Places to see; Things to do; Local Color.
Vernon County has become a favorite destination for so many reasons! Take a drive through the beautiful winding roads; visit Wildcat Mountain State Park; fish miles of improved streams for brown and brook trout; hike the Kickapoo Valley Reserve; bike the Elroy-Sparta trail; shop at local Amish farms for handmade furniture, quilts or local food; stock up on organic food and award-winning cheese, or dine at one of several restaurants serving locally-sourced food. There are also a few wineries in the county with tasting rooms and events.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Explore the great outdoors.
Kickapoo Valley Reserve
The Kickapoo Valley Reserve is an 8,569 acre tract of land located between the villages of La Farge and Ontario in Vernon County.
Wildcat Moutain State Park
WildcatMountain State Park offers hiking trails with spectacular views and camping for families, groups and horseback riders. Canoe the Kickapoo River in your own canoe or rent one in Ontario.
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/wildcat/
Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail
The trail remains one of the most popular trails in the country. With three rock tunnels and five small towns along it's 32.5 mile route, the trail is a favorite Wisconsin bicycling destination. Traveling between Sparta and Elroy, the trail stretches through the communities of Norwalk, Wilton and Kendall.
http://www.elroy-sparta-trail.com/
Duck Egg County Forest
Just one of many fine county properties with a great hiking trail and access to trout fishing in Springville Creek.
http://www.vernoncounty.org/parks/DE.htm
Fly Fishing for Trout; Mississippi River Panfish
Interested in world-class trout fishing? Stop by the Driftless Angler at 106 S. Main St. in Viroqua for stream maps, gear and recommendations on where to fish. Or head to the big river and two nice parks for great pan fishing.
Sample local food and wine.
The Driftless Cafe - Viroqua
Amazing locally-sourced food in a casual atmosphere.
The Viroqua Food Co-op
Check their website for the daily menu including a hot bar, sandwiches and breakfast items.
Salt & Tipple Restaurant - Viroqua
Food, wine and a nice deli.
Check their Facebook page for menus.
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Viroqua Farmer's Market
Located on South Main Street every Saturday from 9 to 1, spring through fall.
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Vernon Vineyards
http://www.vernonvineyards.com/
Branches Winery
Wood fired pizzas on weekends and a nice tasting room.
http://www.brancheswinery.com/
Wonderstate Coffee Roasters Café
Check out the new café by the Organic Fair Trade coffee roasters right here in Viroqua.
https://kickapoocoffee.com/pages/viroqua-cafe
Maybe Lately Café
Opened in 2021, this unique café serves breakfast and lunch with some tasty homemade baked goods. Check them out on Facebook or Instagram.
Shop Locally. Learn a skill.
Ewetopia Fiber Shop - Viroqua
Hand-dyed yarns and knitting supplies.
http://www.ewetopiafibershop.com/
Driftless Angler - Viroqua
All your fly fishing needs and a guide service.
Blue Dog Cycles - Viroqua
Rent a bike, ski or snowshoe from Blue Dog. They provide maps of bike routes for all skill levels.
Driftless Books and Music - Viroqua
Spend a few hours perusing their collection of over a quarter million used books. Check their Facebook page for live music in their huge store.
https://www.facebook.com/DriftlessBooks
Driftless Folk School
Your opportunity to visit the area and learn all kinds of cool stuff from local luminaries.
Viva Art Gallery
Visit the local artists cooperative at 217 S. Main in Viroqua. The gallery is adjacent to several small businesses including an antique mall and book store .
Viroqua Pop-Up Shops
https://www.facebook.com/viroqua
You'll find a list of local shops and restaurants in the cottage, with new and exciting pop-up shops each year thanks to the city's Chamber of Commerce. From baked goods to clothing to magical creatures, Main Street is alive with amazing new small business ventures.
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