Bloomington WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bloomington, Wisconsin.
1. Stonefield Historic Site
STEP BACK IN TIME
Stonefield Historic Site offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Wisconsin's agricultural past with restored buildings and authentic period exhibits. Visitors can explore the recreated farming village that showcases rural life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The site also features the State Agricultural Museum with an impressive collection of antique farm equipment and implements.
2. Y'Allbee Tubin
RIVER ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
Y'Allbee Tubin provides memorable river tubing adventures on local waterways for visitors looking to enjoy Wisconsin's natural beauty. Guests can float along peaceful currents while taking in scenic views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife. The business offers various trip lengths to accommodate different schedules and preferences for a perfect day on the water.
3. Lock and Dam No. 10
MISSISSIPPI RIVER ENGINEERING
Lock and Dam No. 10, located near Bloomington, is an impressive engineering structure that controls water flow on the Mississippi River. Visitors can observe massive barges and boats navigating through the lock system, a fascinating process that demonstrates how river commerce operates. The observation deck provides excellent views of both the technical operations and the natural beauty of the river landscape.
4. Grant County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Grant County Historical Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts chronicling the rich history of the region. Exhibits feature everything from Native American artifacts to pioneer tools and photographs documenting the area's development over centuries. The museum offers visitors a comprehensive understanding of how Grant County's communities, including Bloomington, evolved through different historical periods.
5. Nelson Dewey State Park
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
Nelson Dewey State Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River from its location atop river bluffs. The park features hiking trails through hardwood forests where visitors can observe diverse wildlife and seasonal wildflowers. Named after Wisconsin's first governor, the park also includes picnic areas, camping facilities, and historical markers explaining the area's significance.
6. Wyalusing State Park
ANCIENT EFFIGY MOUNDS
Wyalusing State Park sits high above the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, offering spectacular views and outdoor recreation opportunities. The park contains Native American effigy mounds, providing a glimpse into the region's ancient cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, and exploring the unique geological features formed by the unglaciated terrain.
7. Villa Louis Historic Site
VICTORIAN FUR TRADE ESTATE
Villa Louis is an elegant Victorian estate built by the Dousman family, who made their fortune in the fur trade and other frontier enterprises. The meticulously restored mansion showcases lavish period furnishings, decorative arts, and the lifestyle of a wealthy Wisconsin family in the late 19th century. Guided tours take visitors through the main house, carriage house, and grounds, providing insights into both the family history and broader historical context of the region.
8. Potosi Brewing Company
HISTORIC CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
The Potosi Brewing Company combines a working craft brewery with the National Brewery Museum, creating a unique destination for beer enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Visitors can tour the restored historic brewery buildings dating back to 1852 while learning about America's brewing heritage through extensive displays of brewing memorabilia. The complex also includes a restaurant serving traditional Wisconsin fare, a beer garden, and transportation museum highlighting the distribution side of the brewing industry.
9. The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums
LEAD MINING HISTORY
The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums offer an immersive look at the lead mining industry that shaped southwestern Wisconsin's development. Visitors can take an underground tour of the 1845 Bevans Lead Mine, complete with a ride on a vintage mine train. The museum complex also houses thousands of artifacts from regional history and the personal collection of Rollo Jamison, a local who gathered historical items throughout his lifetime.
10. Grant River Recreation Area
RIVER CAMPING DESTINATION
Grant River Recreation Area provides a scenic camping and outdoor recreation site along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, bird watching, and relaxing with unobstructed views of river traffic passing by. The well-maintained campground includes modern amenities while still allowing campers to feel connected to the natural environment of the river corridor.
11. Bloomington Parks
LOCAL OUTDOOR RECREATION
Bloomington Parks offer residents and visitors alike peaceful settings for outdoor recreation and community gatherings. The parks feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and open spaces perfect for family outings or quiet relaxation. Located within the charming small town, these green spaces provide a glimpse into the rural community lifestyle that characterizes this part of Wisconsin.
12. Cassville Car Ferry
CROSS-RIVER TRANSPORT ADVENTURE
The Cassville Car Ferry provides a unique transportation experience as one of the few remaining car ferries operating on the upper Mississippi River. Passengers can enjoy a leisurely crossing between Wisconsin and Iowa while taking in spectacular views of the river valley not visible from highway bridges. The historic ferry service has operated since 1833, connecting communities on both sides of the Mississippi and offering a glimpse into traditional river transportation methods.
13. Eagle Valley Nature Preserve
BALD EAGLE VIEWING
Eagle Valley Nature Preserve provides protected habitat for bald eagles and other wildlife along the Mississippi River flyway. Visitors can observe eagles in their natural environment, particularly during winter months when these majestic birds concentrate near open water to feed. The preserve features hiking trails with interpretive signage explaining the ecology of the river valley and the importance of conservation efforts.
14. Riverside Park
MISSISSIPPI RIVER ACCESS
Riverside Park offers excellent access to the Wisconsin River with boat launches, fishing areas, and scenic overlooks. Visitors can enjoy picnicking while watching boats and wildlife along this major tributary of the Mississippi. The park hosts community events throughout the year, including the famous Morel Mushroom Festival that celebrates the region's prized wild fungi each spring.
15. Platteville Mound
ANCIENT LANDMARK VIEW
Platteville Mound stands as a distinctive landmark topped with a large illuminated M that can be seen for miles around the surrounding countryside. Visitors can hike to the summit for panoramic views of the city of Platteville, rolling farmland, and the distant Mississippi River valley. The site combines natural beauty with historical significance as the location has been a navigation point for travelers through the region for centuries.