Southwest Wisconsin Day Trips

Come; explore the heritage and culture thriving in these winding roads offered in this driftless ice age area of Southwest Wisconsin . Visit the Amish communities throughout the region, not to mention a melting pot of ethnic areas, like Norwegian, Czech, and German. Don’t miss biking the four Wisconsin State Bike Trails that travel through Southwest Wisconsin on converted abandoned railroad. Come to this part of the State of Wisconsin for boating, golfing, hiking, Wildcat State Park, or tour state historical sites and museums located throughout the region. Celebration of festivals is another ’don’t miss’ attraction. With Warren ’s Cranberry Festival, Westby’s Syttende Mai, Hillsboro ’s Cesky Den, Butterfest in Sparta , plus Riverfest and Oktoberfest in La Crosse you will see it’s all right here in Southwest Wisconsin ’s Hidden Valleys.

The rivers and streams add to the rich natural resources that make this area a perfect place for outdoor recreation and sightseeing. Enjoy over 200 miles of trout streams, a cruise down the Mississippi River on a paddlewheel boat or canoe the Kickapoo River winding 120 miles down its 70-mile long valley. The refreshing landscape that changes with the seasons is worth the visit through the hills and valleys of Southwest Wisconsin. You are invited, so you too, can experience the natural beauty that surrounds us.

The Hidden Valleys consists of 10 counties - Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Juneau, La Crosse, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland and Vernon. Each county is unique and features activities, festivals and more during each season of the year.

The Great River Road Day Trip

Along the Upper Mississippi River runs the Great River Road, roughly defining the western boundary of the Wisconsin region affectionately known as Hidden Valleys. Weaving through backwater sloughs and sandbar archipelagos, past soaring limestone bluffs and quaint river towns, the river is a wide blue thread in the fabric of Wisconsin. Travelers wanting to use the Road for their basis of exploring this corner of southwest Wisconsin will find a great map at the Wisconsin Great River Road website.

Exploring Prairie du Chien

A great base for exploring many of the attractions on the southern stretches of the River Road is the historic city of Prairie du Chien. Dubbed “Wisconsin’s second oldest community”, Prairie du Chien has roots tied to Native American history and well as the earliest European settlement on the Upper Mississippi River. Located at the northern shore of the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, Prairie du Chien lets its visitors explore birding, boating, biking, historic sites and a revitalized downtown. Besides the great dining and shopping (Cabelas has its distribution center here with a awesome retail store), Prairie du Chien is home to two historic sites—Villa Louis and Fort Crawford. A jewel box on the shore of the Mississippi, the Villa Louis is the Victorian era country estate of the H. Louis Dousman family. Restoration efforts over the past ten years have created one of the finest house museums in the United States.

The Fort Crawford Museum tells the story of Prairie du Chien with emphasis on Fort Crawford, especially the amazing story of Dr. William Beaumont. http://www.fortcrawfordmuseum.com/

Exploring Outdoors: Birds, Boats and Burial Mounds

For travelers whose interests focus more on nature and the environment, another couple of destinations will be on your must see list. Wyalusing State Park features Indian burial mounds, a canoe trail, and bird watching. It's a place to go for fishing, boating, bicycling, picnicking, and enjoying nature. There are an interpretive center and four historical markers within the park.

A short trip across the Louis Joliet Bridge will lead visitors to Effigy Mounds National Monument. Part of the National Park Service, the 2,526 acre Monument includes 206 American Indian mounds situated in a natural setting, and located within the one of the most picturesque sections along the Great River Road..

The south end of the Wisconsin Great River Road can be easily accessed by this Wisconsin-Inns B&B: Neumann House B&B, Prairie du Chien.

