Riding the Pecatonica State Trail
By Dena Nechkash Since I started working with the Belmont Tourism group, I’ve heard more and more about the Pecatonica State Trail, but I hadn’t spent much time on it. When I lived in Belmont several years ago, I would walk a mile or…
Ice Hiking in Vernon County
By Dena Nechkash Sometimes it is easier to just stay at home in winter, where it’s warm and familiar. But then sometimes your system needs to be recharged, shocked into action. Winter is only cold and unbearable if you make it so. Wearing the…
First Capitol & Wisconsin Territory 1836
Southwest Wisconsin was a political hub in the 1830s, when Wisconsin transitioned from a territory to a state. The first governor of the Wisconsin Territory (in 1836), Henry Dodge, was from nearby Mineral Point, and the first official governor of the state of Wisconsin…
Point of Beginning
Hazel Green, WI – Grant County One of the coolest historic markers I’ve discovered is on the Illinois-Wisconsin border just south of Hazel Green, where Grant and Lafayette counties meet. The “Point of Beginning” historic marker is significant because in the 1830s-1860s all points…
Big Springs
By Dena Nechkash With no signs along the highway or any clues to its existence, it’s no wonder that Big Springs has remained a hidden gem for so long! Tucked away in a rural valley in Iowa County, near Highland, Wis., is a small…
Great Fall Color
By Dee Nechkash While we hoped the fall color would trickle in this year, showing itself over the first few weeks of October, most of Southwest Wisconsin has remained green in the warm, wet autumn conditions. Until now. I thought maybe it was a…
An Art Hunt
By Dee Nechkash Wisconsin’s Driftless region is best known for its scenic hills and valleys, meandering rivers and winding roads that lead you to remote destinations with beautiful scenery. Scattered throughout the region are murals painted on the sides of buildings, retaining walls and…
Avoid Muddy Trails for Nature’s Sake
By Dee Nechkash Exploring the natural beauty of Southwest Wisconsin should be done without leaving your mark. The weather is finally shaping up into a beautiful spring. Trees are budding, migratory birds are returning and plants are starting to sprout out of the earth….
Take the Scenic Route
By Dee Nechkash Maybe you’ve seen the brown “Rustic Road” sign and didn’t quite know what it meant, or saw it and told yourself you’d give it a try some other day when you had more time. These little gems scattered all across Wisconsin…
Winter Hiking Adventure
A Snow Day in Governor Dodge State Park By Dee Nechkash The weather can change your plans pretty quickly. Friday I anticipated heading two hours away to explore some ice features at a couple of parks I’ve never really explored, and then a snowstorm…
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