Hidden Valleys 2025 by Top Dog Marketing

CRAWFORD • GRANT • IOWA

JUNEAU

LAFAYETTE

MONROE

RICHLAND

VERNON

EXPLORE

SOUTHWESTERN WISCONSIN INVITES YOU TO USE THIS GUIDE TO CHRONICLE YOUR JOURNEY IN ONE OF WISCONSIN’S MOST BEAUTIFUL AND SCENIC REGIONS.

Our numerous southwestern counties invite you to use this guide to chart your journey in Wisconsin’s most scenic regions.

We hope you find our new format more user friendly and easier to navigate, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy your experiences.

Our unglaciated pathways wind through charming towns and picturesque countrysides. The Wisconsin River and the “Mighty Mississippi” etch routes through the area.

Plan your itinerary now by using the maps of the Hidden Valley region to chart your path. Check the events and suggestions for dining, lodging and recreational activities.

Visit our many attractions including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, the House on the Rock, the Wisconsin Cranberry Discover Center, Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center, Villa Louis, and the Potosi Brewery and the National Brewery Museum to name just a few.

We offer hundreds of miles of bike trails, horse trails, canoeing and kayaking opportunities, and trails for the ATV enthusiasts. Our roads are excellent for motorcycling as well.

You can enjoy a festival almost every weekend of the year. Savor our local foods, from cheese, beer and wine to orchards of home grown fruits and vegetables. Meet our artists and producers in Southwest Wiscosnin.

Plan your getaway now to the Hidden Valleys of Southwest Wisconsin. Come and play and stay with us. Let us take you on an adventure that will create cherished memories.

Bob Boyle, President

Photo credit: Danika Wehling

Agricultural Tourism , Economic Engine Builds Momentum

Tourism on farms continues to increase, with visitors enjoying a wide range of activities, including farm-to-table events, wine tastings, harvest festivals, craft breweries, distilleries, farm weddings, art tours, baking classes, and herding dog competitions, just to name a few.

“People are getting into their cars and traveling to farms in growing numbers,” said Sylvia Burgos Toftness, a board member of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA). According to Allied Market Research, visitors are seeking on-farm stays, education, ecotourism, and satisfying their curiosity about rural and farm living. “Wisconsin’s agricultural producers want to, and are prepared to, meet this demand with welcoming farm-based experiences,” said Burgos Toftness.

“Our website, ww w.wiagtourism.com, makes it easy to find an afternoon or weekend of agventures,” said Sheila Everhart, WATA Executive Director. “Our site’s easy to use and includes an interactive map that helps visitors find all kinds of activities, foods, and beverages. The WATA member farms include petting zoos, event barns, wineries, you-pick orchards and berry patches, pasture walks, corn mazes, tree farms, pumpkin patches, and more,” she said.

THE HIDDEN VALLEY LEADERSHIP TEAM WELCOMES

SPONSORS THANK YOU TO ALL OUR ADVERTISERS!

GOLD SPONSOR

($2,000 AND UP)

Crawford County

Grant County

Iowa County

Lafayette County

Vernon County

Richland County

Greater Mauston

Tourism Association

Millie’s Diner

Platteville Farmers

Market

Blanchardville

Community Pride

SILVER SPONSOR

($1,000-$1999)

Bender Outdoor

Darlington Chamber / Main St.

Experience Shullsburg

Greater Richland Tourism

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce

Village of Belmont

Y’Allbee Tubin / Y’Allbee Inflatables

Wisconsin River Meats

BRONZE SPONSOR

($800-$999)

1913 Kickapoo Orchard

Boscobel Chamber

English Prairie Distilling Co.

Explore Cassville / Cassville Tourism

Foggy Bottom Woodworks / Foggy North

J & M Flying Wheels

Kickapoo Guest Cabins

Potosi Tennyson Chamber of Commerce

Quilt Peddler

Sunrise Orchard

Tomah Cash Mercantile

Village of Muscoda

Weber Meats

BOB BOYLE

Photo credit: Morgan Jane Photography

Photo credit: Melissa Okey

DICKEYVILLE • FENNIMORE • GLEN HAVEN • HAZEL GREEN • KIELER • LANCASTER

LIVINGSTON • MONTFORT • MUSCODA • PLATTEVILLE • POTOSI • WOODMAN

GRANT COUNTY IS HOME TO SOME OF SOUTHWEST WISCONSIN’S MOST VIVID LANDSCAPES

THE DRIFTLESS REGION AND ITS EARLIEST HISTORY.

With nearly 100 miles of shoreline along the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, much of it lined with dramatic limestone bluffs, Grant County provides abundant opportunities for boating, hiking nature trails, and camping. In the rivers and streams, anglers can cast their lures in more than 100 miles of world-class trout streams, while canoeists, kayakers, and tube riders can paddle or float down a lazy river.

A prime example of the area’s beauty is Wyalusing State Park, a 2,700-acre nature area above the confluence of the Wisconsin River and the Mississippi River. Visitors can gaze down at striking vistas from the bluffs, and can look up at night skies so starry that an observatory was built there in 1999 to view the display through highpowered telescopes. Wyalusing was one of Wisconsin’s first state parks, established in 1917, but its historical significance dates back nearly 250 years before that. A historical marker notes that explorers Marquette and Joliet reached the area on June 17, 1673.

The Cassville car ferry is a popular way to cross the Mississippi. Serving the settlement as far back as the 1830s—then powered by horses on a treadmill—the ferry now transports pedestrians, cars, bicycles, and even school buses on the 20-minute trek between Wisconsin and Iowa from May through October.

Southwest Wisconsin’s mining history is showcased in Platteville. The Mining and Rollo Jamison Museums offer a trip into that past with tours of the 1845 Bevans lead-zinc mine, featuring artifacts from that period and exhibits about its role in the state’s early years.

Another noteworthy historic site is Stonefield, where visitors can get a taste of life in a 1900s farming community. Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society, Stonefield has 30 buildings that include a school, bank, saloon, cheese factory, and a BAGLEY • BLOOMINGTON • BOSCOBEL • BLUE RIVER • CASSVILLE • CUBA CITY

newspaper office. Also on site are the home of Nelson Dewey, Wisconsin’s first governor, and the state agricultural museum, with the largest collection of farm tools and equipment in the state.

Nelson Dewey State Park is part of the historic site, a 756-acre portion of what was once Dewey’s 2,000acre agricultural estate. Overlooking the Mississippi River, the exposed rock along the bluffs displays the geological changes that created the layers of limestone and sandstone. The 27-acre Dewey Heights Prairie, designated a State Natural Area in 2000, is a remnant of the thousands of acres of prairie that used to cover much of Wisconsin more than 200 years ago.

Trains take the spotlight at the Fennimore Railroad Historical Society Museum. The former city utility building has been remodeled to look like a turn-of-thecentury train depot, and children can ride on a narrowgauge train called the Dinky. The museum also houses collections of antique farm tools, military memorabilia, and home appliances from the era.

The Potosi Brewing Company represents another highlight of Wisconsin’s heritage. Originally founded in 1852, the Potosi Brewing Company became the fifth largest brewery in Wisconsin, selling its beers nationwide. The brewery survived Prohibition, but closed in 1972. Then, in 2008, after a $7.5 million restoration, the business reopened, now owned by the nonprofit Potosi Brewery Foundation. It houses a brewpub, restaurant, and the National Brewery Museum, and funnels its profits into historical and educational initiatives.

Tourists also flock to the Dickeyville Grotto, a cave-like shrine built of stone, mortar, and colored glass, created by Father Matthias Wernerus, a German-American priest who served the parish from 1918 until his death in 1931.

Dickeyville Grotto.

Photo Credit: Sarah Tyler

Wyalusing State Park.

Photo Credit: Dane Nechkash

Rural Route One

Historic Muscoda Mile

The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museum

Photo Credit: Dane Nechkash

Stonefield

Potosi Brewing Company

Cassville Ferry

Photo Credit: Dane Nechkash

Grant County Fair

Photo Credit: Jack Kinney

Potosi Brewery Photo Credit: Dena Nechkash

English Prairie Distilling

CUBA CITY

VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE

725 N. Jackson St. Cuba City, WI • 608-744-2159 10 miles south of Platteville/19 miles Northest of Dubuque

Monday thru Friday: 7 AM - 5:30 PM Saturday: 7 AM - 3 PM

Our store accepts only cash or check and has an ATM

OVER 35 VENDORS

PLATTEVILLE

Photo Credit: Dena Nechkash

Boscobel Depot Heritage Museum

Muscoda Riverside Park

• Camping

•

• Hovercrafts

• Snowmobiling

•

• Ball Diamonds

• ATV/UTV Accessible

• 45 Electric Campsites

• Tent Camping Area

• Bath House with Pay Showers

• Scenic Walkway

• Prairie Grasses

WOODMAN MONTFORT

Hickory Grove

The Dome Bar & Grill

SPRING IN THE DRIFTLESS

Photo credit: Cindy Emerson

Photo credit: Cory Ritterbusch

Photo credit: Danika Wehling

Photo credit: Jack Kinney

Photo credit: Kevin Gruenberg

CHEESE ME!

WORLD CLASS CHEESEMAKERS IN THE DRIFTLESS

ARENA CHEESE Arena

Cheesemaker: Bill Hanson

Local Fav: Original Colby Jack Cheese, Cheese Curds

BRUNKOW CHEESE OF WISCONSIN Darlington

Cheesemaker: Joe Burns

Local Fav: Fresh Curds, Cheddar & Brun-uusto

HOOK’S CHEESE Mineral Point

Cheesemaker: Tony and Julie Hook

Award: Little Boy Blue—First Award

World Championships

Local Fav: Award winning Colby, Aged Cheddar, Black Truffle Cheddar, Aged Swiss

MEISTER CHEESE Muscoda

Cheesemaker: Larry Harris

Award: Dill Havarti—Best of Class Smoked Cheddar—Third Award

Local Fav: Monterey Jack, Aged Cheddar, Colby Longhorn

NORDIC CREAMERY Westby

Cheesemaker: Al Bekkum

Award: Red Pepper Butter—Best of Class

Garlic Butter—Second Award

Gran Canaria & Honey Butter—Third Award

Local Fav: Grumpy Goat, Sheep Milk Feta, Capriko

OLD COUNTRY CHEESE Cashton

Local Fav: Muenster Cheese Curds—flavored Muenster & Cheddar

PASTURE PRIDE CHEESE Cashton

Award: Traditional Juustoleipa—Best of Class

Oh So Original—Second Award

Roasted Garlic—Third Award

Local Fav: Flavored Juusto Baked Cheese, 23-Year Old Cheddar, Muenster

ROELLI CHEESE COMPANY INC. Shullsburg

Cheesemaker: Chris Roelli

Award: Dunbarton Blue Cheese—Third Award

Local Fav: Cheese curds, Cellar-aged Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Goudse Kaas

SHULLSBURG CREAMERY

Award: 2024—Garlic & Chive Cheddar Curds, Third Place, World Dairy Expo

2024—Bourbon Barrel Black Pepper Cheddar, Grand Champion, Illinois State Fair

Local Fav: Bourbon Barrel Cheddar

OTHER DAIRY COMPANIES

HIDDEN SPRINGS CREAMERY LLC Westby

LACTALIS AMERICAN GROUP Belmont

WESTBY COOP CREAMERY Westby

Photo credit: Paul Strabbing Photography

ARTS IN THE DRIFTLESS

Numerous artists and authors have discovered the Driftless as a place of inspiration. We are blessed with many art galleries, festivals and activities that showcase our area artists, photographers and authors.

ART GALLERIES & ORGANIZATIONS

GRANT COUNTY

THE ARTISTS EYE GALLERY

Woodman

ROUNTREE GALLERY Platteville

IOWA COUNTY

THE OPAL MAN Spring Green

AGAINST THE GRAIN Mineral Point

ARTFUL APPAREL HANDWEAVING

STUDIO AND SHOP Mineral Point

THE BOARD SHOPPE Mineral Point

BREWERY POTTERY Mineral Point

BUSTER & BRUNO’S STUDIO/ GALLERY Mineral Point

DEECONSTRUCT Mineral Point

FRIPPERIESMP Mineral Point

GLOBE CLAY CENTER Mineral Point

GREEN LANTERN STUDIOS

Mineral Point

JANE WILCOXSON STUDIOS

Mineral Point

KEITH HUIE ART Mineral Point

LONGBRANCH GALLERY

Mineral Point

THE MULBERRY POTTERY STUDIO/ GALLERY Mineral Point

ON THE EDGE Mineral Point

SIRIUS SUNLIGHT GLASS STUDIO

Mineral Point

WANTOOT GALLERY Mineral Point

JUNEAU COUNTY

OH! ARTS Mauston

CRAWFORD COUNTY

THE LEFT BANK SHOP McGregor, IA

THE PLANTED TREE

Prairie du Chien

VERNON COUNTY

CENTRAL PARK GALLERY

Coon Valley

SWEET VALLEY ARTISANS

Coon Valley

COULEE REGION ROSEMALERS

Westby Syttende Mai Festival

VIVA GALLERY Viroqua

FARMERSOWN MARKET Viola

RICHLAND COUNTY

RED DOOR GALLERY

Richland Center

MONROE COUNTY

ANTIQUE MALL OF TOMAH Tomah

ART EVENTS

GALLERY NIGHT Mineral Point

April 5th

June 7th

August 2nd

December 6th (Candlelight Shopping)

WINDING ROAD ART TOUR

Gays Mills, Soldiers Grove, Viola & Viroqua

June 7th & 8th

SPRING GREEN ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR Spring Green

June 28th & 29th

DRIFTLESS AREA ART FESTIVAL

Soldiers Grove

September 20th & 21st

FALL ART TOUR

Baraboo • Spring Green

Dodgeville • Mineral Point

October 17th, 18th & 19th

MILES AND MILES OF MAGNIFICENT VIEWS

Photo credit: Danka Wehling

MONTFORT

It is steeped in the history of Wisconsin’s early years and home to a theater company that’s become one of the most celebrated in the Midwest.

