Find Your Hyde-away

Written by Dee Harris

A simple little detour in the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless area can lead you down a rabbit hole of exploration.

Traveling along WI Hwy. 14 in northern Iowa County, I turned south on Cty. Hwy. H a few miles east of Arena. I knew the general direction this road would lead me and that any off-shoot would wind me through hills and valleys in the general direction toward Ridgeway and Dodgeville, but I wasn’t exactly sure what all I would find.

The two-lane highway gets a little curvy, starting with a horseshoe bed within the first few miles. This isn’t a quick route, but one meant for enjoying and anticipating. A few more miles and there is a cheese factory, and then a shed with beautiful patriotic artwork.

The main attraction I was looking for was Hyde’s Mill. This often-photographed landmark was built as a stone dam with a mill in 1850. The mill is not currently in operation, but its rustic beauty and rarity make it a worthwhile attraction.

Getting to the mill is simple. Follow Cty. Hwy. H south until the speed limit drops to 35 mph for the unincorporated Hyde. Turn left on Mill Road. The mill is approximately ¼ mile down the road, where the roadway bends.

There is a small parking area available, approximately 2-3 vehicles would fit. It is a low-traffic road, so parking along the shoulder should be fine as long as there is room for a vehicle to pass. Please abide by all fences, railings and posted signs. The mill is on private property and the family is allowing the public to be there as long as they view the mill from a distance. For special accommodations, talk to the family. Please do not ruin the experience for everyone else!

Looking for refreshments on your journey? The Hyde Store offers snacks and libations.

Meandering south again on Cty. Hwy. H, notice a blacksmith shop on the right a few miles past Hyde. Look for turkeys and deer along the roadway, maybe a fox or coyote will make an appearance, too.

Choose your route and explore the rolling hills of the unglatiated Driftless region. Cty. Hwy. H will take you into Ridgeway, which is along the 4-lane Hwy. 151. If you seek a more rustic route, try turning right on Cty. Hwy. Y, then right on Cty. Hwy. ZZ. This will take you to Hwy. 23 just north of Dodgeville and the winding roads through the hills and valleys offers breathtaking landscapes.

From there you can head toward your next destination. Just a short drive away is House on the Rock, Governor Dodge State Park, Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ or Mineral Point’s High Street art district.