Area Attractions in NE Iowa and SW Wisconsin
Iowa
PLAGMAN BARN SHOW DAYS
The Northeast Iowa Farm Antique Association is dedicated to the historical preservation as well as the education of our area youth demonstrating the area's early farm and home practices and techniques. Steam powered engines, single cylinder engines, and horse drawn equipment highlight our three day fall Show Days. Threshing oats, chopping silage, baling straw, cutting wood from logs, a working grist mill, blacksmith shop, butter churning, horse pull, antique tractor pull and other activities are on the daily calendar of events. There are numerous old pieces of machinery, household appliances, and memorabilia to look at. We also have music and dancing, food stands and shuttle service to make your tour enjoyable and more convenient. Come join us the third full weekend in September and revisit Iowa Farming of yesteryear.
FALL-der-ALL
Preserving the heritage of the Froelich, Iowa, village, a once thriving community that boasted of a depot, sawmill, blacksmith shop, a creamery, a general store and more. You can experience this long forgotten community offered at Fall-der-All Days in September.
www.froelichtractor.com
OSBORNE HERITAGE DAYS
Clayton County Conservation’s is proud to announce the 40th Anniversary of Osborne Heritage Days. Travel back in time to experience many of the sights, sounds, smells and activities of long ago on Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12, from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.each day. This free and fun family event is held in the Pioneer Village of Osborne Park, located 5 miles south of Elkader on Highway 13.
Clayton County Conservation
29862 Osborne Road, Elkader, IA 52043-8247
Phone: 563-245-1516
www.ClaytonCountyConservation.org
DRIFTLESS AREA WETLAND CENTRE
The Driftless Area Wetlands Centre is located just off Hwy 18 in Marquette, IA one-half mile west of the Marquette-Joliet Bridge and the Mississippi River.
We are grateful to those who have demonstrated their vision and belief in conservation efforts and effective management of public lands and waters for the betterment of all society. We can help them with their program of ecological education and preservation by making this Wetlands Centre a reality.
BACKBONE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, STRAWBERRY POINT, IOWA
A weekend of music, fun, camping, and reunions. Plan on attending the annual Backbone Bluegrass Festival. It is held the last weekend of July. Camping and food are available on the grounds.
Bring an instrument. Jamming is welcomed and encouraged.
The festival is held the last full weekend in July.
LOCK AND DAM 10, GUTTENBERG
Lock & Dam 10 has a public observation platform and restrooms open from dawn until dusk each day from April to November.
Constructed and placed in operation November 1937 the dam consists of a concrete dam 763 feet long with four roller gates and eight tainter gates. Earth embankment is 6,000 feet long with a concrete spillway 1,200 feet long. Lock is 110 feet wide by 600 feet long. Lock and Dam 10 is located on Mississippi River mile 615.0 near Guttenberg, Iowa.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
PO Box 849
Guttenburg, IA 52052-0849
Telephone: (563) 252-1261
Email
SHERMAN SWIFT TOWER
The Friends of the Sherman Swift Tower have erected a replica of Althea Sherman's 1915 chimney swifts' tower at National, Iowa, with the goal of chimney swifts nesting there. Althea Sherman (1853-1943) was a nationally known ornithologist who studied birds at her home in National, Iowa. National is on Hwy 52, six miles north of Garnavillo, Iowa. Visitors are always welcome. Tours of the tower replica will be given in the spring and fall, when swifts are not nesting in the tower. Watch for Althea's birthday celebration to be held in the month of October.
For more information, call 563-783-7791 or 563-964-2535.
ELKADER KEYSTONE BRIDGE
Another impressive limestone structure is the Keystone Arch Bridge in Elkader. Constructed in 1889, the bridge is the longest keystone arch bridge west of the Mississippi River the Keystone Arch Bridge is included on the National Register of Historic places, as well as 8 other Elkader structures.
ELKADER OPERA HOUSE
Built in 1903 boasts one of two surviving horseshoe balconies. Renovated in the style of the times, the opera house has an active performance schedule and is home to the Opera House Players and Keystone Chorus.
See what is currently showing here.
563-245-2098
LADY LUCK CASINO IN MARQUETTE
Check out the action at Lady Luck Casino!