For nature lovers, Iowa County’s gem is Governor Dodge State Park, just north of Dodgeville. One of Wisconsin’s largest state parks, it has 5,000 hilly acres to hike and is a popular destination for camping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and horseback riding. In the winter, skiers and snowmobilers take over the trails while the park’s two lakes offer ice fishing. There’s even a cliff near the waterfall area that you can ice climb when it freezes.

Dodgeville is the home of Wisconsin’s oldest active courthouse, built of native limestone in 1859 by immigrants from Cornwall, England, who had come to the region to mine lead, and later, zinc.

In Mineral Point, history buffs can also connect with the area’s early settlers by visiting Pendarvis—a cluster of restored Cornish-style homes, a restaurant, and a pub built in the 1840s. The Cornish tradition carries throughout the community, with restaurants known for their Cornish pasties—hearty turnovers filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables.

Mineral Point is where Henry Dodge was sworn in as the first governor of the newly established Wisconsin territory in 1836. With homes dating back before the Civil War, Mineral Point was the first city in Wisconsin named to the National Register of Historic Places.

Many smaller hidden gems are scattered throughout the county. For example, you can find the Grandview historic site on State Highway 39, and east/west road connecting Mineral Point to New Glarus. Recently

added to the State and National Registers of Historic places, Grandview offers a free visit and, in the summer, provides scores of interesting art classes for a very low cost.

Another event that draws thousands is the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship, held in Dodgeville every April, as a way to honor the state’s tradition of dairy farming. And Iowa County celebrates farmers themselves at Farm Appreciation Day, an annual July gathering in Dodgeville that features a parade, festival, and fireworks.

Iowa County’s historical significance also revolves around renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Taliesin is the 800-acre property near Spring Green where Wright had his home and studio. It offers programs on organic living and the intersection of nature, culture, and construction design.

Theater lovers, meanwhile, flock to the nearby American Players Theatre, where a highly lauded company of actors performs plays by Shakespeare and more current playwrights in an open-air theatre and a smaller, enclosed venue throughout the summer.

Iowa County also is home to the House on the Rock, built in the 1940s atop a 60-foot chimney of rock near Spring Green by Madison native Alex Jordan. The structure began as a retreat for Jordan but soon became a curiosity, and it opened to the public for tours in 1960. In addition to the unique house itself, built right into the rock, the building houses an eclectic series of exhibits that include model airplanes, doll houses, theater organs, and an automated circus band.

IOWA COUNTY ENCOMPASSES SO MUCH OF THE CHARACTER OF WISCONSIN AS A WHOLE:

Don Q Inn Plane. Photo Credit: Sean Oster

Goveror Dodge State Park. Photo by Beverly Adams Sugden

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin Mineral Point High Street

Shake Rag Alley

Spurgeon Winery

Quality Bakery

Nick Engelbert’s Grandview Historic Site

DODGER BOWL LANES

Avoca Prairie Avoca Prairie

HIGHLAND MAZOMANIE

Governor Dodge. Photo Credit: Dena Nechkash

DRIFTLESS AREA CAMPGROUNDS

AVOCA LAKESIDE PARK & CAMPGROUND

Avoca

608-532-6831

avocacampground.com/ 30/50 amp. Water.

BLACKSTONE CAMPGROUND & RV PARK

New Diggings

20, 30 & 50 amp. Full Hookup. Booking: 1-608-726-2341

BLANCHARDVILLE’S

MCKELLAR PARK

Blanchardville blanchardville.com/ village-government-2-2/ mckellar-park/

BOULDER CREEK CAMPGROUND

Bagley

608-996-2201

bouldercreekcampgroundwi.com

30 & 50 amp. Full Hook-Up.

EAGLE CAVE

Blue River

Phone: 608-537-2988

www.eaglecave.net/ Electric. Water. Tent. Cave Camp In.

END OF THE TRAIL HORSE CAMP

Ontario

608-337-4738

20, 30 & 50 amp

Water & Dump Station.

FIRESIDE CAMPGROUND

Lone Rock

608-583-5111 firesidecampground.com/ 30/50 amp. Water. Full Hook-Up. Tent.

KICKAPOO STUMP DODGER

CAMPGROUND

Gays Mills

608-735-4929 www.ksdcampground.com/

LA FARGE VILLAGE PARK

La Farge 54639 (Village Office608-625-4422) www.lafarge-wisconsin.com/ village-park Electric. Tent. First come, first serve.

LAKE JOY CAMPGROUND

Belmont

608-762-5150 www.lakejoy.com/ 30 amp and water. 50 amp RV sites. Tent.

LEON VALLEY CAMPGROUND CABINS

Leon/Sparta

Sleeps: 2-4

Open Seasonally 20, 30 & 50 amp. Water. Tent Sites. For Booking: 1-608-269-6400

PECATONICA RIVER TRAILS PARK darlingtonwi.org/parksrecreation/ pecatonica-river-trails-park/

RUSTIC BARN CAMPGROUND & RV PARK

Kieler 608-568-7797 www.rusticbarnrvpark.com/ 30/50 amp sites. Full Hook-Up.

RUSTIC RIDGE RESORT

Hillsboro 262-903-9464 rusticridgeresort.com/ Electric. Water. Tent.

SHANGRI-LA CAMPGROUNDCABINS

Wisconsin Dells shangrilacampgrounddells.com or 1-608-408-0898

20, 30 & 50 amp. Full Hookup Tent Sites.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

ST. JOSEPH RESORT MOTEL, CABINS & CAMPGROUND

Necedah

608-565-7258

st-josephresort.com/campground/ 50 amp and water. Full Hook-Up.

TITANIC CANOE CAMPGROUND

Ontario

Booking: 1-608-337-4551

TOM’S CAMPGROUND

Dodgeville

608-935-5446

www.tomscampground.com/

30/50 amp. Water. Tent. RV.

VICTORIA RIVERSIDE PARK AND CAMPGROUND

Muscoda

608-739-2924

www.muscoda.com/parksandrecreation Electric. Tent.

VILLAGE OF ONTARIO

608-337-4381 www.ontariowi.com

WESTBY ROD & GUN CLUB

Westby

608-634-4314 westbyrodandgun.com/

WESTERN WOODS CAMPGROUND

Wisconsin Dells

20, 30 & 50 amp. Water Tent Sites. For Booking: campwesternwoods.com or 1-608-501-7140

WOODMAN LAKE CABINS & RV

Woodman

608-533-2267

www.woodmanlake.com/ 30 amp. Water,

WOLF CREEK CAMPGROUND

Gratiot

gratiot.us/Recreation.html Electric. Water. Tent. First come, first serve.

YELLOWSTONE LAKE CHALET

CAMPGROUND

Blanchardville

608-523-4121

ylccampground.com

30 amp. Water. Dump Station

CONVENIENCE STORES/ CAMPING SUPPLIES

OKEY’S MARKET Cassville 608-725-5178

BENDER OUTDOORS

Lancaster 608-723-7709 www.benderoutdoors.com/

KATE’S BAIT & SPORTING GOODS Dodgeville 608-935-0131 www.katesbaitdodgeville.com

GERMANTOWN JUNCTION STORE

New Lisbon

608-847-6909

Propane filling

MOUND VIEW RV Belmont (608) 762-6957 Moundviewrv.com

RICHLAND LOCKER Richland Center

TALL TAILS SPORTS & SPIRITS Boscobel

Photo Credit: Brad Stevens

Photo Credit: Danika Wehling

Photo Credit: Chad Berger

Photo Credit: Cassie Parish

DRIFTLESS AREA SUPPER CLUBS

GRANT COUNTY

3 MILE HOUSE Hazel Green

CHOP’S KALL INN Hazel Green

COUNTRY HEIGHTS SUPPER CLUB Hazel Green

CROSSROADS SUPPER CLUB Platteville

LOUISBURG JUNCTION SUPPER CLUB Cuba City

SPORTSMEN’S LOUNGE & SUPPER CLUB Muscoda

THE COTTONWOOD Fennimore

THE VILLAGE BAR SUPPER CLUB Kieler

IOWA COUNTY

ARTHUR’S SUPPER CLUB Spring Green

HI POINT STEAKHOUSE Ridgeway

RED ZONE Highland

TOWER JUNCTION Montfort

WHISKEY ROW SALOON Avoca

LAFAYETTE COUNTY

COLE ACRES GOLF COURSE & SUPPER CLUB

Cuba City

CORNER PUB & DELI Argyle

DARLINGTON COUNTRY CLUB Darlington

HIDEAWAY ACRES Benton

SPORTS PAGE BAR & SUPPER CLUB Belmont

RED’S SUPPER CLUB Cuba City

THE BURG Shullsburg

JUNEAU COUNTY

CHAPPARAL RESTAURANT Wonewoc

R & S SPIRITS & LOUNGE Wonewoc

WOODBINE INN Necedah

CRAWFORD COUNTY

JONES’ BLACK ANGUS Prairie du Chien

THE BARN RESTAURANT Prairie du Chien

VERNON COUNTY

KICKAPOO CREEKSIDE Readstown

OLD TOWNE INN Westby

ROCKY’S SUPPER CLUB Stoddard

RICHLAND COUNTY

HONKER’S SUPPER CLUB Muscoda

MONROE COUNTY

CLUB OASIS Sparta

THE PINES RESTAURANT Warrens

Photo credit: Danika Wehling

SHULLSBURG • SOUTH WAYNE WIOTA

FARMING, OUTDOOR RECREATION, AND WISCONSIN HISTORY ARE THE HALLMARKS OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.

Lafayette County played a significant role in the state’s beginnings. Settlers arrived in the early 1820s to mine the lead in the region. They had no time to build permanent homes, so they dug crude dwellings into the hillsides, resembling badger holes. These rustic homesteads inspired Wisconsin’s nickname as the Badger State.

When the Wisconsin Territory was established in 1836, Lafayette County housed the First Capitol in Belmont. Two restored buildings are open for prearranged tours: the Council House, which is furnished much like it was when the territorial legislature met there, and the Supreme Court building. Be sure to explore this Wisconsin State Historic Site for a flashback to what frontier Wisconsin looked like.

Shullsburg was the third established community in Wisconsin. The area boasted the most productive lead mining in the country leading to a population boom in the 1820s. In fact, the majority of lead musket balls used during the Civil War came from Shullsburg. The city is said to have five miles of mining tunnels running beneath its streets and homes. Shullsburg’s Badger Mine and Museum takes visitors underground into a hand-dug 19th-century mine and exhibits the primitive tools used to extract the ore. To continue with Lafayette County’s mining history, visit Swindler’s Ridge Museum in Benton, where you will find more mining artifacts and a working diorama of a lead and zinc mine.

Another noteworthy historic site is the Lafayette County Courthouse in Darlington. Built between 1905 and 1907, it is the only active courthouse in the country that was paid for by one man—a citizen named Matthew Murphy who left most of his estate for the building’s construction. The monumental limestone structure features a central rotunda with an elaborate dome and evidence of Johnny Depp’s visit to the Courthouse when it was featured in the 2009 movie “Public Enemies”.

Lafayette County is farm country. With 1,400 farms, Lafayette County’s economy depends on agriculture more than any other county in Wisconsin. With many cheese factories, dairy farms, farmers markets, vegetable farms, and fiber producers, agriculture is the heart of many of the county’s communities. For those who appreciate agriculture and local traditions, the Lafayette County Fair is a must-visit event. This long-standing fair showcases livestock exhibitions, thrilling rides, and live entertainment, offering a true taste of rural Wisconsin culture. Shullsburg highlights the area’s dairy industry with its annual Cheesefest, held in October, featuring wine and cheese tasting, hay rides, and a cheese curd eating contest.

Lafayette County is also a haven for those seeking nature and outdoor recreation. Hiking, bicycling, fishing, hunting, canoeing, swimming, ATV riding, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are all available in Lafayette County’s scenic Driftless countryside. The Cheese Country and Pecatonica State trails offer more than 60 miles of off-road riding, and the Mound View State Trail is open to bicyclists and hikers.

Camping, hiking, and fishing are popular activities at Lafayette County parks, including Yellowstone Lake State Park—between Blanchardville and Argyle— and the nearby Yellowstone Wildlife Area, which also provides horse trails and a shooting range. Blackhawk Memorial Park, south of Argyle, is a picturesque place to camp, hike, canoe, and fish along the Pecatonica River.

Lafayette County Speedway, located in Darlington, has a 70-year auto-racing legacy. The slightly banked threeeighths mile clay track has been in existence since the 1950’s. Racing begins each April and continues into August, with a full weekly schedule, including several large specials throughout the season.

ARGYLE • BELMONT • BENTON • BLANCHARDVILLE • BROWNTOWN • CUBA CITY

DARLINGTON • GRATIOT • MONTICELLO • NEW DIGGINGS •

World’s Largest M

Yellowstone Lake State Park.

Photo Credit: Dane Nechkash

Belmont Mound State Park. Photo Credit: Dena Nechkash

Belmont Mound State Park

Gravity Hill

Saxton House

Pec State UTV/ATV Trail.

