Lafayette County www.www.lafayettecounty.org
Land of History and Adventure!
L afayette County is where you’ll find peace and
quiet, history and heritage, nature and
recreation. And some surprises along
the way. The past comes alive today and every
day. The county is home to the First Territorial
Capitol, an early Mormon settlement, the
scene of a brutal battle in the Black Hawk
War, museums that celebrate times gone
by, and a one-time top inland pearling
river. In fact, Wisconsin’s nickname, Bad-
gers, traces its origin back to Lafayette
County’s early miners.
There’s also plenty to do in the here
and now. You can discover abundant parks,
travel down rustic roads or recreational
trails, shop in one-of-a-kind stores, visit
eateries for high-quality meals at affordable
prices, take part in a celebration of community
pride, or just relax with a fishing pole and drop a line
in the water. ke
e La
The sheer natural beauty that convinced people to settle in ston
Yellow
Lafayette County early in the state’s history is still evident. Rivers,
ridges and valleys are unspoiled,
Don't Miss . . . unassuming, unglaciated and undeniably
stunning. You set the pace for your
visit. Take time to amble, meander and
explore Lafayette County. Take time to
Badger Mine & Museum view the 65+ barn quilts featured on
barns along the country roads. Maps
Yellowstone Lake State Park showing farm locations are available at
local businesses.
Cheese Country Trail
Argyle
Swindler's Ridge Museum The eastern branch of the
Pecatonica River runs through Argyle,
Darlington Depot Museum providing a place to fish, boat and
picnic. Argyle Community Legion Park
Pecatonica River State Recreation Trail has tennis courts, a jungle gym, shelter
house, and even a refurbished Cold War-
Shullsburg's Gravity Hill era fighter jet. An inspiring Veteran’s
Memorial was dedicated in 2008. A golf
Benton - Mining Capital of the World course with restaurant nestled along the
Pecatonica and Yellowstone rivers, is
just a few miles northwest of Argyle.
Belmont ‘‘Home of the First State Capitol’’ One of Argyle’s early civic leaders
was John Saxton, stepfather of
Shullsburg’s Historic Water Street Business District Robert M. LaFollette, better known as
“Fighting Bob.” LaFollette was elected
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Wisconsin’s governor in hands-on activities . . . see a
1900, and was a United sawmill in action or go ahead and
States senator from 1904 load that coal into hopper cars with
until he died in 1925. the coal loader, and much more.
He was founder of the You will be able to see what
Progressive movement your parents or grandparents might
and a Wisconsin folk hero have played with when they were
who spent part of his young. Visit with Buck, Jan, or
boyhood in Argyle. His Dylan, and hear the many fun and
childhood home is being exciting stories about the toy trains
remodeled and made into in an old dairy barn. Look for the
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a museum. constantly growing layouts so you’ll
A collection of want to come back time and time
restaurants makes again. Visit www.argylewi.org for
Argyle a good choice more information on the best little
at mealtime, whether village by a dam site.
you want a sandwich at
noon, a meal in a small
town diner, a refurnished silent movie house, or a supper club. In nearby
Belmont
a
Lamont, a horse facility features an indoor and outdoor horse-riding Gateway to
arena, petting zoo, horses for rent, guided tours of the Yellowstone horse
Lafayette County
yette County
trails six miles away, and plenty of year-round, old-fashioned fun.
Argyle is the “Gateway to Yellowstone Lake,” a state park with ample
With its two mounds, it is easy to see
space for camping, fishing, picnicking, swimming, boating, hiking and
how Belmont came by its name, “Belle
wildlife watching. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a fishing-shanty
Monte”, French for “beautiful mountain”
village on ice.
in reference to the Belmont Mound located
Relive the romance of the past by visiting the Toy Train Barn. When
north of Belmont near the First State
you enter you will be stepping inside an exciting, miniature world. A
Capitol Historical Site. After the Capitol
world that has come alive with action and animation! There are many
was relocated to Madison and the train
Best little village
by a dam site.
