We absolutely love this old mining town in far southwest Wisconsin where visitors can dig up some new surprises. Delicious dining, charming shops, and fascinating attractions can all be found in downtown Platteville WI. Looking for a getaway to a classic and unique town? Platteville is an ideal day trip destination. And if you’ve ever wondered about things to do in Platteville, here’s what’s waiting for you inside one of the best small towns in Wisconsin. 

Platteville was settled in the 1820s as a lead mining town.
downtown Platteville, WI
Facebook / The City of Platteville, Wisconsin
It was in the heart of lead mining country, and some old mines were dug in the area that’s now the city – if you drive around town, you might notice that some streets don’t quite line up. That's because they were routed around mines!
Today, the city has about 11,000 people, a population that’s boosted by the University of Wisconsin Platteville.
Facebook / Platteville Regional Chamber
The school was once a big mining school, and in the 1920s, students constructed a giant M on a nearby hillside. You can still see the M a few miles out of town and even hike to the top of the hill for a panoramic view.
The city has some interesting attractions – you can tour the 1845 Bevans Lead-Zinc Mine and learn about the life of early settlers at the beautiful Mitchell-Rountree Stone Cottage Museum.
Facebook / Platteville Regional Chamber

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Platteville's charming downtown is a pleasant place for an afternoon stroll.
downtown Platteville, WI
Facebook / The City of Platteville, Wisconsin
Main Street will take you through the heart of the city; during the holidays, it’s especially timeless and beautiful. On some nights during the holiday season, there are carriage rides, and hot roasted chestnuts served right on the street.
There is a mix of interesting businesses tucked into the historic storefronts, including the Driftless Market, which sells a mix of local and organic products.
downtown Platteville, WI
Facebook / The City of Platteville, Wisconsin
You may work up a little hunger strolling Platteville’s downtown.
Facebook / Platteville Regional Chamber
Steve’s Pizza Palace is a good bet – it’s on Main Street near the city’s beautiful library. Steve’s has been around for more than 50 years, and it’s kept many university students well-fed over the years. After dinner, take a final stroll through the beauty of downtown Platteville WI.

Check out this cool YouTube video by Platteville Web Solutions with some great scenes from inside one of the best small towns in Wisconsin.

Learn more about Platteville on the Platteville Regional Chamber’s website. If you’re in town, pay them a visit at their log Welcome Center. Also, in case you want to extend your trip to this small town in Wisconsin, here’s a charming B&B in Platteville that we recommend for an overnight stay. 

If you enjoy discovering historic towns, check out this place where you can mine art and adventure.

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More to Explore

Small Towns In Wisconsin

Melanie J. | January 18, 2024

Aside from Platteville, what are some more unique small towns in Wisconsin?

From college towns to rural communities, these are the best small towns in Wisconsin that are worth visiting: 

  • Bayfield, Bayfield County
  • Elkhart Lake, Sheboygan County
  • Ripon, Fond du Lac County,
  • Sheboygan, Sheboygan County
  • Cedarburg, Ozaukee County
  • Hudson, St. Croix County
  • Princeton, Green Lake County
  • Westby, Vernon County
  • Ephraim, Door County
  • Lake Geneva, Walworth County
  • Mazomanie, Dane County
  • Port Washington, Ozaukee County

Read our article with more information about these small towns in Wisconsin that are perfect for a getaway.

Besides visiting a small town, what are some more day trip ideas in Wisconsin?

From winter wonderland adventures to shopping sprees and more, here are some cool day trip ideas in Wisconsin that we like the best: 

  • Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures, Lake Geneva
  • St. Peter's Dome State Natural Area, Marengo
  • Door County Wine Trolley Tour, Egg Harbor
  • Craft Barn, Galesville
  • Accelerate Indoor Speedway Milwaukee, Waukesha
  • Daggett Memorial, Montello
  • Cherry Train Tour, Washington Island
  • Beaver Creek Reserve, Fall Creek
  • Lost Canyon Tours, Lake Delton
  • Vino in the Valley, Maiden Rock
  • Lambeau Field, Green Bay

Discover more by reading our article about cool day trip ideas in Wisconsin.

What are some of the most unique attractions in Wisconsin?

There are tons of unique attractions in Wisconsin that belong on your bucket list and here are 10 that we recommend: 

  • Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds
  • Apostle Islands Sea Caves, Bayfield
  • Big Manitou Falls, Superior
  • The Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Mayville
  • Miller Brewery Tour in Milwaukee
  • Niagara Escarpment, Eastern Wisconsin
  • Witches Gulch, Dell Prairie
  • Amnicon Falls State Park, South Range
  • Cave Point County Park, Sturgeon Bay
  • EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh

Check out our website for more unique attractions in Wisconsin that belong on your bucket list. 

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Platteville, WI 53818, USA