BURN BRIGHT

Locals light up Wisconsin with scents and style

By Amélie Mahony

Who doesn’t love a candle? They smell great, provide excellent mood lighting and are a practical gift to give. Here in Wisconsin, we have many candle manufacturers bringing the state’s flare — and flair — to the industry. Here are some of our favorites.

Milwaukee Candle Co.

Its name says it all — its Milwaukee-focused scents in its collections include an ode to “Lake Park” and “Bradford Beach (on a good day).” All candles are hand-poured and made from 100% soy wax.

Lake Park Breeze Candle against a white background
The Lake Park Breeze candle from the Milwaukee Candle Co. Photo by Wes Marse.

Wisconsin Candle Company

Manufactured just north of Madison in Waunakee, the Wisconsin Candle Company strives to make candles that work with everyone’s sensitivities. Its scents evoke thoughts of nature and home, such as “Kettle Moraine Forest,” “New Glarus Christmas” and “Sunny Herb Garden.”

Wisconsin Candle Company candle in the scent Kettle Moraine Forest sits on a wooden table.
Wisconsin Candle Company’s Kettle Moraine candle. Photo by the Wisconsin Candle Company.

The Candle Mercantile

This women-owned business, based out of Lake Geneva near the Illinois border, offers more than just candles — it gives customers the opportunity to make their own signature scents from a selection of around 90 fragrance options. While enjoying a nice beverage, you can craft a personalized candle-making experience. Additionally, the shop offers perfect fall scents like “Caramel Apple” and “Autumn in the Woods.”

A display of candles sits next to a sign that says "Autumn in the Woods" and lists the scents of the candles.
The Candle Mercantile’s Autumn in the Woods display. Photo by Liz Doyle.

Madeline Island Candles

In La Pointe in northern Wisconsin, you can find Madeline Island Candles, a small business that brings the island vibes into your own home. This small business has over 40 scents that come in different forms of candles. From tea lights to pillar candles, there’s a size to suit all preferences.

Madeline Island Candles candle in the scent 'Bayberry Cyprus'
Madeline Island’s Bayberry Cypress candle. Photo by Michael Childers.


Smith and Company

A second-generation family-owned business found just outside of Eau Claire in Chippewa Falls, Smith and Company promises that its candles can burn between 80 to 100 hours. The candles come in Mason jars, which can be reused for other household bits and pieces. Scents transport you to the peaceful countryside with smells like “Countryside Charm” and “Family & Friends.”

Candles and scented spray from the Smith and Company Family and Friend's Collection sit on a cutting board surrounded by cinnamon and fruits.
Smith and Company’s Family and Friends collection. Photo by Smith and Company.

Wickie Candle Company

Manufactured up north in Washburn, Wickie Candle Company is named after the nickname lighthouse keepers got back in the day when they would have to trim the wicks of the oil lamps. From “Banana Bread” and “Grandma’s Cookies” to “Wooden Ships” and “High Tide,” its scents range from warmth and hominess to the smells of the ocean. It conveniently also sells wick trimmers, so your candle can burn brighter for longer.

Eco Candle Co.

Up in Appleton, the Eco Candle Co. has made candles, soaps, and bath and body products for more than two decades. From scents of the earth like its “Dirt” and “Grass Stain” candles to the sweetness of “Warm Vanilla” and “Honey Mango,” Eco Candle Co. has an extensive selection to suit your sensory desires.