★ Fish - canoe the
Pecatonica River
★ 2 boat landings Argyle, WI
★ 3 fishing piers 608-214-7229
Y e ll l
608-543-3113 www.argylewi.org owston
e ValleY Canoe Renta
Hwy. 78N
Argyle
543-3233
Cash’s Bar & Grill
2913 13th St. 109 S. State Street • 608-543-3606
Monroe
325-5115 Burgers • Wide Variety of Sandwiches • Homemade Pizza
200 E. Milwaukee St.
Argyle, WI 53504 104 Railroad Street
Argyle, WI 53504
608-543-3933 608-543-3332
www.argylefibermill.com
(608) 465-3314 LOVELACE
(608) 935-3581 Well Drilling Inc.
(800) 454-1115
40+ Years Experience Insuring Farm, Home, Auto,
(608) 924-1815 (608) 465-1010
(608) 527-6100 (877) 817-1010 Commercial, Health and Life”
Inc.
A Family Business Since 1910 - 100 Years of Service
To Handle All Your
Exterior Plumbing Needs (608) 543-3354
The Toy Train Barn A Toy Train Museum Open 10 am-5 pm
W9141 Hwy. 81, Argyle, WI 53504 (608) 966-1464 Year Round
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BELMONT
Phone: (608) 762-5142
Fax: (608) 762-5525
E-mail: vilbelm@mhtc.net
Website: www.belmontwi.com
Toy Shows
February 6 & 12
EMS Pancake Breakfast
May 15
Firemen’s Dance
May 29
Brass & Brats Music Festival
Bond Park June 14 (rain date: June 15)
First Capitol School & Community Fair
Historic Site September 15-18
Sports Page Belmont Fresh Meats
• Wedding Reception/Banquet Facilities Available Fresh Meats & Sausage Retail Counter
• Lunches Tues.-Sat. starting at 11 am Variety of Cheeses, Mustards, Sauces & Much More
• Daily & Nightly Specials
• Sunday Brunch 10 am-1:30 pm 115 S. Mound Ave., Belmont, Wisconsin
• ATVers & Snowmobilers Welcome (608) 762-6992
117 W. Commerce St. • Belmont, WI 53510 • (608) 762-5110 Make Belmont Fresh Meats the “Steak” on Your Table
Cushman's Greenhouse Serve Up Something Special
330 S. Penn Street
Belmont, WI
"The Growers With Roots"
Annuals, Perennials, Poinsettias, & Indoor Flowering Plants
Phone: (608) 762-5878
www.cushmansgreenhouse.com Fax: (608) 762-5874
(608) 762-5795 Handcrafted Goat Cheese
LAKE JOY CAMPGROUND MOUND VIEW RV, INC.
3.5 miles North of Belmont on USH 151 Sales • Service • Parts & Accessories
(608) 762-5150 • e-mail: lakejoy@mhtc.net
USH 151, Exit 26 - Turn West on Stone Hill Avenue
60-acre stocked lake • ATV Trail Access • Tent, Pop-up, Trailer, RV Pull-Thru
Paved Roads • Clean Restrooms/Showers • Beach • Playground 769 W. Liberty St., Belmont, WI
Game Room • Store • Laundry • Dump Station • Pets Welcome (608) 762-6957 or toll free (866) 825-4858
McCarville's My Turn Pub
Daily Specials
First Capitol Mini Mart, LLC
423 N. Mound Ave. (USH 151, Exit 26)
Banquet Facilities Belmont, WI 53510 ATM
(608) 762-5187 Availa
Catering Services ble
Open daily at 10:00 A.M. Serving Pizza, Subs, Soft Serve Ice Cream
Belmont Across from the Pecatonica Trail (608) 762-6191 Friendly Hometown Service
Drink Specials
¸
Free
¸ Pool Every Day
Music Every
¸
102 W. Mound View Ave., Belmont, Wisconsin Saturday Night
(USH 151, Exit 26) (608) 762-5437 105 W. Commerce St.
Belmont, WI Across from the
¸
Open 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. (608) 762-5193 Pecatonica Trail
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Benton
The life of Father Samuel Mazzuchelli and
the area’s history are intertwined like a grapevine
wreath. Mazzuchelli, an Italian missionary who
came to serve on what was then the American
frontier, is buried in Benton. He has been named
venerable, the first step toward sainthood.
