River Valley area www.springgreen.com
APT photo by Liz Lauren
Including Spring Green, Arena, Lone Rock & Plain By Linda Schwanke Nestled in the scenic Driftless region of the upper Midwest, formed thousands of years ago in land that was never covered by glaciers, sits the Wisconsin River valley.
Located in southwest Wisconsin, the area is home to unique natural wonders, arts, cultural landmarks and exceptional dining and shopping experiences. From the gateway to the River Valley in Arena, historic Lone
Spring Green Arts & Crafts Fair Born over a bridge game as a way to promote Spring Green in a “nice, clean, family way,” according to a report in the Home News weekly newspaper from that time, the fair has grown to become an institution cherished by the community and those who benefit from the fair. The primary mission of the fair is to support the arts in the River Valley area. Recipients of fair grants have included the Spring Green Community Library, Gard Theater, River Valley Players, Rural Musicians Forum, American Players Theatre, Bloomin’ Buddies garden club, River Valley School District, Spring Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Taliesin Preservations, St. John’s School, Spring Green parks, Wyoming Valley Cultural Arts Center and many others. A scholarship was established in 1971 to help River Valley High School students attending secondary school in the arts pay tuition for college. One of the most popular festivals in the beneficiaries of the art fair are SGAF-Driftless Explorer.qxp_Layout 1 1/28/22 3:12 Some PM Page 1 continued on page 8 River Valley area is the Arts & Crafts Fair. Photo by Linda Schwanke
The Spring Green Arts & Crafts Fair will return this summer on Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26. With more than 50 years of service to community, the fair has raised well over $1 million that has been donated back to the community in grants, scholarships, publicity and profits for service groups who provide food for the fair.
A C &
RTS Spring Green WI RAFTS FAIR •
June 25th & 26th Last Full Weekend
Saturday 9am–5pm and Sunday 9am–4pm Downtown Spring Green West of Madison on Hwys 14 and 23
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The DRIFTLESS EXPLORER • 2022
Over 200 Exhibiting Artists Food, Entertainment & More! Find Details and More at
SpringGreenArtFair.com
American Players Theatre is one of the Midwest’s premier repertory theaters , with plays starting in June.
Rock, to the hills of Plain and diversity of Spring Green, the area is a magnet for nature lovers as well as art lovers, whether for a day, a week or a lifetime. The natural beauty of the rolling hills, prairie and Wisconsin River valley are home to flora and fauna galore. Whooping cranes, sandhill cranes, eagles, other cranes and pelicans, herons, song birds, many species of turtle, including the threatened Blanding’s turtle, snappers, painted and wood turtles, rare cacti and grasses are only the beginning. Hiking is a popular pastime at the Nature Conservancy just north of Spring Green. Trips along the river in canoes or inner tubes offer an up close look at nature that few spots can rival. Fishing along the river is another popular pastime, summer or winter. Just over 20 miles west of Madison on Highway 14, the Village of Arena boasts two beautiful parks which feature a ball diamond and a fishing pond at West Park. A dog park and archery range are open to the public. The village has a large cheese factory where visitors can watch cheese being made. Further along Highway 14 is Lone Rock, which is also home to two beautiful village parks. Battery Park, commemorating those who lost their lives in the Civil War. Firemen’s Park, located on the south side of the village, has a splash pad for children that offers a zero depth water experience that will cool off the little ones. There are even benches for parents and grandparents to sit and enjoy. Ball diamonds, horseshoe pits, large shelter and scooter/skate area are also amenities. Plain is nestled amid valleys and bluffs along Highway 23 in central Sauk County. The village park features a swimming pool along with a ball diamond, sand volleyball court and shelter. The nine-hole Westbrook Hills Golf Course is a favorite spot to play a continued on page 8
River Valley area – Spring Green, Arena, Lone Rock & Plain
