People flock to Mineral Point in the warmer months to get their fill of art, history and small-town nice. But you don’t have to wait for the snow to melt to enjoy a day in this village, nestled in the Driftless hills of Southwestern Wisconsin.
In fact, I might even prefer the quiet and stillness the community offers throughout the colder months. Below are my personal picks for a whimsical winter day spent with family in Mineral Point, and it’s something straight out of a storybook.
SOLDIERS MEMORIAL PARK
If there’s snow, do not forget to pack your sleds! Soldiers Park is known to locals for its epic sledding hill. There’s nothing quite like a huge hill blanketed in snow that’s been worn down to a slippery finish by other sledders. This park also offers lots of space to run around, as well as a playground.
MERRY CHRISTMAS MINE HILL
If you prefer hiking to sledding, head over to Merry Christmas Mine Hill. Park in the parking lot at Pendarvis, a historic site with nineteenth-century Cornish cabins. Pendarvis is closed in the winter months but the trail is open. You will see the trailhead next to a kiosk where you can find trail maps. Merry Christmas Mine Hill offers several different trail options throughout the forty-three acres. Along the way, you will see remnants of lead and zinc mining, including over one hundred badger holes and mine shafts leftover from Mineral Point’s early mining days.
SHAKE RAG ALLEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS
This nonprofit art school is located just a few blocks from downtown, and is a must-see before you leave town. Peeked at from the road, it doesn’t look like much — but wander down the path and you will find the historic campus is nestled on two acres. This time of the year, there’s not too much going on, but you can always take a self-guided tour. My toddler loves visiting. We could spend hours walking around. From the bubbling spring that runs through campus to the gnome home made out of huge tree trunk, there’s a lot for kids to see and explore. In the summer, you can sign your kids up for a variety of workshops. Additionally, adult workshops are offered spring through fall.
DOWNTOWN
The downtown is quiet this time of the year, but the view alone is worth the trip. Storefront window after storefront window offers unique artwork, antiques and the like to gaze at.
If you can catch them while they are open, don’t miss Driftless Kids. With its turquoise front door, this little shop is hard to miss. Inside you will find a wonderful array of children’s toys and books. If you plan to visit, call ahead for winter hours.
Also not to be missed downtown is High Street Sweets. This delightful candy store is always a favorite stop for my husband and me when we’re in town. The two-room shop is filled with candy from floor to ceiling. From modern favorites to nostalgic throwbacks, there is something for every sugar craving.
Need a bite to eat? You will find a plethora of dining establishments downtown. I highly recommend Cafe43, Gray Dog Deli or The Red Rooster.
If you’re looking for a place to stay overnight, there are plenty to choose from. My favorite picks include The Mineral Point Hotel, Roland’s Loft and High Street Suites.
– Megan Kulick
Photos by Megan Kulick.
Megan Kulick is a journalism graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She worked in the nonprofit field for seven years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She and her husband, alongside their daughter and labradoodle, live in Mount Horeb. She is always in pursuit of a great trail to run, a good book to read and the best place to find a good iced coffee.