100 Anti Monopoly St.Marquette IA 52158
Phone: 1-800-THE-ISLE (1-800-843-4753)
MOTOR MILL IN ELKADER
Built between 1867 & 1869, the 90-foot mill boasts six full stories & is believed to be the tallest structure of its kind in the Midwest. An inn, cooperage, icehouse & livery stable are also located on the site.
Motor Mill is on the National Register of Historic Places.
GROTTO AT NORTH BUENA VISTA
Housed in a bluff surrounding the community of North Buena Vista visitors will find a grotto that was built in the late 1930's during the Great Depression.
The town's residents used rocks from the local area and a 700-pound statue was ordered from Terra Cotto, Germany.
CASSVILLE CAR FERRY
The Cassville Car Ferry connects two National Scenic Byways: the Great River Road and the Iowa Great River Road. Discover the natural beauty and the quiet and peacefulness of days gone by as you enjoy a ride on the Cassville Car Ferry. Experience the magic of the majestic Mississippi River while traveling across the river between Northeast Iowa and Southwest Wisconsin! It is the oldest operating ferry service in the state of Wisconsin, making the same trip back and forth across the mighty Mississippi today as it did as far back as 1833. Ferry operation hours are available here. NOTE: It is advisable to confirm ferry schedule as it may be affected by river conditions. For information call 608-725-5180.
PLEASANT RIDGE (WILLE) SCHOOL HOUSE
The first class was in the fall of 1894 and the last class was held in the spring of 1954. The school has been located on the Wille farm for 4 generations. The original road to the school is now known as Lace Road and ended at the school. The building is made out of rock with a pebble dash texture. In 1916 the entry of the school was built by Antonn Wille. The cost was $77.80. Some original items remain and various records are on display. After closing in 1954, the building was used for storage. Renovations began in 2005.
Hours open: April thru October
1st Saturday of each month 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Except August - Last Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
After hours visits please call 563-252-3776.
For more information on one room school houses in Clayton County, please click here.
EAGLES LANDING WINERY
Eagles Landing Winery is a small family business located in downtown Marquette Iowa along the Mississippi River on the Great River Road. We planted our first grapes in 1999 and have been producing our own "Marquette Maid" branded wines since 2003. Our wines can be found at over 100 locations in northeast Iowa and Southwest Wisconsin.
Hours open: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 7 Days a week
For more information on Eagles Landing Winery, please click here.
PROMISELAND WINERY
PromiseLand Winery is a family-run operation, offering a one-of-a-kind experience, that will make you feel right at home. Inside the winery, you will find a spacious tasting room, an event room that can be used for small to medium-sized parties, and 5 boutiques that will fulfill your shopping needs! Feel free to take a walk or drive up to our vineyard to see where our award-winning wines began. Enjoy some music in the front courtyard when the weather is nice or warm up by a cozy fire when it’s too cold to be outside! Whatever the occasion, PromiseLand Winery is a unique and gorgeous destination!
Hours Open: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Thursday; 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday - Saturday; 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
For more information on PromiseLand Winery, please click here.
DNR Aquarium
Observe a large selection of live Mississippi River fish and trout found in local streams including live Mississippi River catfish. Northern Pike are spawned in the hatchery during the early spring months. Buttons made long ago in Guttenberg from shells are on display. The Guttenberg Aquarium and Fish Management Station is part of the Great River Road Interpretive Network and is linked to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque and other cultural sites that tell the stories of the Mississippi River.
Hours: The aquarium is generally open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May-October. Please contact the hatchery for specific opening and closing dates. For more information on DNR Aquarium please click here.
Address: 331 S. River Park Drive.
Phone: 563-252-1156
Backbone State Park
563-924-2527
1347 129th Street,
Dundee, IA
Pikes Peak State Park
563-873-2341
15316 Great River Rd,
McGregor, IA
Effigy Mounds National Monument
563-873-3491
3 miles N. of Marquette, IA
The Northeast Iowa Farm Antique Association is dedicated to the historical preservation as well as the education of our area youth demonstrating the area's early farm and home practices and techniques. Steam powered engines, single cylinder engines, and horse drawn equipment highlight our three day fall Show Days. Threshing oats, chopping silage, baling straw, cutting wood from logs, a working grist mill, blacksmith shop, butter churning, horse pull, antique tractor pull and other activities are on the daily calendar of events. There are numerous old pieces of machinery, household appliances, and memorabilia to look at. We also have music and dancing, food stands and shuttle service to make your tour enjoyable and more convenient. Come join us the third full weekend in September and revisit Iowa Farming of yesteryear.
