8 Small Town Pie Shops In Wisconsin Worth The Detour

Wisconsin’s countryside hides some incredible treasures for pie lovers. From flaky crusts to farm-fresh fillings, these small-town bakeries have perfected recipes that bring travelers miles out of their way. Whether you’re road-tripping through the Badger State or planning a dedicated pie pilgrimage, these eight charming pie shops offer slices of heaven worth every mile of your detour.

1. Gourmet Garage: Lake Superior’s Hidden Pie Treasure

Don’t let the name fool you – this former gas station turned bakery near Bayfield serves up fuel of a different kind. Overlooking majestic Lake Superior, Gourmet Garage creates pies that rival the breathtaking views. Their raspberry-rhubarb pie has achieved local legend status, perfectly balancing tart and sweet notes. The apple crumb pie features fruit from nearby orchards, creating a truly regional flavor profile. Visitors often grab a whole pie to enjoy while watching the sunset over the Apostle Islands, creating the perfect northern Wisconsin memory.

2. Stockholm Pie and General Store: A Riverside Gem

Nestled along the Great River Road in tiny Stockholm (population 66), this nationally acclaimed pie haven has visitors planning entire road trips around their legendary slices. The bakers here insist on fresh, real ingredients – nothing artificial touches their creations. Their signature Bumbleberry combines five different berries in perfect harmony, while the Lingonberry Lemon offers a Scandinavian-inspired twist you won’t find elsewhere. During peak summer weekends, expect a line out the door as pie pilgrims flock from across the Midwest.

3. The Elegant Farmer: Paper Bag Apple Pie Pioneer

Who knew a paper bag could revolutionize pie-making? The Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago certainly did. Their signature apple pie, baked in a brown paper bag, creates a paradoxical masterpiece – a crispy, sugar-crusted top with impossibly moist apples beneath. Food Network and Gourmet Magazine haven’t been shy about crowning it “America’s best pie.” Beyond their famous apple creation, seasonal picks like caramel apple and pumpkin draw crowds during their harvest festivals. The farm setting adds rustic charm to your pie expedition.

4. Norske Nook: Norwegian-Inspired Pie Paradise

Blue ribbon pies aren’t just a boast at Norske Nook – they’re a tradition backed by over 45 different flavors and numerous national awards. This Norwegian-American cafe chain started in Osseo and expanded to several small Wisconsin towns, maintaining scratch-made quality at each location. Their sour cream raisin pie offers an unexpected delight, while classics like northwoods blueberry showcase regional fruits. The Scandinavian atmosphere completes the experience with traditional decor and friendly service. Regular customers often debate which location serves the absolute best slice.

5. Sweetie Pies: Door County Cherry Haven

Cherry trees blanket Door County’s peninsula, and Sweetie Pies in Fish Creek transforms this local bounty into pie perfection. The shabby-chic cafe, housed in a converted historic home, feels like visiting your most talented pie-baking relative. Their signature tart cherry pie balances sweetness and acidity masterfully, while seasonal offerings like apple-cherry-cranberry celebrate Wisconsin’s harvest. Owner Renny ensures each handcrafted crust achieves the ideal flaky texture. During cherry season in July, expect to share the quaint space with both tourists and locals securing their favorite slices.

6. Lake Geneva Pie Company: Family Traditions by the Lake

While tourists flock to Lake Geneva for the water, locals know the real treasure is hidden in this family-run pie shop on the edge of town. For over twenty years, the Huismans have been crafting pies that combine old-world techniques with fresh, local ingredients. Their French silk pie achieves a perfect silky-smooth texture that’s become the standard against which locals judge all others. Seasonal fruit pies showcase Wisconsin’s changing harvests, from summer strawberry to autumn apple. The cozy shop offers a welcome respite from the lakefront crowds, with the heavenly aroma of butter crusts baking throughout the day.

7. Sweet Pea’s: Mayville’s Pie Sanctuary

In a town of just over 5,000 residents, Sweet Pea’s has become Mayville’s pride and joy. This unassuming bakery treats pie-making as a sacred art form, with scratch-made creations that draw visitors from Milwaukee and beyond. Their cherry crumble pie features a generous filling-to-crust ratio that satisfies the most demanding pie enthusiasts. The unexpected honey pie – a caramelized custard with subtle floral notes – has developed a cult following. Owner Peggy learned pie-making from her grandmother, and those time-honored techniques are evident in every perfectly crimped edge and golden-brown finish.

8. Crystal Cafe: Iola’s Time-Honored Pie Tradition

Walking into Crystal Cafe feels like stepping back to a simpler time. This family-owned diner in Iola has preserved not just pie recipes but an entire slice of small-town Wisconsin culture. Their hand-rolled crusts achieve that perfect balance between flaky and tender, while seasonal fruit fillings showcase whatever’s freshest from local farms. The towering lemon meringue has achieved regional fame for its cloud-like topping and perfect sweet-tart balance. Regulars often arrive early on Fridays when their legendary sour cream raisin pie emerges from the oven, knowing it sells out by noon.