Cedarburg, Wisconsin, is a charming small town just 20 miles north of Milwaukee, known for its historic architecture, vibrant festivals, and quaint downtown. While visitors flock to its shops and wineries, there’s more to this gem than meets the eye. Here are 10 surprising facts about Cedarburg that will deepen your appreciation for this picturesque community.
1. It Was Named After Cedar Trees—Sort Of
Cedarburg’s name comes from the white cedar trees that lined Cedar Creek when German and Irish immigrants settled here in the 1840s. Early settler Frederick Leuning called his cabin “Cedarburg,” meaning “cedar castle” or “fortress of the cedars,” and the name stuck when the community was officially named in 1844.
2. Home to Wisconsin’s Last Covered Bridge
Cedarburg boasts the state’s only remaining historic covered bridge, built in 1876. Spanning Cedar Creek, it was constructed with lumber from Baraboo to shelter travelers—or possibly to calm oxen spooked by open bridges. Today, it’s a beloved landmark featured on the town’s logo.
3. A Woolen Mill That Dodged a Gas Station Fate
The Hilgen and Wittenberg Woolen Mill, built in 1864, nearly became a gas station in the 1970s. Quick thinking by then-mayor Stephan Fischer, who invented a fake “demolition permit” requirement, stalled the plan long enough for the mill to be saved. It’s now the bustling Cedar Creek Settlement, housing shops, studios, and a winery.
4. Fossils Lurk Beneath the Town
Cedarburg sits atop a Silurian limestone deposit formed by a prehistoric reef. The now-closed Groth Quarry in Zeunert Park once uncovered fossils from this ancient ecosystem, hinting at a time when the area was underwater millions of years ago.
5. A German Stronghold with a Spa Past
In the 19th century, Cedarburg was distinctly German, with Lutheran churches, a brewery, and even a European-style spa resort called Hilgen Spring Park. German cultural groups, like the Turner societies, thrived, shaping the town’s early identity.
6. The Grist Mill Is Still a Star
The Cedarburg Grist Mill, built in 1855, remains a skyline icon. Once powered by Cedar Creek to produce 120 barrels of flour daily, it now houses businesses and a microbrewery. Its five-story limestone structure is a testament to the town’s milling roots.
7. A Festival Powerhouse
Cedarburg’s festivals draw over 100,000 visitors annually, but did you know they started as a way to boost tourism? From the Strawberry Festival in June to Oktoberfest and the Winter Festival, these events began in the 1970s and have grown into international draws.
8. PCB Trouble in Cedar Creek
Despite its scenic beauty, Cedar Creek has a less glamorous side: high levels of PCB contamination. Since the 1990s, the Wisconsin DNR has advised against eating fish caught downstream from the Bridge Road dam due to pollution from past industrial activity.
9. A Hollywood-Style Theater Gem
The Rivoli Theatre, opened in 1936 in a former general store from the 1880s, is a single-screen treasure showing family-friendly films. Its restored facade, blending Romanesque and Classical styles, earned it a 2018 Mayor’s Enhancement Award.
10. An Art Scene That Rivals Big Cities
Cedarburg’s art community punches above its weight. The Cedarburg Cultural Center hosts national artists, while the annual Plein Air painting event draws over 165 creators. The Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts, set in a historic farmstead, showcases textiles dating back to the 1700s.
Why Cedarburg Surprises
Cedarburg’s blend of history, quirks, and creativity makes it more than just a pretty postcard town. From its fossil-filled limestone to a mill-turned-winery, it’s a place where the past and present collide in unexpected ways. Next time you visit, explore beyond the shops—you might uncover even more secrets.
Planning a trip? Stop by the Cedarburg Visitor Center on Columbia Road for insider tips and a peek at local history.
