Tuesday, March 25, 2025 New Glarus is undergoing a remarkable transformation, investing over sixty million dollars into two cornerstone projects that will redefine tourism in the Wisconsin village by 2026. A seven million dollar restoration of the iconic 172-year-old New Glarus Hotel is bringing back its Swiss charm with a modern twist, while a fifty-five million dollar expansion of the renowned New Glarus Brewing Company promises to elevate the town’s reputation as a premier Midwest destination. Together, these developments blend heritage and hospitality, breathing new life into downtown New Glarus and setting the stage for a tourism renaissance rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and community.
In the heart of downtown New Glarus, Wisconsin, a historic landmark is undergoing a major transformation. The New Glarus Hotel, a cultural cornerstone since 1853, is being restored in a multi-million-dollar effort to preserve its Swiss heritage while adapting to modern tourism needs. Situated at the corner of First Street and Sixth Avenue, the building was officially listed on the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places in early 2025.
That recognition arrives just as a $7 million restoration and redevelopment project begins—an effort to breathe new life into the 172-year-old property and prepare it for a new era of hospitality. The main restaurant in the hotel ceased operations in 2021 following pandemic-related challenges. A pizzeria that had operated on the first floor also s.