Mazzuchelli was pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic
Church when he died. You can see his simple
three-room living quarters and his gravesite in
the village. Mazzuchelli’s influence went beyond
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religious to civic realms. He was chaplain to
the territorial legislature, founded schools, and
befriended Native Americans. If Mazzuchelli is
declared a saint, his gravesite and St. Augustine
could become national and even international
shrines.
Other artifacts of Benton history are stored
a
came to the area, the town was moved three miles at the 1851 Village School House, which has class records dating
southeast to its present location to connect with the back to the 1870s. Swindler’s Ridge Museum, named for a mining
yette County
railroad. Today, the Council House and the Supreme area north of Benton, has among its exhibits two working models
Court Building have displays of historical exhibits. of old-time mines and military items from World War I to Desert
The First State Capitol Historical Site is open daily Storm.
for tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day or by While its history is evident, so is Benton’s future. The
appointment. village has a new wastewater treatment plant that is at half
Belmont Mound State Park has plenty of room for capacity and a new water tower (although the historic stone
picnics and a 64-foot observation tower that provides one still proudly stands), while the community is also home to
a panoramic view of three states. The Pecatonica Trail a new school, numerous new houses, and a business incubator
which starts (or ends) here offers many recreational building. Benton’s forward-thinking motto is “Room to Grow.”
choices for ATVs, hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders,
dirt bikes, and snowmobiles. The 9.6-mile limestone
surfaced trail joins the Cheese Country Trail at
Blanchardville
Calamine, which links the communities of Mineral Nestled in a scenic valley in the northeast corner of
Point and Monroe. The Pecatonica Trail runs through Lafayette County, the Village of Blanchardville offers small
the scenic valley of Bonner Branch, where a variety of town living within commuting distance from Madison. Along
wildlife and vegetation can be observed. Bond Park, Blanchardville’s Main Street you’ll find stores offering cheese,
located adjacent to the Pecatonica Trail, has picnic gifts, fine art, cottage industry arts, antiques, and hardware.
and fitness areas and a shelter with restrooms. Enjoy home-style cooking at the Viking Café or a beverage
“Brass & Brats” Music Festival, held at the school and food at one of the three pub and grills. Sit back and sip
grounds features performances by the Dubuque Colts your favorite coffee with a delicious pastry at The Grapevine
Drum & Bugle Corp, the Colt Cadets, and other local on the corner next to the river. Situated along the banks of
musicians. This free annual event offers one and all the Pecatonica River is beautiful McKellar Park, featuring 9
an evening full of great entertainment and food. The full-service campsites, picnic area and shelter, playground,
Belmont School and Community Fair (Wisconsin’s swimming pool, and ball diamonds. In cooperation with the
oldest and free) is held the second weekend after DNR and FEMA, a wetlands area is being developed. If you are
Labor Day. It starts with school activities and goes canoeing the Pecatonica, Blanchardville is an ideal launch or
on to include a livestock show, carnival, kid’s games, take out site. If ATV fun is more your style, the Lafayette Tri
horse show, parade and dance. County ATV Trail from Fayette ends at Hwy 78 in the village.
When in the area, please patronize our advertising
businesses. Southwest Wisconsin’s largest 24-hour
travel center features a restaurant, CAT scale, and
a RV dump station. A national chain hotel which
features 50 rooms, swimming pool, whirlpool, a 550-
seat convention center, and a 75-seat conference
room makes a visit to Belmont comfortable and
convenient.
For further information, please visit our
website www.belmontwi.com, send an e-mail to
vilbelm@mhtc.net or call (608) 762-5142.
Cruis’n Wisconsin Car Show
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• Beautiful Bicycling and Canoeing 25th Anniversary
• Quaint Main Street Cruis’n Wisconsin
• Public Camping in town on
Car Show
the Pecatonica River July 10, 2011
• Public Pool & Playground in
McKellar Park
McKellar Park All stock to 2005 and modified to present
130+ trophies - 42 classes
• Only 8 miles from 3 “Best of Class” trophies in each class
Yellowstone Lake Larger classes-4 or more trophies
_________________ Dash plaques presented to first 400
vehicles (last year 406 registered).
• Annual Father’s Day Judged show
Chicken BBQ, June 19
Non-food, craft, and other vendors,
• 25th Annual Cruis’n Wisconsin door prizes, 50/50 raffle, T-shirts,
Car, Cycle and Truck Show, beer and food available.
