek Revival.

When planning your trip to this unique and historical city, it's important not to confuse it with the slightly larger city of the same name in Indiana, a riverfront hub known as "The Meanest City in the Midwest." Evansville, Wisconsin, on the other hand, is located just over 22 miles from the nearby city of Madison. This places it approximately 30 miles south of Dane County Regional Airport, making it easy for those flying in. That said, many visitors opt to drive in, heading along US-14 or US-59.

Evansville has only one hotel, the Evansville Inn & Suites. Here, visitors can enjoy a basic yet clean stay with amenities such as free Wi-Fi and a TV for as little as $77 per night, as of this writing. Those bringing a car and seeking more options can always stay in Madison and visit Evansville for a day, with plenty of great lodging options there.

The best time to visit Evansville is between mid-June and early September. At this time of year, temperatures typically range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for a stroll or bike ride to take in the city's beautiful historic architecture. Be sure to bring along comfortable walking shoes and a camera to capture Evansville's breathtaking buildings.