Hidden Valleys of Southwestern Wisconsin

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www.lafayettecounty.org u
Bring your family and friends to spend
a day,weekend or more in Shullsburg–your
destination to discovery. Check the website
at wwwshullsburgwisconsin.org for more
information.
South Wayne
The main avenue of commerce, Wisconsin
11, runs smack through South Wayne, and
businesses are clustered beside it. But there’s
also a commercial district on the main drag,
Center Street, just south of the highway.
Every summer, the community cuts
loose with the Red Cracker Music Festival, a
celebration of entertainment that helps raise
funds for the village park. The event continues
to grow in size and distinction, attracting more
and more people to the village during the final
weekend in July.
The village celebrated its centennial in
1989. The railroad brought regular trains to the
settlement, prompting an 1881 written history
to predict “probably there will be a village there
yet.” It was originally named Collins, after the
railroad superintendent. But there was another
Collins in the state, so it was named Wayne in
honor of Revolutionary War hero “Mad” Anthony
Wayne, and South was added to distinguish
it from the community of Wayne in northeast
Wisconsin. It was also called “Lost Township”
because the original government survey was lost
on the way to the U.S. Land Office.
Just four miles west of South Wayne is
Pilgrim’s Pantry, a bakery and bulk foods store
run by an Amish Mennonite family. A mile or so
west of the village is a memorial marker that
commemorates the Spafford Creek Massacre,
where Sauk Indians killed four men in the 1832
Black Hawk War.
Woodford
Winter on the
Pecatonica River
An important pioneer community because
of is location along the east branch of the
Pecatonica River, Woodford is now noted as
the home to Black Hawk Memorial Park, a
county park and primitive campground that includes not only the river but
Horseshoe and Blood lakes. A monument in the park commemorates the
Battle of the Pecatonica, one of only three Wisconsin engagements in the
Black Hawk War of 1832. History comes alive the first weekend in May as
the Yellowstone Cap and Flint Club puts on the Bloody Lake Rendezvous reenacting
life in the 1840s. More information about the park is available by
calling 608-465-3472.
Cheese Country Recreation Trail
This 47-mile multi-use trail traverses from Monroe to Mineral Point,
passing through the Lafayette County communities of South Wayne, Gratiot,
Darlington and Calamine along the way. The all-season trail, which follows
the Pecatonica River along an abandoned railroad corridor, is open to
bicyclists, horse riders, ATVers, snowmobilers, hikers and cross-country
skiers. Local ATV and snowmobile clubs help maintain the trail, which
meanders through oak and maple woodlots, past farmsteads and terraced
fields of grain, and along gorgeous stands of native prairie wildflowers (the
same ones that inhabited the region when the first settlers arrived more
than a century and a half ago). Visitors can rent ATVs or snowmobiles,
depending upon the season, in Darlington. The Pecatonica Trail branches
off the Cheese Country Trail in Calamine and proceeds west for 10 miles to
Belmont. In addition, there is a network of local “club” trails throughout the
county available to both ATVers and snowmobilers. Information about these
trails is available by calling 608-776-4048.
Fever River
The western quarter of the county boasts the Fever River – known as
the Galena River south of the border in Illinois – which is home to one of the
top fisheries in all of the continental United States. Its pristine waters and
plentiful fish can challenge and thrill anglers of all skill levels. The river and
its fresh-water tributaries slice through what was once the heart of the leadmining
region of America, bringing a sense of history to this outstanding
recreational fishery.
Pecatonica River
If you’re interested in relaxing and enjoying a quiet, peaceful outing
through the Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin, the Pecatonica River
is just the ticket for a day of canoeing or tubing. The west branch (with
boat launches in Calamine, Darlington, Gratiot and South Wayne) and the
east branch (with launches at Blanchardville, Argyle and Woodford) offer
tranquil “floats” through woods, prairies and farmsteads with views of bluffs
and rock outcroppings. The panoramic vistas only enhance the outdoor
experience as you get away from all your troubles and worries, enjoying the
leisurely journey downstream.
Yellowstone Lake State Park
This 970-acre state park – with an additional 455-acre man-made
lake – plays year-round host to visitors who enjoy outdoor recreational
experiences and want to learn about the area’s natural surroundings. It
offers guests ample space to enjoy camping, swimming, fishing, boating,
nature interpretations, hiking, biking, picnicking, canoeing, snowmobiling
and cross-country skiing. The park has 150 campsites that range from
primitive to modern but they tend to fill up fast during the summer months.
More information about the park is available by calling the ranger station
at 608-523-4427.
Visit the following websites for other locations:
www.lafayettecounty.org www.argylewi.org www.belmontwi.com
www.benton.wi.us www.blanchardville.com
www.darlingtonwi.org www.shullsburgwisconsin.org
lafayette County
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Hidden Valleys