PO Box 52
July 10 Blanchardville, WI 53516 Information: 608-523-4810
Other features include: Elvis, & other singers, impersonator
• Homecoming Celebration – www.blanchardville.com Mike Person, pinstriper & sign painter Jim Hetz, Full Boar
the weekend of September 24 info@blanchardville.com machine shop, and Dyno, plus others.
204 S Main St Your Local Food Store
Blanchardville, WI BELLEVILLE
608-523-1888 608-424-1986
Hours: 9AM – 5PM Closed TUE BLANCHARDVILLE
608-523-1441
Locally Produced Check out our weekly ad at
www.Burresons.com
•
•
Fine Arts, Fiber Art
Other Handcrafted Creations The PECATONICA Grapevine
• Farm Meats 201 South Main Street
Blanchardville
• Organic Groceries & Coffee Blanchardville, WI
608-523-4569
Get a schedule www.rivervalleytrading.com
Visit us on Facebook for more Info. Espresso ~ Food ~ Gifts ~ Wine
Yellowstone Lake
Dairy Stand
Located within
Yellowstone Lake State Park
The 608-523-4505
VikinG Cafe Full menu, snacks and
select camping supplies.
Home ’
Boat rental, bait and tackle available
523-4327
Cookin
at landing below dairy stand.
210 S. Main Street LAkevieW Dining
Husie’s Bar & Grill Lodging Available
in the historic
“Hotel Blanchard”
Breakfast Monday - Saturday, 6 am - 11 am • Sunday 7 am - Noon
Lunch SPECIALS Monday thru Friday WIFI Available
Friday Night Fish, Prime Rib • Saturday Prime Rib Near Canoeing,
Homemade Pizzas & Chargrill • Pool and Music! ATV Trail, State Park
211 S. Main ~ Phone 523-4085 608-523-4888 Facebook Toby’s Place
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maker in Darlington and soon discovered that he was an
accomplished juggler and skilled entertainer. The eldest
of five brothers, the young man’s name was Al Ringling.
In short order all the brothers were bitten by the circus
bug as the golden age of American circus history
entered full bloom. In 1907 the Ringling brothers
purchased the larger and older Barnum and Baily Circus
and the rest, as they say, is history.
“We have fun all year around in Darlington,”
according to Suzi Osterday, director of the Darlington
Chamber/Main Street. “There is a treasure of outdoor
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activities waiting for families and people of all
Blanchardville Father’s Day Chicken Barbeque ages. Just a few include camping, fishing, canoeing,
horseback riding, birding, plus ATV riding, biking or
snowmobiling on the 47 mile multi-purpose Cheese
Right next to the bridge over the Pecatonica is the Country Trail.” Trail riders can rent ATV’s adjacent
Blanchardville Historical Society, a museum of artifacts to the trail and you will find full campground hookup
detailing the history of Blanchardville and offering a self- facilities as well.
guided walking tour of the historical buildings. The village A touch and taste of the Latin culture heats up
a
was established in 1844 by a small group of Mormons lead by in Darlington annually the first Saturday in May. The
Samuel Horner. Horner built a water-powered gristmill, which vibrant local Hispanic community leads the way with
yette County
was bought by Alvin Blanchard in 1855. After the Mormon Mariachi bands, dancers in authentic costumes, Pinatas
colony disappeared around 1857, the community became and games for the kids. Traditional American fare
Blanchardville. is served along with fabulous home-made Mexican
Events in Blanchardville include the Father’s Day Chicken delicacies. Fun for the whole family! For four days
Barbeque, Cruis’n Wisconsin Car, Truck and Cycle show on over the second full weekend in June, Darlington goes
the second Sunday in July, Jamm 2-day music festival and a little crazy. Canoe Festival is a summer party that
Pecatonica River Art Confluence in August, and in October, packs in over 35 events. Stock car races, softball,
a uniquely “Blanchardville” tradition of a whole community
true Homecoming celebration involving the school, alumni
from across the country, and community in a Friday night
torchlight-parade, and bonfire, a fun, slightly wacky Saturday
homecoming parade, and a football game, with packed taverns
on Friday and Saturday nights, often providing live music.
For more information about Blanchardville, please call
the Village Clerk at (608) 523-4521 or check the website at
www.blanchardville.com.
