I’m going to let you in on a little secret: Mineral Point is one of my all-time favorite Midwestern towns.
Nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin, this little city exudes small-town charm with plenty of history as the birthplace of Wisconsin, where Henry Dodge became the first governor of the Wisconsin Territory on July 4, 1836.
Super speedy backstory on Mineral Point: The town’s history can be traced back to the 1800s when lead ore attracted miners who dug temporary cave-like homes reminiscent of badger holes, earning Wisconsin its nickname, “The Badger State.” The Cornish immigrants who arrived in the 1830s brought with them advanced mining techniques and stone building expertise, leaving a lasting architectural legacy in Mineral Point.
Steeped in history and brimming with charm, Mineral Point still stands today as a testament to the Cornish immigrants who settled here in the early 19th century. Join me on a journey to uncover this enchanting little town:
1. Book your stay at Mineral Point Hotel
One of the many reasons why I adore Mineral Point is its abundance of charming boutique hotels and unique short-term rentals, and among my personal favorites is the Mineral Point Hotel (121 Commerce St.). It’s an absolute gem in the heart of downtown that exudes irresistible old-world charm.
The moment I stepped into the stunning French bistro-inspired lobby adorned in classic black and white, I gasped (literally). It’s the epitome of “vintage glam.” The hotel has eight elegantly furnished rooms, featuring claw tubs and beautiful sitting areas that perfectly complement the vintage glam feel.
To top it all off, I found my own moment of zen in the hotel’s courtyard, indulging in a delicious charcuterie board and refreshing cocktail.
2. Explore Mineral Point’s trails by E-Bike
While I was at the hotel, I decided to rent an e-bike from IBEX E-Bike Rental (121 Commerce St.), which is located right at the Mineral Point Hotel. This was the perfect way to take in the picturesque beauty of Mineral Point and its surrounding countryside. You’ll cruise past the Cornish buildings, local shops, rolling hills, and bucolic farmsteads.
3. Stop in for brunch at Café 43
For my first meal in town, I chose Cafe 43 & Market (43 High St.), nestled within the historic walls of the iconic Old Royal Inn. Once a renowned luxury hotel, the Old Royal Inn now houses the delightful Cafe 43, where I indulged in a raspberry mocha and avocado toast, both of which were excellent.
Adjacent to the cafe is the Cafe 43 Market, which offers a selection of fresh produce, dairy, cheeses and meats as well as regionally-sourced coffee, wine, beer and more.
4. Take a stroll through the grounds at Shake Rag Alley
Immerse yourself in Mineral Point’s vibrant arts scene at Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts (18 Shakerag St.). This campus is home to a variety of workshops, studios, and galleries. Unleash your creative side by participating in a hands-on art class or simply admire the talent on display. I spent some time just strolling the grounds and taking in the historic buildings and picturesque surroundings.
5. Browse the shops in downtown Mineral Point
Is it really a weekend getaway without any shopping? Mineral Point boasts its fair share of great little boutiques. You have to head over to Sullivan’s (303 Commerce St.), a beloved local boutique that offers products from 60+ local Wisconsin vendors, providing a true taste of local craftsmanship.
I also loved Aspen Ridge Home & Garden (915 Ridge St.), a perfect little blend of a plant nursery and a treasure trove of home decor and antique furniture. Explore the beautiful plants and discover a curated selection of items that truly capture the timeless charm of Mineral Point.
6. Go for a hike at Merry Christmas Mine Hill
If you have a love for both nature and history, then a hike up Merry Christmas Mine Hill is in order. The hill gots its name because of the zinc deposits that were discovered on the hill around Christmas in 1905.
I’m always up for a great hike, but what made these trails extra special were the interpretive panels along the way, which highlight how Mineral Point’s landscape was shaped by mining.
7. Order a pizza and a brew at Midway Bar & Grill
For the best pizza in Iowa County–and superb service–I’d add Midway Bar & Grill (140 High St.) in downtown Mineral Point to your itinerary. After a day of exploring Mineral Point, I was honestly so thankful for the colds brew here at Midway!
As my weekend came to a close, I had heard from a few locals that there was a cotton candy station and ice-cream truck in town. So that is exactly where I found myself!
As the sun began to set, I took a seat on High Street to enjoy a spectacular display of fireworks, illuminating the night sky above those gorgeous historic buildings in Mineral Point. It was such a fitting end to my time in Mineral Point.
From its rich history and artistic spirit to its charming boutiques and delightful dining experiences, Mineral Point is a destination that’ll win you over instantly. Add this spot to your Midwest bucket list–and when you go, let me know what you discovered!
A big, huge thank you to Cory Bennett and the Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to explore your city for the weekend. …Until we meet again, Mineral Point!
