The “Driftless Area” is an area of the United States that escaped glaciation. The last glacier hit around 12,000 years ago. Although this area spreads into a few states, 85% of it is contained within Wisconsin. If you haven’t been over to the western part of the state along the Mississippi River, you really need to. Come along as we show you some of the highlights and things to do in the Driftless area!

1. Outdoor Recreation

Chris Hartman/Flickr
If you are into hiking, biking or kayaking, there is no more beautiful place in Wisconsin to indulge. Pictured here, a kayaker makes his way down a river in La Farge.

2. Northern Wisconsin Co-Op Tobacco Pool Warehouse

Appraiser/Wikimedia
This Viroqua landmark was the first co-op grower initiative for tobacco. It was built in 1906 in the late Victorian style.

3. Pete's Hamburger Stand

Pete's Hamburger Stand/Facebook
Pete's Hamburger Stand has been in existence since 1909. They boil the burgers in some water, resulting in super juicy meat.

4. Kickapoo Valley

Joshua Mayer/Flickr
The Kickapoo Valley is jointly owned by Wisconsin and the Ho-Chunk Nation. The river system that runs through here is actually one of the oldest in the world because it was not disturbed by the glacier.

5. Gays Mills

Gays Mills, Wisconsin Facebook page
Gays Mills was put on the map for its apple production. Today, you can find a large number of orchards where you can pick delicious apples.

6. Cave of the Mounds

minnemom/Flickr
The natural limestone Cave of the Mounds will blow you away. Paved walkways and great lighting make this accessible even for young children.

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7. Wyalusing State Park

U.S. Department of the Interior/Flickr
Wyalusing State Park is located at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. The bluffs tower 500 feet above and provide you with an awesome view.

8. Interesting, fun shops you won't find anywhere else

EarlRShumaker/Flickr
For those who want to experience some great Wisconsin fishing, pictured here is the outside of the shop, The Driftless Angler, which is in Viroqua.

9. Sunsets

Anne Marie Peterson/Flickr
There are some pretty incredible places to see a beautiful Wisconsin sunset. All it requires is driving up and looking down into the valley.

10. Villa Bellezza Winery and Vineyards

Villa Bellezza Winery and Vineyards/Facebook
There are a lot of fine wineries throughout Wisconsin, but there are some truly amazing ones in the Driftless Area. Villa Bellezza Winery and Vineyards has award-winning wines in a truly stunning location.

11. Norskedalen

Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Site/Facebook
Cabins and historic reenactments help you learn about Wisconsin's early Norwegian settlers in the town of Norskedalen. It is great just to walk around as well.

12. Wild Foods

Torsten Reimer/Flickr
The climate and geography of this region create some amazing fresh produce, wild or not.

There are so many wonderful things to do in Driftless, Wisconsin that we can’t name them all!

What are some of your favorite attractions in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area? Can you suggest some other things to do in Wisconsin? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

For those who love hiking, you can find some great trails in and around the area by going to the AllTrails website.

For further Wisconsin explorations, be sure to read The Wisconsin Cave Tour In Eagle Cave That Belongs On Your Bucket List.

 

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More to Explore

More Wisconsin Adventures

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | January 26, 2024

Where can we go for a weekend getaway in Wisconsin?

  • Stoughton is brimming with its original Norwegian roots, and you can experience the community's restaurants, museums, galleries, and shops.
  • Sparta, known as the "Bicycling Capital of America," features several nationally known bike trails, and has one that was the first rails-to-trails bicycle route in the country.
  • Ripon was once named one of the "Coolest Small Towns in America" and is chock full of history.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other charming places to go for a weekend getaway in Wisconsin.

Where can we learn about Wisconsin history?

  • The Fur Trade Museum in Prairie du Chien is located in a building dating back to the early 1800s where fur trading took place in the early pioneer heydays.
  • Ten Chimneys in Waukesha started as a rejuvenation retreat for many Broadway actors back in the day, and today encompasses a large main house, pool house, cottage, greenhouse, Swedish log cabin studio, and more.
  • The Wade House Historic Site in Greenbush is a 240-acre open-air museum that details the age of horse-powered transportation via a former stagecoach hotel, sawmill, carriage house, and blacksmith.

Read on to learn about some of the many other places where you can learn about Wisconsin history.

Where can we enjoy scenic views in Wisconsin?

  • Wyalusing State Park features spectacular views from its spot at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers.
  • The Wisconsin Dells are known for their amazing views both at the lower levels as well as on the tall water features.
  • Kilbourn Park in Milwaukee offers fantastic views of downtown.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other places to enjoy scenic views in Wisconsin

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Featured Addresses
Driftless Ridge Way, Driftless Rdg Wy, Verona, WI 53593, USA