Cedarburg prides itself as a beautiful destination any time of year, with dozens of cultural venues, museums, shops and seasonal events filling our picturesque historic downtown. Cedarburg was honored as one of the prettiest towns in America by Forbes Magazine, and as one of the midwest’s best holiday shopping towns in Midwest Living. Most recently, Cedarburg was touted as one of the top ten small towns with Christmas spirit by Reader’s Digest.
Our year-round calendar of cultural offerings includes both the visual and performing arts. National and international performing artists, the Singer Songwriter’s Series, the annual Plein Air art competition and juried art shows are just a few of the offerings you’ll find at the Cedarburg Cultural Center, the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center, the Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts, and the Cedarburg Art Museum.
History abounds in Cedarburg. Our museums and cultural center offer the opportunity to step back in time with thousands of priceless photos and collectibles that preserve our storied history. The Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts, located just outside the downtown footprint, has garnered national attention with its vast collection and innovative shows in the unique surroundings of a 200-year-old barn.
Cedarburg has a long and vivid history lovingly preserved in its limestone buildings, meandering creek and more than 200 buildings of historical significance. It was founded in the early 1840s by Irish and German immigrants who were lured to the potential of power from Cedar Creek. One of the first well-known buildings – the Cedarburg Grist Mill – remains a prominent reminder of the city’s dedication and care that it devotes to preservation. Another iconic building located in the center of town is the Wittenburg Mill. When it was built in 1864, it was the only woolen mill west of Philadelphia to produce worsted yarns. Today, the mill continues to thrive as the Cedar Creek Settlement, a collection of shops, artist studios, antique stores and restaurants.
Post-World War II suburbanization changed Cedarburg significantly. While the mills had all closed by the 1960s, the city experienced rapid population growth and the development of new commercial properties and housing subdivisions. In spite of the changes, more than 200 of Cedarburg’s historic buildings have been preserved, and the city is home to eight listings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Cedar Creek Settlement and the Columbia Road Historic District. The community profits from a vibrant tourist industry and hosts festivals and events throughout the year that attract visitors from other areas.