North toward LaCrosse

Traveling north on the Great River Road, between Prairie du Chien and the City of LaCrosse, travelers will encounter numerous small villages and hamlets, along with two set of locks and dams. To maintain a 9-foot-deep channel on the Upper Mississippi, the US Army Corps of Engineers built a series of locks and dams on the river in the 1930s. Ten such locks and dams control water flow along Wisconsin’s border on the River. It’s fun to stop and watch the engineering feat as an 18 barge tug “locks through”. During winter months this stretch of the highway is a prime spot of eagle-watching. The water below each dam does not freeze (because of the strong movement of water) so eagles can continue to fish in the coldest of weather. These masterful birds are seen soaring from the bluff-tops to the chilly waters below.

The City of LaCrosse is home to a number of attractions that can keep the visitor’s day planner full. Along the shores of the River in Downtown LaCrosse is the beautiful Riverfront Park. A stopping place for the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and Julia Belle Swain riverboats, this park is also home to the local Rotary Clubs’ International Garden. While standing along the seawall, turn back and enjoy the city’s skyline and the impressive peak of Granddad’s Bluff—the highest point in the city. New Year’s Eve and July 4th are just two of the occasion when the LaCrosse Skyrockers ignite their fireworks display from the top of Granddad’s. Another attraction for area visitors is the minor league baseball team the LaCrosse Loggers.

LaCrosse is another great city for shopping and dining while traveling along the Great River Road. The city’s downtown district has assortment of retailers to tempt you with souvenirs of your visit or emergency items needed during your time on the road. LaCrosse also is home to a full-service shopping mall, Valley View—anchored by stores including Macy’s, JC Penney’s, Sears, Herbergers and Barnes and Noble Books. Dining choices in LaCrosse are across the board, including some long time favorites, Piggys, the Freighthouse, Kate’s on State and Fayzes. A website with links to both shopping and dining choices is Explore LaCrosse.

The north end of the Wisconsin Great River Road can be easily accessed by these Wisconsin-Inns B&Bs:  Four Gables B&B, and Wilson Schoolhouse B&B in LaCrosse, and Rainbow Ridge Farm B&B in Onalaska.

Biking Southwest Wisconsin Day Trips

Great River Trail

Take a pedal down the Mississippi River on the Great River State Trail. Enjoy 24 miles of the most beautiful scenery in the Midwest. The trail traverses along 18 different waterways, crosses over the Black River on a 287-foot former railroad trestle, and follows Lake Onalaska and the BNSF railway. From its trailhead in Onalaska, all the way to Trempealeau, the Great River State Trail is one beautiful landscape after another and is perfect for any type of bicycle. Cross-country skiing starts in Onalaska and continues the entire length of the trail. Snowmobiling is permitted only in designated areas.

Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Elroy-Sparta State Trail was opened in 1967. This is the granddaddy of them all! The Elroy-Sparta Trail was the first rails-to-trails conversion in the country and it is perennially one of the most popular bicycling destinations in the state. Located in one of the most scenic parts of Wisconsin, the trail is one of the few flat surfaces in a land of narrow valleys and steep wooded bluffs.

Three tunnels are a big part of the trail's appeal. The longest, between Sparta and Norwalk, is more than three-quarters of a mile long. Walking through the tunnels, (you can't ride them), is an adventure in itself. The small towns en-route all have a bike-friendly atmosphere; after all, the trail has made them famous. Bike Trails are surfaced with fine limestone or similar materials. There is no charge for snowmobiling or hiking. Trail passes are required for bikers 16 years of age or older.

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail is conveniently accessed by these Wisconsin-Inns B&Bs: Franklin Victorian B&B, Justin Trails B&B Resort, Grapevine Log Cabins, Lighthaus In B&B, all these B&B’s are in Sparta. East View B&B, Elroy. And Amil's Inn, Wilton.

The La Crosse River State Trail

The 21.5 mile La Crosse River State Trail follows the winding route of the La Crosse River, taking bicyclists from Onalaska to Sparta. As you pedal the La Crosse River State Trail, you'll enjoy bridges over crystal clear trout streams and picturesque farms. Like the Great River State Trail, the La Crosse River State Trail has a smooth surface that can accommodate both road bicycles and mountain bikes. Part of the trail even runs parallel to an active rail line.

