One of Wisconsin’s oldest cities was founded by miners during the state’s lead rush in the early 19th century. Today it has parks, museums and heritage buildings.
Dodgeville is located in the southwest corner of Wisconsin and is one of the state’s oldest cities. It is the most populated city of Iowa County but, with approximately 5,000 residents, maintains a small-town atmosphere.
Colonel Henry Dodge established Dodgeville in 1827 as a mining settlement. Within two years, the city was larger than Milwaukee and Chicago combined. See Dodgeville’s origins firsthand at Dodge’s Camp. This cabin, built by one of the town’s founding miners, is one of Wisconsin’s oldest structures and is the last mining camp from the “lead rush” of 1827-1830.
Downtown Dodgeville is among Wisconsin’s oldest districts. Stroll past heritage buildings that stretch for six blocks along Iowa Street. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants or go shopping in the area’s antique stores and boutiques. See exhibits of rocks, minerals and crystals from all over the world at the Museum of Minerals and Crystals. Discover the special local fluorescent rocks that glow when put under a blacklight.
Enjoy the seasonal Wisconsin weather at Dodgeville’s three main parks. Centennial Park is home to sporting fields and a swimming pool. Watch a game at any time of year at Harris Park, which has a large indoor sports complex. Pack a picnic or use the facilities provided to cook up a barbecue at Wilson Park.
Rent a car to explore the area surrounding Dodgeville. Go west to Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark, which is renowned as one of America’s best show caves. Take a tour along lighted walkways that snake through the cave and marvel at the crystal formations that line the walls. Taliesin, the estate of Frank Lloyd Wright, is located in nearby Spring Green. See the famed architect’s designs at this spectacular home, which offers guided tours throughout the day.
Dodgeville is centrally located in the Midwest. Rent a car to drive to Milwaukee in the east or Chicago in the southeast. You can easily get around Dodgeville center on foot or using the local bus service.