Photo Credit: Dena Nechkash

Caboose and Train Depot

Cruisin’ WI Car Show

Belmont Mound State Park. Photo Credit: Dena Nechkash

MOUND VIEW RV, INC.

The Village of Belmont is in picturesque Lafayette County, surrounded by rolling hills and scenic farms. In 1836, Belmont was the first capitol of the Wisconsin Territory. You can visit First Capitol Historic Site just north of Belmont. On your drive there, pull into the Belmont Mound State Park to take in the panoramic views of the countryside and check out the many scenic trails.

Belmont is a family-friendly community boasting recreational opportunities as well as a healthy business district. The village also features two beautiful murals and two versatile parks—Bond Park and Leahy Park—for families to enjoy. Belmont’s growing business community includes specialty cheese factories, Branded Show Gear, a convention center and one of the area’s largest greenhouse operations. It has a great truck stop, RV dealership, mini mart, motel, and spa & salon just off Highway 151. Drive into downtown Belmont for more restaurant, tavern, and pub choices.

Belmont is the intersecting point of the Mound View State Trail and the Pecatonica State Trail. Mound View State Trail travels parallel to Hwy. 151 toward Platteville. This 7-mile trail connects to the Platteville Rountree Branch Trail, both of which are non-motorized trails. If you head east, the trail changes over to the Pecatonica State Trail, which is a popular 10-mile shared use trail open to ATVs, horseback riding, walking, biking and seasonally skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The scenic Pecatonica Trail travels east out of Belmont to Calamine where it connects to the Cheese Country Trail. The Pecatonica State Trail follows the old Milwaukee Railroad Corridor that at one time hauled lead through our valleys, reminiscent of the mining era which once dominated this region of Wisconsin. For more info. www.belmontwi.com or call 608.762.5142

AGRITOURISM

GRANT COUNTY

BENDER OUTDOORS Lancaster

SUGAR & SPICE GREENHOUSE & GARDEN CENTER Fennimore

THE BUTCHER SHOP Fennimore

RURAL ROUTE 1 Montfort

STUDNICKA CATTLE COMPANY Muscoda

MEISTER CHEESE Muscoda

ENGLISH PRAIRIE DISTILLING CO. Muscoda

WILLOW & IVY DESIGN Boscobel

BOSCOBEL FARMERS MARKET Boscobel

TALL TAILS SPORTS & SPIRITS Boscobel

VOLUNTARY EXCHANGE Boscobel

WEBER MEATS Cuba City

IOWA COUNTY

ARENA CHEESE Arena

KATE’S BAIT & SPORTING GOODS Dodgeville

CATHRYN’S MARKET Dodgeville

ASPEN RIDGE HOME & GARDEN Mineral Point

HOOK’S CHEESE Mineral Point

SPURGEON VENEYARD & WINERY Highland

THE AVOCA MERCANTILE Avoca

LAFAYETTE COUNTY

CUSHMAN’S GREENHOUSE Belmont

SHULLSBURG CREAMERY Shullsburg

GLEASON CATTLE COMPANY & MEATS Shullsburg

ROELLI CHEESE HAUS Shullsburg

HAWK’S MILL WINERY Browntown

LUCKY COW COFFEE & GELATO Darlington

BRUNKOW CHEESE Darlington

BLUE ASH FARM Argyle

JUNEAU COUNTY

WISCONSIN RIVER MEATS Mauston

NORTHWOODS ORCHARD & FARM MARKET Mauston

CASTLE ROCK HIDEAWAY BAIT SHOP Mauston

CRAWFORD COUNTY

CLEMENTS FISHING BARGE Genoa

SUGAR CREEK WINERY Ferryville

SHIHATA’S ORCHARD Prairie du Chien

SUNRISE ORCHARD Gays Mills

SUNRISE ORCHARD AT HILLCREST Gays Mills

1913 KICKAPOO ORCHARD Gays Mills

EAGLES LANDING WINERY Marquette, IA

FLEMING ORCHARD Gays Mills

SAINT FRANCIS HERMITAGE Gays Mills

VERNON COUNTY

THE CHEESE STORE & MORE Hillsboro

HEIFERS IN THE HAYMOW Ontario

END OF THE TRAIL HORSE CAMP Ontario

KICKAPOO VALLEY RANCH La Farge

TITANIC CANOE RENTAL Ontario

WILD THINGS FUR La Farge

FARMERSOWN MARKET Viola

EWETOPIA FIBER SHOP Viroqua

WEHLING FARM & COUNTRY STORE Westby

NORDIC CREAMERY Westby

RICHLAND COUNTY

OAK SHADE GREENHOUSE Richland Center

OAKWOOD FRUIT FARM Richland Center

ROBIN’S NEST COUNTRY GIFTS & FLOWERS

Richland Center

RICHLAND LOCKER Richland Center

WILD HILLS WINERY Muscoda

MONROE COUNTY

HUMBIRD CHEESE Tomah

BOG’S EDGE BREWING COMPANY Warrens

PASTURE PRIDE CHEESE Cashton

TUCKER & BECKY’S PUMPKIN PATCH Cashton

GROWERS PRODUCE AUCTION Cashton

VON RUDEN MEATS Cashton

OLD COUNTRY CHEESE Cashton

FIREFLY FARM & MERCANTILE Cashton

MAPLE RIDGE ORCHARD Cashton

FOOTJOY FARM & BREWING Cashton

LODGING INFORMATION

GRANT COUNTY

FENWAY HOUSE HOTEL Fennimore

Sleeps: 2-4

Open Year Round

For Booking: fenwayhousehotel.com or call 1-608-822-3782

WOODMAN LAKE CABINS Woodman

Sleeps: 2-5

Open Seasonally

Handicap Accessible Unit (limited)

Dogs Allowed

For Booking: woodmanlake.com or call 1-608-533-2267

RUSTIC BARN CAMPGROUND & RV

PARK - VINTAGE CAMPER Kieler

Sleeps: 2 (Two Twin Beds)

Open Seasonally

For Booking: 1-608-568-7797

BOULDER CREEK CAMPGROUND

CABINS Bagley

Sleeps: 2-10

Open Seasonally

Handicap Accessible Units

Pet Friendly (select cabins)

For Booking: www.bouldercreek campgroundwi.com/ or call 1-608-996-2201

COUNTRY HEIGHTS MOTEL

Hazel Green

Sleeps: 2-4

Open Year Round

Handicap Accessible Units

Pet Friendly

For Booking: 1-608-748-4866

DRIFTLESS LODGE VACATION

HOMES & CABINS Boscobel

Sleeps: 2-11

Open Year Round

Pet Friendly

For Booking: Airbnb, driftlesslodge. com or call 1-608-822-3950

EAGLE

ROOST RESORT & MOTEL

Cassville

Sleeps: 2-10

Open Year Round

Handicap Accessible Units

For Booking: Airbnb, theeaglesroost.com or call 1 608-725-5553

LAFAYETTE COUNTY

HOTEL BLANCHARD Blanchardville

Sleeps: 2-4

Open Year Round

For Booking: Airbnb, VRBO

YELLOWSTONE HILLS CABIN

RENTALS Blanchardville

Sleeps: 2-7

Open Year Round

For Booking: Airbnb, Evolve

THE ELIZA HOUSE Blanchardville

Sleeps: 2-8

Open Year Round

One Unit Handicap Accessible For Booking: Airbnb

DRIFT INN CABINS Blanchardville

Sleeps: 2-6

Open Year Round

Two Units Handicap Accessible

One Unit Allows Dogs

For Booking: Airbnb & VRBO

Yellowstone Hills Cabin

THE OXBOW Argyle/Woodford

Sleeps: 4

Open Year Round

Handicap Accessible

For Booking: Airbnb

GOOD FELLAS TAVERN GUEST SUITE

Argyle

Sleeps: 2-4

Open Year Round

For Booking: Furnished Finder or call 1-608-558-3379

(3 Night Minimum)

LEAD REGION LODGING Shullsburg

Sleeps: 2-5

Open Year Round

For Booking: Airbnb or call 1 608-482-0970

DARLINGTON INN Darlington

Sleeps: 2-4

Open Year Round

Handicap Accessible Units

For Booking: 1-608-776-8830

JUNEAU COUNTY

CASTLE ROCK HIDEAWAY Mauston

Sleeps: 2-6

Open Year Round

Handicap Accessible Units

Dogs Allowed For Booking: castlerockhideaway.com or call 1-608-847-4475

SHANGRI-LA CAMPGROUND CABINS

Wisconsin Dells

Sleeps: 2-4

Open Seasonally

For Booking:

shangrilacampgrounddells.com or 1-608-408-0898

ST. JOSEPH RESORT MOTEL

Necedah

Sleeps: 2-4

Open Year Round

For Booking: st-josephresort.com/ or call 1-608-565-7258

ST. JOSEPH RESORT CABINS

Necedah

Sleeps: 2-6

Open Year Round For Booking: st-josephresort.com/ or call 1-608-565-7258

MAUSTON LODGING: mauston.com/tourism

WESTERN WOODS CAMPGROUND

PARK MODEL CABINS

Wisconsin Dells Sleeps: 2-6

Open Seasonally For Booking: campwesternwoods.com or 1-608-501-7140

VERNON COUNTY

KICKAPOO VALLEY GUEST CABINS

La Farge

Sleeps: 2-4

Open Year Round

Handicap Accessible Units For Booking: kickapoocabins.com or call 1 608-625-6222

DRIFTWOOD INN MOTEL

Ontario

Sleeps: 2-4

Open Year Round

Handicap Accessible Units Pet Friendly For Booking: 1 608-337-4660

RUSTIC RIDGE RESORT

Hillsboro

Sleeps: 2

Open Seasonally For Booking: 1-262-903-9464 or 1-217-377-5458

LISNEY GRAND LOG CABIN

Hillsboro

Sleeps: 2-10

Open Year Round

Handicap Accessible

Dogs Allowed For Booking: 1-262-903-9464 or 1-217-377-5458

RICHLAND COUNTY

FIRESIDE CAMPGROUND CABINS

Lone Rock

Sleeps: 2-10

Open Seasonally For Booking: 1-608-583-5111

RICHLAND COUNTY LODGING: www.richlandcenterwi.gov/ tourism

NATURE’S PARADISE. A HAVEN OF BEAUTY AND WONDER

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. Photo Credit: Roger Leitner

JUNEAU COUNTY IS THE PLACE TO FIND THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

Nature, wildlife, and outdoor recreation abound in Juneau County, with its massive woodlands, popular lakes, and miles of bike trails through the Driftless area. About half of Juneau County is covered with forests.

The Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1939, sprawls across nearly 44,000 acres, with a patchwork of sedge meadow, prairie, savanna, and pine and oak trees. It is a habitat for federally endangered whooping cranes and Klarner blue butterflies, as well as the Blanding’s turtle, a Wisconsin species of special concern. More than 110 species of migratory birds, 14 types of reptiles, and 44 butterfly species are drawn to the refuge, which is also home to badgers, wolves, and black bears.

Water sports also define Juneau County, with Petenwell and Castle Rock lakes the second and fourth largest inland lakes in the state. Their shores are lined with campgrounds and vacation homes, and they feature

boating, waterskiing, canoeing, and kayaking. All-terrain vehicle tours guide visitors across miles of nature trails. Fishing and hunting draw enthusiasts year-round, filling rustic cabins and campsites.

Bicyclists flock to Juneau County to ride the ElroySparta State Trail. It was the first “rails to trails” project in the nation, transforming abandoned railroad track into 34 miles of bike paths and connecting to other state trails that run past wetlands, farm fields, and sandstone bluffs.

Juneau County is cultivating arts and culture with the Oh! Arts Cooperative, which offers art classes and galleries, and the Gravity Box microbrewery, both in Mauston. In Necedah, antique shops cluster on Main Street, and in New Lisbon, the Burr Oak Winery beckons tourists and the Henry A. Mortenson collection displays artifacts from the Woodland culture people, while the Riverside & Great Northern Railway offers rides on a steam train. All aboard!

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. Photo Credit: Berly Teigen

New Lisbon Indian Mounds Park

Red Ridge Ranch Riding Stable Northwoods Orchard & Farm Market

Wisconsin River Meats

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge.