The La Crosse River State Trail is conveniently accessed by these Wisconsin-Inns B&Bs: Franklin Victorian B&B, Justin Trails B&B Resort, Grapevine Log Cabins, Lighthaus Inn B&B, all B&B’s are in Sparta.

The 400 State Trail

The 400 State Trail is located between Reedsburg and Elroy with 5 communities conveniently spaced along the trail to provide small town hospitality. The Trail Headquarters is located in the historic depot in Reedsburg. The communities located along the trail between Reedsburg and Elroy are La Valle - 7 miles from Reedsburg, Wonewoc - 7 miles from La Valle, and Union Center - 4 miles from Wonewoc or Elroy.

In June of 1993, the 400 State Trail was officially opened. It was developed on an abandoned Chicago-Northwestern Railroad bed and was named for the Chicago - Northwestern passenger train that traveled the 400 miles between Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul in 400 minutes. Packed limestone screenings and bridges with planked floors provide a smooth bike riding surface.

Wetlands, sandstone bluffs, rolling croplands and pastures are just a few of the sights that visitors will enjoy on the 400 trail as it repeatedly criss crosses the Baraboo River. The entire length of the trail follows along the river valley. Snowmobiles use the trail in the winter months. A unique feature of the 400 trail is a 7 mile horse trail which parallels the bike trail between Wonewoc and LaValle.

The 400 State Trail is conveniently accessed by these Wisconsin-Inns B&Bs: East View B&B; Elroy, Pine Grove Park B&B, Reedsburg; Parkview B&B, Reedsburg; Sunnyfield Farm B&B, Camp Douglas. And Amil's Inn, Wilton.

Omaha Trail

As trailhead for the Omaha Trail, Camp Douglas, WI is the getaway to exciting bicycling adventures. Whether you're a serious cyclist or someone who enjoys clean country air and taking a leisurely-paced ride on a secluded trail, you'll love this 12 1/2 mile, seal-coated bike trail that features an 875' tunnel. The county-owned and maintained Omaha Trail connects in Elroy with the world-famous Elroy-Sparta Trail and the 400 State Trail.

The bike trails are open for snowmobilers from mid-December to mid March.

The Omaha Trail is conveniently accessed by Wisconsin-Inns B&B: Sunnyfield Farm B&B, Camp Douglas. And Amil's Inn, Wilton.

On-Road Biking

On-Road Riding Bike Tours - Roadies! Discover what On-Road Riding Bike Tours - Roadies! Discover what the locals have known for years; the Wisconsin dairy roads make for hundreds (yes, hundreds) of options for road riding in every direction. Sparta "Road Tours Maps" available - Ridgeville Ramble 36.9 miles, Booney Biken 19.1 miles, and Up North 26.3 miles of bike friendly tours. They will take you down country lanes where wild flowers grow to the edge of the pavement; through forest that canopy the roadway; perfect for relaxing biking.

On-Road Biking is conveniently accessed by these Wisconsin-Inns B&Bs: Franklin Victorian B&B, Justin Trails B&B Resort, Grapevine Log Cabins, Lighthaus Inn B&B, all B&B’s are in Sparta. And Amil's Inn, Wilton.

Winery Tours Day Trips

The Wollersheim Winery is just across from Prairie due Sac and overlooks the Wisconsin River. Established in the late 1800's, this award winning winery serves a wide variety of wines. Tours are available daily and are concluded with wine tasting. An added bonus could be watching eagles feed (especially during the winter months) near the river dam.

