Southwest Wisconsin Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit and things to do in Southwest Wisconsin with our comprehensive tour guide. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, we've got you covered.


Introduction to Southwest Wisconsin

Southwest Wisconsin is a stunning destination located in the Midwest region of the United States. This area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with rugged bluffs, rolling hills, and winding rivers that offer endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking. Along with its natural beauty, Southwest Wisconsin also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historical sites and museums that showcase the area’s history and traditions.

List of Places to Visit in Southwest Wisconsin

If you’re planning on visiting Southwest Wisconsin, here are some must-see attractions to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The House on the Rock: This unique attraction features a sprawling complex of rooms filled with eclectic collections of art, antiques, and oddities. It also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside from atop a 60-foot tower.

  • Potosi Brewery: This historic brewery, located in the charming town of Potosi, offers tours and tastings of its award-winning beers.

  • National Brewery Museum: Located in Potosi, this museum showcases the history of brewing in America and brewing artifacts from around the world.

  • Historic Mineral Point: This charming town features well-preserved 19th-century buildings, art galleries, and museums that showcase its history as a mining town.

Natural Attractions of Southwest Wisconsin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Devil’s Lake State Park: This park features scenic bluffs and cliffs surrounding a crystal-clear lake, making it a popular spot for hiking, swimming, camping, and rock climbing.

  • Taliesin Preservation: This estate was the home of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright and now serves as a museum that showcases his work and influence on American architecture.

  • Kickapoo Valley Reserve: This 8,500-acre reserve features scenic vistas and diverse wildlife, making it a popular spot for camping, hiking, and bird watching.

  • Wisconsin Great River Road: This scenic drive follows the Mississippi River and offers stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southwest Wisconsin

Southwest Wisconsin is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with many trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • Elroy-Sparta State Trail: This 32-mile trail follows a former railroad line and passes through three tunnels and several small towns.

  • Military Ridge State Trail: This 40-mile trail runs from Dodgeville to Fitchburg and passes through woods, wetlands, and prairies.

  • Great River State Trail: This 24-mile trail runs along the Mississippi River and offers scenic views of the river and surrounding bluffs.

Best Things to Do in Southwest Wisconsin: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the top activities and tours to try in Southwest Wisconsin:

  • Canoeing or kayaking on the Wisconsin River: With its winding channels, sandbars, and marshes, the Wisconsin River offers a unique paddling experience.

  • Cheese factory tours: Wisconsin is known for its cheese, and many cheese factories in the area offer tours and tastings.

  • Horseback riding: There are many stables in the area that offer scenic trail rides through the countryside.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southwest Wisconsin

Here’s a week-long itinerary to help you make the most of your trip to Southwest Wisconsin:

Day Activity
1 Visit House on the Rock and stay in nearby Spring Green
2 Explore Taliesin and drive Wisconsin Great River Road
3 Hike in Devil’s Lake State Park and tour Potosi Brewery
4 Drive and stop at charming towns along the Great River Road
5 Visit the National Brewery Museum and explore Mineral Point
6 Go canoeing or kayaking on the Wisconsin River
7 Take a horseback riding tour and try some local cheese before departing

Food and Drink Scene of Southwest Wisconsin

Southwest Wisconsin is known for its cheese, beer, and wine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cheese curds: These delicious, deep-fried nuggets of cheese are a staple of Wisconsin cuisine.

  • Bratwursts: Wisconsin boasts some of the best bratwursts in the country, with many local butcher shops producing their own.

  • Fish fry: A Friday night tradition in many Wisconsin towns, fish fry typically consists of beer-battered fried fish with sides.

Local Beverages

  • Beer: With a rich brewing history and many microbreweries in the area, Southwest Wisconsin is a paradise for beer lovers.

  • Wine: Wisconsin’s mild climate and fertile soil make it a great place for growing grapes, and there are several wineries in the area that offer tastings.

Where to Stay in Southwest Wisconsin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many options for accommodations in Southwest Wisconsin, ranging from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses. Here are some options to consider:

  • The American Players Theatre and Resort: This luxury resort is located in a scenic area near Spring Green and offers comfortable rooms, delicious dining options, and access to local cultural attractions.

  • The Iron Horse Hotel: This boutique hotel is located in downtown Milwaukee and offers stylish rooms and a popular bar and restaurant.

  • Hostelling International-Madison: This hostel is located in downtown Madison and offers affordable accommodations for travelers on a budget.

What to Buy in Southwest Wisconsin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products to consider bringing home from Southwest Wisconsin:

  • Cheese: Wisconsin is known for its delicious cheese, and there are many local cheese shops that offer a wide variety of cheeses to choose from.

  • Craft beer: With a rich brewing tradition, Wisconsin is a great place to try local craft beers.

  • Artisanal products: Many local artisans in the area produce handmade pottery, textiles, and other crafts that make great souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Southwest Wisconsin

Wisconsin is known for its friendly, welcoming culture. Locals value hard work, family, and community, and are proud of the state’s rich cultural heritage.

Best Time to Visit Southwest Wisconsin

The best time to visit Southwest Wisconsin is in the summer, when the weather is mild and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy. However, fall is also a great time to visit, as the changing leaves offer stunning vistas and many towns host fall festivals and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southwest Wisconsin

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Southwest Wisconsin:

Do:

  • Try local cheeses and craft beers
  • Explore the natural beauty of the area
  • Visit historical sites and museums
  • Take advantage of outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking

Don’t:

  • Overspeed while driving on winding country roads
  • Overlook the charm of small towns in the area
  • Ignore the local customs and traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in Southwest Wisconsin

Southwest Wisconsin is a generally safe area. However, it is always important to exercise caution when hiking or kayaking in remote areas, and to be aware of the local wildlife.

Health in Southwest Wisconsin

There are several hospitals and clinics in the area that provide medical care, and there are also many wellness centers and spas that offer relaxation and rejuvenation.

Getting to Southwest Wisconsin: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southwest Wisconsin

The closest airports to Southwest Wisconsin are Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Southwest Wisconsin

Greyhound and Badger Bus both offer service to several towns in the area.

Other Options

Driving is a popular way to get around Southwest Wisconsin, as it offers the flexibility to explore the area’s small towns and rural landscapes.

How to Get Around in Southwest Wisconsin

Driving is the best way to get around Southwest Wisconsin, as public transportation is limited in the area. If you don’t have a car, you may consider renting one or booking a guided tour.

Where to Go Next from Southwest Wisconsin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many nearby destinations and excursions to consider after exploring Southwest Wisconsin, including:

  • Milwaukee: With its vibrant art culture, great food, and craft beers, Milwaukee is a great destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.

  • Chicago: Just a few hours’ drive from Southwest Wisconsin, Chicago offers world-class museums, restaurants, and shopping.

  • Dubuque, Iowa: This charming town across the Mississippi River offers historical sites, scenic vistas, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Southwest Wisconsin offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to hike through rugged bluffs, explore historical sites and museums, or try local cheeses and craft beers, this area is a must-visit destination. So pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the magic of Southwest Wisconsin!



    Baraboo River Valley
    Coulee Region
    Greater Madison Area
    Green County
    Horicon Marsh
    Southern Wisconsin River Valley