Photo Credit: Katie Goodwin

Inclusive Playground & Splash Pad

Germantown Junction &

Serving breakfast 6 days a week

Daily Specials Wing Wednesday Friday Fish Fry

Open at 7am - 6 days a week Memorial Day - Mid-October Closed Mondays • Follow Us on Facebook

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge

Shangri-La Campground

PUBLIC-USE AIRPORTS IN THE DRIFTLESS

GRANT COUNTY:

KPVB - Platteville Municipal Airport

KLNR - Tri County Regional Airport - Lone Rock

KOVS - Boscobel Airport

Event: Fly In/Drive In Pancake Breakfast

IOWA COUNTY:

MRJ - Iowa County Airport

3151 State Road 39 Mineral Point, WI 53565

Contact: Cody Williams Off: 608-987-993, 608-5537571 mrjairport@iowacounty.org

Events:

Wings and Wheels - Sept

EAA - Young Eagles Event

JUNEAU COUNTY:

KDAF - Necedah Airport Ln

Contact: Jack Jasinski 608-547-3411 necedahadmin@ necedah.us

82C - Mauston/New Lisbon Union Airport

Contact: David Seitz 608-547-2227, Vonda Benson 608-853-3233

Event: Fly In/Drive In Pancake Breakfast

CRAWFORD COUNTY:

KPDC - Prairie du Chien Municipal Airport

VERNON COUNTY:

Y51 - Viroqua Municipal Airport, Airport Rd, Viroqua

PH. 608-675-3694 www.viroqua-wisconsin.com

Contact: Mike Skildum 608-675-3694, 608-637-3108

Events: Fly In/Drive In Pancake Breakfast - July

RICHLAND COUNTY: 93C - Richland Airport

MONROE COUNTY:

KCMY - Sparta/Fort Mc Coy Airport

Contact: James Hubbard 608-388-4207

Photos Credit: Danika Wehling

HISTORIC PLACES AND MUSEUMS BY COUNTY

GRANT COUNTY

CENTRAL HOUSE / BOSCOBEL HOTEL Boscobel

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC HALL Boscobel

OLD ROCK HIGH SCHOOL Boscobel

BOSCOBEL HERITAGE DEPOT MUSEUM Boscobel

FENNIMORE DOLL & TOY MUSEUM Fennimore

FENNIMORE RAILROAD MUSEUM Fennimore

GRANT COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM & GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY Lancaster

GRANT COUNTY COURTHOUSE & CIVIL WAR MONUMENT Lancaster

MITCHELL-ROUNTREE STONE COTTAGE Platteville

ROUNTREE HALL Platteville

THE MINING & ROLLO JAMISON MUSEUMS Platteville

VISITOR CENTER & RAILROAD MUSEUM Cuba City

DICKEYVILLE GROTTO Dickeyville

NATIONAL BREWERY MUSEUM Potosi

PASSAGE THROUGH TIME MUSEUM Potosi

STONEFIELD HISTORIC SITE Cassville

CASSVILLE FARMALL MUSEUM Cassville

IOWA COUNTY

SHOT TOWER Spring Green

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S TALIESIN Spring Green

HIGHLAND AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Highland

DODGE MINING CAMP Dodgeville

DODGEVILLE SLAG FURNACE Dodgeville

IOWA COUNTY COURTHOUSE Dodgeville

FLOYD SCHOOL Dodgeville

IOWA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Dodgeville

PENDARVIS STATE HISTORIC SITE Mineral Point

MINERAL POINT HILL Mineral Point

MINERAL POINT RAILROAD MUSEUM Mineral Point

MINERAL POINT OPERA HOUSE Mineral Point

ORCHARD LAWN MUSEUM Mineral Point

LAFAYETTE COUNTY

FIRST CAPITOL Belmont

THE WORLD’S LARGEST “M” Platteville

STONE WATER TOWER Benton

BADGER MINE & MUSEUM Shullsburg

DEPOT MUSEUM Darlington

LAFAYETTE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Darlington

DRIVER OPERA HOUSE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Darlington

TOY TRAIN BARN MUSEUM Argyle

SAXON HOUSE Argyle

MONROE COUNTY

DISCOVER CRANBERRIES MUSEUM Warrens

TOMAH AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM Tomah

LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE IN GILLETTE PARK Tomah

HO-CHUNK NATION MUSEUM Tomah

MONROE COUNTY LOCAL HISTORY ROOM & MUSEUM Sparta

DEKE SLAYTON MEMORIAL SPACE & BIKE MUSEUM Sparta

LITTLE FALLS RAILROAD & DOLL MUSEUM Sparta

PAUL & MATILDA WEGNER GROTTO Sparta

FORT MCCOY COMMEMORATIVE AREA Sparta

KENDALL DEPOT Kendall

JUNEAU COUNTY

JUNEAU COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Mauston

ELROY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM Elroy

WISCONSIN NATIONAL GUARD MUSEUM Camp Douglas

CRAWFORD COUNTY

VILLA LOUIS HISTORIC SITE Prairie du Chien

FORT CRAWFORD MUSEUM/MILITARY HOSPITAL Prairie du Chien

DOUSMAN HOTEL Prairie du Chien

ASTOR FUR WAREHOUSE Prairie du Chien

CRAWFORD COUNTY COURTHOUSE DUNGEON

Prairie du Chien

ST. GERMAIN DIT GAUTHIER HOUSE Prairie du Chien

MARQUETTE DEPOT MUSEUM Marquette, IA

LOG CABIN HERITAGE PARK Gays Mills

MUSEUM OF UNREMARKABLE OBJECTS Gays Mills

VERNON COUNTY

NORSKEDALEN NATURE & HERITAGE CENTER Coon Valley

WESTBY COUNTRY COON PRAIRIE CHURCH Westby

VERNON COUNTY MUSEUM Viroqua

SHERRY BUTT HOUSE MUSEUM Viroqua

THORESON HOUSE MUSEUM Westby

TRAIN MUSEUM Westby

HISTORY ALIVE PROJECT’S HISTORY HUS Westby

CHEYENNE SETTLERS HERITAGE SOCIETY Hillsboro

KICKAPOO VALLEY RESERVE VISITOR CENTER LaFarge

READSTOWN AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Readstown

BLACKHAWK TRAIL (ROADSIDE MARKERS) Viroqua to DeSoto

RICHLAND COUNTY

A.D. GERMAN WAREHOUSE Richland Center

RICHLAND COUNTY LOCAL HISTORY ROOM Richland Center

AKEY SCHOOL MUSEUM Gotham

Stonefield

THE LAND OF THREE RIVERS

Photo Credit: Danika Wehling

MILLS

LYNXVILLE

CHIEN

SENECA

SOLDIERS GROVE

STERLING

WAUZEKA

FOUR HUNDRED YEARS AGO, IN THE LATE 1600S, THE FIRST EUROPEAN SETTLERS CAME TO CRAWFORD COUNTY.

Their mission was fur trading, and thanks to their success, Prairie du Chien became the second permanently settled community in Wisconsin.

Today, Crawford County draws visitors from around the region to enjoy boating and fishing along the Mississippi River, kayaking and canoeing down the Kickapoo River, apple picking in the area’s prolific orchards, and visiting the historic sites that provide a glimpse into the early years.

Panoramic views bring nature to the forefront, showing off the riverside bluffs, native prairies, and the beauty of the Driftless landscape, unscathed by glaciers.

Gays Mills is a widely acclaimed apple capital, and visitors travel hundreds of miles every year to pick, eat, and bring home bags of the bountiful fruit. Gays Mills’s apple history dates back to 1905, when farmers discovered that land along the Kickapoo River was well-suited for growing apples. Today, apple orchards thrive, covering more than 1,000 acres in Gays Mills, and every year in September, the Gays Mills Apple Festival celebrates the harvest with parades, carnivals, music, and food.

Near the Crawford County Fairgrounds in Gays Mills, the Log Cabin Heritage Park pays tribute to the folk architecture of the Kickapoo Valley. Six log buildings sit along a spring-fed creek, giving people an idea of early community life.

Soldiers Grove has become a destination for tourists with its annual Driftless Area Art Festival, held in September. Set against the backdrop of the Driftless hills and valleys, the fair exhibits all types of fine art, showing off the works of painters, potters, woodworkers, weavers, and metal smiths from the region and beyond, with local food purveyors, wineries, and musicians plying the crowds, as well.

Tourism is a major economic driver in Crawford County, and outdoor recreation is among the biggest attractions. Fishing tournaments draw anglers to the Mississippi River while the slower, picturesque Kickapoo River is a hot spot for kayakers and canoeists as they paddle along the winding waters.

For history buffs, St. Feriole Island is the site of the region’s beginnings. In 1673, explorers Marquette and Joliet made their way to the confluence of the Mississippi River and the Wisconsin River, and French Canadians began settling there to engage in the fur trade. In the early 1800s, Fort Shelby was built on the island. It was the site of a battle between British and Americans during the War of 1812 where it was burned down. Fort Crawford was later built at the same site twice, as floods destroyed the first structure.

St. Feriole Island houses Villa Louis, the mansion built by fur trader Hercules Dousman in 1843. A Wisconsin State Historic Site and a National Historic Landmark, Villa Louis is open for tours, and nearly all of its artifacts are original furniture, silver items, and other antiques from the Dousman family. The Dousman House is another restored historical landmark. Built in 1864 to accommodate travelers on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad—which had a popular depot on the island— the hotel hosted presidents and other dignitaries. It was later converted into a meat-packing plant and then a warehouse, but is now a venue for weddings and other events. Also on the island, the Mississippi River Sculpture Park beckons with life-sized bronze sculptures depicting the area’s history.

Crawford County shares a close relationship with its neighbors across the Mississippi River in Marquette and McGregor, Iowa, where visitors to Pikes Peak State Park and historic museums often cross to the Wisconsin side to get a bigger view of the Driftless and its origins.

Mississipie River Sculpture Park

Photo Credit: Dena Nechkash

St. Francis Hermitage

Villa Louis Historic Site

Museum of Unremarkable Objects

McGregor Historical Museum

The Sweet Tooth

Sugar Creek Winery

Eagle’s Landing Winery

Photo Credit: Dena Nechkash

Prairie Fun Land

Photo Credit: Pletzer Photography

BOOKSTORES AND AUTHORS IN THE DRIFTLESS

BOOKSTORES

REPUBLIC OF LETTERS Mineral Point

POTOSI’S HUB: PEOPLE, PAGES AND PARCELS Potosi

OCOOCH BOOKS & LIBATIONS Richland Center

DRIFTLESS BOOKS AND MUSIC Viroqua (open seasonally)

METAPHYSICAL GRAFFITI Viroqua

On the border of our area:

ARCADIA BOOKS - Spring Green (Sauk Co.)

PAPER MOON & RIVERTOWN FINE BOOKS - McGregor, IA

BOOK EVENTS:

RIDGES & RIVERS BOOK FESTIVAL: Viroqua

www.ridgesandriversbookfestival.org

AUTHORS

TAILSPIN: John Armbruster

JIM HIGGINS DRIFTLESS MYSTERY SERIES Sue Berg

UFOS OF THE KICKAPOO, NO PLACE TO GO, & OUTSKIRTS

Collected Stories: John H. Sime

THE LAST RIVER RAT Kenny Salwey

GROWING UP ALONG THE KICKAPOO Cloie Neprud

PROTECTING PARADISE IN THE DRIFTLESS: HOW THE KICKAPOO VALLEY RESERVE CAME TO BE Marcey West

BARNS WITHOUT CORNERS, ROUND BARNS OF VERNON COUNTY Kevin & Patsy Alderson

THAT DAM HISTORY Brad Steinmetz

AMONG THE HILLS Josie Churchill

LITTLE OSLO William R. White

COINS IN A HALF: FILLED JAR & WHEN SUMAC TURN RED

Harlan Flick

AN EAGLE BLESSED OUR HOME Muriel J. Blackdeer

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S FORGOTTEN HOUSE Nicholas D.

Hayes

ON A WISCONSIN FARM Cory A. Geiger

DRIVING BUS NUMBER 7: Renee Joseph

THE WAITING: Cathy LaGrow with Cindy Coloma

CAN PEOPLE JUST BURST INTO FLAMES: Larry Scheckel

BARNS OF WISCONSIN (MANY BOOKS!): Jerry Apps

ORION “BIG O” SAMUELSON Foreword by Senator Mike Johanns

CROSSING THE DRIFTLESS Lynne Diebel

HISTORICAL AGRICULTURE AND SOIL EROSION IN THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY HILL COUNTRY Stanley W. Trimble

NORTHERN LAKE MYSTERY SERIES Jeff Nania LOOK OUT BELOW!: Glenn L. Borreson (Trempealeau Cty)

ADAMS COUNTY BIGFOOT, FRIEND OR BEAST?

Jay Vernon

A CREEK RUNS THROUGH THIS DRIFTLESS LAND: A FARM FAMILY’S JOURNEY TOWARD A LAND ETHIC Richard L. Cattes, Jr.

THE WISCONSIN WHEY. CHEESEMAKING IN THE DRIFTLESS REGION Nicole Bujewski, Keith Burrows, Kristin Mitchell

OTHER DRIFTLESS AUTHORS: John Sonsalla, Craig Temby, Jim Metz, Lucas Risser, Katie Weaver, Tammy Kilby, Rachael Donahoe, Beth White, Nicki Cooper, Sue Cashman, Mike Nelson, Peggy Glendenning, Kalee Crist, Elizabeth Rossing, Dennis Dillon, Dave Roelli, Edward Rielly, and P.H. Conley are some other authors that I know of besides Muldoon, Osterday, Boll & Carter.

GREAT RIVER ROAD

HISTORY OF THE GREAT RIVER ROAD

The Wisconsin Great River Road National Scenic Byway is Wisconsin’s only All-American Road by Federal Designation of FHWA, and according to the Huffington Post, the Prettiest Drive in the Nation.

The 250-mile Wisconsin Great River Road is part of the ten-state Great River Road National Scenic Byway, which follows the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Established in 1938 by Franklin Roosevelt, the Great River Road is America’s oldest and most distinguished byway.

The communities along the Wisconsin Great River Road are among the oldest in the Midwest, with several having been established in the 1600s. Before European settlement, Native American tribes called the river corridor home. Today, visitors will see remnants of the Oneota, Hopewell, and other ancient tribes’ cultures in the burial and effigy mounds found up and down the Wisconsin Great River Road.

The miles of wetlands and untouched river-bottom forests that come together as the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge run along more than two-thirds of the Wisconsin Great River Road. These areas are protected as a result of an Act of Congress in 1924. The beautiful pools and winding channels that you see on the Mississippi River today are the result of the Lock and Dam system built in the 1930s.

