Things to Do in Southwest Wisconsin: Your Ultimate Guide to Adventure, Relaxation, and Exploring the Driftless Area
- Travis Larsen
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Looking for the perfect getaway in Southwest Wisconsin? Whether you're planning a relaxing cabin retreat, an outdoor adventure, a family vacation, or a weekend exploring the beautiful Driftless Area, Crawford County offers something for everyone.
When you stay at one of our secluded cabins in the wilderness, you'll enjoy the peace and quiet of nature while still being close to some of Wisconsin's best outdoor recreation, historic attractions, scenic drives, and small-town charm.
From UTV adventures and hiking trails to river towns and breathtaking bluff-top views, here's your guide to the best things to do during your stay.
Start Your Adventure Right Outside Your Cabin
One of the biggest reasons guests love staying with us is that they don't have to go far to start having fun.
Our cabins are nestled in the beautiful hills and valleys of Southwest Wisconsin, surrounded by woods, wildlife, and fresh air. Whether you're looking to disconnect from everyday life or spend your days exploring, you'll find plenty to enjoy right here on the property.
Guests can enjoy:
Private hiking trails through the woods
Wisconsin's largest single room cave
Wildlife watching
Campfires under the stars
Hot tubs at select cabins
Pool table and foosball in our larger cabin
Peaceful mornings with coffee overlooking nature
Family game nights
Beautiful sunsets and stargazing
Many visitors tell us that their favorite part of the trip was simply slowing down and enjoying the quiet beauty of the Driftless Area.
Experience Larsen UTV Park and UTV Rentals
If you're looking for excitement, don't miss a visit to LARSEN UTV Park.
Located near our cabins, the park offers miles of riding opportunities through some of the most scenic terrain in Wisconsin. Riders can enjoy hills, mud, wooded trails, and incredible views throughout the property.
Don't have your own machine?
No problem.
We also offer UTV rentals, making it easy for visitors to experience the thrill of off-road adventure without hauling their own equipment.
For many guests, a day of riding followed by an evening in the hot tub is the perfect vacation combination.
Explore Historic Prairie du Chien
Just a short drive away, Prairie du Chien is one of Wisconsin's oldest communities and offers plenty to see and do.
Popular attractions include:
Villa Louis
St. Feriole Island
Mississippi River waterfront
Local restaurants and shops
Historic downtown district
History lovers will appreciate learning about the fur trade era and early settlement of the Mississippi River Valley.
Discover the Beauty of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the area's greatest treasures.
Spend a day:
Fishing
Boating
Kayaking
Canoeing
Bird watching
Taking scenic drives along the river bluffs
The area is especially known for bald eagle sightings, making it a favorite destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Visit the Famous Kickapoo Valley
Known as Wisconsin's "Crookedest River," the Kickapoo Valley offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the state.
Activities include:
Canoeing
Kayaking
Hiking
Trout fishing
Scenic photography
Wildlife viewing
The winding river, towering bluffs, and peaceful valleys make it one of the hidden gems of Southwest Wisconsin.
Explore the Driftless Area
Unlike most of Wisconsin, the Driftless Area was untouched by glaciers.
The result?
A landscape filled with:
Massive bluffs
Deep valleys
Scenic overlooks
Hidden streams
Rolling farmland
Many visitors are surprised by how different this region feels compared to the rest of the Midwest.
It's one of the most unique places in the United States and a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts.
Take a Scenic Drive Through Amish Country
Southwest Wisconsin is home to beautiful rural roads that wind through farms, valleys, and Amish communities.
A leisurely drive offers opportunities to discover:
Local bakeries
Farm stands
Handmade furniture
Fresh produce
Artisan goods
Every season offers something different, from spring blooms to spectacular fall colors.
Great Day Trips Within an Hour
One of the best things about staying in Crawford County is that you're within easy driving distance of several fantastic destinations.
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Approximately one hour away, La Crosse offers:
Grandad Bluff
Mississippi River cruises
Downtown shopping
Breweries and restaurants
Riverside Park
Family attractions and events
The view from Grandad Bluff is worth the trip alone and provides some of the most stunning scenery in the Midwest.
Viroqua, Wisconsin
Known for its local food scene and charming downtown, Viroqua is a favorite destination for visitors looking for:
Farmers markets
Boutique shopping
Local restaurants
Organic farms
Small-town charm
Gays Mills, Wisconsin
Famous for apple orchards and beautiful countryside, Gays Mills is a great stop during the fall season.
The Perfect Blend of Adventure and Relaxation
The best vacations offer a little bit of everything.
Spend your mornings hiking through the woods. Ride UTV trails during the afternoon. Explore historic river towns. Watch the sunset from a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River.
Then return to your cabin, soak in the hot tub, challenge your family to a game of pool or foosball, and enjoy the peace and quiet that only the Wisconsin wilderness can provide.
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, UTV adventure, hunting trip, hiking weekend, or simply looking for a place to unplug and recharge, Southwest Wisconsin has something for everyone.
Book your stay today and discover why so many guests return year after year to experience the beauty, adventure, and relaxation of Crawford County and the Driftless Area.