FALL-der-ALL
Preserving the heritage of the Froelich, Iowa, village, a once thriving community that boasted of a depot, sawmill, blacksmith shop, a creamery, a general store and more. You can experience this long forgotten community offered at Fall-der-All Days in September.
www.froelichtractor.com
OSBORNE HERITAGE DAYS
Clayton County Conservation’s is proud to announce the 40th Anniversary of Osborne Heritage Days. Travel back in time to experience many of the sights, sounds, smells and activities of long ago on Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12, from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.each day. This free and fun family event is held in the Pioneer Village of Osborne Park, located 5 miles south of Elkader on Highway 13.
Clayton County Conservation
29862 Osborne Road, Elkader, IA 52043-8247
Phone: 563-245-1516
www.ClaytonCountyConservation.org
DRIFTLESS AREA WETLAND CENTRE
The Driftless Area Wetlands Centre is located just off Hwy 18 in Marquette, IA one-half mile west of the Marquette-Joliet Bridge and the Mississippi River.
We are grateful to those who have demonstrated their vision and belief in conservation efforts and effective management of public lands and waters for the betterment of all society. We can help them with their program of ecological education and preservation by making this Wetlands Centre a reality.
BACKBONE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, STRAWBERRY POINT, IOWA
A weekend of music, fun, camping, and reunions. Plan on attending the annual Backbone Bluegrass Festival. It is held the last weekend of July. Camping and food are available on the grounds.
Bring an instrument. Jamming is welcomed and encouraged.
The festival is held the last full weekend in July.
LOCK AND DAM 10, GUTTENBERG
Lock & Dam 10 has a public observation platform and restrooms open from dawn until dusk each day from April to November.
Constructed and placed in operation November 1937 the dam consists of a concrete dam 763 feet long with four roller gates and eight tainter gates. Earth embankment is 6,000 feet long with a concrete spillway 1,200 feet long. Lock is 110 feet wide by 600 feet long. Lock and Dam 10 is located on Mississippi River mile 615.0 near Guttenberg, Iowa.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
PO Box 849
Guttenburg, IA 52052-0849
Telephone: (563) 252-1261
SHERMAN SWIFT TOWER
The Friends of the Sherman Swift Tower have erected a replica of Althea Sherman's 1915 chimney swifts' tower at National, Iowa, with the goal of chimney swifts nesting there. Althea Sherman (1853-1943) was a nationally known ornithologist who studied birds at her home in National, Iowa. National is on Hwy 52, six miles north of Garnavillo, Iowa. Visitors are always welcome. Tours of the tower replica will be given in the spring and fall, when swifts are not nesting in the tower. Watch for Althea's birthday celebration to be held in the month of October.
For more information, call 563-783-7791 or 563-964-2535.
ELKADER KEYSTONE BRIDGE
Another impressive limestone structure is the Keystone Arch Bridge in Elkader. Constructed in 1889, the bridge is the longest keystone arch bridge west of the Mississippi River the Keystone Arch Bridge is included on the National Register of Historic places, as well as 8 other Elkader structures.
ELKADER OPERA HOUSE
Built in 1903 boasts one of two surviving horseshoe balconies. Renovated in the style of the times, the opera house has an active performance schedule and is home to the Opera House Players and Keystone Chorus.
See what is currently showing here.
563-245-2098
LADY LUCK CASINO IN MARQUETTE
Check out the action at Lady Luck Casino!
100 Anti Monopoly St.Marquette IA 52158
Phone: 1-800-THE-ISLE (1-800-843-4753)
MOTOR MILL IN ELKADER
Built between 1867 & 1869, the 90-foot mill boasts six full stories & is believed to be the tallest structure of its kind in the Midwest. An inn, cooperage, icehouse & livery stable are also located on the site.
Motor Mill is on the National Register of Historic Places.
GROTTO AT NORTH BUENA VISTA
Housed in a bluff surrounding the community of North Buena Vista visitors will find a grotto that was built in the late 1930's during the Great Depression.
