Viroqua, WI

Snapshot

Because Viroqua is my small town, I am naturally inclined to sing its praises. I moved here in a huge leap of faith, after having spent most of my life as a city-dweller, but wanting a simpler life for raising my children. While many people move to Viroqua with deliberate course of action, our family all but stumbled upon the town, quickly fell in love with the place, and committed ourselves to being here for the long haul.

Viroqua sits perched on a high plain, overlooking the meandering hills in the “driftless” region of southwestern Wisconsin. The glaciers of the last ice age stopped short of this area, resulting in a landscape of winding rivers, meandering valleys and rolling hills peppered with sandstone bluffs. The varied terrain provides locals  some of the best road biking in the country, world class trout fishing, and first-rate birding in addition to a wide variety of other adventures, including hiking, single-track mountain biking, canoeing, caving, golf, stargazing, and, in the winter, nordic skiing and snowshoeing.

Additionally, the agricultural roots of Vernon County have evolved into an area that currently  features the highest number of organic farms per capita in the country (Organic Valley Cooperative is headquartered in nearby LaFarge,) resulting in a localvore's paradise. Numerous platforms purvey the bounty of the land, most notably, the Viroqua Food Co-op, and the weekly Farmer's Market both of which host a wide variety of locally grown, organic foods in addition to showcasing the wares of many local crafts-people. The deli at the co-op also offers reliably good meals 3 times a day, 7 days per week- usually featuring local meat and produce. Local cafe and friendly gathering spot, Driftless Café, offers reputable pizza and creative house specials, all made from scratch and mostly local ingredients -even when the hard Wisconsin winters make eating locally and seasonally a challenge. Newcomer Optimo, follows suit with more locally inspired cuisine, in addition to scoops of the divine, Madison-based Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream. Even Chilito Lindo the local Mexican joint, endeavors to dodge the Sysco truck and utilize the local offerings as much as possible.

It is also worth noting that the progressive spirit of the town - along with a good quality of life and reasonable cost of living- has attracted many artists and other creative folks whose works and performances can be found at every turn. In addition to several boutiques plying the creative goods of local artists, Viroqua is home to 3 different theater groups,  (Raw Milk Improv, Too Busy to Play Players, and the Viroqua Community Theater) which provide reliably respectable small-town entertainment on a regular basis. Furthermore, musicians abound, ranging from the highly trained classical to a wide array of folk and alternative musicians. Music can always be found somewhere in town- most dependably at the Driftless Café and Greenman music. Local jazzmen Tom Gullion and Bill Neil initiated the Driftless Jazz Festival in 2007 – a three day, annual event in May that draws notable musicians from across the Midwest, with the intention of bringing artists and audiences together in a way that cant be done in larger cities.

In conclusion,  the combination of good food, many fine craftsmen, artists and artisans, and the rich offering of outdoor activities,  makes a jaunt to Viroqua well worth the trip.

Eats

Though there is not a wide offering of places to eat in Viroqua, what is there stands out for a town of this size.

The Viroqua Food Co-op -

VFC offers 3 excellent meals/day, 7 days per week, at the hot bar and deli. The only obstacles to a romantic evening out at the co-op are that they are not licensed to serve beer or wine, and the fact that it tends to be a bustling social center. But if quiet ambience is not your first priority and you are looking for good, healthy and creative meals, the co-op is worth a stop.

The Driftless Café

Local favorite the Driftless, serves home-baked goods, pizza, and many inventive dishes made from local and seasonal ingredients for lunch and dinner Tuesday – Saturday.

Chilito Lindo

Serves up traditional, home-cooked-Mexican with pitchers of margaritas on the side, and has outdoor seating during the warmer months.

Optimo

Optimo (opened July 2010) follows suit with local inspiration, dishing out "farm to table" delicacies and serving up scoops of Madison-based Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream  -the best scoop around -hands down.

The Viking Inn

Traditional Supper Club, local favorite.

Firehouse

Traditional Supper-Club, offering karaoke every 2nd Friday.

The Hideaway

Located in nearby Chaseburg, it is sometimes worth the 25 minute drive for the homemade chips and great selection of beers on tap.

Outdoors

ROAD BIKING
While few would guess that Wisconsin would boast some of the most scenic and challenging road biking in the country, it can be found here in Viroqua and all of the surrounding counties. If you inner-Armstrong longs for hundreds of miles of paved, undulating, and scenic roads with very little traffic, then the Driftless beckons. These are the roads on which the venerable Greg LeMonde honed his talent. Paved to aid the dairy industry, the scenic roads of Vernon, Crawford, and Richland counties offer some of the best road biking in the country, carrying the cyclist across many beautiful miles of hills and dales with minimal vehicular traffic. Stop by local bike shop (and social center) Bluedog Cycles for the skinny on great rides (and other outdoor activities) around the area.

FISHING
The Viroqua area offers a unique fishing opportunity only found in a couple of other places on the globe. The "Karst" geology of the region - fractured limestone and sandstone-- allows ground water to seep through the rock and form creeks. These spring-fed creeks are ideal in temperature, chemistry and flow to support thriving populations of aquatic insects, crustaceans, and most important to the angler, trout. The county in which Viroqua is located has over 200 miles of classified trout water with over 30 individual spring creeks, all a short drive from the center of town. Stop by the Driftless Angler to hire a guide or locate a hot spot.

