Hidden Valleys of Southwestern Wisconsin

Lafayette County
www.www.lafayettecounty.org
Land of History and Adventure!
Lafayette County is where you’ll find peace
and quiet, history and heritage, nature
and recreation. And some surprises
along the way. The past comes alive today
and every day. The county is home to the
First Territorial Capitol, an early Mormon
settlement, the scene of a brutal battle
in the Black Hawk War, museums that
celebrate times gone by, and a onetime
top inland pearling river. In fact,
Wisconsin’s nickname, Badgers, traces
its origin back to Lafayette County’s
early miners.
There’s also plenty to do in the here
and now. You can discover abundant parks,
travel down rustic roads or recreational trails,
shop in one-of-a-kind stores, visit eateries for
high-quality meals at affordable prices, take part
in a celebration of community pride, or just relax with a
fishing pole and drop a line in the water.
The sheer natural beauty that convinced people to settle in Lafayette
County early in the state’s history is still evident. Rivers, ridges and valleys
are unspoiled, unassuming, unglaciated and undeniably stunning. You set the
Don't Miss . . .
Badger Mine & Museum
Yellowstone Lake State Park
Cheese Country Trail
Swindler's Ridge Museum
Darlington Depot Museum
Pecatonica River State Recreation Trail
Shullsburg's Gravity Hill
Benton - Mining Capital of the World
Belmont ‘‘Home of the First State Capitol’’
Shullsburg’s Historic Water Street Business District
Yellowstone Lake
pace for your visit. Take time to amble,
meander and explore Lafayette County.
Take time to view the 65+ barn quilts
featured on barns along the country roads.
Maps showing farm locations are available
at local businesses.
Argyle
The Pecatonica River flows through
the heart of Argyle in eastern Lafayette
County. Its banks welcomed the first
settlers as early as 1835. By 1856,
Argyle bustled with businesses of the
day, including churches, a livery stable,
a lumber yard, a hotel, blacksmith, pool
hall, sawmill, and gristmill. One of the
original stone buildings still stands today,
known to locals as the Wenger Building.
With a nod to days past, the stones are
exposed on the lower level of what now
houses the Argyle Fiber Mill, naturally
processing local fibers, selling works of
local artisans, and featuring a color mural
on the exterior west wall depicting a
Swiss scene, the homeland to many of the
early settlers.
Today the river offers many fishing,
boating and picnic opportunities. You’ll
find three maintained fishing areas, which
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