Leaving Prairie due Sac on Highway 60 west, meandering along the Wisconsin River to the Village of Spring Green. The shops, galleries and eateries are open year. Cross the Wisconsin River on Highway 23, to your left is the Tower Hill State Park and the American Players Theatre. To your right is County Road C, you will see Taliesin, the famous Frank Lloyd Wright complex. Following Highway C south you pass through Wyoming Valley, some of the most spectacular scenery Wisconsin has to offer. At the intersection of County Road C and Highway 133, continue south and you will soon be following the Wisconsin River again. During summer the islands are peppered with tents and campers and the river with canoe and kayak enthusiasts. You will soon drive through the Avoca prairie, the largest tall grass prairie east of the Mississippi River. Continuing through this prairie, at the intersection of Hwy 133 and Highway 80, follow Highway 80 north to the Village of Highland. Signs will direct you to County Road Q and the winery.

Spurgeon Winery offers tours daily of the production facilities. Wine and cheese tasting if enjoyed in the gift shop and relaxation is encouraged on the outside deck anytime. The winery offers four wine extravaganzas each year.

Leaving this winery, Highway G takes you, once again, through an area where eagles are often spotted, to the Village of Muscoda. At the intersection of Highway G and Highway 80, proceed on Highway 80 north approximately 8 miles to Oak Ridge Drive, signs will direct you.

Weggy Winery is open daily and offers tram tours of the vineyard (calling first is encouraged). 15 wines are offered for tasting, all made of Wisconsin grown grapes and fruit.

Bed and Breakfast facilities to be enjoyed in the area are The Victorian Rose Bed and Breakfast, in the village of Muscoda, and Silver Star Inn,  of Spring Green

The Kickapoo Valley—Hills, Streams, Amish, Antiques & Much More

In the middle of the Driftless Area, the unglaciated rough landscape so unique in the upper Midwest, lies a wandering, scenic river, the largest tributary of the Wisconsin River, the Kickapoo. The Kickapoo Valley includes hundreds of miles of winding rural roads. Around each corner you can almost pick out a Norman Rockwell painting. You will find small dairy farms, tobacco sheds now empty and void of their precious old cargo, dozens of communities each with its own character, descendants of Norwegian immigrants, and newly arrived Amish who find this area perfect for their simple lifestyle. The Kickapoo Valley is almost a region to itself, a part of the Hidden Valleys that refuses to “grow up” and proudly hangs on to its history and its heritage.

A great resource for any trip in the Kickapoo Valley is the Kickapoo Valley Association and its website, www.KickapooValley.org. They also offer a wonderful map of the valley, free for the asking.

The Kickapoo Valley may be enjoyed in one fully packed day trip, or it can be explored more thoroughly over several days. This trip starts at the north end of the valley, just south of I-90 and just south of Tomah, WI. The villages of Kendall, Wilton, and Norwalk lie across the top of the valley and all three are on the famous Elroy-Sparta bike trail, one of the oldest and nicest of the rails-to-trails in the state of Wisconsin. The Elroy-Sparta Trail connects to the La Crosse Trail to the west and together they constitute more than 100 miles of well groomed bike trail. Going south from Wilton on Hwy 131 brings you to the village of Ontario, the center for three very active canoe livery services. Canoeists head south on the Kickapoo River from Ontario and can schedule pick-ups at a variety of points downstream – spending as little as two hours or as much a full day on the water. The north end of the Kickapoo is interspersed with limestone outcroppings. The water is typically shallow (except after spring melts or heavy summer rains) and suitable for safe family canoeing. A little further south on Hwy 131, at Rockton, the Kickapoo Yacht Club also rents many canoes from which to explore the river.

Putting in at either Ontario or Rockton will take you through two great natural areas – Wildcat Mountain State Park and the Kickapoo Reserve. These two public areas together engulf more than twenty river miles along the Kickapoo, ensuring that your trip will be private and scenic. Weekend summer canoeing can get more crowded – weekdays offer more quiet, more private canoeing and drifting. The Kickapoo Reserve itself offers 8500 acres of wooded hills and valley. There are separate hiking, biking, and equestrian trails and a new visitors center that offers a peek at the history of the Valley and the notorious story of Lake La Farge.

