Don't Miss - Hidden Valleys of Southwestern Wisconsin

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Viola
In the heart of the Kickapoo Valley lies
Viola, population 698. Viola sits nestled
amidst the bluffs along the picturesque
Kickapoo River, located at the junction of
State Highways 131
and 56.
Camping is available in the park
with electric hookup and public showers.
Outdoor activities are plentiful, including
canoeing, hiking, bicycling, hunting, and
some of the best Class 2 trout fishing
in the area.
A number of bed and breakfasts are
located in the area as well. Info: www.
violawisc.com/
The small rural community is host to
the unique Viola Horse and Colt Show, held
annually the third weekend in September.
Viola will celebrate the show’s 79th
anniversary in 2009. Yearly highlights
include the horse show, parade, horse
pulls, truck and tractor pulls, arts and
crafts, and carnival. Guaranteed food and
fun for everyone! Check out the Viola Horse and Colt Show website
at www.violahorseandcoltshow.com.
LaFarge
LaFarge, 7 miles upriver of Viola, is at the junction of Highways
131 and 82. It is a scenic drive east from Viroqua and the gateway
to the splendid 8,569 acre Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Stop by the
Visitor Center, speak to the staff, view the many exhibits, pick up
maps and unlock this treasure trove of outdoor opportunities.
info http://kvr.state.wi.us
LaFarge is home to the Organic Valley Family of Farms, the
largest organic farmer owned co-op in the world. A canoe launch
is easily accessible from Hwy. 82 on the west edge of the village.
Visit La Farge for the 4th of July Celebration.
Numerous lodging
and camping facilities in the LaFarge area offer
visitors both primitive and deluxe accommodations.
Info: 608-625-4422.
www.lafarge-wisconsin.com
Hillsboro
Hillsboro, 16 miles east of Ontario on
Highways 33, 80 & 82, is known as the Czech
Capital of Wisconsin. It is so named for the many
Czechoslovakian immigrants, mainly from Bohemia,
who moved to the area in the late 1800s. Their
Czech heritage is vividly displayed at
the annual Cesky Den (Czech Day)
celebration held the second weekend in
June. This festival features ethnic food,
dance, music, crafts, storytelling and a
polka mass. www.ceskyden.com.
Eight miles to the west on Hwy.
33, is Cheyenne Valley. This settlement
was the northern terminus of the
underground railroad, becoming the
largest Black settlement in Wisconsin.
“Free Men of Color” made their way
from the south to settle farms in this
area. Alga Shivers built many of the
distinctive Round Barns which still exist
in eastern Vernon County to this day. A
historical marker of Cheyenne Valley
Heritage is located adjacent to Field
Veterans Memorial Park along the lake
in Hillsboro.
The Historical Society maintains
the Hillsboro Museum and Log Cabin,
located in the City Park,
608-489-3322.
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Hidden Valleys