FORT CRAWFORD

Prairie Du Chien • Crawford County

VILLA LOUIS

Prairie Du Chien • Crawford County

GREAT RIVER ROAD INTERPRETIVE CENTER

Genoa • Vernon County

WYALUSING STATE PARK

Bagley • Grant County

2,700-acre state park overlooking the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. One of Wisconsin’s oldest parks. Indian burial mounds, canoe trail, bird watching, camping, canoe rental. Wyalusing has more than 14 miles of hiking trails, Bluff, Mississippi Ridge, Old Wagon Road, Sand Cave, Sentinel Ridge, Sugar Maple Nature, Turkey Hollow, Walnut Springs and Whitetail Meadows Trail. Trails may vary in difficulty. Steep climbs or descents and stairways may be encountered.

CASSVILLE CAR FERRY

Cassville • Grant County

The Pride of Cassville Car Ferry connects two National Scenic Byways; the Great River Road and the Iowa Great River Road. The ferry served the early settlement as far back as 1833 and it continues today, making the same trip back and forth across the mighty Mississippi. It is the oldest operating ferry service in the state of Wisconsin.

POTOSI BREWERY & NATIONAL BREWERY MUSEUM

Potosi • Grant County

Potosi Brewery Co. Holds “The National American Breweriana Association Museum”, The Great River Road Interpretive Center, the National Brewery Museum, a micro-brewery, gift shop and restaurant. Visit the Potosi Brewing Company Restaurant to once again sample a fine selection of locally brewed beers. The restaurant’s unique atmosphere, dining, and flowing spring below the floor, channel the dynamic energy of an 1850s brewery. Serving a great selection of burgers, chicken, wraps, steaks and salads and a selection of sides. Potosi Brewery is family friendly.

NELSON DEWEY HISTORIC SITE

STONEFIELD

NELSON DEWEY HISTORIC SITE STONEFIELD

Cassville • Grant County

Wisconsin’s first governor, Nelson Dewey, farmed this land and named it. The 2,000 acres, with its miles of stone fences, lie between looming bluffs and the Mississippi River. The successful politician and businessman eventually felt a hard turn of luck. Fire destroyed his Gothic Revival mansion in 1873, his investments bottomed out shortly afterward, and the once-proud governor lost most of

what he owned. He died poor and alone, with no way of knowing the legacy that would exist today. As a state historic site, Stonefield is a rural village from the early 1900s. Dewey’s homesite was rebuilt, his stone horse shelter still stands and the makings of an authentic rural village (saloon to sweets shop) have been

Drive the Wisconsin Great River Road

added. The State Agricultural Museum is on this property, too, known for its extensive and historic farm machinery collection.

DICKEYVILLE GROTTO

Dickeyville • Grant County

The Grotto and Shrines erected in the village of Dickeyville on Holy Ghost Parish grounds are the works of Father Mathias Wernerus, pastor from 1918-1931. His handiwork, built from 1925-1930, is dedicated to the unity of two American ideals-love of God and love of country. It is a creation in stone, mortar, and bright colored objects collected from all over the

PLATTEVILLE WELCOME CENTER

Platteville • Grant County

Hundreds of free local, area and statewide travel guides and maps. Friendly knowledgeable staff who offer assistance with travel planning. We offer free Wi-Fi service. An on-site computer for convenience. Clean public restrooms, plenty of parking and souvenirs.

Photo credit: Haley Brooks

VERNON COUNTY IS THE HEART OF THE DRIFTLESS AREA, DISPLAYING THE RUSTIC BEAUTY OF THE REGION WITH ITS STEEP, RUGGED HILLS, UNTOUCHED BY THE ICE AGE GLACIERS, AND THE PICTURESQUE KICKAPOO RIVER ZIGZAGGING THROUGH.

Outdoor recreation abounds in Vernon County, with water sports, hiking and biking trails, camping, hunting, and fishing. Heavily wooded Wildcat Mountain State Park sits on a steep ridge overlooking the Kickapoo River, providing spectacular views for hikers, snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and horseback riders. The Kickapoo Valley Reserve, between La Farge and Ontario, offers trails for virtually every type of recreation: paved roads for touring bikes, off-road trails for mountain bikes and equestrians, and three trails reserved for hikers. In the winter, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiles traverse the paths. Westby also hosts International & Junior Ski Jumping Tournaments at Snowflake Ski & Golf Club. They are in the process of making the hill a year-round training facility.

Along Vernon County’s western border, the Mississippi River is a popular destination for boating and fishing, while the Kickapoo River, Coon Creek, and other waterways are known for idyllic kayaking, canoeing, and trout fishing.

Much of Vernon County’s history is steeped in agriculture—primarily, dairy farming and tobacco growing. In recent years, more farmland has shifted to organic produce while former tobacco fields have been transformed into vineyards. Vernon County houses more organic farms than anywhere else in the U.S. outside of California, while 32 vineyards have sprouted up, covering 68 acres. The region’s unglaciated hills and valleys have made the terrain a welcome place for smaller farmers rather than big, corporate operations. Food culture has become big business for Vernon County and a focus of its new image. A major force driving that is Organic Valley, the La Farge-based cooperative of Midwest family farmers who joined forces in 1988. Today, Organic Valley produces organic

dairy products, vegetables, and eggs. It includes more than 1,600 family farms—with 84 added in 2023—and employs more than 900 people.

Another business playing a role in Vernon County’s food reputation is GoMacro, whose plant-based nutrition bars are sold nationwide. Launched by a mother-anddaughter team in 2004, GoMacro is based in Viola and emphasizes sustainability, powering its operation with solar and wind energy, and partnering in a recycling program for its bar wrappers.

The Viroqua Food Co+op and many of the local restaurants and cafes focus on organic, locally grown food, contributing further to the food culture and reputation.

Vernon County’s agricultural legacy is on display in its farm architecture. It is the No. 1 place for round barns in the U.S. In addition, it is home to the largest Amish settlement in Wisconsin which has grown into a tourist mecca with the thriving auction house for flowers, produce, hay, furniture and quilts. Spring brings out thousands to enjoy the greenhouse amid the bulk food stores and bakeries.

Vernon County also has become a mecca for arts and live music. VIVA Gallery is an artists’ cooperative that started in 2004 and features the works of 25 local artists who are painters, potters, weavers, jewelers, and more.

An annual art tour in June invites visitors to meet with artists in their studios. Viroqua also brings art outdoors, commissioning murals on several of its buildings.

Live music has been a mainstay in Vernon County for years, and since the pandemic, the trend has gained steam. Some of the popular gatherings are the Driftless Music Festival, Music in the Park, Bonfire Music & Arts Festival, Larryfest, Westby Syttende Mai Festival, Wild West Days, and the new Coon Creek Conservation Days in Coon Valley which will feature Mollie B!

Great River Road Interpretive Center

Photo credit: Danika Wehling

Kickapoo River. Photo credit: Dena Nechkash Wildcat Mountain State Park. Photo credit: Jenny Stelzner

Kickapoo Valley Reserve

International Ski Jump Tournament

Photo credit: Kip Kopelke

Right: Kickapoo River. Photo credit: Dena Nechkash

Driftless Music Gardens.

Photo credit: Reflections of Heaven

PhotoDesign

ROUND BARNS OF VERNON COUNTY DRIVING TOUR

Most round barns built in the Midwest were constructed between 1890 and 1930 primarily as dairy barns. Driving tour information on these barns can be found at our local museums, Chamber offices and online. “Cheyenne Valley Heritage Road Tour” guides and the book “Barns Without Corners, Round Barns of Vernon County” by Kevin and Patsy Alderson take you on a grand journey of the barns. If you are lucky you will drive by one just by chance! Please remember these are private properties and we appreciate the owners that are taking great care of these treasures.

1. VIR OQUA

Hwy. 56 east to Defreese St. Upper Maple Dale Rd. North side of the road.

2. BLOOMINGDALE

Cty. S to Pa’s Rd. South side of road.

3. DELL

Cty. P just east of Dell. North side of the road.

4. ONTARIO (WEST)

Hwy. 131 to Lower Ridge Rd. or cut across on Dobbs Valley Rd. to Lower Ridge Rd. North side of Lower Ridge Rd.

5. ONTARIO (EAST)

Hwy. 33 to Cty. ZZ to Cty. Z

6. MT. TABOR (WEST )

From the north: Cty. F to Harris Rd.

From the south: Hwy. 33 to Harris Rd. West side of the road.

7. MT. TABOR (NORTH)

From Cty. F north on Cty. V. East side of the road.

8. MT. TABOR (SOUTH)

From Cty. F south on Cty. V. East side of the road.

9. TRIPPVILLE

Cty. F to Dank Rd. At the end of Dank Rd.

10. HILLSBORO

South of Hillsboro on Cty. Q

*Please respect private property and do not walk into the property or into the barn without owner permission.

Photo Credit: Danika Wehling

LA FARGE

Phil & Deb’s Town Tap

GOLF THE DRIFTLESS

Golfing in the Driftless is an adventure in itself. Beside the great clubhouses you will enjoy at every course, our area topography will amaze you with its beauty and challenges. Golf steps away from the Mighty Mississippi or next to a Class A trout stream, your adventure starts with your first swing!

GOLF

COURSES

HIAWATHA GOLF CLUB Tomah

RIVER RUN GOLF COURSE Sparta

SNOWFLAKE SKI & GOLF CLUB Westby

VIROQUA HILLS GOLF COURSE Viroqua

BARNYARD 9 GOLF COURSE Prairie du Chien

PRAIRIE DU CHEIN COUNTRY CLUB Prairie du Chien

HICKORY GROVE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Fennimore

LANCASTER MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE Lancaster

BIRCHWOOD GOLF & DEVELOPMENT Kieler

COLE ACRES GOLF COURSE & SUPPER CLUB Cuba City

PLATTEVILLE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Platteville

DARLINGTON COUNTRY CLUB Darlington

YELLOWSTONE GOLF COURSE Blanchardville

MONROE COUNTRY CLUB Monroe

WINDY ACRES GOLF COURSE Monroe

EDELWEISS CHALET COUNTRY CLUB New Glarus

DODGE POINT COUNTRY CLUB Mineral Point

DEER VALLEY GOLF COURSE Barneveld

THE HOUSE ON THE ROCK GOLF COURSE Spring Green

QUAIL RUN GOLF COURSE Richland Center

CASTLE ROCK GOLF COURSE New Lisbon

THE BACK 9—INDOOR GOLF SIMULATOR Platteville

DISC GOLF COURSES

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-PLATTEVILLE Platteville

SCHREINER PARK DISC GOLF COURSE Lancaster

OAKWOOD PARK DISC GOLF COURSE Fennimore

ROTARY CLUB DISC GOLF COURSE Prairie du Chien

VETERAN HILLS DISC GOLF COURSE Viroqua

THE PINES DISC GOLF COURSE Cashton

JUSTIN TRAILS RESORT Sparta

DOUBLE BARREL BAR—HOLIDAY LODGE

RESORT Wyville/Tomah

DRIFTLESS VALLEY DISC GOLF COURSE Blanchardville

LA FARGE VILLAGE PARK La Farge

KRONSHAGE PARK Boscobel

TOURIST PARK Readstown

KROUSKOP PARK Richland Center

MINI GOLF

PRAIRIE FUN LAND Prairie du Chien

BAD AXE RIVER COUNTRY CLUB / ESOFEA GARDENS Coon Valley

Photo Credit: Danika Wehling

TRADITION RUNS DEEP IN RICHLAND COUNTY, WHERE RESIDENTS EMBRACE THE AREA’S HISTORY AND BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE.

Set along the wooded hillsides of the Driftless region, untouched by glaciers, Richland County offers hiking, biking, and snowshoeing trails, and kayaking along the Pine River that runs the length of the county.

Nature and the environment have given Richland County some unusual geological formations. A natural bridge, 20 feet wide and 10 feet high, spans the Pine River at Rockbridge with a shelf of layered sandstone. In Blue River, Eagle Cave is Wisconsin’s largest onyx cave. Visitors can explore four levels of tunnels, and they can hike and camp on the property.

Richland County takes pride in being the birthplace of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and of Ada James, a prominent leader in the campaign to give women the right to vote. The A.D. German Warehouse in Richland Center, designed in 1915 for a wholesale grocery business, is the only warehouse that Wright designed. Ada James was a lifelong Richland Center resident whose efforts helped Wisconsin to become the first BLOOM CITY • BLUE RIVER

state to ratify the 19th Constitutional Amendment, granting voting rights to women.

Richland Center also houses the first municipal auditorium in Wisconsin, built in 1912 to house government offices and theater space, and its residents are proud to cheer on their high school marching band—believed to be the oldest continuously playing high school marching band in the U.S., dating back to 1910.

One of the biggest annual events in Richland Center is the Wisconsin High School Rodeo Finals, where students display their talents at events such as steer wrestling, goat tying, and riding bareback horses. The county fairgrounds and area motels fill up for four days of Wild West stunts and showmanship, and winners advance to a national competition. Horses also take center stage at the Viola Horse and Colt Show, a 92-year tradition that includes horse pulling, tractor pulling, and a carnival.

Frank’s Hill Effigy Mounds—Three Eagles Foundation

Akey School Museum

Oakwood Fruit Farm

Starlite 14 Drive-In Movie Theatre

Driftless Music Gardens

Wild Hills Winery

Eagle Cave

WINERIES, VINEYARDS, BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES

For wine aficionados, there is a color palette of shades of red, white, and blush. You’ll be amazed at the variety of wines to taste, with each winery producing their own distinctive flavors. Each winemaker has their own recipes, and even the age of the grapevines can influence flavor.

