Mount Horeb WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mount Horeb, Wisconsin.
1. Mount Horeb Trollway
WHIMSICAL TROLL SCULPTURES
The Mount Horeb Trollway features numerous carved wooden trolls scattered throughout the downtown area, celebrating the town's Scandinavian heritage and earning it the title of 'Troll Capital of the World.' These quirky sculptures can be found relaxing, watering flowers, tending chickens, playing music, or simply hamming it up for visitors' pleasure. Exploring the Trollway provides a unique and delightful scavenger hunt experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.
2. Tyrol Basin Ski & Snowboard Area
YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR RECREATION
Tyrol Basin offers wholesome, family-friendly outdoor activities in every season, with winter being their primary busy season for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. The area has received excellent reviews from visitors, earning a 4.1 rating and being recognized as a top attraction in Mount Horeb. Beyond winter sports, Tyrol Basin provides recreational opportunities throughout the year for outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Donald County Park
PRISTINE NATURAL SETTING
Donald County Park is a highly-rated natural area near Mount Horeb, boasting a remarkable 4.8 visitor rating. The park offers beautiful hiking trails through Wisconsin's distinctive Driftless Region landscape, featuring rolling hills untouched by glaciers. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the peaceful setting while exploring the diverse flora and fauna native to this unique ecological area.
4. Stewart Lake County Park
SCENIC LAKE RECREATION
Stewart Lake County Park offers visitors a beautiful lake setting with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and shoreline relaxation. The park has earned a strong 4.6 visitor rating, making it one of Mount Horeb's top natural attractions. Hiking trails surrounding the lake provide additional recreational options while showcasing the region's distinctive rolling landscape.
5. Cave of the Mounds
NATURAL UNDERGROUND WONDER
Cave of the Mounds invites visitors to explore a fascinating underground world near Mount Horeb, with stunning rock formations created over millions of years. This natural limestone cave features colorful stalactites, stalagmites, and other spectacular mineral formations that have earned it recognition as a National Natural Landmark. Guided tours take visitors through well-lit pathways while explaining the geological processes that created this subterranean marvel.
6. House on the Rock
ECCENTRIC ARCHITECTURAL WONDER
House on the Rock is an extraordinary attraction near Mount Horeb featuring a bizarre and fascinating collection of oddities, automated music machines, and architectural curiosities. Built by eccentric collector Alex Jordan Jr., this sprawling complex includes the famous Infinity Room extending unsupported 218 feet over a scenic valley. Visitors can spend hours exploring the countless rooms filled with unusual collections, making it one of Wisconsin's most unique and unforgettable attractions.
7. Taliesin
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT ESTATE
Taliesin, located near Mount Horeb in Spring Green, is the personal estate of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and showcases his distinctive Prairie School design philosophy. The property encompasses 800 acres of rolling hills with the main house organically integrated into the landscape, demonstrating Wright's commitment to harmony between human habitation and the natural world. Visitors can tour this UNESCO World Heritage site to experience firsthand the revolutionary architectural concepts that made Wright one of America's most celebrated architects.
8. Deer Valley Lodge & Golf Course
RECREATION AND RELAXATION
Deer Valley Lodge & Golf Course offers visitors a complete recreational experience with its well-maintained golf course set among the rolling hills of Wisconsin's Driftless Region. The facility provides both challenging play for experienced golfers and accessible enjoyment for beginners against a backdrop of scenic countryside views. Beyond golf, the lodge offers comfortable accommodations and dining options, making it a perfect destination for both day trips and extended stays near Mount Horeb.
9. Brix Cider
LOCAL CRAFT CIDER EXPERIENCE
Brix Cider welcomes visitors to experience locally-crafted hard ciders made from Wisconsin-grown apples in their charming Mount Horeb taproom. The cidery offers a rotating selection of unique flavors that showcase the region's agricultural bounty and the owners' commitment to sustainable production methods. Guests can enjoy tasting flights alongside farm-to-table food offerings that perfectly complement the crisp, refreshing ciders.
10. Pendarvis Historic Site
CORNISH MINING HERITAGE
The Pendarvis Historic Site preserves the unique cultural heritage of Cornish immigrants who settled in southwest Wisconsin to work in the lead mining industry. Visitors can explore meticulously restored stone cottages that reflect the distinctive architectural style these miners brought from Cornwall, England in the 1830s and 1840s. The site offers fascinating insights into early Wisconsin history through guided tours, exhibitions, and educational programs that bring the past to life.
11. Mount Horeb Historic Downtown
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Mount Horeb's Historic Downtown invites visitors to stroll through a charming district filled with unique craft shops, boutiques, and local eateries housed in well-preserved historic buildings. Many locations along the main street are registered on the National Register of Historic Sites, allowing visitors to step into the past while enjoying modern amenities. Shoppers can discover locally-made treasures ranging from handmade chocolates to artisanal soaps, all created by the community's talented makers and creators.
12. Military Ridge State Trail
SCENIC RECREATIONAL PATH
The Military Ridge State Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a 40-mile recreational corridor passing through Mount Horeb and connecting Dodgeville to Madison along a former military route and railroad line. The limestone-surfaced trail provides ideal terrain for biking, hiking, and snowmobiling (in winter), with beautiful vistas of the surrounding Driftless Area countryside. Trail users can enjoy convenient access to Mount Horeb's downtown amenities, making it easy to combine outdoor recreation with local dining and shopping experiences.
13. Blue Mound State Park
HIGHEST POINT IN SOUTHERN WISCONSIN
Blue Mound State Park encompasses the highest point in southern Wisconsin at 1,716 feet above sea level, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The park features over 20 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing, along with a summer swimming pool and winter warming house. Nature lovers can observe abundant wildlife and native plant communities while enjoying recreational activities in all four seasons.
14. Duluth Trading Company
FLAGSHIP STORE EXPERIENCE
The Duluth Trading Company flagship store in Mount Horeb offers visitors a hands-on shopping experience with their full line of distinctive workwear and casual clothing known for durability and innovative design. The retail space showcases the brand's commitment to solving everyday problems through thoughtful product engineering, with helpful staff available to explain the unique features of their merchandise. Beyond shopping, the store serves as a destination that reflects the company's quirky personality and practical Midwestern values.
15. Grumpy Troll Brew Pub
CRAFT BEER AND DINING
The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub welcomes visitors to sample house-brewed craft beers in a friendly, troll-themed atmosphere that celebrates Mount Horeb's Scandinavian heritage. Located in a historic downtown building, the brewpub offers a diverse menu of comfort food and pub favorites that pair perfectly with their award-winning beers. Guests can enjoy the relaxed environment while learning about the brewing process from knowledgeable staff who are passionate about craft beer culture.