CANOEING
The Kickapoo River furnishes 125 miles of waterway in a 65 mile stretch, and is therefore known as the world's "crookedest" river. It is believed by some geologists to be the oldest river system in the world outside of Antarctica. Over a period of millions of years, the river has carved a valley that ranges from less than a mile wide at its broadest to a narrow gap at other places. The 7 mile section of river between Ontario (30 miles north-east of Viroqua) and LaFarge is not to be missed. Old growth pines and hemlocks line the passageway, interrupted by lofty sandstone cliffs, caves and sandbars. Great canoe trips on the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers are also within an hours drive from Viroqua.

MOUNTAIN BIKING
Thanks in large part to the efforts of the Vernon Trails alliance, Viroqua has increasing opportunities for mountain bikers of all abilities. In 2005, trail building endeavors began at Sidie Hollow Park, 4.5 miles from downtown Viroqua. There are currently 10 miles of single track at the park, with on-going efforts towards a 20 mile trail network connecting downtown Viroqua with Sidie Hollow. Trails are sustainably built to encourage all levels of ability from 5-year-olds to elite athletes. A typical loop ride, beginning and finishing in town usually racks up 20 miles with 2000 feet of elevation gain.

CYCLOCROSS
Organized by local businessman Chris Newlin and run by the Vernon Trails Alliance, the Viroqua cyclocross races are moving into their fourth season, with a growing following each year. Categories range from 5yrs to advanced adults. Races are currentlyContact Bluedog Cycles for more information. Races are currently running 3 Saturdays in late October and early November. Contact Bluedog Cycles or Vernon Trails for more information.

GOLF
Though I am not a golfer, my friends who are claim that Viroqua Hills offers challenging golf on a beautiful course with many changing elevations, and that pretty much everyone who has played the course, even those who have played elite courses around the world, has enjoyed their experience playing in Viroqua. Clubhouse is open to the public. Also, one hours drive from Viroqua is the beautiful House on the Rock Golf Course.

KICKAPOO VALLEY RESERVE & WILDCAT MOUNTAIN
The Kickapoo Valley Reserve is an 8,569 acre tract of land located approximately 20 miles outside of Viroqua, near the village of La Farge. With the Kickapoo River winding its way through The Reserve offers a wide array of outdoor activities and interpretive nature programs, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, birding, canoeing and caving.

STARGAZING
Excellent star gazing can be found all around the driftless area due to low levels of light pollution, but the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Wildcat Mountain State Park are proposed Dark Sky Preserves. There are only six recognized Dark Sky Preserves -places discerned for excellent night sky viewing- in North America today.

X-COUNTRY SKIING/SNOWSHOEING
There are groomed trails for Nordic (classic and skate) skiing at the Kickapoo Reserve , the Westby Rod and Gun club (Westby) and (sometimes) the golf course. Other trails (backcountry) at Sidie Hollow Park (4 miles outside of town), Maple Street trails and VFW trails (in town).

Arts, Crafts & Capers

Avalanche Looms Whimsical gift shop and weaving workshop. A visit to Avalanche Looms (10 miles north, east of Viroqua) is well worth the trip. 10 minutes’ conversation with proprietor Susan Johnson is enough wit and wisdom to last a full year. 10 minutes examining her creative process is enough inspiration to last a lifetime.

Ewetopia Located on Main Street, Ewetopia offers knitting supplies and workshops for all abilities and inspirations, in a warm, welcoming environment.

Viva Gallery Gallery cooperative featuring the works of many local artists, with a wide variety of work.

Amy Arnold/Peepswool & Kelsey Sauber-Olds/Beam Furniture “Inspired Millinery & More” –Amy designs with recycled wool and other findings to create whimsical and flirtatious works of art. Her husband, Kelsey is a fine furniture maker specializing in custom and contemporary pieces.

Jessica Hooper/Gsabine Studio Crafted with vibrant recycled materials, including rugs, table linens, and bicycle tubes, “Jessica Bags” are known for stopping strangers on the street. She has recently branched out into stylish bonnets warm enough to withstand the Wisconsin winters. Jessica's wares can currently be found at Tulips and Avalanche Looms.

Greg Cheesebro/Front Porch Gallery "Specializing in functional beauty, Greg’s pottery pieces are intended for everyday use" and can be found at the Viroqua Food Co-op.

Otherwise Located 4 miles outside of town (towards Westby) Otherwise is a charming shop that oozes owner Sherri Knapp's meticulousness.From the whimsically placed ornaments to her lovingly crafted, handmade dolls, Sherri's keen eye and attention to detail is a delight.

Pomegranate Unique, handmade gifts and clothing on Main Street.

Tulips Though Tulips is a relative newcomer in town, it has quickly established itself as a festive favorite. With "odd and beautiful" gifts and fresh baked goods on Fridays, a stop in town warrants a stop at Tulips.

Driftless Fair Traders Maintaining the principles of Fair Trade -living wages and sustainable practices- Driftless Fair Traders imports beautiful goods from around the world.

Beds

Heritage House Bed and Breakfast
Located in downtown Viroqua, 2 historic houses with Victorian charm.

Vernon Inn
Located on the western edge of town, this former Super 8 offers a clean and reliable standard.

Hickory Hill Motel
Located on the eastern edge of town this 1960s-style motel offers the basics at reasonable rates.

Camping:

Sidie Hollow Park
E6051 County Road XX
Viroqua
(608)637-7335

Kickapoo Valley Reserve
S3661 SR 131
La Farge
(608) 625-2960
http://kvr.state.wi.us/

West Fork Campground & Cabins
S3535 Cty Rd S
Viroqua
(608) 634-2303
www.mwt.net/~westfork/wfcc.htm

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