Southwest Hidden Valleys Home > Area Travel Info > Southwest Hidden Valleys
You'll feel as though you've stepped into an impressionist painting when you set foot in southwest Wisconsin. The majestic Mississippi River, winding coulees, scenic overlooks with eagles soaring overhead, and emerald green valleys define the landscape. It is so different from any other part of the state, as an afternoon drive on the Great River Road will attest.
The Prairie du Chien area is rich with historic sites. Take Villa Louis, for example. This Victorian estate, built in the 1840s with fur trading money, was named Wisconsin's first state historic site. History buffs, art lovers, and antique enthusiasts will surely find themselves drawn to Mineral Point, the first city in Wisconsin to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In La Crosse, its nine-day Oktoberfest draws thousands for authentic German foods, brew, music and, of course, “gemutlichkeit.” It's an ideal time to visit, with the leaves changing from summer green to brilliant fall gem tones. Farther north, the city of Sparta is recognized as the juncture of the Elroy-Sparta and La Crosse River bike trails.
Cities within the Southwest Hidden Valleys region:
Events happening in the Southwest Hidden Valleys region:
Amish Spring Consignment Auction | |
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Event Details: This year's annual Spring Consignment Auction is held on March 15th. This starts the season for the Growers Procuce Auction House located just 5 miles SE of Cashton, WI. just off of County Highway D, which is off of State Highway 33. Locally grown farm fresh produce, amish items and more. |
Event Dates: March 14, 2008 to October 18, 2008 Event Time: 8:30 a.m. to approx. 2:00 p.m. Event Contact Phone: 608-634-7880 Event Web Site: http://www.regionalresearch.net/Pages/amish_aucti |
Syttende Mai | |
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Event Details: A Norwegian Folk Fest that is an annual festival celebrating Westby, Wisconsin's Norwegian heritage and the historic day of Norway's independence. Always held the weekend closest to May 17th, enjoy arts & crafts, ethnic foods, car show, parades, and local Norweigian artisans. |
Event Dates: May 16, 2008 to May 18, 2008 Event Time: Friday afternoon thru Sunday Event Contact Phone: 608-634-4011 Event Web Site: westbywi.com |
Kickapoo Country Fair | |
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Event Details: Hosted at the headquarters of Organic Valley in La Farge WI. Enjoy live music, organic foods, tours of local organic farms, demostrations. |
Event Dates: July 26, 2008 to July 28, 2008 Event Time: day time plus see event web site Event Contact Phone: 608-625-2666 ext.436 Event Web Site: www.organicvalley.com |
Great River Jazz Fest | |
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Event Details: Three full days of some of the best jazz! in La Crosse WI. at the Riverfront and Fest Grounds. |
Event Dates: August 01, 2008 to August 03, 2008 Event Time: see event web site Event Contact Phone: 608-791-1190 Event Web Site: www.lacrossejazz.com |
Million Mississippi Reflection Lights Display | |
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Event Details: Rotary Lights is an annual gift to the Coulee Region as a cooperative effort among the area's Rotary Clubs and numerous other non-profit groups and volunteer organizations. Rotary Lights takes place in La Crosse's Riverside Park, a beautiful area of west central La Crosse, along the Mississippi River. Riverside Park is easily accessible from all directions of the city and thus to visitors from anywhere in Wisconsin and neighboring states. The park opens 5 p.m. daily and will close following the last car in line at 10 p.m. Admission is free but visitors are encouraged to make voluntary contributions of cash and/or food as they exit the park. Seven area food pantries share in the 100,000 canned and packaged goods that are donated, and the cash proceeds not only support the lighting project, but many thousands of dollars are returned to the participating non-profit organizations so they can continue their respective missions. Dates are 11/23/07 through 12/31/07 |
Event Dates: November 22, 2008 to December 31, 2008 Event Time: 5:00 p.m. daily Event Web Site: www.rotarylights.org |
