I hear it. Over and over again. I can tell it’s coming usually moments before the query’s even been queried. They squint their eyes, furrow their brow and then…they pop the question:
“So…what’s your favorite place in Wisconsin?”
Sure, I get it. My job has taken me to every corner of this beautiful state. But that is precisely why that question is nearly impossible to answer. I feel kinda bad about it too…I end up shooting back 9 more questions. All they wanted was one simple town or county and here I am playing “21 Questions” with this nice, well-meaning stranger: “Well, what’s your travel mood? How ’bout interests? Go-to hobbies? Where in Wisconsin have you vacationed so far? What’d you think? You sticking to a budget? How many days do you have?” etc. etc.
It’s complicated. And yet, I have noticed that there is indeed a region that tends to crop up in my reply nearly every time That Question is asked:
The Driftless Area.
And so, with two nights, and three days free on my work schedule – and with my pup Josie in tow – I decided to take my own advice. We’re road tripping through the Driftless!
What’s In a Name?
No point in trying to out-explain Wiki: “The Driftless Area is a region in southwestern Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and the extreme northwestern corner of Illinois, of the American Midwest. The region escaped glaciation during the last ice age and, consequently, is characterized by steep, forested ridges, deeply-carved river valleys, and karst geology characterized by spring-fed waterfalls and cold-water trout streams. Ecologically, the flora and fauna of the Driftless Area are more closely related to those of the Great Lakes region and New England rather than those of the broader Midwest and central Plains regions.” (Wikipedia)
To summarize: This area of Wisconsin is full of dramatic ridges and valleys, making for some pretty epic scenery. (I highly recommend streaming Mysteries of the Driftless.)
For you visual/audible peeps: check out the vlog at the top! Prefer to skim? Read my itinerary below!
Where I Stayed
Justin Trails Resort (Sparta)
First thing’s first: I need some dog-friendly accommodations. I’ve had my eye on Justin Trails Resort just south of Sparta for quite some time. Lucky for me, they had one room left: The Queen Suite. Seems fitting to me and Josie!
I was pretty blown away by Justin Trails. Ran by the Justin family (shout-out to Donna, and her daughter, Dawn, who were both so gracious!), the resort is home to a variety of charming cottages, including a cozy Scandinavian cabin called “Little House on the Prairie” and a glamping getaway that dons my favorite name: The Snuggalo.
Dawn served as our tour guide as we hiked our way across the property up to “The Rock,” a sandstone formation perched atop a ridge, overlooking the valley.
The views, the food, the rooms, the hospitality – it was all excellent. Oh, and don’t leave without nabbing a couple of Donna’s famous muffins. To die for. (See Sinful Muffins Recipe.)
Where I Explored
Wildcat Mountain State Park (Ontario)
Located along the Kickapoo River in Vernon County, Wildcat Mountain State Park is in the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. The park is known for its sandstone bluffs, gorgeous views and numerous horseback-riding trails.
Grandad Bluff (La Crosse)
One of Wisconsin’s most famous overlooks, Grandad Bluff is the largest bluff in the La Crosse area. Getting there is easy: You simply drive to the top, walk roughly 500 feet and voila! You’ve arrived. But there are plenty of hiking tails nearby if you’re looking to get a little exercise in.
The Wegner Grotto (Sparta)
There are two roadside attractions in Sparta that I had on my itinerary. The first was the Wegner Grotto, located 15 minutes north of Sparta off Highway 71. The artists behind this “outdoor art museum” were Paul and Matilda Wegner, a German couple who immigrated to the U.S. and settled in La Crosse in 1885. After a visit in 1929 to the Holy Ghost Park of Father Mathias Wernerus in Dickeyville, Wis., the Wegners were inspired to start their very own art structures made of cement and broken glass. Their first project was a 12-foot concrete replica of the celebrated Bremen ocean liner.
FAST Fiberglass Mold Graveyard (Sparta)
If the Wegner Grotto isn’t eclectic enough for you, I promise you this next place will definitely rank high on your weird-o-meter. It’s downright bizarre. And kooky. Aaaand a little creepy.
Sparta is home to FAST – an acronym for Fiberglass Animals, Shapes, and Trademarks. They make gigantic molds of everything from titanic turtles to enormous eyeballs. And just behind their workshop is a massive graveyard filled with mammoth molds of animals, foods, characters, and other inanimate objects that’ve had their day in the sun.
Where I Indulged
Ginny’s Cupboard (Sparta)
I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for an old-school diner/cafe with vintage vibes. Ginny’s Cupboard in downtown Sparta is as darling as it gets. They allow dogs on the patio so I ordered my panini and shake and Josie and I took in a well-earned break out back.
Tenba Ridge Winery (Blaire)
As I was toying around with Google Maps, I noticed a wine icon. I zoomed in further. Could it be? No, it’s not possible: A Wisconsin winery…that I’ve never heard of?! Gasp! I quickly Googled to ensure this wasn’t a hoax. Nope, not a hoax – Tenba Ridge is a bonafide winery and bonus – dogs are okay on the patio! Off to Blair, Wisconsin we go…
The route to Tenba was stunning. It was mostly country backroads – twisting and winding their way along pastures and more ridges and valleys. There were plenty of motorcycles out enjoying the journey along with me. Once I got to Tenba, a long driveway lead me to a rather large “clubhouse,” where I quickly took in what I assumed to be the winery’s namesake: Tenba sits on a ridge and overlooks a gorgeous valley. Ah, the Driftless is the gift that keeps on giving.
Where I Shopped
KEPS Naturals (Sparta)
Also located on Water Street in downtown Sparta (right next to Ginny’s) is a cute little boutique called KEPS Naturals. Known for USA-made clothing, eco-friendly goods & jewelry plus local art, both Josie and I very much enjoyed the hour we spent at KEPS – browsing in my case and basking in the employees’ attention in Josie’s case.
It must be said: Josie and I covered a very small portion of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. There were so many other places I would have loved to have squeezed in but due to time and the fact that my travel companion was a canine, we were a bit limited. But I’m dying to know: Have you experienced the Driftless? Where did you go and what did you do?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and please consider sharing this post and subscribing to my YouTube channel!
Happy Trails!
Mariah (+ Josie)
Mariah Haberman is a TV host, writer, speaker and marketing strategist. As the host and brand director of Discover Wisconsin, she travels the state to bring Wisconsin’s best foods, festivals, sights and activities to the living rooms of more than 600,000 loyal viewers across the Midwest each and every weekend.
Mariah received her bachelors degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 2010. She was selected to InBusiness Magazine’s list of 40 Under 40 and earned a 2017 Emmy Award nomination for her work in interactivity. When she’s not on the road with the Discover Wisconsin crew, Mariah can probably be found hitting the trails with her spunky mini goldendoodle, Josie. Follow Mariah on Facebook (facebook.com/mar1ahha3erman) and Instagram (@MariahHaberman)
