Area Attractions & Recreation

Fall Art Tour

The third full weekend each October, some of Wisconsin’s best-known artisans open their studios allowing visitors a unique, behind-the-scenes view into how their work is created. Each year, the Fall Art Tour draws visitors from around the country to artists studios in and around Mineral Point, Dodgeville, Spring Green and Baraboo. Join us for a scenic autumn countryside drive. Along the way you will learn how the artists work their magic in their own studios with opportunities to purchase fine art and fine craft from its source. We hope to see you October 14,15 & 16, 2022

International Crane Foundation
E11376Shady Lane Road, Baraboo , WI 53913
(608) 356-9462 | www.savingcranes.org

Visit Cranes of the World at the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the only place on the planet to see 15 species of cranes at one location. Enjoy outdoor exhibits providing a tour of African, Asian, European, Australian and North American cranes. Our $10 million renovation includes more exhibit ponds and murals, new interpretive signage and an all-new expanded gift shop in the George Archibald Welcome Center. Enjoy new pathways and an expanded picnic area. Make a day of it while rambling through miles of peaceful groomed birding and hiking trails! Open May 1 through Oct. 31.

Madison Symphony Orchestra
www.madisonsymphony.org

The Madison Symphony Orchestra presents triple classical music concerts, and Overture Concert Organ performances in Overture Hall. Under the artistic leadership of Music Director John DeMain the Symphony has grown to be one of America’s leading regional orchestras. Now in its 96th season, the Madison Symphony Orchestra enriches the cultural and educational environment of Madison and the surrounding area with exquisite performances of great masterworks and top-tier guest artists from around the world. Our Education and Community Engagement Programs bring the joy of music to more than 23,000 children and adults annually.

The Slowpoke Lounge & Cabaret

137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green, WI, 53588
slowpokelounge.com | [email protected]

Slowpoke Lounge & Cabaret has craft cocktails, quality snacks from local producers, and a comfy vibe. Play something from our record collection, or just relax in our outdoor beer garden. We have a variety of music events throughout the year, and are also the home of Two Crows Theatre Company in the winter. Someone might even surprise you by sitting down at the piano, or with a pop-up jam session. Visit our website for details on upcoming events.

The House on the Rock Attraction
5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, WI 53588
(608) 935-3639 | www.thehouseontherock.com

An awe-inspiring array of amazing collections, enormous music machines and the world’s largest carousel.

There are two state parks within a 15-minute drive of APT. Tower Hill State Park is located almost across the road (5808 Cty. Hwy. C). It features campsites, hiking trails, a canoe landing and picnic areas. Visitors can take a lovely hike to the top of a bluff overlooking the river where an old shot tower and smelter house have been reconstructed.

Governor Dodge State Park, located eight miles south of Spring Green (4175 Hwy. 23), is one of the state's largest parks with 5,270 scenic acres of steep hills, bluffs, and deep valleys plus two lakes and a waterfall. The park offers hiking, biking, skiing, snowmobile trails, horse trails, camping, hiking, boating, swimming, 8 designated picnic areas, swimming, boating and fishing. Hunting is available in season with proper permits.

There are many great bike routes in the Spring Green area. A marked bike lane runs all the way from Hillside School (just south of the Wisconsin River on Hwy. 23) to Dodgeville, and the Military Ridge Bike Trail is also accessible from Spring Green by following Hwy 23 south to County Hwy. Z.

For a map of bicycling conditions, visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website.

Paddling

The Lower Wisconsin is a river for people who like to travel and take in the sights at a leisurely pace. River currents range from three to five miles per hour upstream of Spring Green and only one to two miles per hour further downstream near Muscoda.

Along the entire 92.3 miles there are no rapids, falls or portages, making the river ideal for recreational canoeists & kayakers. Two-thirds of river users are found on the 25-mile stretch between Prairie du Sac and Spring Green. There are numerous canoe landings in the River Valley area, including those at Tower Hill State Park, Peck’s Landing, Lone Rock (just east of the Hwy 130 bridge) and Arena (South Bank).

Fishing

Both the main channel as well as the backwaters of the Wisconsin River support large numbers of gamefish and panfish and good fishing can also be had on area streams and lakes. For more information, contact the DNR office at (608)935-3368.

The Spring Green area is a treasure trove of architecture which has been designed or influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. Besides the buildings designed by this giant of American architecture, the River Valley has many structures by Wright’s former apprentices, and offers three stops on the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail.

There’s always an event going on in Spring Green, especially in the summer. From Bobfest and Beatlefest, held annually at the Spring Green General Store; to the Spring Green Arts and Crafts Fair in June; and 4Petesake Day in the Park in August; and the Fall Art Tour in October, it’s a busy place. For a full calendar of events, see the Spring Green Area Chamber of Commerce website.