The town's residents used rocks from the local area and a 700-pound statue was ordered from Terra Cotto, Germany.
CASSVILLE CAR FERRY
The Cassville Car Ferry connects two National Scenic Byways: the Great River Road and the Iowa Great River Road. Discover the natural beauty and the quiet and peacefulness of days gone by as you enjoy a ride on the Cassville Car Ferry. Experience the magic of the majestic Mississippi River while traveling across the river between Northeast Iowa and Southwest Wisconsin! It is the oldest operating ferry service in the state of Wisconsin, making the same trip back and forth across the mighty Mississippi today as it did as far back as 1833. Ferry operation hours are available here. NOTE: It is advisable to confirm ferry schedule as it may be affected by river conditions. For information call 608-725-5180.
PLEASANT RIDGE (WILLE) SCHOOL HOUSE
The first class was in the fall of 1894 and the last class was held in the spring of 1954. The school has been located on the Wille farm for 4 generations. The original road to the school is now known as Lace Road and ended at the school. The building is made out of rock with a pebble dash texture. In 1916 the entry of the school was built by Antonn Wille. The cost was $77.80. Some original items remain and various records are on display. After closing in 1954, the building was used for storage. Renovations began in 2005.
Hours open: April thru October
1st Saturday of each month 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Except August - Last Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
After hours visits please call 563-252-3776.
For more information on one room school houses in Clayton County, please click here.
EAGLES LANDING WINERY
Eagles Landing Winery is a small family business located in downtown Marquette Iowa along the Mississippi River on the Great River Road. We planted our first grapes in 1999 and have been producing our own "Marquette Maid" branded wines since 2003. Our wines can be found at over 100 locations in northeast Iowa and Southwest Wisconsin.
Hours open: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 7 Days a week
For more information on Eagles Landing Winery, please click here.
PROMISELAND WINERY
PromiseLand Winery is a family-run operation, offering a one-of-a-kind experience, that will make you feel right at home. Inside the winery, you will find a spacious tasting room, an event room that can be used for small to medium-sized parties, and 5 boutiques that will fulfill your shopping needs! Feel free to take a walk or drive up to our vineyard to see where our award-winning wines began. Enjoy some music in the front courtyard when the weather is nice or warm up by a cozy fire when it’s too cold to be outside! Whatever the occasion, PromiseLand Winery is a unique and gorgeous destination!
Hours Open: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Thursday; 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday - Saturday; 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
For more information on PromiseLand Winery, please click here.
DNR Aquarium
Observe a large selection of live Mississippi River fish and trout found in local streams including live Mississippi River catfish. Northern Pike are spawned in the hatchery during the early spring months. Buttons made long ago in Guttenberg from shells are on display. The Guttenberg Aquarium and Fish Management Station is part of the Great River Road Interpretive Network and is linked to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque and other cultural sites that tell the stories of the Mississippi River.
Hours: The aquarium is generally open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May-October. Please contact the hatchery for specific opening and closing dates. For more information on DNR Aquarium please click here.
Address: 331 S. River Park Drive.
Phone: 563-252-1156
Backbone State Park
563-924-2527
1347 129th Street,
Dundee, IA
Pikes Peak State Park
563-873-2341
15316 Great River Rd,
McGregor, IA
Effigy Mounds National Monument
563-873-3491
3 miles N. of Marquette, IA
Wisconsin
Fort Crawford Museum
Fort Crawford Museum is operated by the non-profit Prairie du Chien Historical Society. The museum boasts more than 50 exhibits in 3 buildings, which reflect the historical society's mission to tell the story of Prairie du Chien with emphasis on Fort Crawford, especially the amazing story of Dr. William Beaumont.
Villa Louis Historic Site
Cross the threshold into the elegant front hall of the Villa Louis mansion and step inside the world of upper class Victorian America. The vibrant hues and rich textures that surround you speak of one family's rise to wealth and leisure living — the rewards of decades of crafty frontier entrepreneurship.
Wyalusing State Park
The Wisconsin Ridge Campground overlooks the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers 500 feet below. Scarlet tanagers and wild turkeys are among the more than 100 bird species spotted on one-day field trips. 13342 Cty. Hwy. C, Bagley 53801. (608) 996-2261.