Darlington
Welcome to Darlington. Jousha Darling never knew what
he missed. In the mid-1800s, Darling, a wealthy investor and
banker from Warsaw, New York, learned that the southwest
region of Wisconsin was in the midst of a roaring lead mining
land boom. Darling sent his agents to purchase land that
could eventually be developed into a village that would serve
the flood of European miners and their families drawn by
the prospect of potential riches. In
1850, valuable land adjacent to the Restaurant, At the Darlington
Lounge & Super 8 – In the
Pecatonica River was purchased by business park
Banquet
Darling’s agent. No record exists that off Hwys.
Center
Darling ever visited the site of his 81 & 23
investment.
Darlington Super 8
Darling’s legacy is now the county
100% Smoke-Free Facilites
seat of Lafayette County. Darlington
Banquet & Conference Center • Lounge
has enjoyed a rich and colorful history Free SuperStart® Breakfast • Indoor Pool (608) 776-2450
in the heart of the beautiful hills of Free Wireless Internet • Suite & Meeting Room Full Service
Lunch & Dinner
southwest Wisconsin. In 1879, two
brothers, Joe and Albert Parson,
All Rooms with Coffee Maker & Hair Dryer
Children 17 & Under Stay Free with Adult
Tues. – Fri.
Sat. Dinner only 1
$ .00 Off
Lunch 11:00 am-1:00 pm
organized a small circus and museum Dinner 5:00-9:00 pm Friday Fish Fry
Hwy. 81 W, 1/4 mi. W. of Hwy. 23 • 201 Christensen Dr. Sun. Brunch Only
or
that traveled to nearby towns. They 9:00 am-1:30 pm Sunday Brunch!
(608) 776-8830 Destination Fri. Night Fish Fry One coupon per customer per visit. .
One cOupOn per custOmer per visit
hired a young man working as a harness 1.800.800.8000 • super8.com • super8darlington.com Super sm
5:00-9:00 pm
Offer expires 12/31/10.
Offer expires 12/31/11.
Restaurant, Lounge
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Darlington
WISCONSIN
Canoe The Pecatonica
at Canoe Fest!
Latin Festival - May 7 Harvest Festival - September 18
Canoe Festival - June 9-12 Home for the Holidays - December 3
“A Darling Town
With A Darling Name’’
Tunes at Twilight - July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Lighted Christmas Parade
www.darlingtonwi.org
608-776-3067 • www.darlingtonwi.org
Southwest Graphics Gallery, Framing & Gifts
424 Main Street • Darlington, WI 53530
(608) 776-4042
email: swg@mhtc.net • www.swggallery.com
45th Annual
191 Christensen
Darlington Darlington Canoe Festival
June 9, 10, 11 & 12, 2011
608-776-2727 Featuring: Road Run, Softball & Volleyball Tournaments,
Hours: M-F 6 am-10 pm; S-S 8 am-10 pm. Craft Fair, Talent Show, Harmony & Highlights,
Fireworks, Parade
Serving breakfast until 11 am. Canoe Races – Sunday, June 12th
Riverwood Restaurant Pecatonica River Trails Park
128 Main Street 608-776-8910 Near: Historic Downtown • Pecatonica River
• Cheese Country Recreation Trail
Hours: 6 am - 9 pm Sunday-Thursday
6 am-10 pm Friday & Saturday 32 sites • 30 with electricity
• restrooms • showers • RV dump station
Carryouts Available • picnic tables • playground equipment
Homemade Soups 400 Washington Street • 608-776-4970
Daily Specials www.darlingtonwi.org
ATV, Motorcycle,
Snowmobile, Lawn Mowers
Parts, Service, Accessories,
and RENTALS
“A gathering of antiques and home accessories” Mike McKillip-owner
` 231 Washington Street
319 Main Street, Darlington, WI 53530 • (608) 776-8722 visit us on the web at Darlington, WI 53530
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9:30-5 • Sun. 11-3 • Closed Holidays www.mikesengine.com 608-776-2304
Trailview Cabins, LLC
231 Washington St. • Darlington, WI 53530
Cabins and Farmhouse on the Cheese Country Rec Trail
608-776-2304 or 608-482-2934
email: trailviewcabins@hotmail.com
Julie McKillip, Owner website: www.mikesengine.com
Pins & Pieces Quilt Shop
208 Main St., Darlington, WI 53530
MATHYS SPORTING GOODS
Find All Your Hunting Accessories
608-776-2116 • pinspiecesquilt@centurytel.net 226 Main Street – Downtown Darlington
Quality Quilting & Fleece, Fabrics Hours: Monday-Friday 7 am-8 pm
Barn Quilt Maps Available Saturday 7 am-6 pm, Sunday 8:30 am-4 pm
Monday-Friday 9:30-5:30 • Saturday 9ish - 3ish (608) 776-3729
Chateau
More than Horseback Riding!
