Dodgeville area www.dodgeville.com
The Dodgeville Chamber Dodgeville, Wisconsin, is at the heart of it all and welcomes visitors with the coziness of a small rural town, the thrill of outdoor activities, and a colorful history. Daytrips are a popular way for visitors to explore the beautiful region of southwest Wisconsin, because you can head in any direction to take in scenic views, visit an attraction, or play in the great outdoors. During the summer months the area parks offer trails for hiking, picnic areas, horseback riding, hunting, rock climbing, biking, swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, and picture-perfect views from the bluffs. They have three golf courses within a short driving distance, and three state parks – Governor Dodge State Park, Tower Hill, and Blue Mounds State Park. Take a walk in the historic continued on page 52 Dodgeville area
Midwest north of St. Louis, and west of Cincinnati. The community’s boom didn’t last long though, and with the decline of mining its population was overtaken by rapidly growing cities like Chicago and Milwaukee. Several factors led to the decline in importance of mining, including the Black Hawk War, the California Gold Rush of 1849, the Civil War, and the emergence of farming, leading to Dodgeville’s development as a business and agricultural center. About the Area The city of Dodgeville is geographically located among sandstone bluffs, steep hills
and gently rolling farmlands. The surrounding area is referred to as “unglaciated” because it was untouched by the glaciers that shaped much of the region’s topography. It is also referred to as the “Driftless region” because the absence of glaciers meant that no “drift” (or accumulated rock and soil) was left behind. Many people simply refer to this area as the “Uplands.” By any name, it’s no exaggeration to say that the surrounding area is a feast for the eyes with its rugged rock outcroppings, wildflower meadows and prairies, wooded hillsides, lakes, and streams, and rolling farmlands.
Cathryn’s Market Cathryn’s Market is located in a building dating back to the late 1800’s that they have restored to its original beauty. They offer excellent locally-roasted coffee and espresso drinks and bake a wide variety of items from locally grown organic flours produced in a local mill. The assortment includes cookies, brownies, muffins, coffeecake, and their famous graham crackers. Cathryn’s also sells locally produced beef, pork, lamb, chicken, eggs, produce, cheese, breads and many more items. They offer daily breakfast and lunch options and take home heat and eat meals, all using locally grown and produced items. Cathryn’s has a beautiful 1930’s soda fountain where they make phosphates, ice cream sodas, malts, shakes and sundaes.
Please come and enjoy what our amazing region produces! You can find Cathryn’s Market at 206 N. Iowa St. in Dodgeville. Visit their website: cathrynsmarket.com
Photo by Kriss Marion
In 1827, Henry Dodge, his family, and about 40 miners began what would become the city of Dodgeville. Dodge made a pact with the local Winnebago Indian leaders so he could build a cabin and smelter. The original community was made up of three separate settlements: “Dodgeville”, “Dirty Hollow” and “Minersville”. Dodgeville, which was named after Dodge, grew slowly during its early years. It was incorporated as a village in the 1840s. Later a small “war” was fought with Mineral Point over which community would become the seat of Iowa County. At the time Mineral Point was the seat, but Dodgeville residents felt they should have it. Dodgeville eventually won the “war” and Wisconsin’s oldest county courthouse. Dodgeville then saw a population boom, and it became a center for mining. Miners from England flooded the city, and the area flourished. British and Cornish architecture is still visible in the city today. Dodgeville became the largest city in Wisconsin at the time, as well as most of the
Photo courtesy of Dodgeville Chamber
Cathryn’s Market takes you back to a time where good service means something, and quality is the rule.
Bakery • Coffee • Ice Cream Classic Soda Fountain Locally produced farm products from around the Driftless Region A ST. 206 N. IOW LE IL V E G D DO 77 608-930-27 2022 • The DRIFTLESS EXPLORER
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