Shullsburg WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Shullsburg, Wisconsin.
1. Gravity Hill
DEFY THE LAWS OF PHYSICS
Gravity Hill is a fascinating natural phenomenon located about two miles south of Shullsburg on Judgement Street where vehicles appear to roll uphill when placed in neutral. Visitors can experience this mind-bending illusion by stopping their car about three-quarters of the way down the first hill at a spot marked with 'GH' on the pavement. This unique attraction defies expectations as cars seemingly travel backward uphill, creating a memorable experience that challenges one's perception of gravity.
2. Badger Mine and Museum
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND MINING EXPERIENCE
The Badger Mine and Museum offers visitors a firsthand experience of an 1850s lead miner's daily routine in the heart of Southwest Wisconsin's lead mining region. As the only primitive, hand-dug, 19th-century lead mine open for public viewing in the United States, it provides a unique glimpse into the region's industrial past. Visitors can explore underground passages and learn about the mining techniques that shaped Shullsburg's history and economy.
3. Shullsburg Creamery
ARTISANAL CHEESE PRODUCTION
Shullsburg Creamery stands as one of the town's premier attractions, offering visitors a taste of Wisconsin's renowned dairy tradition. The creamery produces a variety of artisanal cheeses using time-honored methods that showcase the region's dairy excellence. Visitors can sample freshly made cheeses and learn about the cheese-making process that has made Wisconsin famous throughout the country.
4. Roelli Cheese Haus
ARTISAN CHEESE DESTINATION
Roelli Cheese Haus invites cheese enthusiasts to explore its selection of award-winning artisanal cheeses crafted in the heart of Wisconsin's dairyland. This family-operated cheese house combines traditional cheese-making techniques with innovative approaches to create unique flavor profiles. Visitors can witness the cheese-making process, sample various cheese varieties, and purchase these delectable dairy products directly from the source.
5. The Crooked Canvas
CREATIVE ARTS HUB
The Crooked Canvas serves as Shullsburg's artistic center where creativity and community converge. This art-focused venue offers visitors opportunities to engage with local artwork, participate in workshops, or simply appreciate the region's creative talent. The space embodies the cultural vibrancy of Shullsburg, providing both residents and tourists with a glimpse into the artistic spirit of this historic mining town.
6. Kingsley Crossing
HISTORIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Kingsley Crossing offers visitors a charming shopping experience in Shullsburg's historic district. This retail destination features a collection of unique shops housed in beautifully preserved buildings that reflect the town's rich architectural heritage. Shoppers can discover local crafts, antiques, and specialty items while absorbing the authentic small-town atmosphere that makes Shullsburg special.
7. Shullsburg Visitor's Center
GATEWAY TO LOCAL EXPLORATION
The Shullsburg Visitor's Center at 204 W. serves as the perfect first stop for travelers exploring this historic mining town. Friendly staff provide comprehensive information about local attractions, upcoming events, and the rich history of Shullsburg and the surrounding Driftless Region. Visitors can pick up maps, brochures, and insider tips that enhance their exploration of this charming Wisconsin destination.
8. Badger Park
FAMILY RECREATION HUB
Badger Park offers a comprehensive recreational experience with three separate playgrounds, picnic pavilions, a swimming pool, ball fields, and basketball courts. During summer months, the park hosts the popular 'Music in the Park' series featuring free live music performances on Thursday nights in July. This vibrant community space provides ample green areas for relaxation and outdoor activities, making it perfect for family outings in Shullsburg.
9. Music in the Park
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Music in the Park brings the community together every Thursday night in July for free live music performances at Badger Park in Shullsburg. Visitors and locals alike gather on warm summer evenings to enjoy diverse musical acts in a relaxed outdoor setting. These concerts showcase regional talent while offering a perfect opportunity to experience Shullsburg's friendly small-town atmosphere and community spirit.
10. Tri County ATV Trails
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PATHS
The Tri County ATV Trails provide outdoor enthusiasts with an extensive network of paths to explore the scenic Driftless Region landscapes surrounding Shullsburg. Riders can navigate through diverse terrain featuring rolling hills, wooded areas, and open countryside that showcases the unique topography that escaped glacial flattening. These well-maintained trails offer adventure seekers an exciting way to experience the natural beauty of Southwest Wisconsin while connecting to other regional trail systems.
11. Yellowstone State Park
HISTORIC NATURAL PRESERVE
Yellowstone State Park, located near Shullsburg in the heart of the Driftless Region, offers visitors a chance to explore Wisconsin's first state park established in 1924. The park features stunning limestone formations, pristine trout streams, and diverse hiking trails that showcase the region's unique ecology that escaped glacial impact. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, camping, bird watching, and seasonal activities while experiencing the distinctive topography that makes this area a geographic singularity.
12. Governor Dodge State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Governor Dodge State Park encompasses over 5,000 acres of spectacular Driftless Region landscape featuring steep hills, deep valleys, and two scenic lakes perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. Visitors can explore more than 40 miles of hiking trails that wind through diverse habitats including prairies, woodlands, and dramatic rock outcroppings. The park offers year-round recreational opportunities including camping, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, making it a premier destination in all seasons.
13. Apple River Canyon State Park
DRAMATIC LIMESTONE CANYONS
Apple River Canyon State Park showcases the dramatic limestone formations and deep canyons characteristic of the Driftless Region just a short drive from Shullsburg. The park's centerpiece is the scenic canyon carved by the Apple River, featuring towering cliffs, interesting rock formations, and diverse plant communities. Visitors can enjoy excellent trout fishing, hiking along five marked trails, picnicking beside the river, and wildlife observation in this picturesque natural setting.
14. Military Ridge State Trail
HISTORIC RAILWAY PATH
The Military Ridge State Trail stretches for 40 miles along the former Chicago and North Western Railway corridor, offering cyclists and hikers a relatively level route through the otherwise hilly Driftless Region landscape. Following the ridge that divides the watersheds of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, this historic path once served as a military road connecting Fort Crawford in Prairie du Chien with Fort Howard in Green Bay. Trail users can experience panoramic views, abundant wildlife, and connections to several charming communities while enjoying this well-maintained recreational asset.
15. Badger State Trail
SCENIC RAIL-TRAIL EXPERIENCE
The Badger State Trail runs for 40 miles from Madison to the Wisconsin-Illinois border, passing through the beautiful countryside of the Driftless Region near Shullsburg. A highlight of the trail is the 1,200-foot Stewart Tunnel, which curves so dramatically that the middle is completely dark even on the brightest days. The crushed limestone surface accommodates bicyclists, hikers, snowmobilers, and cross-country skiers, providing year-round recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts exploring Southwest Wisconsin.