WISCONSIN TRAVEL

Trip Tips: Things to do in the Driftless Region

Chelsey Lewis
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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Things to do: Canoe the Kickapoo. Ontario is home to a handful of outfitters, including Titanic Canoe Rental, 300 State Highway 131, which I used on my first visit. Canoes are $35, kayaks are $25 and tubes are $15, which includes shuttle service. Summer and fall weekends are busy on the narrow river, so aim for a weekday paddle. (877) 438-7865, titaniccanoerental.com.

Canoers make their way down the winding Kickapoo River in Vernon County.

RELATED:Canoe trip on the Kickapoo River comes with many twists, turns

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center, S3661 State Highway 131, La Farge, has information on the more than 50 miles of trails through the reserve, plus trail use fees ($4/person, $15/family), primitive campsites ($10 and $15) and river conditions. It's open 8 a.m.-4:30 pm Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31, with limited hours in the winter. (608) 625-2960, kvr.state.wi.us.

RELATED:The Driftless Region's Kickapoo Valley is a hilly paradise in western Wisconsin

Wildcat Mountain State Park stretches up from the reserve's northern side near Ontario. Take in a view of the river valley from an observation point at the upper picnic area before hiking the 2.5-mile Old Settler's Trail. Then make your way to the canoe landing to hike the challenging 1.3-mile Hemlock Nature Trail up Mount Pisgah for more views from 1,220 feet. (608) 337-4775, wiparks.net.

Sidie Hollow County Park near Viroqua has 10 miles of multi-use trails around the 40-acre Sidie Hollow Lake, plus a campground.

Shop for Amish-crafted goods at Down A Country Road, 12651 Highway 33, Cashton, a collection of shops selling everything from furniture to maple syrup. Owners Chuck and Kathy Kuderer also offer tours of the surrounding Amish community. (608) 654-5318, downacountryroad.com.

Bike the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, the country's first rail-to-trail conversion, 32 miles from Elroy to Sparta to travel through three old railroad tunnels. Cyclists age 16 and older need a state trail pass ($5/day, $25/year). Speed's Bike Shop in Sparta offers rentals and a shuttle service: (608) 269-2315, speedsbike.com.

Tunnel 1 on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail is 1,694 feet and was completed in 1873. Doors on the tunnels are closed in the winter to keep the inside warmer and prevent freezing and thawing that could cause rocks to fall and block the entrances.

Where to eat: The Driftless Cafe, 118 W. Court St., is co-owned by James Beard semifinalist Luke Zahm, who uses local and organic ingredients to craft an ever-changing lunch and dinner menu. Reservations are accepted. (608) 637-7778, driftlesscafe.com.

RELATED:James Beard nominee returned to his roots with Driftless Cafe

Sample wines at Branches Winery, E6796 Old Line Road, Westby, then enjoy a glass on the covered patio overlooking the vineyard. Wood-fired pizzas are served up Friday through Sunday in the summer. (608) 634-9463, brancheswinery.com.

In tiny Rockton, the Rockton Bar serves up a good, inexpensive bar menu with specials including BBQ chicken on Sunday that is so popular the bar recommends people reserve their birds. (608) 625-4325.

Where to stay: The Kickapoo Valley Ranch, E11761 County Road P, La Farge, has eight individual guest cabins that feature large porches with rocking chairs and kitchens or kitchenettes. Rates start at $169. (608) 625-6222, kvranch.com.

Porches at the Kickapoo Valley Ranch near La Farge feature large rocking chairs and views of the surrounding hills.

Justin Trails Resort, 7452 Kathryn Ave., Sparta, offers lodging in farmhouse suites, a garden cottage, log cabins and a campground. The bed and breakfast also has trails for hiking and disc golf courses. Rates start at $125. (608) 269-4522, justintrails.com.

For camping, Wildcat Mountain State Park has 25 family campsites, 20 cart-in sites, 1 canoe campsite and 24 sites for equestrians. The Kickapoo Valley Reserve has 25 primitive campsites — about half are vehicle-accessible, and the rest are accessed via canoeing, hiking, biking or horseback. All are first-come, first-serve; permits are available at the visitor center and self-registration stations throughout the reserve.

 

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