HI-VIEW FARM Pony Camp • Pony Birthday Parties
Private Lessons • Hunter Lodging
Floral & Decor 13281 Dublin Road, Darlington, WI 53530
325 Main Street, Darlington, Wisconsin 608.776.3232 608-776-4719 • 608-482-1870 (cell)
Open Monday - Saturday Facebook Chateau Floral www.hi-viewfarm.com
Harold Ruef Fax: (608) 776-4631
FIRST NATIONAL BANK at Darlington Al’s Trucking
See us "FIRST" for all your banking needs
"Your Hometown Independent Bank"
Company, Inc.
BUS AND CHARTER SERVICE
245 Main Street, Darlington, WI 53530 Phone: (608) 776-4060
(608) 776-4071 • www.fnbdarlington.com
123 E. River Street, PO Box 190
Member F.D.I.C. Darlington, WI 53530
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baseball, volleyball tournaments, kids shows, parade rivers. Its train depot
and fireworks are part of the fun. A canoe race down was one of the largest
the Pecatonica River, road runs, duck races, talent show, in the area, serving the
teen dance, carnival, plenty of fair food and ATV events bustling community
add to the party. that had three hotels
A summer concert series is held every Sunday and a thriving
evening in July at 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. on the banks of the commercial district.
river. Bring a blanket, chairs and a good appetite as Volunteers are
summer treats are sold on the grounds. An early autumn restoring the depot.
party is welcomed in Darlington on the third Sunday in Other historic buildings
September. Hop aboard with family and friends for a have found many new Anton’s Saloon, LLC
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country hayride, listen to country and bluegrass music, uses, including a “Home of the Macho Burger”
food, games, pumpkin bowling, chicken bingo and a restaurant-hotel, pub
giant pumpkin race on the Pecatonica River. Join us for and grill, and specialty New Diggings, Wisconsin
a “Day in the Country.” stores. (608) 965-4881 • digs98@mhtc.net
Saturday evening, December 3, 2011 is a must see
in Darlington when Christmas comes alive during the
lighted Christmas Parade on Main Street followed by a
New Diggings
festival on the river banks with a visit from Santa and Nestled in the hills about five miles southeast of Benton, is
a
the lighting of the floating Christmas trees. Festivities New Diggings. If these hills could talk, they would tell the story
start at 6:30 p.m. with hot chocolate, chili and bonfires of the early miners who flocked to the area making this a small
yette County
to warm your hands. city in the early 1800’s. The rise and fall of the mining industry
brought prosperity and then decline as people moved, buildings
Gratiot and business disappeared. Nevertheless, there are remains
of this rich history. At the top of the hill is the only remaining
This community is a good place to stop for wood church of the two dozen that Fr. Mazzuchelli designed and
refueling – both for you and your vehicle, refreshments had built. St. Augustine Catholic Church, built in 1844, stands
and relaxation. The village sits on the Cheese without alterations. It still has the altar, pews, Stations of the
Country Recreational Trail which was once a rail Cross, and other furnishings that were there when Mazzuchelli
corridor. The trail is for hikers, bicyclists, ATV riders, served as pastor. A miracle attributed to him needs to be proven
horseback riders, and, in winter, cross country skiers for him to be named a saint, and, for some, the survival of St.
and snowmobilers. In winter the trail is a hub for Augustine Church is a miracle in itself. Is it divine providence
snowmobile trails extending into Illinois. that a wooden church could stand 160 years? The Meneely
Wolf Creek Campground is great for ATV users bell in the steeple, forged in 1847, not only called people to
having sites with water and electricity for $15 per Mass, but also signaled the end of the work day in the mining
night. A dump station is a short distance away. The community.
campground is within walking distance of village pubs In contrast, at the foot of the hill, a busy bar and a thriving
and restaurants. A bathroom and shower facility are saloon greet visitors, many arriving on motorcycles. Anton’s
available. Saloon serves Macho Burgers next to a round oak wood stove,
often with live music for entertainment. Antiques adorn the
walls and with a little imagination, you might glimpse a bit of an
early miner’s life. In summer, visitors can relax in an outdoor
beer garden out back. Special “Taco Thursdays” brings carloads
of people from the tri-state area.
