I'll confess: I'm completely obsessed with southwest Wisconsin. I think it is underrated for a lot of reasons but mainly, because the Driftless Area's unique and gorgeous terrain makes this region worthy of national attention. With a beautiful landscape comes a plethora of equally awesome events, festivals, parks and activities worth experiencing. Get your highlighter handy ... I'm throwing 10 creative ideas at you to discover in Wisconsin's stunning southwest corner.
1. Fish it, canoe it or tube down it - however you decide to relish Wisconsin's largest river, you'll be awestruck by the remarkable views and diverse wildlife that surround you on the Lower Wisconsin River.
2. Pack a picnic lunch, throw on a decent pair of hiking boots and tour the parks. Our top picks: Blue Mound State Park in Blue Mounds, Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area in Highland, Governor Dodge State Park in Dodgeville and Wyalusing State Park in Bagley.
3. Amidst the southwestern Driftless Area's steep hills and valleys are 345 lakes. This is definitely a fisherman's dream destination. The abundant trout inhabiting cold-water streams in Richland and Vernon counties specifically entice fishing aficionados from afar.
4. Up for a unique history lesson? Take a step back in time and visit Villa Louis in Prairie du Chien. Our crew recently spent some time filming at this former Dousman residence, one of the official Wisconsin Historic Sites. If you still haven't satisfied your hankering for history, go experience Stonefield Historic Site in Cassville for a look into a rural community at the turn of the 20th century, as well as the home and estate of Wisconsin's first governor at Nelson Dewey State Park.
5. A sightseeing staple here in Wisconsin, the House on the Rock in Spring Green definitely lives up to its fun and eclectic reputation. This former vacation home - created by Alex Jordan - is now enjoyed by thousands every year as an attraction, inn and resort.
6. Norskedalen is a nature and heritage center located in Coon Valley. Take a stroll on the six miles of nature trails and enjoy the guided tours of the restored Bekkum pioneer log homestead and the Skumsrud Heritage Farm, which features an open-air museum with 12 different types of Norwegian immigrant log houses.
7. When in Wisconsin, do as the Wisconsinites do: Appreciate cheese. Stop by Cedar Grove Cheese in Plain for a tour of the facility and a deep dive into the art of cheesemaking.
8. For the adrenaline junky, we've got just the thing. Southwest Wisconsin isn't just nature walks and sightseeing, the area can really get your heart pumping too. Get an adrenaline rush when you climb on-board a small plane to enjoy 60 seconds of free fall over Lancaster with Airborne Skydiving.
9. An impressive line-up of country music stars will touch down in Wisconsin's second oldest city for Country on the River, Aug. 6-8, 2015. Artists such as Alabama, Jake Owen, Dierks Bentley and Big and Rich will make this music fest a must.
10. Journey to Platteville's downtown historic district and check out the Mining Museum - Rollo Jamison Museum for an underground tour of the 1845 Bevans Lead Mine. Psst ... while you're in the area, be sure to climb the world's largest M for a spectacular view of southwest Wisconsin.
Share your favorite southwest Wisconsin destinations with me on Twitter by using hashtag #DiscoverWisconsin.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.
1. Fish it, canoe it or tube down it - however you decide to relish Wisconsin's largest river, you'll be awestruck by the remarkable views and diverse wildlife that surround you on the Lower Wisconsin River.
2. Pack a picnic lunch, throw on a decent pair of hiking boots and tour the parks. Our top picks: Blue Mound State Park in Blue Mounds, Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area in Highland, Governor Dodge State Park in Dodgeville and Wyalusing State Park in Bagley.
3. Amidst the southwestern Driftless Area's steep hills and valleys are 345 lakes. This is definitely a fisherman's dream destination. The abundant trout inhabiting cold-water streams in Richland and Vernon counties specifically entice fishing aficionados from afar.
4. Up for a unique history lesson? Take a step back in time and visit Villa Louis in Prairie du Chien. Our crew recently spent some time filming at this former Dousman residence, one of the official Wisconsin Historic Sites. If you still haven't satisfied your hankering for history, go experience Stonefield Historic Site in Cassville for a look into a rural community at the turn of the 20th century, as well as the home and estate of Wisconsin's first governor at Nelson Dewey State Park.
5. A sightseeing staple here in Wisconsin, the House on the Rock in Spring Green definitely lives up to its fun and eclectic reputation. This former vacation home - created by Alex Jordan - is now enjoyed by thousands every year as an attraction, inn and resort.
6. Norskedalen is a nature and heritage center located in Coon Valley. Take a stroll on the six miles of nature trails and enjoy the guided tours of the restored Bekkum pioneer log homestead and the Skumsrud Heritage Farm, which features an open-air museum with 12 different types of Norwegian immigrant log houses.
7. When in Wisconsin, do as the Wisconsinites do: Appreciate cheese. Stop by Cedar Grove Cheese in Plain for a tour of the facility and a deep dive into the art of cheesemaking.
8. For the adrenaline junky, we've got just the thing. Southwest Wisconsin isn't just nature walks and sightseeing, the area can really get your heart pumping too. Get an adrenaline rush when you climb on-board a small plane to enjoy 60 seconds of free fall over Lancaster with Airborne Skydiving.
9. An impressive line-up of country music stars will touch down in Wisconsin's second oldest city for Country on the River, Aug. 6-8, 2015. Artists such as Alabama, Jake Owen, Dierks Bentley and Big and Rich will make this music fest a must.
10. Journey to Platteville's downtown historic district and check out the Mining Museum - Rollo Jamison Museum for an underground tour of the 1845 Bevans Lead Mine. Psst ... while you're in the area, be sure to climb the world's largest M for a spectacular view of southwest Wisconsin.
Share your favorite southwest Wisconsin destinations with me on Twitter by using hashtag #DiscoverWisconsin.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.