There’s an added bonus of the rural landscape and scenic back roads along the way. Many of these locations are off the beaten path, and the scenic views will beckon you to explore all that the Hidden Valleys of Southwest Wisconsin has to offer

GRANT COUNTY

ENGLISH PRAIRIE DISTILLING COMPANY Muscoda

7 HILLS NORTH Platteville

WHISPERING BLUFFS WINERY Potosi

POTOSI BREWING COMPANY Potosi

SINNIPEE VALLEY VINEYARD & WINERY Cuba City

IOWA COUNTY

SPURGEON WINERY Highland

BOTHAM WINERY Barneveld

AMERICAN WINE PROJECT Mineral Point

LAFAYETTE COUNTY

BLUE ASH FARM TASTING LODGE Argyle

HAWK’S MILL WINERY Browntown

JUNEAU COUNTY

BURR OAK WINERY New Lisbon

GRAVITY BOX BREWING Mauston

CRAWFORD COUNTY

SUGAR CREEK WINERY Ferryville

EAGLE’S LANDING WINERY (Marquette, IA)

VERNON COUNTY

BRANCHES WINERY Westby

VERNON VINEYARDS Viroqua

HILLSBORO BREWING CO. Hillsboro

RICHLAND COUNTY

WILD HILLS WINERY Muscoda

MONROE COUNTY

BOG’S EDGE BREWING CO. Warrens

ST. MARY’S DISTILLERY Cashton

ALCHEMY BREWING CO. Cashton

FOOTJOY FARM & BREWERY Cashton

OTHERS CLOSE BY

BAILEY’S RUN VINEYARD & WHISKEY RUN DISTILLERY New Glarus

NEW GLARUS BREWING COMPANY New Glarus

MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY Monroe

BULLQUARIAN BREWHOUSE Monroe

STONE CLIFF WINERY Dubuque, IA

PROMISELAND WINERY Guttenberg, IA

Photo Credit: Danika Wehling

CASHTON

FORT MCCOY

KENDALL LEON

MONROE COUNTY IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF THE WAY WISCONSIN CELEBRATES— AND ELEVATES—RURAL LIFE.

Famous for its bicycle trails and cranberry bogs, Monroe County has long been an area for farming and outdoor recreation, set amidst the beauty of the Driftless region, where the hills and valleys escaped the glaciers. Mill Bluff State Park in Oakdale is part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve and offers views of picturesque rock formations.

Monroe County is proud to be the birthplace of a U.S. astronaut and home to a U.S. military installation, and residents find creative ways to gather, with annual festivals in each of the small communities.

Sparta is known as the Bicycling Capital of America. Set in a scenic valley, Sparta is home to the northern end of the Elroy-Sparta bike trail, a 32-mile former railroad track that travels through three rock tunnels and five small towns, and attracts more than 60,000 cyclists a year.

Sparta also houses the Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum, paying tribute to the Sparta native

who was one of the first U.S. astronauts, with artifacts from Slayton’s career, model airplanes on display, and even a chunk of moon rock, on loan from NASA. Also, an exhibit with more than 80 bicycles shows the history of bikes over the centuries.

Fort McCoy is a U.S. Army reserve training center, and allows hunting, fishing, and trapping on its 71 miles of streams.

Cranberries are king in Warrens, with more than 40 cranberry marshes. The Warrens Cranberry Festival is the largest in the world, and draws 120,000 visitors every September.

Other popular festivals in Monroe County include Sparta’s Butterfest in June; Tomah’s Wisconsin Dairyland Grand National Truck & Tractor Pull in June and its Squirrelfest in July; Wilton’s Wood Turtle Days in July; Melvina’s Frog Days in August; and Leon’s Gatorfest in August.

CATARACT

NORWALK

OAKDALE SPARTA

Photo Credit: Danika Wehling

Monroe County’s #1 Packing & Shipping Store!

• We can pack your items for shipping

• Package drop off location for later pickup

• Unique crafts & gifts with 35+ vendors

• Secure document destruction

• Copy/Fax/Scan services

• Electronic ﬁngerprints

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm 608-372-9500

621 Superior Ave., Tomah, WI 54660

www.safeshiptomah.com

tomahpacknship@safeship.com

Georgette Martin, owner

Photo Credit: Danika Wehling

SUMMER IN THE DRIFTLESS

Photo credit: Todd M. Galbrecht

Rise & Shine Balloon Rally

Photo credit: Bobbi Gofus

Photo credit: Casey Marshall

Photo credit: Janelle Meyer

Photo credit: Chad Berger

Photo credit: ??

Wild Hills Winery Stump Dodger Fest

Photo credit: Daniel Theis

Photo credit: Deborah Warren

Photo credit: Haley Brooks

DIVE BARS AND DRINKING ESTABLISHMENTS

GRANT COUNTY

I DON’T CARE PUB & GRUB

Glen Haven

MOTOR BOATIN’ BAR & GRILL

Glen Haven

MOON’S TOWN PUMP Cassville

THE NEIGHBORHOOD SLUSH

Cassville

TWISTED VINES PUB & EATERY Potosi

COUNTRY HEIGHTS SUPPER CLUB

Hazel Green

THE DOME SPORTS BAR Lancaster

FIREBALL LANES Lancaster

THIRSTY WRANGLER Preston

COTTONWOOD SPORTS BAR & SUPPER CLUB Fennimore

HICKORY GROVE GOLF COURSE

Fennimore

BOSCOBEL BOWL & BANQUET

Boscobel

PAT & GREG’S POUR HOUSE

Boscobel

HIDEAWAY BAR & GRILL Boscobel

OLD 61 DINER Boscobel

SPORTSMENS LOUNGE & SUPPER

CLUB Muscoda

ENGLISH PRAIRIE DISTILLING CO.

Muscoda

IOWA COUNTY

WHISKEY ROW SALOON Avoca

ELIZA’S LOUNGE Mineral Point

THE MINE SHAFT Mineral Point

LAFAYETTE COUNTY

SPORTS PAGE BAR & SUPPER CLUB

Belmont

RIPPERS BAR Belmont

MCCARVILLE’S MY TURN PUB

Belmont

LAWRENCE’S PUB & EATERY Benton

DARLINGTON COUNTY CLUB

Darlington

GRINDSTONE PUB Shullsburg

THE BURG “CLASSIC TAVERN & CASUAL DINING” Shullsburg

HAWK’S MILL WINERY Browntown

CORNER PUB & DELI Argyle

GOOD FELLAS TAVERN Argyle

YELLOWSTONE LAKE GOLF COURSE

Argyle

BLUE ASH TASTING LODGE Argyle

R & R’S WOODFORD BAR & GRILL

Woodford/Argyle

RACHEL & RAY’S PUB & GRILL

Blanchardville

BISTRO ON MAIN Blanchardville

CORK DOWN SALOON Blanchardville

JUNEAU COUNTY

R & S SPIRITS & LOUNGE Wonewoc

CHAPARRAL RESTAURANT

CRAWFORD COUNTY

THE NEW SAWMILL SALOON

Prairie du Chien

NEW SPIT & WHISTLE

Prairie du Chien

BOB’S BAR Prairie du Chien

SUGAR CREEK WINERY & SPIRITS

Ferryville

THE WOODEN NICKEL Ferryville

VERNON COUNTY

ROCKTON BAR Rockton

RIVERS END BAR & GRILL Ontario

PHIL & DEB’S TOWN TAP La Farge

PORK’S BAR De Soto

BAD AXE RIVER COUNTRY CLUB/ ESOFEA GARDENS Westby

SNOWFLAKE SKI & GOLF Westby

NORDIC LANES Westby

OLD TOWNE INN Westby

WESTBY ROD & GUN CLUB Westby

KICKAPOO CREEKSIDE Readstown

RICHLAND COUNTY

HONKERS BAR & SUPPER CLUB Muscoda

WILD HILLS WINERY Muscoda

MONROE COUNTY

ELBOW ROOM Tomah

BOG’S EDGE BREWING CO. Warrens

SPURGEON WINERY Highland

MO’S BOOTLEGGERS Highland

THIRSTY FARMER Cobb

DODGER BOWL LANES & CATERING

Dodgeville

THE GOLDEN EAGLE Barneveld

STROZ INN Hollandale

Wonewoc

SWAGGER INN Lyndon Station

HEINIE’S TAVERN Mauston

KOZY’S PIZZA Mauston

CASTLE ROCK GOLF COURSE

New Lisbon

OPERA HOUSE BAR & GRILL

New Lisbon

THE COTTER PIN Leon

PECK’S CORNER Cashton

FOOTJOY FARM AND BREWING

Cashton

Photo credit: Eric Udelhofen

Photo credit: Deb Gates

Photo credit: Cindy Emerson

WATERSHED GROUPS IN THE DRIFTLESS

The Driftless area has several farmer-led/community driven groups that are based in a web of ridges and valleys throughout the landscape of our area. The area is molded from being unglaciated and is funneled to the Mississippi through our streams and rivers. These groups are non-profit groups that are grant and donation driven to improve the lives of thousands that live either on the hills or deep in the valleys. Over the years they have endured heavy rains that motivate farmers and community members alike to set goals and best farming practices to slow down the rain. Cover crops, no-till farming, tree plantings, land deversons and more, with the goal of restoring and holding the topsoil, keeps our rivers,streams and groundwater clean and promotes good air for all to enjoy for generations to come.

Watershed groups are very important to our state’s economy and livelihood, this all starting in the Coon Creek back in the 60’s by a group of farmers and researchers, one being Stanley W. Trimble. His research led to national wide teaching and development of watershed communities. His book “Historical Agriculture and Soil Erosion in the Upper Mississippi Valley Hill Country” is still used today in the backboard of watershed groups. Feel free to research these groups and even join a group—many anglers and naturalists are involved these days!

Watershed groups of the Driftless Region (Seven counties as of 2024)

Bad Axe Farmer-led Watershed Council

Coon Creek Community Watershed Farmers of the Lemonweir Valley

Iowa County Uplands Watershed Group

Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance

Producers of Lake Redstone

Rush Creek Watershed Conservation Council

Tainter Creek Farmer-led Watershed Council

Photo Credit: Danika Wehling

Photos this page credit: Jason Ray Photography

Photo Credit: Danika Wehling

2025 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY

11 • Winterfest at Kickapoo Valley Reserve, LaFarge, WI. Facebook: Kickapoo Valley Reserve kickapoovalley.wi.gov

18 • Wisconsin Free Fishing Weekend. No license necessary.

18 • Kate’s Bait Ice Fishing Derby. Dodgeville, WI. Facebook: Kate’s Bait Sporting Goods & Ice Cream.

18 • Lake Decorah Ice Fishing Tournament. Mauston, WI. Facebook: Guardians of Lake Decorah-GOLD

18-19 • Chaseburg Trail Days, Chaseburg, WI. Facebook: Chaseburg Community Snowtrailers

30-Feb 2 • 75th Annual Ice Fisheree, Prairie Du Chien prairieduchien.org

FEBRUARY

1-28 • Quilt Shop Hop “From Dairyland to the Dells” Various Locations. Facebook: The Paisley Star

8 & 22 • Boscobel Indoor Market

Blaine Gym. Facebook: Boscobel Farmers Market

8 • Ice Lantern Festival. Mineral Point. Facebook: Arts Mineral Point

13 • Valentine’s Day at The Book Kitchen. Mineral Point. Facebook: Republic of Letters

13-16 • Valentine’s Day Weekend. Mineral Point.

15 • Cazenovia Turkey Busters Lee Lake Fisheree. Cazenovia. Facebook: Caz Turkey Busters

15 • Miner’s Ball. Ullsvick Hall, University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Facebook: The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums

21-22 • Bald Eagle Appreciation Days. Prairie du Chien. 800-732-1673 prairieduchien.org

22 • Driftless Deer Classic. Richland Center Community Center. Hunting Vendors from Wisconsin & Iowa.

MARCH

1 • Book Release • The Wisconsin Whey. Mineral Point, WI. Facebook: Republic of Letters.

1 • Beat the Cabin Fever Dance. Lone Rock Community Center. Lone Rock, WI

1 • Sips & Snacks. Downtown Shullsburg, WI Facebook: Experience Shullsburg

7-8 • Vintage Shop Hop. Various Locations. Facebook: Vintage Shop Hop

8-9 • Spring Open House. Downtown Cuba City. Facebook: Junque Stops Here

8 & 22 • Boscobel Indoor Market Blaine Gym. Facebook: Boscobel Farmers Market, Boscobel, WI

15 • Sap-Run Scramble - Embark Maple, Cashton, WI. Facebook: Embark Maple embarkmaple.com

15 • Shamrock Shuffle, Prairie du Chien Park & Rec. 608-326-2985.

15 • Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Prairie du Chien 800.732.1673, prairieduchien.org

APRIL

4-5 & 11-12 • Swing into Spring Open House. Tomah, WI.

5 • Fireman’s Fundraiser. Pat & Greg’s Pour House, Boscobel, WI. Facebook: Boscobel & Rural Fire Department

5 • Spring Craft Fair. New Lisbon Community Center. New Lisbon, WI

10-12 • Mineral Point City Wide Garage Sales. Facebook: Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce

12 • Platteville Dairy Days Mac & Cheese Fest. Broske Center, Platteville. Facebook: Platteville Dairy Days

12 & 26 • Boscobel Indoor Market Blaine Gym. Facebook: Boscobel Farmers Market

19 • Patriots Day Heroes 5K Run/ Walk. Camp Douglas, WI.

