Area Attractions & Recreation

Area Attractions

There's more to the area than APT; take time to explore all there is to offer, from astounding collections to the Wisconsin River and the natural beauty this part of the state is famous for.

Cave of the Mounds
2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517
(608) 437-3038 | caveofthemounds.com
Cave of the Mounds – National Natural Landmark: Discover Buried Treasure – Discover Fun. This natural limestone cave offers tours daily on paved and lighted walkways. Tours pass a stunning array of colorful crystal formations including stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. Enjoy the constant 50-degree year-round temperature. While on the grounds, have a picnic and enjoy gemstone and fossil mining, the Rock and Gift Shop, natural perennial gardens, and prairie restoration. Cave of the Mounds is located just 20 minutes west of Madison, off U.S. Highways 18/151.

Fall Art Tour
(608) 987-3669 | fallarttour.com

On October 17, 18 & 19, 2025, enjoy the vibrant colors of autumn on this free, self-guided tour of 46 one-of-a-kind studios tucked into the rolling hills of southwest Wisconsin. No two studios are alike, nor the breathtaking views you’ll find while meandering through the gorgeous Driftless region. During the tour, artists demonstrate their techniques, share their inspiration, and provide behind-the-scenes access into their studios. Visitors will see firsthand how each artist creates their work. Whether you’re a seasoned art collector or looking to enjoy an inspiring weekend, the Fall Art Tour is not to be missed.

Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
18 Shakerag St, Mineral Point, WI 53565
(608) 987-3292 | shakeragalley.org

Located in nearby Mineral Point, Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts provides more than 250 arts & crafts workshops for adults and youth throughout the year, lodging & rentals, and special events on our 2.5 acre campus. Our mission is to provide educational experiences in visual, performing, and literary arts; cultivate the creativity that thrives in our rural community; and rehabilitate and preserve our historic buildings and rustic campus. From glassblowing to mixed media, fiber arts to heritage craft, we've been providing inspiration for your creativity for more than twenty years.

Taliesin Preservation
5607 County Rd C, Spring Green, WI 53588
(608) 588-7900 | taliesinpreservation.org

Discover the legacy of world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin, his home and studio in Spring Green. Down the road from APT, Taliesin boasts buildings spanning nearly every decade of Wright’s career. Designated as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark, Taliesin is a must-see destination for history/architecture buffs and cultural heritage enthusiasts. Your adventure begins at the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center at Riverview Terrace, home to non-profit organization Taliesin Preservation. Find renewed inspiration when you take an unforgettable tour, explore our curated gift shop, or sit and relax while enjoying the river view.

The Slowpoke Lounge & Cabaret
137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green, WI, 53588
slowpokelounge.com | slowpokelounge@gmail.com

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.

Wisconsin Public Radio
Tune into Wisconsin Public Radio for your drive to and from American Players Theatre! Find WPR News on stations WERN FM 88.7 and WHA AM 970, and WPR Music on station WHHI FM 91.3.

Recreation

Whether it’s a bike ride through the hills, a beautiful hike through the woods or a canoe trip on the Wisconsin River, Spring Green and the River Valley area is a spectacular backdrop for all types of outdoor recreation.

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.

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