Tourist Attractions:

There are plenty of tourist attractions in and around our community. Below are some of the most popular places worth visiting during your stay.

 

Vernon County Summer Concerts Series 

This series is to bring awareness to our county parks during the summer season and allow the greater community to come together. The Friends of Vernon County Parks encourages concertgoers to bring a chair or blanket to sit on and to always dress appropriately for the concert and the weather, invite their family and friends, and bring their own beverages and/or food. https://www.facebook.com/vernoncountyfriends

 

Bike, Cross Country, and Snowshoe Store/Rental

 

• Blue Dog Cycle offers complete bike sales and professional bike service for the family, mountain and road cyclists, snowshoers, and skiers. Spring - fall, group road, and mountain bike rides head out weekly (check it out on our Facebook page).  You can probably find us building trails when we're not in the shop. In addition to running the shop, we host several events, including a kids bike camp, Camp Bluedog, and the Pertnear 20 - an annual bike race that showcases the amazing trails we have helped develop and nurture over the years. 

608-637-6993

201 S. Main St. Viroqua WI, 54665

 

Art Gallery

• Viva, the most popular art gallery in the area, is located in Main Street Station, a short five-minute drive away.

 

Wine, Cheese, and Breweries 

• It's a fun way to spend a day winding through the Driftless Area sipping on wine and tasting cheeses. Wine tasting rooms generally close at 5:00 p.m. Trail map available on this link. Driftless Wine and Cheese Trail

• We have experienced all of these places on the list and have enjoyed them ALL! Go on an adventure and explore the area. Breweries, Wineries and Vineyards of the Driftless Area

• https://www.greatriverroadwinetrail.org

 

Museums

• We have plenty of small museums in our area. Check out the Vernon County Museum website: https://www.vernoncountyhistory.org/vcmuseum/vcmuseum.php

• Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center Inc., Norskedalen has historic buildings, a museum and nature center, and 9 miles of hiking trails on over 400 acres, among many other things. You can rent snowshoes for $5 a pair at the center. There are many different events held annually. Their mission is to preserve and interpret the region's natural environment and cultural heritage. https://www.norskedalen.org/ N455 O Ophus Rd., LaCrosse, WI 54601 

 

Parks and Activities

 

• Wildcat Mountain State Park-Hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, and groomed cross-country skiing trails. It is a beautiful and scenic drive to the park.  https://stateparks.com/wildcat_mountain_state_park_in_wisconsin.html       

 E 13660 Hwy 33

Ontario, WI 54651

 

• Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center, plan to paddle or fish for trout on the Kickapoo River, ride on horseback, bike, hike, snowshoe, and groomed cross-country skiing trails through the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, then a stop at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center is a must! http://kvr.state.wi.us/Home

S3661 State Hwy 131

La Farge, WI 54639

        (608) 625-2960

 

• Canoe the Kickapoo, you are just minutes away from the Kickapoo River which is one of the most popular paddling rivers in Wisconsin.  This narrow and twisty river is a lot of fun and super scenic because of all its dramatic sandstone outcrops. There are numerous rental companies in Ontario including: Kickapoo Valley Yacht Club (Rockton Bar), Kickapoo Wild Adventures, LLC, Drifty's Canoe Rental, Titanic Canoe Rental and Mr Ducks Canoe Rental LLC to name a few.

