Westby WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Westby, Wisconsin.
1. Branches Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Branches Winery offers visitors a chance to sample locally produced wines in a picturesque setting in the Driftless Region. Guests can enjoy tastings of various wine varieties while taking in the beautiful countryside views. The winery provides a relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding during a Wisconsin getaway.
2. Snowflake Ski Club
HISTORIC SKI JUMPING VENUE
Snowflake Ski Club is home to one of the oldest ski jumping tournaments in the United States, hosting competitive events since 1923. The club features an impressive ski jump nestled in the scenic hills of western Wisconsin's Driftless Region. Visitors can watch thrilling ski jumping competitions in winter or explore the grounds during other seasons to appreciate this unique piece of local sports heritage.
3. Westby Cooperative Creamery
ARTISANAL DAIRY PRODUCTS
Westby Cooperative Creamery showcases Wisconsin's rich dairy tradition with its selection of award-winning cheeses, butter, and other dairy products. Visitors can shop for fresh, locally-produced dairy items and learn about the creamery's century-long history in the region. The creamery is a key stop on the Driftless Wisconsin Wine & Cheese Trail, offering a taste of authentic Wisconsin dairy craftsmanship.
4. Nordic Creamery
ARTISAN CHEESE AND BUTTER
Nordic Creamery produces handcrafted artisan cheeses and award-winning butter that reflect the area's Norwegian heritage. Visitors can sample various dairy products made with traditional methods and locally-sourced milk. The creamery offers a genuine taste of Wisconsin's renowned dairy industry with products created by master cheesemaker Al Bekkum.
5. The Big Old Red Shed
UNIQUE ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES
The Big Old Red Shed is a charming destination for treasure hunters seeking vintage items, antiques, and local crafts. This distinctive red building houses an eclectic collection of merchandise that changes regularly, ensuring each visit offers new discoveries. Visitors can spend hours browsing through the various goods while experiencing the friendly atmosphere that reflects Westby's small-town charm.
6. Dregne's Scandinavian Gifts
NORWEGIAN HERITAGE SHOP
Dregne's Scandinavian Gifts celebrates Westby's Norwegian heritage through its extensive collection of authentic Scandinavian products and souvenirs. The store offers everything from traditional Norwegian clothing and decorative items to imported foods and holiday decorations. Visitors can immerse themselves in Nordic culture while finding the perfect keepsake to remember their visit to this unique cultural enclave in Wisconsin.
7. Westby House Inn & Restaurant
HISTORIC BED AND BREAKFAST
Westby House Inn & Restaurant welcomes guests to experience Victorian elegance in a beautifully restored 1886 home that now serves as a charming bed and breakfast. Visitors can enjoy comfortable accommodations adorned with period furnishings while savoring delicious meals that often incorporate local ingredients and Norwegian influences. The inn provides a perfect base for exploring Westby and the surrounding Driftless Region while experiencing genuine hospitality.
8. Nordic Lanes
FAMILY BOWLING ENTERTAINMENT
Nordic Lanes offers family-friendly bowling entertainment for visitors of all ages in a welcoming atmosphere. The bowling alley features modern lanes, equipment, and amenities for both casual bowlers and serious enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy this classic American pastime while taking a break from outdoor activities or during inclement weather.
9. Old Country Cheese
TRADITIONAL CHEESE FACTORY
Old Country Cheese allows visitors to observe the authentic cheesemaking process while discovering the rich dairy traditions of Wisconsin's Driftless Region. The factory produces a variety of cheeses using milk from local Amish farms, ensuring freshness and supporting the regional agricultural community. Guests can purchase freshly made cheeses directly from the source and learn about the artisanal techniques that have been passed down through generations.
10. Vernon Square Cinema
CLASSIC SMALL-TOWN THEATER
Vernon Square Cinema offers a nostalgic movie-going experience in a charming small-town theater setting with modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy current films at reasonable prices while supporting this community entertainment venue. The theater provides a perfect evening activity after a day of exploring Westby's attractions and outdoor adventures.
11. Treasures On Main
LOCAL CRAFTS AND GIFTS
Treasures On Main showcases the work of local artisans and craftspeople in a delightful shop located in downtown Westby. Visitors can browse through a diverse selection of handmade items, unique gifts, and regional products that reflect the character of the Driftless Region. The shop offers an opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs while supporting the local creative community.
12. Syttende Mai Festival
NORWEGIAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION
Syttende Mai Festival celebrates Westby's Norwegian heritage each May with a vibrant cultural event featuring traditional food, music, dance, and activities. Visitors can experience authentic Norwegian customs including folk dancing, rosemaling (decorative painting), and sampling specialties like lefse and lutefisk. The festival transforms the entire town into a celebration of Scandinavian culture, offering a unique opportunity to connect with Westby's immigrant history and traditions.
13. Snowflake Ski & Golf Club
YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR RECREATION
Snowflake Ski & Golf Club offers visitors year-round outdoor recreation with skiing in winter and golfing in summer. The facility features well-maintained trails and slopes for winter sports enthusiasts, while warmer months bring opportunities for golfers to enjoy the scenic course. Outdoor lovers can appreciate the beautiful Driftless Region landscape while participating in seasonal activities at this versatile recreational venue.
14. Driftless Wisconsin Wine & Cheese Trail
REGIONAL CULINARY ADVENTURE
The Driftless Wisconsin Wine & Cheese Trail guides visitors through the region's finest wineries and creameries, including several stops in and around Westby. Travelers can sample award-winning wines and artisanal cheeses while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Driftless Region's unique landscape untouched by glaciers. The self-guided tour allows visitors to experience the area's agricultural bounty at their own pace, creating a customized culinary adventure.
15. Kickapoo Valley Reserve
NATURAL WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
The Kickapoo Valley Reserve, located near Westby in Vernon County, encompasses over 8,600 acres of protected wilderness with diverse ecosystems and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can hike, canoe, fish, and observe wildlife while exploring the winding Kickapoo River and surrounding forests, prairies, and wetlands. The reserve offers a glimpse into the unique geological features of the Driftless Region, with dramatic rock formations and scenic vistas that have remained unchanged for thousands of years.