With a population of just under 5,000, Dodgeville is the largest community in Iowa County. Located in southwest Wisconsin’s beautiful Driftless Area, there’s something about Dodgeville that draws you in. It’s welcoming, it’s full of heart and history, and it makes you feel at home.
Here are 10 of our favorite things to do in Dodgeville:
Folklore Village
Folklore Village is a folk arts and cultural center that invites visitors to gather with friends, meet new people, eat, dance, sing and play. They host a variety of events, performances and classes that expose people to different cultures from around the world.
Quality Bakery
For Bismarck’s stop by Quality Bakery in downtown Dodgeville for one of their famous chocolate Bismarcks. The fifth-generation bakery was established back in 1929 and has remained a hometown favorite!
Dodgefest
Check out Dodgeville’s main event held every summer – Dodgefest! This family-friendly festival features live music festival, craft and food vendors, a car show, and tons of activities for kids.
Military Ridge State Trail
This 40-mile trail spans over Iowa and Dane counties and connects Dodgeville to nearby cities including Ridgeway, Mount Horeb and Fitchburg. The trail also runs along the southern borders of Governor Dodge and Blue Mound state parks.
Governor Dodge State Park.
With two lakes and more than 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, there is plenty to keep you busy! We recommend taking in one of the park’s most iconic sights, Stephens’ Falls.
Bloomfield PrairieÂ
Enjoy peace, quiet and lots of wildlife at the 432-acre Bloomfield Prairie. Once used for agriculture, the land that makes up Bloomfield Prairie has been fully restored over the last 20 years to become a thriving grassland bird habitat. As you walk the trails at Bloomfield Prairie, surrounded by wildflowers, birds and fresh air, you can’t help but relax and feel at peace.
Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ
You really can’t leave Dodgeville without a stop at Bob’s for some barbeque, the taste of which is best described with one colorful word! Everything on the menu is amaaaazing, made from scratch, and can be paired with one of their eight delicious sauces.
Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship.
Attend (or better yet compete) in this purely Wisconsin event, held every April at Harris Park. The Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship brings together chefs of all ages and abilities from far in wide, to compete in multiple categories with one common denominator: CHEESE. It’s a family-friendly competition that’s a great time for competitors and spectators alike!
Lands’ End Summer Concert Series.
This weekly summer music series is a perfect way to spend a summer night. There’s live music, local food, and lots of fun. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and head on over!
Iowa County Historical Society and Museum.
Explore historical photos, artifacts, and documents at the museum, and then wander next door to the Floyd School, an historic on-room schoolhouse.
Jessica Murphy is a producer of Discover Wisconsin. Watch the show on Fox Sports Wisconsin every Saturday at 10am or on Roku, Chromecast, Smart TV, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, or on DiscoverWisconsin.com.
