A Breath of Fresh Air
Spring Green, Wisconsin, is a small, rural village nestled in the valley alongside the Wisconsin River. An unassuming town of just over 1,500, Spring Green has recently garnered national acclaim for its thriving arts and culture scene, charming downtown and access to the unparalleled beauty of the Driftelss region.
- A Taste of Tourist Offerings in Spring Green
- Outdoor Adventures and State Parks
- Shop Spring Green
- Getting Here
For an Unconventional Fall Adventure, Head to This Quirky Corner of Wisconsin
By Jacqueline Kehoe, The Wall Street Journal | Photos by Lyndon French
A Taste of Tourist Offerings in Spring Green
American Players Theatre is one of several unique destinations that calls scenic Spring Green, WI, home. The surrounding Wisconsin River Valley area provides a plethora of additional art and nature offerings, including: Frank Lloyd Wright’s heralded former home and studio, Taliesin; the eclectic House on the Rock; Cave of the Mounds; and stunning state parks such as Governor Dodge, Tower Hill and Devil's Lake. For more information, visit springgreen.com.
Travel Wisconsin's Here's to Being Here series featured some of the wonderous destinations the Driftless Area of Wisconsin has to offer, including taking in a show at APT. Check out this family's visit and find inspiration for your next adventure.
Taliesin Preservation
Taliesin was Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, workshop and architectural laboratory for 48 years (1911-1959). Nestled on the brow of a hill near Spring Green, it commands a sweeping view of the valley settled by Wright’s Welsh ancestors in the mid-1800s. Architects, historians and architecture critics alike have praised Taliesin as a masterwork and a triumph of design. Robert Campbell, Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic, called it the “greatest single building in America.” In 1976, Taliesin was designated a National Historic Landmark. In 2019, Taliesin was added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taliesin offers a variety of tours of the Taliesin Estate available from May 1 through October 31.
5607 County Rd. C, Spring Green, WI Reservations are recommended; call 877-588-7900 or email tours@taliesinpreservation.org
House on the Rock
One of the area’s most unique architectural marvels is House on the Rock. American Gods fans will know this eclectic masterwork well. Begun in the 1940s, the House on the Rock features an extraordinary complex of rooms, streets, buildings and gardens covering more than 200 acres. Originally built as a weekend retreat, The House on the Rock is a trip through the wild and fantastic imagination of designer Alex Jordan. Tours of the full property are available from March through November, with limited tours available year-round.
5754 Hwy. 23, Spring Green, WI 608-935-3639
Outdoor Adventures and State Parks
Located just 30 minutes outside Spring Green, Cave of the Mounds (2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd. Blue Mounds, WI 53517) a major national landmark, is the upper Midwest’s premier show cave featuring one-hour guided tours through a collection of colorful stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and other formations.
Make sure to visit these other area nature destinations while you're exploring the Driftless Area:
- Devil's Lake State Park: Wisconsin's largest state park, featuring a 360-acre spring-fed lake and quartzite cliffs measuring 500 feet tall.
- Governor Dodge State Park: The fourth largest Wisconsin state park, with 5,270 scenic acres of steep hills and valleys, plus two lakes and a waterfall.
- Tower Hill State Park: Right down the road from APT! This state park features campsites, hiking trails, a canoe landing and the historic Helena Shot Tower.
- Avoca Prairie: The largest tall-grass prairie east of the Mississippi River.
- Ferry Bluff: Known for its spectacular view of the river and surrounding topography, on a clear day you can spot the highest point in southern Wisconsin, Blue Mound, thirteen miles to the south.
- Wisconsin Dells: The Waterpark Capital of the World welcomes more than 4 million visitors annually to their waterparks and resorts, scenic nature tours and downtown shopping destinations.
Shop Spring Green
Don't miss out on the unexpected shopping and dining scene in the River Valley area.
Alfred Art to Wear | 159 N Lexington Street, Spring Green | (608) 239-5974
Arcadia Books | 102 E Jefferson Street, Spring Green | (608) 588-7638
Arthurs Supper Club | E4885 US Highway 14, Spring Green | (608) 588-2521
Brewery Pottery | 276 Shakerag Street, Mineral Point | (608) 987-3669
Brewhaha Roasters | 515 Rainbow Road, Spring Green | (608) 669-1985
Cathryn's Market | 206 N Iowa Street, Dodgeville | (608) 930-2777
Fall Art Tour | Mineral Point, Spring Green, Dodgeville, Baraboo | (608) 987-3669
The Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center and Riverview Terrace Cafe 5607 County Road C, Spring Green | (608) 588-7900
Iron Amethyst Inn & The 2One Speakeasy 21 S State Street, Mazomanie | (608) 401-1122
Iron Hop Taphouse | 10 Broadhead Street, Mazomanie | (608) 401-1009
Shake Rag Alley | 18 Shake Rag Street, Mineral Point | (608) 987-3292
Slowpoke Lounge & Cabaret | 137 W Jefferson Street, Spring Green | (608) 588-0242
Spring Green General Store | 137 S Albany Street, Spring Green | (608) 588-7070
Victoria Sterling | 100 N Lexington Street, Spring Green | (608) 556-5758
Wild Blue Yonder Coffeehouse | 215 High Street, Mineral Point | (608) 987-4000
Wild Hills Winery | 30940 Oakridge Drive, Muscoda | (608) 647-6600
For additional information about Spring Green attractions, shopping and dining, visit springgreen.com.
Getting Here
Spring Green is located in Southwest Wisconsin, 40 miles from the capital city of Madison.
- Milwaukee to Spring Green: 2 Hour Drive
- Chicago to Spring Green: 3.5 Hour Drive
- Des Moines to Spring Green: 4.5 Hour Drive
- Twin Cities to Spring Green: 4.5 Hour Drive
Credits:
Photos by Hannah Jo Anderson unless otherwise credited.