Driftless Wisconsin Area Amish CountryThe Amish are famous for simple living, plain dress, and rejection of modern conveniences. These traditional values and practices of Amish culture have their roots in the Swiss Brethren culture of the early 1500s. First settling in the northern part of Vernon County in the early 1970s, the charming Amish communities of the Driftless Area are found between Ontario and Cashton, near Hillsboro, south of Viroqua in the Liberty Pole Area, in western Vernon County around Chaseburg and Stoddard, and also on Crawford County’s Sugar Grove ridge.
Explore Amish Country
Driftless Wisconsin Area Food & FarmingWisconsin is known for its dairy farms, but there’s much more to explore in the foods and farming of the Driftless region. Vernon County is home to 32 vineyards producing unique regional wines from cold-climate grapes. Wisconsin’s Driftless area is also known for its locally-grown, healthy and organic foods found at farmers markets and food cooperatives.
Explore Food & Farming
Driftless Wisconsin Area Geography & RiversRugged landscapes and the largest concentration of cold water streams of its Karst topography define Driftless Area geography. The mighty Mississipi River borders the western edge of Crawford and Vernon counties. The Wisconsin River, the state’s longest, flows along the southern border of Crawford County and is a tributary of the Mississippi River. The meandering Kickapoo River, at 125 miles, is the longest tributary of the Wisconsin River. Fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, canoeing and camping are found throughout the region.
Explore Food & Rivers
Driftless Wisconsin Area HistoryFrom the prehistoric Mound Builders, to the early explorers and fur traders of the 17th and 18th Centuries, to the lumber mills, mines and crop farming of the 19th and 20th Centuries, the Driftless area has hosted some very engaging history made up of a variety of immigrant cultures ranging from Norwegians to Czechs, Bohemians, and Irish.
Explore Driftless Area History
Driftless Wisconsin Area ParksCrawford and Vernon Counties are home to three state parks. Eight county parks and forests of the region offer scenic bicycling, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting and picnicking opportunities. Twelve designated State Natural Areas provide visitors with rare glimpses of native flora and fauna in their pristine, untouched state.
Explore Area Parks
Mississippi River ValleyThe Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America and its waters have always been essential to the Driftles region’s commerce, history, natural resources, and recreation. Here you can camp in campgrounds located in state parks, near river towns, or pitch a tent on the river’s many islands for free. On the water, fishing and motor- or paddle-boating abound. Enjoy scenic hiking, biking, wildlife viewing & drives around the river. History lives at various historic and prehistoric sites.
Explore the Mississippi River Valley
Kickapoo River ValleyThe Kickapoo River Valley is one of the world’s oldest river systems and its waters meander north, south, east and west along its 125 mile length. Visitors are able to explore the river by canoe, by automobile, and/or by bicycle. Other outdoor recreation of the area ranging from hiking, to horseback riding, cross-country skiing and more can be found at Wildcat Mountain State Park and Kickapoo Valley reserve.
Explore Kickapoo River Valley
Driftless Wisconsin Area CommunitiesThe communities of Wisconsin’s Driftless region delight visitors with their individual personalities and small-town charms. Experience life in a river town. There are communities that offer the international influences of Norwegian and Czechoslovakian culture. Unique shopping, dining and culture await in each of our towns and villages.
Explore Communities
Crawford County was one of Wisconsin’s nine original counties, established in the Michigan Territorial legislature in 1818. It was named after William H. Crawford, President James Monroe’s treasurer at the time and formerly Secretary of War. (Ft. Crawford, established in 1816 in Prairie du Chien, was also named for him.) Originally, the county covered the entire western half of Wisconsin’s present area. In 1836 it was transferred to the newly-formed Wisconsin Territory as Michigan prepared for statehood, and has gradually been subdivided into its present area. In 1853, the population was 3,000. Prairie du Chien, a long-time military post, was named the county seat.
Fort Crawford Museum is operated by the non-profit Prairie du Chien Historical Society. The museum boasts more than 50 exhibits in 3 buildings, which reflect the historical society's mission to tell the story of Prairie du Chien with emphasis on Fort Crawford, especially the amazing story of Dr. William Beaumont.
Villa Louis Historic Site
Cross the threshold into the elegant front hall of the Villa Louis mansion and step inside the world of upper class Victorian America. The vibrant hues and rich textures that surround you speak of one family's rise to wealth and leisure living — the rewards of decades of crafty frontier entrepreneurship.
