There are places in Wisconsin where strangers treat you like an old friend and new acquaintances act as if you’re family. In these special towns, oncoming cars will greet you with a wave, and pedestrians on the street will flash a smile. In these places, you’ll always be welcome and you’ll always be at home.
In far southwest Wisconsin, Potosi is one of these places. It’s one of the state’s oldest towns and it has been welcoming visitors for more than 180 years. Here’s why you should be the next one to visit this friendly little town.
Potosi is a very old town. It was settled by lead miners in the 1830s – it’s located where the state’s lead ore belt intersects with the Mississippi. Potosi had a post office for more than a decade before Wisconsin was a state.
Potosi Tennyson Area Chamber of Commerce
History is alive in Potosi. Trails up in the surrounding hills will take you to the ruins of early “badger huts” that miners once called home and down by the river you can watch boats and barges drift by, as they have since the 1800s. Or do some drifting yourself!
Potosi Tennyson Area Chamber of Commerce
Down in the village, more attractions await. The iconic Potosi Brewery is located in the heart of the town – it has been a refreshing fixture here since 1852.
Potosi Tennyson Area Chamber of Commerce
The brewery is a welcoming family friendly spot with great food and of course, some outstanding Potosi Beer. The adjacent National Brewery Museum showcases a huge collection of beer memorabilia, including vintage beer bottles, glasses, trays, coasters, advertising materials, and more.
Potosi Tennyson Area Chamber of Commerce
Potosi is known as the Catfish Capital of Wisconsin and every August it holds a Catfish Festival and Fireman’s Fish Fry. About 1,300 pounds of catfish is served and the event includes a truck and tractor pull, beanbag and a euchre tournament, live music, a parade, and fireworks. Everyone is welcome!
Potosi Tennyson Area Chamber of Commerce
There will be a seat waiting for you on the parade route in Potosi. The town claims to have the longest Main Street in the world. Pay it a visit and make some new friends!
Potosi Tennyson Area Chamber of Commerce
Potosi is about a 90-minute drive from Madison or three hours from Milwaukee. Learn more about the community here. Potosi is just one of Wisconsin’s many welcoming communities. Here are 13 of the state’s most charming small towns.
Potosi Tennyson Area Chamber of Commerce
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Address: Potosi, WI 53820, USA