Shullsburg
Welcome to Shullsburg, Wisconsin’s oldest Irish community
and third oldest city. Shullsburg is rich in history, architecture,
and commerce.
Gratiot Campground Fur traders first traversed the area as early as 1815.
Shower Facility Locations of rich lead deposits were made known to Jesse Shull
in the summer of 1826 at present day Shullsburg. A great “Lead
In May there is a Ride for a Reason Fundraiser, Rush” immediately followed. Lead and zinc mining continued for
along with a car show and dance. Gratiot fire department 150 years.
fish boils are always the last Saturday in April and the The “architecture” of the first 1826 prospectors consisted of
first Saturday in November; and the annual chicken crudely covered holes dug in the ground. These prospectors were
barbecue is held the Monday of Labor Day Weekend, appropriately called badgers after the small ornery animals that
along with a great parade, music and ballgames. St. lived in dug-out burrows. Impressive rock structures by Cornish
Joseph Catholic Church has a roast beef dinner the first and Irish immigrants sprang up in the 1830s and ‘40s. Brick was
Sunday of October. the popular choice by the 1880s. Many of the buildings from the
Gratiot is at the junction of the Pecatonica and Wolf 1830s on are still in use. Styles include Federal, Greek Revival,
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Shullsburg
Cheesefest
www.shullsburgwisconsin.org Shops Open
(608) 965-4579 Year-Round
"A Bit of Yesteryear"
2011 Calendar Of events
Concerts In The Park – July 14, 21, 28 & Aug. 4
Enjoy great music in lovely Badger Park.
Join us for treats before the music begins.
Cheesefest – October 1
Free Live Entertainment • Arts & Crafts Fair
Hayrides & Scarecrow Contest
Cheese Curd Eating Contest • Great Food
“A Bit Of yesteryear” Christmas – November 25-27
Open House – Water Street Shops & Restaurants
Saturday – November 26
Holiday Tour Of Homes • Pasty Luncheon
Romanesque, Children’s Activities • Lighted Christmas Parade
Gothic, Italianate,
Victorian, and
many very
interesting
vernacular types.
The first
commerce in
the area was Cheese factory with
fur trapping and hunting, followed by lead mining. Mercantile and professional visitor viewing area.
endeavors soon followed. Shullsburg started as a true wild-west prospecting town.
Shullsburg is proud of its Nationally Registered Historic Water Street Open Daily
Business District. Forty-four buildings are listed on the National Register. Many 15982 Hwy. 11
are restored and occupied by thriving businesses. Thirty unique specialty shops Shullsburg, WI 53586
in 12 buildings, several restaurants and pubs, historic inns for lodging make your www.roellicheese.com
visit memorable. Enjoy great meals and drinks. Shop for antiques, furniture,
accessories, jewelry and more. Shullsburg is the home of Shullsburg Cheese, a 608-965-3779 • 800-575-4372
local brand and time honored tradition since 1934, now marketed throughout the
country.
