Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway for two or a wedding extravaganza for 300, the following barns and farms are tucked away in some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful destinations:
- Cedar Valley Lodge (Spring Green)
A popular retreat for hunters, Cedar Valley Lodge is 8,000 square feet of countrified luxury in southwest Wisconsin. This driftless fortress rests against the Lower Wisconsin Riverway on rolling hills, rugged sandstone bluffs, rock ravines and open fields. Cedar Valley Lodge is the perfect escape for sportsmen on the hunt for deer, turkey, upland game and more.
Ideal for:Â Hunting groups - The Enchanted Barn (Hillsdale)
Photo by Ben Colvin
This historic Wisconsin dairy barn doubles as a wildly romantic destination. The Enchanted Barn in Hillsdale really is a magical place. That explains why so many couples across the Midwest have chosen to say “I Do” at the award-winning Enchanted Barn. Swoon!
Ideal for:Â Weddings - Justin Trails (Sparta)
Located in a secluded valley just outside of Sparta, Justin Trails was established in 1986 by innkeepers Don & Donna Justin. Outdoorsy folk will really appreciate the vastness at Justin Trails’ property; it sits on 200 acres and provides opportunities to hike, picnic, ski, snow shoe or play croquet softball, volleyball and disc golf.
Ideal for:Â Families with pets, weddings - Lake Superior Barn (Maple)
Lake Superior Barn stands on 320 acres of remote wilderness and sandy beach on the south shore of Lake Superior. The property is completely surrounded by the Brule River State Forest. (Translation: There’s not another cabin or cottage on the shoreline for miles!) In the summer, listen to the waves crash or swim in the cleanest of all the Great Lakes. In the winter, warm up to a driftwood fire or roast s’mores on the waterfront.
Ideal for: Extended families, small reunions, work retreats - Little Sugar River Farm (Albany)
Albany is quaint and unassuming—not a spot tourists typically flock to but that’s exactly why I like it. Located on the Sugar River, the Little Sugar River Farm is as charming as its name implies. The secluded vacation rental is surrounded by 2,000 acres of wildlife refuge and perfect for those with a desire to bike, hike, bird or relax. Speaking of R&R, kick your feet up on the back porch and watch the sun go down over prairie land just before the stars and fireflies show up. In the morning, gather fresh eggs from the coop and berries from the vine.
Ideal for:Â Solo travelers, couples - Rainbow Ridge Farms Bed & Breakfast (Onalaska)
Situated in the coulee region near La Crosse, Rainbow Ridge Farms Bed & Breakfast is a working hobby farm and charming retreat so far from the hustle and bustle of city life. At Rainbow Ridge, guests can enjoy three state bike trails, activities on the Mississippi River, golf, hiking, wineries and breweries. If you’re really craving an authentic on-the-farm experience, you’re welcome to help feed the animals, milk a goat, hike to the famous monkey tree with the goats or collect eggs for the morning breakfast.
Ideal for:Â Families with kids - Palmquist Farm (Brantwood)
Our northwoods representative on this list, Palmquist Farm in Price County is particularly unique due to their passion for Finnish hospitality. Guests will love the Finnish meals and the Finnish sauna. There are also opportunities to go hiking, horseback riding or deer and grouse hunting. If there’s snow on the ground, take a sleigh ride, ski lesson or just plop down in front of the wood-burning fireplace.
Ideal for:Â Families, kids, hunters, horseback riders
Mariah Haberman is the host of the nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin. She hails from Evansville, where she was brought up in a family of seven in a small farmhouse outside of town. Some of her favorite memories include Lake Michigan fishing trips with her Dad, showing sheep at the Rock County Fair and buzzing around the farm on an ATV with her little brother. Watch Discover Wisconsin Saturdays at 10 a.m. on FSN Wisconsin’s outdoor block.
