HIDDEN VALLEYS

Heavily wooded Wildcat Mountain State Park sits on a steep ridge overlooking the Kickapoo River, providing spectacular views for hikers, snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and horseback riders.

 

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve, between La Farge and Ontario, offers trails for virtually every type of recreation: paved roads for touring bikes, off-road trails for mountain bikes and equestrians, and three trails reserved for hikers. In the winter, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiles traverse the paths.

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Westby also hosts International & Junior Ski Jumping Tournaments at Snowflake Ski & Golf Club.

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Along Vernon County’s western border, the Mississippi River is a popular destination for boating and fishing, while the Kickapoo River, Coon Creek, and other waterways are known for idyllic kayaking, canoeing, and trout fishing.

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Much of Vernon County’s history is steeped in agriculture—primarily, dairy farming and tobacco growing. In recent years, more farmland has shifted to organic produce while former tobacco fields have been transformed into vineyards.

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Vernon County’s agricultural legacy is on display in its farm architecture. It is the No. 1 place for round barns in the U.S. In addition, it is home to the largest Amish settlement in Wisconsin which has grown into a tourist mecca with the thriving auction house for flowers, produce, hay, furniture and quilts.

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Vernon County also has become a mecca for arts and live music. VIVA Gallery is an artists’ cooperative that started in 2004 and features the works of 25 local artists who are painters, potters, weavers, jewelers, and more. An annual art tour in June invites visitors to meet with artists in their studios.

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Some of the popular gatherings are the Driftless Music Festival, Music in the Park, Bonfire Music & Arts Festival, Larryfest, Westby Syttende Mai Festival, Wild West Days, and the new Coon Creek Conservation Days in Coon Valley.