Lafayette County: Trails, Landscapes and History

Lafayette County offers a variety of attractions: the rolling landscapes of the Driftless Area, waterways and trails sit alongside historic homes and museums that bring the region’s mining and railroad history to life. Experiences have their own distinct focus—from hiking trails and horseback riding routes to tours of historic sites.

Landscapes, Water and Trails

Yellowstone Lake State Park is located in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin. The Yellowstone Wildlife Area covers 4,000 acres and lies in Wisconsin’s Southwest Savanna Ecoregion. Its hilly terrain is characteristic of the Driftless Area. Activities there include hunting, trapping and fishing; the area also has 30 miles of horseback riding trails.

Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area combines several distinct amenities: eight miles of hiking trails, a universal kayak launch and a seasonal sandy beach. The launch has an accessible access path, a transfer bench, handrails and guide rails for launching the boat. The sandy beach is 150 feet long and intended for swimming.

Waterways also shape some of the nature experiences. Dougherty Creek is a 16-mile trout stream that flows through Green and Lafayette Counties. The Pecatonica River runs through Argyle; boat launches are located both upstream and downstream of the dam.

Routes with Railroad History

The Pecatonica State Trail follows a former Milwaukee Road railroad line. Lead was once transported through the valley along this route. The former rail line is also central to the Cheese Country Trail: this developed 47-mile rail-trail runs from Mineral Point to Monroe, passing through scenic farmland and wooded ridges in Iowa, Lafayette and Green Counties. In winter, a snowmobile club grooms the trail for multi-use.

The distances refer to different types of trails: eight miles of hiking trails at Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area, 30 miles of horseback riding trails in the Yellowstone Wildlife Area and 47 miles on the Cheese Country Trail. This makes it easier to understand the focus of each route without treating hiking, horseback riding and rail-trails as the same thing.

Historic Sites and Regional Culture

Darlington’s Main Street is the city’s center. Six picturesque blocks include shops, churches, museums, government buildings and other facilities. The Lafayette County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978; its registration number is 78000114.

Josephus Driver had the Driver Opera House built in 1883. Tours take place every Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; check the hours before your arrival. Saxton House was Robert M. La Follette’s childhood home from 1862 to 1870. You can arrange a tour by email.

At the Badger Mine & Museum, a tour descends 51 steps into a hand-dug mine dating to 1827. Check the seasonal hours before visiting. Exhibits display early mining tools and ore samples and explain methods of extracting lead using a pickaxe, wedge and black powder. Re-created shops and other exhibits convey the atmosphere of a historic mining town.

First Capitol includes restored buildings dating to 1836, including the Council House and the First Capitol Court House. Another experience awaits at the Toy Train Barn Museum, located about three miles east of Argyle on Highway 81. It features interactive model train layouts and a real 12-inch-gauge train that visitors can ride over wooden trestle bridges.

The Darlington Farmers Market offers local specialties, organic foods, vegetables, crafts, soaps, baked goods and fruit. Offerings may vary by season. For tours and seasonal activities, it’s a good idea to check visiting arrangements in advance.

Explore more destinations: Belmont, Sauk County, Manitowoc County, Wood County, Juneau County, Iron County, Vilas County, Oconto County

For the broader travel overview: Wisconsin.