Wyalusing State Park
The Wisconsin Ridge Campground overlooks the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers 500 feet below. Scarlet tanagers and wild turkeys are among the more than 100 bird species spotted on one-day field trips. 13342 Cty. Hwy. C, Bagley 53801. (608) 996-2261.
Driftless Wisconsin Area Amish CountryThe Amish are famous for simple living, plain dress, and rejection of modern conveniences. These traditional values and practices of Amish culture have their roots in the Swiss Brethren culture of the early 1500s. First settling in the northern part of Vernon County in the early 1970s, the charming Amish communities of the Driftless Area are found between Ontario and Cashton, near Hillsboro, south of Viroqua in the Liberty Pole Area, in western Vernon County around Chaseburg and Stoddard, and also on Crawford County’s Sugar Grove ridge.
Explore Amish Country
Driftless Wisconsin Area Food & FarmingWisconsin is known for its dairy farms, but there’s much more to explore in the foods and farming of the Driftless region. Vernon County is home to 32 vineyards producing unique regional wines from cold-climate grapes. Wisconsin’s Driftless area is also known for its locally-grown, healthy and organic foods found at farmers markets and food cooperatives.
Explore Food & Farming
Driftless Wisconsin Area Geography & RiversRugged landscapes and the largest concentration of cold water streams of its Karst topography define Driftless Area geography. The mighty Mississipi River borders the western edge of Crawford and Vernon counties. The Wisconsin River, the state’s longest, flows along the southern border of Crawford County and is a tributary of the Mississippi River. The meandering Kickapoo River, at 125 miles, is the longest tributary of the Wisconsin River. Fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, canoeing and camping are found throughout the region.
Explore Food & Rivers
Driftless Wisconsin Area HistoryFrom the prehistoric Mound Builders, to the early explorers and fur traders of the 17th and 18th Centuries, to the lumber mills, mines and crop farming of the 19th and 20th Centuries, the Driftless area has hosted some very engaging history made up of a variety of immigrant cultures ranging from Norwegians to Czechs, Bohemians, and Irish.
Explore Driftless Area History
Driftless Wisconsin Area ParksCrawford and Vernon Counties are home to three state parks. Eight county parks and forests of the region offer scenic bicycling, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting and picnicking opportunities. Twelve designated State Natural Areas provide visitors with rare glimpses of native flora and fauna in their pristine, untouched state.
Explore Area Parks
Mississippi River ValleyThe Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America and its waters have always been essential to the Driftles region’s commerce, history, natural resources, and recreation. Here you can camp in campgrounds located in state parks, near river towns, or pitch a tent on the river’s many islands for free. On the water, fishing and motor- or paddle-boating abound. Enjoy scenic hiking, biking, wildlife viewing & drives around the river. History lives at various historic and prehistoric sites.
Explore the Mississippi River Valley
Kickapoo River ValleyThe Kickapoo River Valley is one of the world’s oldest river systems and its waters meander north, south, east and west along its 125 mile length. Visitors are able to explore the river by canoe, by automobile, and/or by bicycle. Other outdoor recreation of the area ranging from hiking, to horseback riding, cross-country skiing and more can be found at Wildcat Mountain State Park and Kickapoo Valley reserve.
Explore Kickapoo River Valley
Driftless Wisconsin Area CommunitiesThe communities of Wisconsin’s Driftless region delight visitors with their individual personalities and small-town charms. Experience life in a river town. There are communities that offer the international influences of Norwegian and Czechoslovakian culture. Unique shopping, dining and culture await in each of our towns and villages.
Explore Communities
Crawford County was one of Wisconsin’s nine original counties, established in the Michigan Territorial legislature in 1818. It was named after William H. Crawford, President James Monroe’s treasurer at the time and formerly Secretary of War. (Ft. Crawford, established in 1816 in Prairie du Chien, was also named for him.) Originally, the county covered the entire western half of Wisconsin’s present area. In 1836 it was transferred to the newly-formed Wisconsin Territory as Michigan prepared for statehood, and has gradually been subdivided into its present area. In 1853, the population was 3,000. Prairie du Chien, a long-time military post, was named the county seat.