 

•  Bigley Park, a great spot to visit during your stay. It is a lovely shaded park with a large climbing area for children on the upper half of the park and a baseball field in the lower section. Great sledding hill in the winter months. The upper half of the park address is: 475 W Decker St., Viroqua, WI 54665, and the lower section of the park address is: Tom Henry Ct., Viroqua, WI 54665

 

• Viroqua Hills Country Club, 18 Hole Golf Course.. In the winter, they have groomed Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing for free use. 1110 US-14, Viroqua, WI 54665

 

• Snowflake Ski & Golf Club, 9 Hole Golf Course. Annual Ski Jumping Tournament in February. E7940 County Rd P, Westby, WI 54667. https://snowflakeskiclub.com/

 

• Sidie Hollow Park-Hiking, fishing, electric boats, kayaking, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. E6051 County Road XX, Viroqua, WI 54665

 

• Hubbard Hills-Off road biking trail and hiking. There are about three entrances to the trail. The one close to the cabin is on East Sidie Hollow Rd. going towards Viroqua. Right by the second bridge, you pass on the way on the right-hand side. A small parking area is available. It’s within biking and walking distance of ½ mile from the cabin. The main entrance is 561 W Maple St, Viroqua, WI 54665

 

• Esofea County Park-Hiking, fishing, and snowshoeing in the winter months. In another beautiful valley in the area. Park Rd, Westby, WI 54667

 

• Runge Hollow Recreation Area-Fishing, hiking, kayaking, and snowshoeing in the winter months. County Rd Y, Westby, WI 54667

 

• Duck Egg County Forest, hiking, snowshoeing in the winter months. Irish Ridge Rd, Viroqua, WI 54665

 

• Norskedalen https://www.norskedalen.org/ Norskedalen (which means the Norwegian Valley) is a nature and heritage center dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the natural environment and cultural heritage of the area surrounding Coon Valley in southwest Wisconsin. Norskedalen has so much to offer in so many different ways, exploring the region's natural beauty, regional history, and traditional cultural heritage. Snowshoeing and rentals are available for $5 a pair.

 

Fitness

• Anytime Fitness is available if you want to keep fit while in town; it’s open 24 hours

1218 N Main St.

Viroqua, WI 54665

 

Shopping:

A visit to Viroqua and Driftless Area would only be complete with a visit to Main Street downtown. Our unique Main Street offers a range of shopping options. 

Our rural countryside also boosts a large Amish community. Check this link for more information. https://driftlesswisconsin.com/explore/wisconsin-amish-country/ 

https://amishinamerica.com/ContactTheAmish.html

 

Main Street and Main Street Stations

• Main Street is a popular street with boutique shops and cafes. If you love shopping, you will love Main Street.

 

Groceries

 

• We have the Co+op downtown Viroqua, and Walmart and Aldi  are on the north end of town. There are also grocery stores in Westby (IGA), Cashton (IGA). 

 

Farmers Market

• Every Saturday, a local farmers market is held at the Western Technical College parking lot on Main Street. It is open from 8 to 1 mid-May through mid-October. Be sure to try local cuisine and different crafts
   

Restaurant Recommendations:
There are some lovely restaurants nearby, which I recommend you check out. Below are some of my favorites. I hope you enjoy them during your visit! I recommend you call ahead for reservations or carry out. 

Rockton Bar in Rockton has a great bar,  dining room, and outdoor seating. They serve a full menu with many delicious dishes daily—located in Rockton just a 3 minute drive down the hill. 
S2463 Rockton Loop Rd
La Farge, WI 54639
(608) 625-4395

Riversend Bar & Grill in Ontario has a great bar,  dining room, and outdoor seating. They serve a full menu. Their ribs and chicken are my favorite. 
314 Main St
Ontario, WI 54651
(608) 337-4803

Wildcat Bar and Grill in Ontario has an excellent ribeye steak. 
202 Main St.
Ontario, WI 54651
(608) 337-4832

Badger Crossing in Cashton serves delicious homestyle dishes at their charming restaurant. Located in a historic building in downtown Cashton, Wisconsin. This family-friendly eatery offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu that caters to all tastes.
909 Front St.
Cashton, WI 54619
(608) 654-5706

Hillsboro Brewing Co. in Hillsboro offers a solid award-winning lineup of over 40 craft brews, appetizers, specialty burgers, and pizzas. There is something for everyone at HBC. Beer brewed on-site in the renovated turn-of-the-century historic building in the heart of the Driftless Wisconsin Area will surely please your palate and warm your soul. ​
206 E Madison St
Hillsboro, WI 54634
(608) 489-7486