Bring your family and friends to spend a day, weekend or more in
Woodford
Shullsburg—truly your destination to discovery. Check the website at An important pioneer community
www.shullsburgwisconsin.org for more information. because of is location along the
east branch of the Pecatonica River,
South Wayne Woodford is now noted as the home
to Black Hawk Memorial Park, a
The main avenue of commerce, Wisconsin 11, runs smack through South county park and primitive campground
Wayne, and businesses are clustered beside it. But there’s also a commercial that includes not only the river
district on the main drag, Center Street, just south of the highway. but Horseshoe and Blood lakes. A
Every summer, the community cuts loose with the Red Cracker Music monument in the park commemorates
Festival, a celebration of entertainment that helps raise funds for the village park. the Battle of the Pecatonica, one of only
The event continues to grow in size and distinction, attracting more and more three Wisconsin engagements in the
people to the village during the final weekend in July. Black Hawk War of 1832. History comes
The village celebrated its centennial in 1989. The railroad brought regular alive the first weekend in May as the
trains to the settlement, prompting an 1881 written history to predict “probably Yellowstone Cap and Flint Club puts on
there will be a village there yet.” It was originally named Collins, after the railroad the Bloody Lake Rendezvous re-enacting
superintendent. But there was another Collins in the state, so it was named life in the 1840s. More information
Wayne in honor of Revolutionary War hero “Mad” Anthony Wayne, and South was about the park is available by calling
added to distinguish it from the community of Wayne in northeast Wisconsin. It 608-465-3472.
was also called “Lost Township” because the original government survey was lost
on the way to the U.S. Land Office.
Just four miles west of South Wayne is Pilgrim’s Pantry, a bakery and
Cheese Country
bulk foods store run by an Amish Recreation Trail
Ace Concrete Mennonite family. A mile or so west of
the village is a memorial marker that This 47-mile multi-use trail
traverses from Monroe to Mineral Point,
2499 Robert Homb Memorial Drive commemorates the Spafford Creek
Massacre, where Sauk Indians killed passing through the Lafayette County
South Wayne, WI
four men in the 1832 Black Hawk War. communities of South Wayne, Gratiot,
608-439-5349 Darlington and Calamine along the way.
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u www.hiddenvalleys.com u Hidden Valleys
u lafayette County u
vistas only enhance the outdoor
experience as you get away from all
your troubles and worries, enjoying
the leisurely journey downstream.
Yellowstone Lake
State Park
This 970-acre state park
– with an additional 455-acre
man-made lake – plays year-round
laf
host to visitors who enjoy outdoor
recreational experiences and want
to learn about the area’s natural
surroundings. It offers guests
ample space to enjoy camping,
swimming, fishing, boating, nature
interpretations, hiking, biking,
a
picnicking, canoeing, snowmobiling
and cross-country skiing. The park
has 150 campsites that range from
yette County
primitive to modern but they tend
to fill up fast during the summer
months. More information about
The all-season trail, which follows the Pecatonica River along the park is available by calling the ranger station at
an abandoned railroad corridor, is open to bicyclists, horse 608-523-4427.
riders, ATVers, snowmobilers, hikers and cross-country skiers. Visit the following websites for other locations:
Local ATV and snowmobile clubs help maintain the trail, which www.lafayettecounty.org www.argylewi.org
meanders through oak and maple woodlots, past farmsteads www.belmontwi.com www.benton.wi.us
and terraced fields of grain, and along gorgeous stands of www.blanchardville.com www.darlingtonwi.org
native prairie wildflowers (the same ones that inhabited the www.shullsburgwisconsin.org
region when the first settlers arrived more than a century and
a half ago). Visitors can rent ATVs or snowmobiles, depending
upon the season, in Darlington. The Pecatonica Trail branches
off the Cheese Country Trail in Calamine and proceeds west for
10 miles to Belmont. In addition, there is a network of local Choice
“club” trails throughout the county available to both ATVers
and snowmobilers. Information about these trails is available
Destination
by calling 608-776-4048.
Fever River
The western quarter of the county boasts the Fever
River – known as the Galena River south of the border in
Illinois – which is home to one of the top fisheries in all of the
continental United States. Its pristine waters and plentiful fish
can challenge and thrill anglers of all skill levels. The river and
its fresh-water tributaries slice through what was once the
heart of the lead-mining region of America, bringing a sense of
history to this outstanding recreational fishery.
Pecatonica River
If you’re interested in relaxing and enjoying a quiet,
peaceful outing through the Driftless Area of Southwest
Wisconsin, the Pecatonica River is just the ticket for a day of
canoeing or tubing. The west branch (with boat launches in
Calamine, Darlington, Gratiot and South Wayne) and the east
branch (with launches at Blanchardville, Argyle and Woodford) Winter on the
offer tranquil “floats” through woods, prairies and farmsteads Pecatonica River
with views of bluffs and rock outcroppings. The panoramic
Hidden Valleys
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