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Greendale’s Chimney Tours: Where Folk Art Climbs Skyward

Erika Willitzer
Aug 24
2 min read

Located south of Milwaukee, the village of Greendale isn’t your average small town—it’s a living canvas of history, flowers, and one very unexpected artistic obsession: chimneys. Yes, chimneys. But not the kind you ignore on rooftops. These are whimsical, hand-crafted, folk art masterpieces that have turned Greendale into a must-see destination for curious travelers and art lovers alike.

How Chimneys Became Greendale’s Claim to Fame

Greendale was born during the Great Depression as one of only three “Greenbelt towns” in the U.S., part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal initiative to create planned communities. The homes built during this era—known as the “Original” Greendale homes—were modest, functional, and deeply rooted in community values.

But over time, something magical happened. Residents began transforming their chimneys into vibrant expressions of folk art. What started as a few quirky designs evolved into a full-blown village-wide phenomenon. Today, there are over 200 decorated chimneys scattered throughout Greendale, each telling its own story through paint, sculpture, and imagination.

The Chimney Tour Experience

Greendale’s Historic Folk Art Chimney Tours offer a one-hour guided walk through the village, where you’ll not only see these artistic chimneys up close but also hear personal stories from locals who grew up here. It’s part history lesson, part art appreciation, and part heartwarming nostalgia.

Visitors often describe the town as a “Norman Rockwell painting come to life”—and they’re not wrong. There’s even a life-size statue of Rockwell in the Village Center, capturing the spirit of Greendale in brushstrokes and bronze.

🌸 More Than Just Chimneys

While the chimneys are the star attraction, Greendale offers plenty more to explore:

Over 40,000 flowers bloom in beds, baskets, and planters throughout the village.
Unique boutiques and locally-owned cafes, wine bars, and restaurants line the charming streets.
The entire village is a designated National Historic Landmark and Milwaukee County Landmark.

Whether you’re booking a walking tour or hopping on a group bus, Greendale promises a day filled with beauty, storytelling, and small-town charm.

Chimney Walking Tour: https://greendalechimneytours.com/

📞 Ready to see it for yourself? Call 414-562-6666 to reserve your spot on the Chimney Tour and discover why Greendale is more than just a village—it’s a vertical gallery of folk art and community pride.