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Scenic Historic Highlands Day TripsThe Old World ethnic communities of southern Southwest Wisconsin beckon you back in time as you pass through some of the most scenic parts of Wisconsin, visit a state historic site, tour a winery or hike and bike area trails. The Uplands area is served by these member inns: Brewery Creek Inn & Brew Pub in Mineral Point, and Cameo Rose Victorian Country Inn near Belleville.
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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