Return to a Simpler Time... to the Westby area of the unblemished, unencumbered, unmistakable and mostly undiscovered. Deep in the peaceful valleys and high atop the ridges are breathtaking vistas of this part of Southwest Wisconsin known as the Hidden Valleys Region.
Celebrated rivers, rolling hills, miles of farmland, and tranquil back roads are the perfect venues to renew, rest, and visit. With the diverse local arts and crafts, ethnic culture, the silent sports of fly-fishing, biking, hiking, and canoeing, quaint towns and villages, and the people that you will be inspired by during your visit to the area are just a few of the reasons why to visit.
Return to a Simpler Time... to enjoy the wrap around porch for evening conversations or watch the world go by in this quaint Norwegian community. Westby is a short 23-mile drive Southeast of La Crosse, or 26 miles South of Sparta, the "bicycling Capital of America". It is a beautiful one hour and 35 minute drive from Madison and a four- hour drive from the Chicago city limits.
Make the Westby area your perfect getaway destination, where 'Old Traditions and New Opportunities' occur every day! We invite you, our guests, to come explore!
We have provided the following 'Things to Do' that can assist you in planning your trip in and around Westby, Vernon County and the Hidden Valley's Region. Please note, that the following itineraries are just a very small sampling of "Things to Do". Visiting antique shops, or spending time enjoying your favorite outdoor sport are trips in themselves. By just touring the sights and sounds and artists around every bend, or taking in the winding roads on two wheels is your pleasure, you will witness that this part of Wisconsin is alive and well!
Bike, Eat, Shop & Coulees Trip:
Sparta Wisconsin, "Bicycling Capital of America", Located just 26 miles North of Westby.
Start the day with a bike ride on the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail with the starting point located in the old train depot. Bike to the tunnel or through to the next town. When you return to the depot head into downtown Sparta for lunch and shopping. Stop in at Ginny's Cupboard on Water St. where refreshments from the 1957-soda fountain or the espresso bar awaits you. Enjoy homemade soup, sandwiches, and desserts too. The hometown hospitality from the real soda jerks will welcome you. After rejuvenating yourself, wonder over to Jenine's Antiques, Made in Wisconsin Shop, The Greenery Floral and Sullivans Gifts to relieve that shopping pulse. These shops are all with-in one block on Water Street.
On your journey back to Westby, take a detour on County P West. This peaceful and scenic drive along Timber Coulee Creek allows you a close up view of the International Ski Jump Complex. Follow County P into Coon Valley and back to Westby on Highway 14. This 12-mile detour will be the perfect ending to a great day of exploring the outdoors on two and four wheels.
Simplicity, Craftsmanship, Lifestyle Trip:
The Amish of Southwestern Wisconsin, Vernon County.
The sizeable Amish settlement in Vernon County focuses on family, community hard work and faith. After your breakfast at the Westby House, drive out to the Cashton settlement where you will find a large assortment of authentic Amish goods at specialty shops and farms. You will find hickory bent wood furniture, hand-made quilts and rugs, baskets, custom oak and cherry dining and bedroom furniture, candies, jams, maple syrup and produce. Just North of Westby on Highway 27, turn right on County P and continue through the valleys and ridges by following the Amish signs for their specialty craft. A must stop is at the Amish Cheese Factory on County D that has a viewing window of cheese being made. Down A Country Road Amish Gift Shops & Tour Service on Highway 33 is a non Amish family farm that will truly take you a step back in time with four Amish gift shops and a ice cream shop. To really learn the Old Order Amish culture on traditional values and practices, a guided tour of their farmsteads by owner of
Down A Country Road, Kathy Kuderer, can be pre-arranged through us. For lunch with some history, stop in at Badger Crossing Pub & Eatery in downtown Cashton. Just up the street on County U is the Cashton Mercantile featuring wares and crafts of the Amish and Ocooch Mountain Artisans. The late afternoon is calling for a return to the Westby House for respite on the wrap-around porch or perhaps a nap from your day of experiencing how simple, pure and perfect life can be.
Follow the Crookedest River Trip:
Up and Down the Kickapoo River, Ontario to Readstown
The scenic and switchback curves to the top of Wildcat Mountain State Park makes you think "there's gold in them thar hills!' From Cashton, Highway 33 will lead you to this jewel of outdoor recreation. This is the perfect area for hiking, bird watching, picnicing, horseback riding, and canoeing. Following the Kickapoo River begins at State Highway 131 in Ontario. The scenic drive will cross the river several times as it winds between the bluffs, thereby known as the crookedest river. A stop in Rockton at the Rockton Bar can take care of the early afternoon lunch with great burgers and its famous BBQ chicken on Sundays during the summer. A stop the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitors Center will give you a breathtaking view of the 8,569 acres of landscape that make up the Reserve. At the center learn the history of the floods and the proposed State recreational opportunities that after $15 million in expenses never came to be. Learn a new history of reservation, of protection and of education before heading south to La Farge.
In La Farge a special, friendly village, you can rejuvenate your soul at yet a slower pace. A must stop is at the Organic Valley Retail Store on Hwy 131, open Monday through Friday. La Farge is home to the corporate headquarters of Organic Valley Cooperative with a state of the art eco-green complex. As you travel down the river and cross the many bridges the breathtaking "nature preserve" is like nothing else in the state.
With the village of Viola approaching on the next bend, a stop here will find you in the history of the "Mounds'. Mound Park is named for ancient reminders of the Mound Builders. This sense of small town life affords you a rest, relaxation and some recreation.
