Vernon County: Driftless Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

Vernon County lies in the Driftless Region between La Crosse County and Crawford County, and along the central section of the Wisconsin Great River Road. Round barns, trails through varied landscapes, and places steeped in regional history give this destination several distinctive facets. When planning, it’s worth considering both the specific trail type and the themes explored by the museums and historic buildings.

Trails, Forests, and River Landscapes

For a loop trail, head to the Pine Loop Trail in Norskedalen: it is 1.5 miles long, passes through a pine forest and a mature deciduous forest, and runs past a spring. The paved Viroqua Westby Trail offers a different kind of route. This five-mile multi-use trail connects Viroqua and Westby. It was formerly called the Coon Prairie Trail and was completed in 2011. Together, these offer two distinct trail types: a loop through two kinds of forest and a paved connection between two towns.

Sidie Hollow County Park has almost 10 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking; the park also includes a 38-acre lake and two clear, cold-water trout streams. Wildcat Mountain State Park has 21 miles of scenic hiking, nature, and horseback riding trails. An overlook and picnic areas there offer views of the Kickapoo Valley.

Romance Woods encompasses 35 acres of diverse oak forests, rocky dolomite outcrops, and a seasonal stream. A former logging road runs through the area and serves as a public trail for hiking, birdwatching, and snowshoeing. In the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, sandstone outcrops rise above the Kickapoo River. The 8,569-acre reserve lies between the villages of La Farge and Ontario in southwestern Wisconsin.

Historic Places and Cultural Heritage

Vernon County currently has more round barns than any other county in Wisconsin. The Historic Sherry-Butt House dates to 1870 and was built in the Federal style; artifacts from the American Civil War are displayed there. The architecture and exhibits bring architectural history together with a specific chapter of U.S. history.

The Old St. Mary's Church Museum explores church life in Vernon County. Tours can be arranged by appointment; confirm the timing before your visit. The interior of the Foreaker One Room Schoolhouse is fully furnished to reflect how it looked when it was in use. The Vernon County Museum displays artifacts used by Native Americans and agricultural pioneers. These places each focus on a different subject: church life, former school use, and material culture.

Norskedalen is a nature and cultural heritage center near Coon Valley in southwestern Wisconsin. It is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the area’s natural environment and cultural heritage. A museum gallery focuses on the significance of folk art and music for Norwegian immigrants and their descendants. The Bekkum Homestead aims to recreate a typical Norwegian immigrant farm around the turn of the 20th century.

Agriculture and Regional Cuisine

Vernon County currently has more than 200 certified organic farms; the number may change, and many of them supply restaurants and cafés in Viroqua. Driftless Café also draws on the abundance and commitment of local agriculture.

Discover more destinations: Westby, Washburn County, Columbia, Shawano County, Winnebago, Wood County, Walworth, Waupaca County.

For the main travel overview: Wisconsin.