Wonderstate Coffee-The coffee beans are roasted here in Viroqua.  The cafe is on Main Street, a 1940s Mobil gas station turned specialty coffee shop. The transformation was an actual labor of love and drew upon many local talents to create a modern, bright space that is at the same time warm and welcoming. In 2018, the cafe received first place in the Speciality Coffee Association's Design Lab in the "spaces" category.
1201 N. Main St., Suite 10
Viroqua, WI 54665
(608) 637-2022

Driftless Cafe is located downtown and boasts our PBS Wisconsin Foodie Host, Luke Zahm. With over 200 certified organic farms in Vernon County alone, the Driftless Cafe utilizes the vast bounty and passion of the local farming community. It's definitely one of our favorites! The dinner menu is ever-changing and often isn’t finalized until early in the afternoon, allowing our chefs to fully utilize our seasonal focus and freshness in the menu concepts. Reservations are highly recommended.
118 W Court St.
Viroqua, WI 54665
(608) 637-7778

Historical Fortney is located near the Driftless Cafe. Beer, wine, charcuterie boards, and pizza from the Driftless Cafe are served. The Hotel Fortney, a Queen Anne-style design, was built in 1899 and rivaled big city hotels of the era. Follow us and share with others as we renovate one of Viroqua's Historic Landmarks; bringing back an icon on Viroqua's Main Street. Wednesday-Sunday 4-10 pm. 

Noble Rind  is located in the Historical Fornety. It offers the most amazing cheeses, meats, soups, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, wine, and more. A must stop!
110 West Court Street
Viroqua WI 54665
608-638-2743

Maybe Lately is located downtown and is a little diner that packs deliciousness into its food! A must-try! Absolutely amazing food!

Viroqua Food Co+op is located downtown, and it’s a must-stop on your vacation. VFC offers a Deli, coffee shop, and one-stop shopping experience in a beautiful and comfortable environment that matches the integrity of the products on our shelves. It’s a full-service grocery store emphasizing organic and local foods.It has an extensive bulk selection of body care and supplements, fresh local and organic produce and meats, craft beer, and artisan wines and cheeses from local farmers/producers, as well as from all around the world!

 Tangled Hickory Wine Bar, located in the heart of downtown Viroqua, offers bistro-style dishes, seasonal delicacies, decadent desserts, craft beers, martinis, and cocktails. The wine shop features the best of the Driftless area...and beyond!
The culinary team is proud to showcase the rich food culture our area is famous for. Fun and cozy for a date night or to unwind. 
120 S Main St
Viroqua, WI 54665
(608) 637-3031

Pacifico Mexican Grill has some of the best Mexican food in this area. Downtown Viroqua 
113 N Main St, 
Viroqua, WI 54665
(608) 638-1330

The Magpie Gelato is a family-owned business in the small town of Viroqua, Wisconsin. Our products include gelato, an espresso bar, crepes, and gift items, including work from local artisans. Our products are as organic and locally sourced as possible, and we strive to deliver an inviting and appealing environment for our town to enjoy.
113 S Main St Viroqua WI. 
(608) 667-0909

Kickapoo Creekside in Readstown has a great bar,  dining room, and outdoor seating. They serve a full menu with many delicious dishes daily—located in Readstown just 15 minutes south on Hwy 14. It is one of our favorites and has an extensive drink menu. Make sure to try one of their Old Fashions.
One of my favorite appetizers is Walleye Cheeks. 
827 W Kickapoo St, 
Readstown, Wisconsin 54652
(608) 629-5565


Gassers Bar & Grill, again downtown, is a great hangout spot to watch your favorite sporting game and have bar food.
910 N Main St.
Viroqua, WI 54665 
(608) 638-0134