26 • Independent Bookstore Day. Mineral Point (Republic of Letters) & Richland Center (Ocooch Books & Libations).

26 • Gratiot Spring Fish Boil Gratiot, WI.

26 • Ridges & Rivers Book Festival, Viroqua, WI. Facebook: Rivers and Rivers Book Festival ridgesandriversbookfestival.org

26-27 • Darlington City-Wide Garage Sales. Various locations. Facebook: Darlington Chamber Main Street

26-27 • The Ramp Romp - Embark Maple, Cashton, WI. Facebook: Embark Maple embarkmaple.com

MAY

Boscobel & Platteville Outdoor Farmers Markets Begin Every Saturday

2-3 • Richland Center City Wide Garage Sales. Facebook: Richland Center Shopping News

2-3 • Lancaster Area City Wide Garage Sales. Facebook: Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce

2-4 • Bloody Lake Rendezvous Blackhawk Memorial Park, Woodford, WI. Facebook: Yellowstone Flint & Cap Club

3 • Porkfest. Mauston, WI. Facebook: Wisconsin River Meats

3 • Sister’s Saturday. Tomah, WI

3 • Spring Maker Market. Montfort, WI. Facebook: Rural Route 1 Popcorn

3 • Boscobel Farmers Market. Depot Park. Facebook: Boscobel Farmers Market (Every Saturday)

3 • Cassville Derby Days. Downtown Cassville. Facebook: Explore Cassville WI

3 • Spring Fling Beer & Wine Walk. Downtown Elroy. Facebook: Elroy Chamber of Commerce

3 • Valley Conservation Day & Market, Coon Valley-Westby

10 • Hub City Dirt Drags. Cars, Trucks, ATV/UTV and more compete. Facebook: HubCity Dirt Drags

16-17 • Muscoda Morel Mushroom Festival. Muscoda, WI. Facebook: Muscoda Morel Mushroom Festival

17 • Greg Bell Memorial Golf Outing Hickory Grove Golf Course. Reserve your team by calling Pat & Greg’s Pour House • 608-375-5558

17-18 • Westby Syttende Mai - A Norwegian Folk Festival, Westby

21 • Villa Louis Opening Day, Prairie Du Chien 608-326-2721 villalouis.org.

23 • Orchard Lawn Tours Begin Mineral Point. Facebook: Mineral Point Historical Society

24 • Cassville Mississippi Market. Volunteer Park. Facebook: Cassville Mississippi Market

27-29 • Viroqua Shakespeare Festival, Viroqua

27-29 • Rise & Shine Balloon Rally, Viroqua

28-30 • Cassville Citywide Garage Sales. Cassville area. Facebook: Cassville, WI City Wide Garage Sales

29 • Pendarvis Historic Site Opens. Mineral Point. Facebook: Pendarvis

29-31 • Elroy City Wide Garage Sales. Elroy, WI.

30 • Chalk the Park Festival. Cassville Riverside Park. Facebook: Explore Cassville WI

JUNE

Camp Douglas Vendor & Farmers Market begins - Every Saturday.

1-30 • Wisconsin Quilt Shop Hop. Various Locations. Facebook: Wisconsin State Quilt Shop Hop

5-8 • Sparta Butterfest Facebook: Sparta Butterfest spartabutterfest. com

6-7 • Argyle Community-Wide Garage Sales. Various locations. Facebook: Village of Argyle

6-8 • New Lisbon City Wide Garage Sales. New Lisbon, WI. Facebook: New Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce

7 • Wisconsin’s Free Fishing Weekend. No license required.

7 • Crawford County Dairy Breakfast, Crawford Co.608-3268555

7 • Kaul Community Spring Fish Boil Bear Valley. Facebook: Kaul Park Bear Valley WI

7 • Cruisin’ Shullsburg. Downtown Shullsburg. Facebook: Experience Shullsburg

7 • Smoke in the Valley. Boscobel Antique Club Grounds. Facebook: Boscobel Antique Club

7-8 • Winding Roads Art Tour, Viroqua

10 • Lancaster Night Market. Schreiner Memorial Library. Facebook: Lancaster Night Market

11 & 28 • Cassville Mississippi Market. Facebook: Explore Cassville WI

12 • Laps on Main. Downtown Darlington. Facebook: Darlington Chamber Main Street

12-15 • Annual Prairie Villa Rendezvous & Flea Market, Prairie Du Chien prairierendezvous.com

13-14 • Truck & Tractor Pull. Splinter Park, Cuba City, WI.

13-15 • Darlington Canoe Fest. Darlington, WI. Facebook: Darlington Chamber Main Street

13-15 • Bonfire Music Festival Yuba, WI. Facebook: Driftless Music Gardens

14 • Fly in Breakfast (tentative). Iowa County Airport, Mineral Point. Facebook: Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce & Driftless Aero.

14 • Richland County Dairy Breakfast. Location TBD. Facebook: Richland County Dairy Breakfast

14 • Vernon County Dairy Breakfast, Viroqua Facebook: Vernon County Dairy Promotion

15 • Blanchardville Father’s Day Chicken BBQ. McKellar Park. Facebook: Blanchardville Community Pride

17 • Music in the Park, Viola , WI 4pm-8pm

21 • Taste of the Hills. Krouskop Park, Richland Center. Facebook: Greater Richland Area Chamber

21 • Mid-Summer Fest at Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center, Coon Valley norskedalen.org

21 • Cruisin’ for a Cause. Darlington, WI. Facebook: Darlington Chamber Main Street

21 • Make Music Platteville. Various Locations. Facebook: Make Music Platteville

21 • Shullsburg Market. Downtown Shullsburg. Facebook: Shullsburg Market

28 • Thunderfest. Krouskop Park, Richland Center. Facebook: RC Thunderfest

28 • Argyle Community Fish Fry Argyle, WI. Facebook: Argyle Fish Fry & Argyle-Adams Volunteer Fire Department

JULY

3-4 • Lone Rock 4th of July Celebration. Lone Rock, WI. Facebook: Lone Rock 4th of July

4 • Gettin’ the Lead Out Run, Parade, Luncheon. Mineral Point. Facebook: Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce

4 • Fourth of July in Platteville. Various Locations. Facebook: 4th of July - Platteville, WI

4 • Fourth of July Celebration Veterans Park, Mauston, WI.

4+ • LaFarge 4th of July Celebration. LaFarge, WI lafarge-wisconsin.com

4+ • Ontario Celebrates the 4th of July Ontario, WI Facebook: Ontario Community Club

4 • Boscobel Firecracker Run. Kronshage Park. Facebook: Boscobel Chamber of Commerce

4 • Golden Sky on the 4th of July. Cassville Athletic Fields. Facebook: Explore Cassville WI

5 • Bagley Independence Day Celebration & Thunder in the Valley Bagley Community Park, Bagley, WI. Facebook: Bagley WI Events.

8 • Lancaster Night Market Schreiner Memorial Library. Facebook: Lancaster Night Market

9-13 • Lafayette County Fair. Darlington, WI. Facebook: Lafayette County Fair

9 & 26 • Cassville Mississippi Market Facebook: Cassville Mississippi Market

12 • Nevi Fest - Pedretti Party Barn, Viroqua Facebook: Nevi Fest Memorial

12 • Christmas in July. Argyle Legion Park. Facebook: Village of Argyle

11-12 • Wa du Shuda. New Lisbon, WI. Facebook: Wa du Shuda Days Festival

11-13 • Boaz Fun Daze Community Celebration. Boaz, WI. Facebook: Greater Richland Tourism

13 • Christmas in July. Argyle, WI. Facebook: Events and Activities around Argyle, WI

13 • Cruis’n WI Car Show. McKellar Park. Facebook: Cruis’n WI Car Show

17 • Night on the Square. Lancaster. Facebook: Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce

18 • Richland Area Night Market. Richland Area Visitor’s Center. Facebook: Greater Richland Area Chamber

PC: Lancaster Jaycees

19 • Shullsburg Market. Downtown Shullsburg. Facebook: Shullsburg Market

19 • Southwest Music Festival. 2nd St., Platteville. Facebook: Platteville Regional Chamber

19-27 • Platteville’s Hometown Festival Week. Various Locations. Facebook: Platteville Regional Chamber

22 • Southwest Health’s Berry Fest. Legion Park, Platteville. Facebook: Southwest Health

24-26 • Prairie Dog Blues Festival, www.prairiedogblues.com

26 • Hub City Car Show & Chicken BBQ. Hub City,WI. Facebook: Greater Richland Tourism

26 • Annual Hometown Festival Craft & Vendor Fair. City Park, Platteville. Facebook: Platteville Regional Chamber

26 • Sweet Rides and Sweet Pies, Westby, Facebook: Sweet Rides & Sweet Pies

27 • Stoddard Music & Market, Stoddard, WI Facebook: Stoddard Wisconsin stoddardwi.gov

31-Aug 2 • County Line Country Fest, Prairie Du Chien countylinecountryfest.com

31- Aug 2 • Mauston City Wide Sales. Mauston, WI. Facebook: Mauston Citywide Garage Sales

AUGUST

1 • Best of Cassville. Downtown Cassville. Facebook: Explore Cassville WI

2 • Tomah Crazy Daze. Tomah, WI

2 • Waterfest on Castle Rock Lake Mauston, WI. Facebook: WaterfestCastle Rock Lake, WI

2 • American Legion Tonnage Tournament. Cassville, WI

5 • National Night Out. Various Communities. Facebook: Hidden Valleys of Southwest Wisconsin

6 • Paint the Point. Mineral Point. Facebook: Arts Mineral Point

7 • Fly In Taco Social. Necedah Airport, Necedah, WI.

8 • Family Block Party Blanchardville, WI. Facebook: Blanchardville Community Pride

8-10 • PeopleFest at Driftless Music Gardens. Yuba, WI. Facebook. Driftless Music Gardens

• Gravity Hills 5k/Run. Gravity Hill, Shullsburg. Facebook: Experience Shullsburg

9 • UTV/ATV Scavenger Hunt Lancaster. Facebook: Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce

10 • Block Party on Le Grand. Le Grand Street, Boscobel, WI. Facebook: Willow & Ivy Design

12 • Lancaster Night Market Schreiner Memorial Library. Facebook: Lancaster Night Market

13 & 23 • Cassville Mississippi Market. Facebook: Cassville Mississippi Market

14-16 • Larryfest, LaFarge, Facebook: Larryfest - KVAMA www.larryfest.org

15 • Richland Area Night Market Richland Area Visitor’s Center. Facebook: Greater Richland Area Chamber

15-16 • Mineral Point Blues & Roots Festival. Orchard Lawn, Mineral Point. Facebook: Mineral Point Historical Society

15-17 • Wild West Days, Viroqua Facebook: The Wild West Days www. thewildwestdays.com

16 • Shullsburg Market. Downtown Shullsburg. Facebook: Shullsburg Market

16 • Pour House Open. Hickory Grove Golf Course. Reserve your team by calling Pat & Greg’s Pour House • 608-375-5558

16 • Chrome & Creators Car & Vendor Show. Mile Bluff Medical Center, Mauston, WI. Facebook: Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation

16 • Treaty of 1825 - The Great Treaty at Prairie du Chien, www.villalouis.wisconsinhistory.org 608-326-2721

20 • Blanchardville WI “Cruise In”. Downtown Blanchardville. Facebook: Blanchardville Community Pride

22-24 • Hustlerfest. Hustler, WI. Facebook: Hustlerfest in Hustler, WI

23 • Mineral Point Street Dance High Street, Mineral Point. Facebook: Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce.

23 • Luke Fest. Darlington, WI. Facebook: Wiegel Strong Foundation

23 • Good Fellas Cruise & Car Show Argyle, WI. Facebook: Good Fellas Tavern

28-Sept. 1 • Iowa County Fair Mineral Point. Facebook: Iowa County Fair - Wisconsin

30 • Fire in the Hills Motor Show. Yuba, WI. Facebook: Roosters C.C.

30 • Six-Oh-Ate Food Truck Festival Downtown Shullsburg. Facebook: Experience Shullsburg

30 • Cassville Car Cruise. Meet in two locations & drive. Facebook: Cassville Car Cruise

30-31 • Stoddard Labor Day Picnic, Stoddard Facebook: Stoddard Labor Day Weekend

30- 31 • Fall Open House. Downtown Cuba City. Facebook: Junque Stops Here

Aug 30-Sept 1 • Readstown Labor Day Celebration, Readstown

Aug 30-Sept 1 • Hillsboro Labor Day Celebration, Hillsboro, WI hillsborowi.com

31 • Benton Labor Day Festivities Benton, WI. Facebook: Benton WI Fire Department

SEPTEMBER

1 • Gratiot Chicken BBQ. Gratiot, WI.

5-7 • Annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic, St. Feriole, Island, Prairie du Chien, www.carriageclassic.com 608-326-2721

5-7 • Historical Re-enactment Mound View Park, Platteville. Facebook: The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums

5-7 • Platteville Dairy Days. (Parade • Sept. 6-Main Street). Legion Park. Facebook: Platteville Dairy Days

6 • Park Preservation Party & Southwest Wisconsin Poker Ride. Cassville’s Riverside Park. Facebook: Explore Cassville WI

6 • Boscobel Booster Steak Feed Pat & Greg’s Pour House, Boscobel, WI

6 • Apple Dumpling Day Races & Pickle Fest. Elroy, WI. Facebook: Elroy Area Chamber of Commerce

6-8 • Pecatonica Valley Antique Days. Darlington, WI. Facebook: Pecatonica Valley Antique ClubPVAC

10 & 27 • Cassville Mississippi Market. Facebook: Cassville Mississippi Market

10-11 • Thunder Bridge Flywheelers Annual Pull & Show. Argyle Legion Park.

