Tucked away in the hills of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region is a magical little town: Mineral Point. If you’ve been following my Midwest travels, you know this destination is one of my favorites.
Having visited many times, I recently returned with my husband for a weekend escape. Last summer, I explored the town solo (read: Mineral Point: 7 Things to Do in This Enchanting Wisconsin Town). This time, with my husband, we ventured into parts of Mineral Point that were new even to me.
Come along with us!
The Cabin at The Cothren House
One of my absolute favorite aspects of Mineral Point is its historic architecture. The town is brimming with charming Cornish stone cottages and historic cabins that transport you back in time. Simply driving through town and touring these homes on your own is a treat. But staying overnight in one? Pure magic.
I particularly love The Cothren House, which offers a choice between an 1830s log cabin and an 1840s stone cottage. We chose the log cabin, and it was a delightful experience. Imagine unwinding with a drink by the gas fireplace, envisioning life in simpler times. The cabin’s loft, featuring a queen-size bed custom-made from local barn wood, added an extra touch of rustic charm.
Breakfast at Wild Blue Yonder Coffeehouse
Fact: One of the best ways to get to know a town is through its coffee.
Start your trip to Mineral Point off right with a visit to Wild Blue Yonder Coffeehouse. A laid back vibe both day and evenings, includes a separate internet cafe space. Kick back in the morning with a cup of coffee and a treat or join us for a glass of wine or a beer and a nosh in the evening. The coffee is top-notch, and their pastries are a treat—especially the sausage rolls. It’s the perfect spot for a light breakfast before a day of exploring.
Mineral Point's Tour of Homes
After breakfast, we embarked on Mineral Point’s Tour of Homes. These self-guided tours allow you to explore a curated selection of homes at your own pace. There were volunteers on-site who answered all of our questions, offering a rare peek inside some of Mineral Point’s most intriguing homes.
Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts Tour of Fairy Homes
While in town, a visit to Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts is a must. This vibrant hub offers arts and crafts workshops for all ages, ranging from half-day projects to week-long immersions, led by talented artists. Shake Rag Alley also provides historic lodging, site rentals for events, and custom art retreats. Whether you’re interested in rustic arts, jewelry, creative writing, or mixed media, there’s something here to spark your creativity.
We visited during the Tour of Fairy Homes, a whimsical event where you can stroll through enchanting grounds adorned with tiny, original fairy homes crafted especially for the occasion—a truly unique and magical tour!
Lunch at Commerce Street Brewery
For lunch, stop by Commerce Street Brewery. Nestled beneath a luxury historic boutique hotel, this European-styled brewpub serves up delicious fare. The Bavarian Pretzel with beer cheese and the jalapeño cheese curds with house raspberry sauce were highlights. Pair your meal with a fun craft soda like Root Beer, Black Cherry, or Cream Soda.
Shopping at Lo Vin Clothing Boutique
Wrap up your day with some shopping at Lo Vin Clothing Boutique. Located downtown, this store offers a stylish selection of women’s fashion, accessories, jewelry, shoes, and more. It’s the perfect place to find unique and chic items. Shout-out to the boutique associate, Dea, for serving as my personal stylist for the day!
Dinner and cocktails at Eliza's
Located on High Street in downtown Mineral Point, Eliza’s Lounge is a converted mid-century bar and 1930s bowling alley. They serve craft cocktails, great food, and feature live music. I recommend the smoked chicken wings with homemade rye BBQ or buffalo sauce, and the truffle butter muenster curds with house-made hot pepper jam.
A show at the Mineral Point Opera House
After dinner, catch a show at the Mineral Point Opera House. Dedicated in 1915 as the “Theater for All the People,” this historic venue has retained its original charm. It hosts a diverse mix of cultural, musical, visual/film, and community events throughout the year. We enjoyed a performance by the witty Midwestern singer/songwriter Susan Werner.
A special thank you to Cory Bennett and the Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce for inviting us to explore your charming city. Until we meet again, Mineral Point!
Have you ever been to Mineral Point, Wisconsin? Share your itinerary suggestions with me below!