Continuing on State Highway 131 you will come to another base of the Kickapoo River for exploring. If you missed canoeing in Ontario, your chance could be in Readstown. Paddle the southern gateway of the river to soldier Grove and beyond. At Readstown, Highway 14 and 61 meet with 131. To return to Westby for a respite follow 14/61 through Viroqua.
Huck Finn's Rivertown Adventure Trip:
Follow the Mighty Mississippi River Road, La Crosse to Prairie de Chien
Travel this historic highway and pause to browse through museums, enchanting village shops and antiques. Enjoy restaurants and local culinary delights. Hike, bike, fish or just enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Your trip to the Great River Road will begin on Highway 14/61 from Westby with your first stop at the city of La Crosse. It is bordered on the west by the Mississippi River and on the east by 600-foot high bluffs. This unique and varied topography provides many recreational opportunities and sites like Granddad's Bluff look-out point, and Riverside Park just a few minutes from the historic downtown shopping district. We suggest a light lunch at the WaterFront Restaurant located just South of Riverside Park. Also, Huck Finn's on the Water Restaurant offers spectacular views of the river, harbor and bluffs. Continue South, by way of State highway 35, to Genoa, where you can watch towboats and barges "lock through" at Lock and Dam No. 8 at the south edge of the village. Scenic river overlooks are located along the Great River Road north of town. If you missed lunch La Crosse, we suggest the Great River Roadhouse located right on Highway 35. They are known for pizza, chicken and ribs.
Victory is a small settlement with a picturesque setting - snuggled next to the Mississippi on one side and back dropped by bluffs on the other. Five settlers laid out the village in 1852 and named it "Victory" to commemorate the final battle of the Black Hawk War fought south of the village 20 years earlier. Victory prospered during the wheat boom of the 1850´s, but today is only a remnant of its past.
In DeSoto, named for the daring Spanish explorer, who discovered the Mississippi in 1541, has many historical markers detailing local Indian history and the war´s end are found along this section of the Wisconsin´s Great River Road. Just north of town is Blackhawk Park, an Army Corps of Engineers park offering riverfront campsites, picnic areas, a fishing dock, a sand-swimming beach and boat-launching facilities.
At the south end of the Great River Road is the once Indian village of Prairie du Chien that became a fur-trading center. The oldest community on the Upper Mississippi, fur warehouses built by the American Fur Trading Co. in the 19th-centurey still survive on historic St. Feriole Island. Also on the island is the beautiful Villa Louis Historic Site, an Italianate-style brick mansion built in 1870 by the widow and son of early fur trader Hercules Dousman. The opulent mansion contains a magnificent collection of Victorian decorative arts with over 90% of its original contents. Now owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society, the estate includes 25 acres along the Mississippi River on St. Feriole Island. The estate is open May through October. For you hunting sport enthusiasts, Prairie du Chein is also home to a very large and well-visited Cabela's Sporting Center.
Your return trip to Westby from Prairie du Chein on Highway 27 North brings you back up on top of the ridge. Enjoy the lush vistas and farmland as you travel through small villages. In Liberty Pole a worthy stop is at the old general store fashionably named the Liberty Pole Store,. Follow Highway 27 into Viroqua. This community has many shops and historic sites that it may require a return trip to take it all in.
Between Westby and Viroqua on 27N and 14/61, is the Vernon Vineyards Winery. Turn west on to County Y and follow the signs for about 6 miles. The 10 acre winery overlooks the Bad Axe River. Open on weekends, you will enjoy complimentary wine tasting and free tours. Wine is available for purchase. In scenic Vernon County 32 vineyards with 68 acres of grapes boast its hillsides. A map of these vineyards is available at the winery.
As you come into Westby stop by the Westby Co-op Creamery for their famous cheese curds and spectacular cheeses. The perfect treat with the Vernon Vineyard wine as you relax at the Westby House. Another must stop is at Ole & Lena Kaffe Hus. Located just a few steps from the inn, you can treat yourself to a cappuccino, latte or just plain old coffee! Hand-dipped ice cream and retro candies can sooth your sweet tooth.
Area Happenings & Events
Mt La Crosse Ski Hill and Snowboard - Opened December 1, 2007. 18 slopes & trails. Beginner to Expert Runs.
100% Snowmaking. 3 Double Chair Lifts/1 rope tow. Rentals & Lessons. 608-788-0044/800-426-3665 www.mtlacrose.com
Kickapoo Valley reserve Winter Festival: Horse drawn wagon rides, auction,skating,nature hikes,chili contest, music and more.
Saturday, January 5, 2008. 608-625-2960 http://kvr.state.wi.us
Riverboat Excursion Cruises - Cruise the Mississipi River on one of three La Crosse Riverboats; La Crosse Queen Paddlewheeler, The Island Girl Cruiseliner, and Julia Belle Swain Steamboat., 800-815-1005
Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe; Highway 14/61 So. La Crosse, 19 mi. from Westby. Open Year round, www.guadalupeshrine.org
Snowflake Ski Jump Competion; 4 miles outside of Westby in Timber Coulee. Held February 9-10,2008.. www.snowflakeskiclub.com 608-634-3211
Syttende Mai Festival; Annual Norwegian Heritage celebration. Downtown Westby, May 16-18,2008. www.westbywi.com
Wild West Days; annual event in Viroqua, August 21-22, 2008, www.viroqua-wisconsin.com
Nature Art Series at Kickapoo Valley Reserve. La Farge. Enhance your enjoyment of nature through Art. A series of one-day classes offered singly or combination. Students will observe and draw natural subjects from the Reserve. Art Instructor: Monica Jagel;BA art studio. Class Dates and Experience: March 29 Graphite Pencil, April 12 Colored Pencil, May 3 Field Sketching. For more infromation call: 608-625-2960 or visit website at http://kvr.state.wi.us