10-14 • Vernon County Fair. Viroqua vernoncountyfair.com

11-14 • Richland County Fair. Richland Center, WI. Facebook: Richland County Fairgrounds

11-14 • Boogie Down Festival. Yuba, WI. Facebook: Driftless Music Gardens or Armchair Boogie

13 • Book Release • The Wisconsin Whey. Mineral Point, WI. Facebook: Republic of Letters.

13 • Mineral Point Car Show. Soldiers Memorial Park, Mineral Point. Facebook: Mineral Point Car Show

13 • Hispanic Heritage Days. Krouskop Park, Richland Center, WI. Facebook: Greater Richland Area Chamber

13 • Kaul Park Fish Boil. Bear Valley, WI. Facebook: Kaul Park Bear Valley WI

17 • Fall in Love with Darlington Night Market. Darlington, WI. Facebook: Darlington Chamber Main Street

20 • Viola Horse & Colt Show. Viola, WI. Facebook: The Viola, WI Horse and Colt Show wp.horseandcoltshow.com

19-21 • Lafayette County Historical Society’s Day & Night at the Museum. Darlington, WI. Facebook: Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society

20 • Dash n Bash Festival. Travis Fitzgerald Memorial Park, Lyndon Station. Facebook: Dash n Bash

20 • Shullsburg Market. Downtown Shullsburg. Facebook: Shullsburg Market

20 • Wings n Wheels. Iowa County Airport.

20 • Cows & Curds Celebration. Cuba City, WI.

20-21 & 27-28 • Hill and Valley Exploration Tour. Richland, Juneau & Northern Sauk Counties. Facebook: Hill and Valley Exploration Tour

25-27 • Cassville Citywide Fall Garage Sales. Various locations. Facebook: Cassville, WI City Wide Garage Sales

26 • Pub Night at Pendarvis Pendarvis Historic Site. Facebook: Pendarvis

26-28 • Warrens Cranberry Festival. Warrens, WI. Facebook: Warrens Cranberry Festival

27 • Harvest Fest Parade, Viroqua

27 • Blanchardville Homecoming. Various events. Facebook: Blanchardville/Pecatonica HS Alumni Association

27-28 • Retreat World’s Fair, Retreat Facebook: Retreat Sportsman’s Club

OCTOBER

3-4 • Center Color Fest. Various Events in Richland County. Facebook: Greater Richland Tourism.

3-4 • Vintage Shop Hop. Various Locations. Facebook: Vintage Shop Hop

4 • Harvest Festival Parade. Lancaster. Facebook: Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce

4 • Cheesefest. Downtown Shullsburg. Facebook: Cheesefest in Shullsburg

4 • Dia De Muertos Celebration, Viroqua www.diftlesscuriosity.otg

4 • Kickapoo Valley Reserve Dam Challenge, LaFarge kickapoovalley. wi.gov FB • Kickapoo Valley Reserve

4 • Historic Cemetery Tour, Visitor Center at Fort Crawford Museum, Prairie du Chien, 608-326-6960

4-5 • Customer Appreciation Weekend. Richland Center. Facebook: Oakwood Fruit Farm

10-12 • Rendezvous at the Farm

Northwoods Orchard and Farm Market, Mauston, WI. Facebook: Northwoods Orchard and Farm Market

11 • Bagley Fall Festival. S. Bagley Ave, Bagley, WI. Facebook: Bagley WI Events

11 • Hub City Diesel Truck Challenge & Drift Drags. Hub City, WI. Facebook: HubCity Dirt Drags

12 • Kate’s Bait Chili Cook Off. Dodgeville, WI. Facebook: Kate’s Bait Sporting Goods & Ice Cream

15-18 • Oktoberfest, St. Feriole Island, Prairie du Chien, 608-3267207

18 • Safe n Spooky Halloween Stonefield Facebook: Explore Cassville WI

18 • Sweets & Treats. Lancaster, WI. Facebook: Cruisin’ Kids/Walker’s Clothing and Shoes

18 • Day on the Farm. UW-Platteville Farm. Facebook: Platteville Regional Chamber

18 • Argyle Chili Cook-Off. Argyle American Legion Park. Facebook: Events and Activities around Argyle, WI

23 • Women in Business. Location TBD. Facebook: Platteville Regional Chamber

24-25 • Katie’s Halloween Garden. Katie’s Garden - Next to Platteville Regional Chamber. Facebook: Platteville Regional Chamber

25 • Holiday Craft & Vendor Show Necedah High School.

15 • Sweet Treats on Main. Platteville Main Street. Facebook: Platteville Main Street

27 • Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, Hoffman Hall,Prairie du Chien, WI. Contact Prairie du Chien Park & Rec. 608-326-2985.

31 • Halloween Parade. High Street, Mineral Point. Facebook: Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce

31 • Cheese & Brew Fest. Mineral Point. Facebook: Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce.

31 • Halloween Parade & Costume Judging. Downtown Cassville. Facebook: Explore Cassville WI

NOVEMBER

1 • Gratiot Fall Fish Boil. Gratiot, WI.

1 • Chunky Monkey Epilepsy Run. Yellowstone Golf Course, Blanchardville, WI. Facebook: Chunky Monkey Epilepsy Run

1-8 • Driftless Area Film Festival. Mineral Point Opera House. Facebook: Driftless Film Festival

8-9 • Christmas Open House Downtown Cuba City. Facebook: Junque Stops Here

14-15 & 21-22 • A Small Town Christmas. Shopping Open Houses, Tomah, WI.

15 • Craft Fair-a-Palooza. Richland Center, WI. 3 Locations. Facebook: Greater Richland Tourism

15 • Holiday Craft Fair. Boscobel Antique Club Grounds. Facebook: Boscobel Antique Club

16-Dec. 20 • Winter Shop Hop Boscobel Businesses. Facebook: Boscobel Chamber of Commerce

22-23 • The Holiday Hustle Necedah to Mauston.

28 • Twinklefest Parade, Viroqua Facebook: Viroqua Chamber viroquachamber.com

29 • A Bit of Yesteryear. Downtown Shullsburg. Facebook: Experience Shullsburg

29 • Small Business Saturday. All Communities.

29 • EAC Holiday Craft Show. Royall School District, Elroy, WI. Facebook: Elroy Chamber of Commerce

Richland Center Rotary Lights in the Park. Krouskop Park, Richland Center, WI. Lights available from Thanksgiving Night to New Years Eve.

29 • Christmas in Cassville Around town. Facebook: Explore Cassville WI

29-30 • Sparta Kriskindlmarkt, Sparta, WI bikesparta.com (every Fri-Sat night till X-Mas)

DECEMBER

1-31 • Katie’s Trees of Lights Display Katie’s Garden - Next to Platteville Regional Chamber. Facebook: Platteville Regional Chamber

1-25 • Riverside Reflections Darlington, WI

5 • Annual Craft Fair and Train Show. Argyle, WI Community Building. Facebook: Events and Activities around Argyle, WI

5 • Night of Frosty Cheer Downtown Lancaster. Facebook: Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce

5 • Holiday Parade, Prairie du Chien 608-326-8555

5-6 • Katie’s Garden Winter Wonderland. Katie’s Garden - Next to Platteville Regional Chamber. Facebook: Platteville Regional Chamber

6 • Annual Craft Show. Argyle School District. Facebook: Argyle School District, Argyle, WI

6 • Old Fashion Christmas at Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center, Coon Valley

6-21 • Festival of Trees. Boscobel Antique Club Grounds. Facebook: Boscobel Antique Club

6 • Christmas in Boscobel Downtown Boscobel. Facebook: Boscobel Chamber of Commerce

6 • Holiday Craft & Gift Show. Mauston High School, Mauston, WI.

6 • Candlelight Shopping Mineral Point. Facebook: Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce

6 • Lions Craft Fair. New Lisbon School District. Facebook: New Lisbon Lions Club

6-7 • Christmas in Darlington Darlington, WI. Facebook: Darlington Chamber Main Street

10 • Ladies Night Out. Downtown Shullsburg. Facebook: Experience Shullsburg

13 • Tour of Homes. Mineral Point. Facebook: Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce

13 • Empty Stocking Fundraiser Raising funds for families in need. Facebook: Pat & Greg’s Pour House, Boscobel, WI

13 • Santa at the Courthouse. Lancaster. Facebook: Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce

13 • Christmas in Bagley. Inside Bagley Businesses, Bagley, WI. Facebook: Bagley WI Events

13 • Christmas Glow Parade. Cuba City, WI.

13 • Jolliest of Them All Holiday Shopping Event. Camp Douglas Community Center. Facebook: The Avant-Garde Oil Enthusiast & Health Motivator

13 • Necedah Lighted Christmas Parade. Facebook: Necedah Area Chamber of Commerce

TOPICAL INDEX

ANTIQUE/ARTS

3rd Generation Antiques & Gifts ..... 13

Antique Mall of Tomah 95

Foggy North 17

Hwy 14 Antiques 82

Junque Stops Here 13

Mulberry Pottery .................. 34

Opal Man (The) ................... 35

Red Door Gallery 87

Regeneration Antique & Collectibles 14

Roots & Branches 31

Sparta’s New & Used 93

Unique Antiques & Treasures 69

BOWLING

Boscobel Bowl & Banquet 15

Dodger Bowl 31

Fireball Lanes ....................20

Nordic Lanes ..................... 77

LOUNGE/BAR/PUB

Bob’s Bar 68

Cork Down Saloon ................ 45

Depot Park Market (The). . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Dome (The) 20

Elbow Room 94

Eliza’s Lounge 34

English Prairie Distilling Co 16

Esofea’s Bad Axe Country Club ...... 77

Footjoy Farm Brewing ............. 92

Golden Eagle Bar & Grill 32

Good Fellas Tavern 43

Grindstone Pub 46

Heinie’s Tavern 54

Hideaway Bar & Grill 14

I Don’t Care Pub & Grub ............20

Lawrence’s Pub & Eatery 50

McCarville’s My Turn Pub 49

Mine Shaft (The) 35

Mo’s Bootleggers Bar & Grill 32

Motor Boatin’ Bar & Grill 20

New Spit & Whistle (The) ........... 69 Opera House Bar & Grill ............

Pat’s & Greg’s Pour House 15 Peck’s Corner 92 Phil & Deb’s

DINING/FAST FOOD/MARKET

Humbird Cheese 95

Kate’s Bait & Sporting Goods ........ 31

Kingsley Crossing 46

Lucky Cow Coffee & Gelato 48

Meister Cheese Company 17

Nordic Creamery 77

Pasture Pride 92

Shullsburg Creamery .............. 46

Sweet Life Ice Cream Parlor (The) .... 35

Sweet Tooth (The) 69

Roelli Cheese 46

Udder Brothers’ Creamery 14

Viking Scoop (The) 44

GOLF

Castle Rock Golf Course 58

Darlington Country Club 48

Hickory Grove 14, 18

Lancaster Municipal Golf ........... 52

Snowflake Ski & Golf Club .......... 77

Yellowstone Golf Course 43

ENTERTAINMENT

J & M Flying Wheels ............... 93

Prairie Fun Land 69

Stump Dodger Bash 67

HAIR SALON/MASSAGE/SPA

Massage Works Day Spa & Salon ..... 49

CRAFTS/SPECIALTY SHOPS

3rd Generation Antiques & Gifts 13

Artist Eye/Dinky General Store ...... 23

Aspen Ridge Home & Garden 34

Avoca Mercantile 33

BPA Boutique 31

Central Boarding House

Antiques & Gifts 87

Café 43 34

Coon Valley Dairy Supply 78

Creative Outlet (The) 87

Cruisin’ Kids/Walker 20

Dandelion Dust ................... 93

Dickeyville Grotto 47

Farmer Sown Market at Parker Hill 88

Foggy Bottom Woodworks 17

Germantown Junction Store. . . . . . . .

Gleason Cattle Co. & Meats

Grey Duck (The)

Heifers in the Haymow

J&R Military Surplus

JACE Boutique

Junque Stops Here ................ 13

Kingsley Crossing .................

Moon’s Town Pump/ Amelia’s Treats & Treasure

Mulberry Pottery (The)

FESTIVALS

GARDEN CENTERS/

SPECIALTY FOODS

Growers Produce Auction

Moon’s Town Pump/ Amelia’s Treats & Treasure 11

Okey’s Market 11

Quality Bakery ....................

Saint Francis’ Hermitage ...........

Studnicka Cattle Co 17

Sugar & Spice Bulk Food 18

Richland Locker

Rural Route 1 Popcorn

Von Ruden Meats .................

Weber

Wehling Farms & Country Store

TOURS/TRAILS/RETAIL/SERVICE

HISTORIC ART & MUSEUM

TOURIST ORGANIZATION/CITY

SPORT/AG EQUIPMENT/VEHICLE

Coon

WINERY BARS/WINERY/DISTILLERY

RELIGIOUS

MOTEL/HOTEL/EVENT VENUE

CAMPGROUND

WINTER IN THE DRIFTLESS

Photo credit: Todd M. Galbrecht

Photo credit: Daniel Theis

Photo credit: Deborah Warren

Photo credit: Dave Austin

Photo credit: Chad Berger