Heading west from Ontario to Cashton would take you through the Cashton Amish Settlement , a well established settlement in which Amish woodworkers, quilters, and craftsmen offer superior wares at very modest prices. The Amish are a peace-loving people who thrive in the rural Kickapoo Valley. They value the peace and serenity of the valley and see this as a place worthy of their hard work.

Several horse stables in the north end of the valley offer trail rides through some of the most interesting horse country in the mid-west.

The north end of the Kickapoo Valley is conveniently accessed by these Wisconsin-Inns B&Bs: Trillium, La Farge; and Ages Past, Cashton.

Heading south from Cashton brings you to Westby, then Viroqua. These villages form the western edge of the Kickapoo Valley and are larger than the very small hamlets that lie along the Kickapoo itself. Westby celebrates its Norwegian heritage each year with Syttende Mai (the seventeenth of May) or Norway’s Independence Day. Great food, a parade, music, and traditional Norwegian arts and crafts abound on this weekend in mid-May. Westby is also home to some great antique shops, a first class cheese plant, and a beautiful Scandinavian gift shop. For a truly unique Wisconsin experience, visit on the second weekend of February to attend the Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament and watch an international competition of Nordic Ski Jumping (don’t try this unless you are a professional!).

Vernon Vineyards Winery

Travel four miles south on Highway 14/61 out of Westby and turn west on to County Y for the Vernon Vineyards Winery. The 10 acre winery overlooks the Bad Axe River. Open on weekends, you will enjoy complimentary wine tasting and free tours. In scenic Vernon County 32 vineyards with 68 acres of grapes boast its hillsides. A map of these vineyards are available at the winery.

In Viroqua you can make a mid-August stop to enjoy Wild West Days, and then in September enjoy Wisconsin’s last county fair of the year; the Vernon County Fair is held two weekends after Labor Day. Check out the live music and entertainment at the beautifully restored Temple Theater. Shop along a great main street that includes a first rate fly fishing shop, a unique rock (jewelry) shop, and a couple of cute cafes. In Viroqua you can also schedule 18 holes of wonderful golf.

Heading east from Viroqua will take you to Viola, at the heart of the Kickapoo Valley again. The annual Viola Horse and Colt Show is famous state-wide. Continuing south to Readstown gives you the opportunity to pick up with another canoe outfitter whose regular livery service extends south from Readstown to Soldiers Grove and Gays Mills. Soldiers Grove is America’s First Solar Village, with a unique history of old time floods solved only by moving the commercial buildings to higher ground. Stop at Soldiers Grove Dairy Days on Fathers Day weekend, then the Driftless Area Art Festival two weekends after Labor Day.

Gays Mills is the Apple Capital of Wisconsin with many orchards that go back almost 100 years in time. Gays Mills has an active calendar of events with Music Fest (celebrated on Mother’s Day weekend) Crawford County Fair (mid July), and then Applefest (on the last full weekend of September). The five Gays Mills orchards are a beehive of activity from late August through October selling many varieties of the fruit that will keep the doctor away.

The mid and south ends of the Kickapoo Valley can be easily accessed by these Wisconsin-Inns B&Bs: The Westby House, Westby; Pietsch Tree Farm, Viroqua; Inn at Lonesome Hollow, Soldiers Grove; The Victorian Rose, Muscoda.

From Wilton to Gays Mills – beautiful scenery and a lot of activities are offered. Traveling south of Gays Mills you can drive along an almost unused 25 miles of the Kickapoo. Dairy Farms, cattle ranches, and small farm fields are the rule from Gays Mills to Wauzeka, an incredible drive with one beautiful landscape after another. At Wauzeka, the journey of the Kickapoo comes to an end as it empties into a broad and powerful Wisconsin River. A couple of canoe outfitters operate out of Wauzeka and Boscobel and offer trips southwest on the Wisconsin, ending eventually at Wyalusing State Park where the Wisconsin meets the Mississippi.

