A weekly column written by the staff of Discover Wisconsin highlights things to do and see throughout the State of Wisconsin, and is made available for publication to members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. The column is accompanied by photos for use in print and online. The Discover Wisconsin logo can be downloaded here.
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10 things to do in Platteville
With rolling hills, beautiful farmland, rich history and a charming downtown, Platteville is a stunning area to both reside in and visit. Whether you’re just down the road or across the state, there are a few things you’re going to want to do while you’re in town:
1. Visit the Mining and Rollo Jamison Museums and explore an authentic 1845 lead mine, ride in a 1931 mine train, and learn about Platteville’s roots in the lead and zinc mining industry.
2. Shop the Platteville Farmers’ Market, where you can meet the local growers, producers and artisans while picking up the finest products in the area. Whether you’re in search of vegetables, flowers, or a handcrafted gift, you’ll find it at the Platteville Farmers’ Market.
3. Learn about and experience farm life at “A Day on the Farm,” held every summer at Digman Farms. Children and adults alike will enjoy a petting zoo, demonstrations, delicious food, and plenty of games, all while taking in an educational experience.
4. Check out the National Brewery Museum at Potosi Brewing Company, which showcases a collection of beer bottles, glasses, cans, trays, coasters and advertising materials from over the years.
5. Make a pit stop at Rural Route 1 Popcorn in Montfort for some amazing flavored popcorn and other gifts. With uniquely-named popcorn flavors ranging from chocolate sea salt to jalapeno, anyone who’s had Rural Route 1 would agree it’s the best around.
6. Sample award-winning wines and take a walk in the gorgeous vineyards at Spurgeon Vineyards & Winery in Highland, or Sinnipee Valley Vineyard & Winery in Cuba City.
7. Take a walk around the UW-Platteville campus, or call ahead and schedule a tour of Pioneer Farm. The farm has been an integral piece of UW-Platteville since the beginning of its agriculture academic program in the early 1900s, and is the perfect learning opportunity for anyone interested in agriculture.
8. Platteville is an excellent year-round destination for hiking, biking and running. Explore the area on the Rountree Branch or Platteville to Belmont trails and take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife of Platteville.
9. Dozens of volunteers donate time and effort to making Katie’s Garden one of the most beautiful sites in the area, featuring walking paths, plants and flowers, picnic areas and a gazebo. Take a walk through the garden before heading into the nearby Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center to plan the rest of your trip.
10. What’s better than a locally grown meal? Enjoy a fantastic farm-to-table meal at Platteville’s “Fall Harvest Table Dinner” event, which features a five-course family-style meal, beer, wine and a guest speaker.
From its rich mining history and agricultural pride, to the locally-owned businesses and breathtaking scenery, Platteville is ‘Wisconsin’ in a nutshell. What is your favorite thing about visiting Platteville?
Kristen Finstad is a member of the Discover Wisconsin crew. Having grown up in River Falls, attending UW-Stevens Point and now living in Madison, she’s a Wisconsin girl through and through. Watch Discover Wisconsin TV Saturday mornings at 10 on Fox Sports Wisconsin. (Twitter: @DiscoverWI)
