Woodman WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Woodman, Wisconsin.
1. Woodman Lake
SERENE ELECTRIC-MOTOR ONLY LAKE
Woodman Lake spans over 20 acres within the Lower Wisconsin Riverway, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking natural beauty. The lake is an electric motor only area, making it perfect for quiet fishing excursions and gentle water activities. Located less than one mile from the village of Woodman, this natural gem is surrounded by designated wildlife areas.
2. Artist's Eye Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Artist's Eye Gallery is an intimate art space in Woodman that celebrates and uplifts local artists of all mediums. Visitors can explore beautiful paintings of local nature and wildlife alongside pottery and photography created by regional talent. The gallery operates by appointment only, allowing for personalized viewing experiences of Southwest Wisconsin's creative community.
3. Dinky General Store
HISTORIC RAILROAD-THEMED SHOP
The Dinky General Store offers a nostalgic shopping experience with its old-fashioned, railroad-themed atmosphere celebrating Southwest Wisconsin's earliest railroad history. Located just down the road from the Woodman Lake campground, this charming establishment preserves local heritage while providing modern conveniences. Visitors can step back in time while browsing through this unique store that connects present-day Woodman to its transportation past.
4. Lower Wisconsin State Riverway
SCENIC RIVER ADVENTURES
The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway flows near Woodman, offering 92 miles of free-flowing river without dams or restrictions. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing along this pristine waterway that cuts through dramatic sandstone bluffs. The riverway provides essential habitat for numerous plant and animal species while offering recreational opportunities throughout all seasons.
5. Woodman Wildlife Area
NATURAL HABITAT PRESERVE
Woodman Wildlife Area surrounds the village, providing protected habitat for native Wisconsin flora and fauna in a preserved natural setting. Visitors can explore walking trails through diverse ecosystems while spotting birds and wildlife in their natural environment. The area offers opportunities for nature photography, birdwatching, and peaceful contemplation of Southwest Wisconsin's natural beauty.
6. Tower Hill State Park
HISTORIC MINING SITE
Tower Hill State Park, located near Spring Green, features a reconstructed shot tower where lead was once melted and dropped to create perfectly round ammunition. Visitors can climb the wooden tower structure and explore the underground tunnel that was used during the shot-making process in the 1800s. The 77-acre park also offers hiking trails with spectacular views of the Wisconsin River valley and picnic areas for refreshing outdoor meals.
7. Taliesin
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT ESTATE
Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright's personal home and architectural laboratory, spans 800 acres near Spring Green, showcasing his organic architecture principles. Visitors can tour this National Historic Landmark to see Wright's innovative designs integrated harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. The estate includes the main house, studio, theater, and other structures that Wright continually modified throughout his lifetime.
8. The House on the Rock
ECCENTRIC ARCHITECTURAL WONDER
The House on the Rock is an extraordinary attraction featuring the eclectic collections and architectural fantasies of Alex Jordan Jr., situated atop Deer Shelter Rock near Spring Green. Visitors can explore over 3,000 windows and 14 rooms filled with elaborate displays, including the world's largest indoor carousel and the Infinity Room extending 218 feet without support. This unique destination offers a surreal journey through themed rooms housing automatic music machines, dollhouses, model ships, and countless other oddities.
9. Wyalusing State Park
DRAMATIC RIVER BLUFFS
Wyalusing State Park sits at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, offering dramatic 500-foot bluffs with panoramic views of the river valleys. Visitors can explore over 14 miles of hiking trails through hardwood forests, wetlands, and Native American burial mounds dating back thousands of years. The park's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, with camping, canoeing, and bird watching among the popular activities.
10. Pendarvis Historic Site
PRESERVED MINING COMMUNITY
Pendarvis Historic Site preserves several limestone buildings constructed by Cornish immigrants who came to Mineral Point during the lead mining boom of the 1830s and 1840s. Visitors can tour these meticulously restored structures to learn about the challenging lives and cultural traditions of Wisconsin's early European settlers. The site includes gardens, exhibits, and educational programs that illuminate this important chapter in Wisconsin's mining heritage.
11. Governor Dodge State Park
RECREATIONAL PARADISE
Governor Dodge State Park encompasses over 5,000 acres of steep hills, deep valleys, and two pristine lakes perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can explore more than 40 miles of trails winding through diverse terrain shaped by ancient geological processes. The park offers year-round recreational opportunities including camping, picnicking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing across its expansive natural landscape.
12. Villa Louis
VICTORIAN ESTATE MANSION
Villa Louis is an elegant Victorian country estate built by the fur-trading Dousman family, showcasing opulent 1890s furnishings and decor on a historic site near the Mississippi River. Visitors can take guided tours through the mansion's beautifully preserved rooms filled with original furnishings, artwork, and family artifacts. The grounds include the Fur Trade Museum, the oldest standing structure in Wisconsin, and offer insights into the region's pivotal role in early American commerce.
13. Nelson Dewey State Park
MISSISSIPPI RIVER OVERLOOKS
Nelson Dewey State Park offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River from 500-foot limestone bluffs named after Wisconsin's first governor. Nature enthusiasts can hike through restored prairies and oak savannas while enjoying abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in this peaceful 756-acre preserve. The park features camping facilities, picnic areas, and interpretive displays about the natural and cultural history of this scenic river landscape.
14. Fennimore Railroad Museum
VINTAGE RAILWAY HERITAGE
The Fennimore Railroad Museum preserves the rich railway heritage of Southwest Wisconsin through exhibits of artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia from the region's railroad era. Visitors can explore vintage train cars, examine a meticulously restored depot, and even ride a narrow-gauge train during seasonal operations. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into how railways transformed rural communities and shaped the development of Wisconsin's transportation infrastructure.
15. Stonefield Historic Site
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
Stonefield Historic Site recreates a turn-of-the-century rural Wisconsin village and showcases the state's agricultural heritage through extensive collections of vintage farm equipment. Visitors can explore Governor Nelson Dewey's estate house, wander through a recreated 1900s village with over 30 buildings, and examine the evolution of farming technology. The site offers a comprehensive look at Wisconsin's transition from pioneer agriculture to modern farming practices through immersive exhibits and demonstrations.