A dedicated canoe or kayak enthusiast could put in at Ontario, and take out at Wyalusing having had his boat touching the waters of the Kickapoo, the Wisconsin, and the Mississippi Rivers. A great natural experience.

Scenic Historic Highlands Day Trips

Belleville, French for "beautiful village", is only 15 minutes South of the vibrant State Capital of Madison. Its tree lined streets and scenic Lake Belle View welcome visitors to an old mill town on the Sugar River and the UFO Capital of the Universe. Historic Library Square in the center of town offers a peaceful spot to bike or hike the new 32-mile Badger State Trail. Bike north to Basco and the Cameo Rose Victorian Country Inn or south to the old Stewart Tunnel - a 1200-foot long railroad tunnel built in 1887. Be sure to take a flashlight as the tunnel curves.

Drive 8 miles west to New Glarus - "America's Little Switzerland". Enjoy the many Swiss storefronts, visit the Swiss Historical Museum for a great tour, check-out the New Glarus Brewery and the New Glarus Bakery, or hike or bike the New Glarus Woods State Park or the Sugar River State Bike Trail.

Monroe is 20 minutes south on Hwy 69. Historic Court House Square offers many shops and restaurants. Monroe and Green County is cheese country and the beginning of the Cheese Country Recreational Trail.

Head West on Hwy 11 to Shullsburg - an old mining town with several unique stores and shops on historic Water Street. For lead mining history visit the Badger Mine and Museum.

Follow Hwy 11 west for 35 miles to the Great River Road (Hwy 35) and North for 15 miles to Hwy 133 and a 20 minute scenic drive along the Mississippi River and bluffs up to Cassville - an old river town where you can watch the eagles, take a Cassville Car Ferry across the river, visit the Nelson Dewey State Park with its breathtaking views. Step back to another century at Stonefield Village - a State of Wisconsin Historical Site of early Wisconsin life and the State Agricultural Museum.

Go East 20 miles from Cassville on Hwy 81 through hill country to scenic Lancaster - home of the Maple Harris Guest House and the old Grant County Court House.

Take a scenic 30-mile drive on Hwy A to Hwy 151. Go south on Hwy 151 for 6 miles to Belmont and the first Wisconsin State Capitol and Supreme Court buildings. Go NE on Hwy 151 to Mineral Point.

Mineral Point is a historical find. Cornish settlers established a mining community here in the 1820's. Today Mineral Point hosts a thriving artist community of shops and galleries. Century-old buildings have been restored to preserve Shake Rag Alley, stone Cornish Cottages and dwellings and the Pendarvis House now owned and operated by the State Historical Society. Re-live the days of a rough and tumble lead mining camp as costumed guides give tours of the Pendarvis complex. Shake Rag Alley was the original business district when the area was first settled and today acts as a central campus of a town-wide arts and crafts education center.

NE on Hwy 151 is Dodgeville. Governor Dodge State Park is a short drive up Hwy 23. Horse lovers can rent a horse at the stable across from the park entrance for a ride though the park. For bikers, the Military Ridge Trail heads east from Dodgeville to Verona.

Continue East on Hwy 151 to Barneveld for wine tasting at the picturesque Botham Vineyards on Hwy K.

Further east 7 miles is Mount Horeb - the Troll Capital of the World. Mustard tasting is available at the world famous Mustard Museum. Cave of the Mounds is cool and fascinating. Little Norway is on the National Register of Historic Places and offers tours of several buildings of Norse architecture. In the winter enjoy nearby Tyrol Basin for skiing and snowboarding.

East on Hwy 18 & 151 to Verona and South 6 miles on Hwy 69 to historic Paoli on the Sugar River. This small restored community offers several unique art galleries, specialty shops and some fine eateries.

There is so much to see and do in Southwest Wisconsin you'll want to budget lots of time for your visit!

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