Westby, WI
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 Driftless Area of 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. Viroqua, Wisconsin, the center for Vernon County government, is a very energized town with many shops and local artists. Viroqua is 6 miles to the South of Westby.
Return to a simpler time…with a short stroll down the street to our newest venture, Ole & Lena Kaffe Hus. This quaint coffee shop will delight you with its specialty candy, sixteen flavors of scrumptious, Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, a deli-style menu, specialty coffees and tea, and special, home-style chocolate candies that have been made in Burnsville, Minnesota since 1909! What makes Mike’s Italian Beef Sandwich so famous? You’ll have to come and taste one to see. Sip…sup…savor…surf; there is also Wireless Internet and Internet stations available. It’s a big city coffeehouse in little ol’ Westby! Open daily with seasonal hours.
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!
Is there a place for Dinner close by?
We are close to several establishments that offer evening dining. Our most popular dinner spot is Di Sciascio’s Italian Restaurant, located 9 miles northwest in Coon Valley. The atmosphere is quaint and inviting, with attentive service and wonderful foods prepared by the owner/chef. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday. Other establishments are Old Towne Inn just on the city limits of Westby, (closed on Monday), Firehouse Restaurant (Viroqua) and Badger Crossing Pub & Eatery (Cashton). The availability of area dining spots is less on Monday, as most places are closed. We suggest when you are in La Crosse, Waterfront Restaurant-closed Sundays, and Piggy’s Restaurant, which are both offer wonderful cuisine. For a place to have great conversation and a glass of wine with a Mississippi River view – we suggest 4 Sisters Wine Bar & Tapas. Located across from the Riverside Park entrance, this chic, fun lounge is a place to relax and savor over small plates of creative foods with your favorite wine, spirits or beer, all while enjoying the majestic Mississippi River. Outdoor patio is open when weather permits.
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. For bike rental stop in at Speed’s Bi...
- Simplicity, Craftsmanship, Lifestyle Trip: The Amish of Southwestern Wisconsin, Vernon County. A 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 fin...
- 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 re...
- 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...
- Area Happenings & Calendar of Events: Farmer’s Market; Downtown Viroqua. Every Saturday morning until 12:00 noon- May through October. Local produce, flowers and Amish wares. Riverboat Excursion Cruises – Cruise the Mississipi River on one of three La Crosse Riverboats; La Cros...
