Thursday, October 1, 2026
While many silent sports enthusiasts flock to Driftless towns like Viroqua and Spring Green, Wisconsin, Dodgeville and its surrounding area is often overlooked. Founded by Henry Dodge in 1827, the area is rich with a lead mining history. Like Mineral Point to the south, Dodgeville drew many Cornish migrants for mining and you can still find their heritage throughout the area. Now, with over 5,000 residents, it is almost a sleeper community to Madison, yet still rich in agriculture and home to Land’s End clothing.
Look beyond the downtown area, and you’ll be overwhelmed by the outdoor activities just a stone's throw away. I first fell in love with this area by going on long rides, searching for nonstop hills and overlooks of the Driftless area. I also got a taste of Governor Dodge State Park not long after moving to Madison, and the park’s diversity instantly made it a favorite hiking destination.
Sadly, Dodgeville is also prone to devastating storms. Back in 1983, the area sustained a F4 tornado where 93 homes were destroyed and trees were snapped off. 2014 brought another tornado that caused widespread destruction just north of the town, and multiple F1 tornadoes have since touched down. Thankfully, the area always seems to rebound.
No matter your choice of movement through this hilly terrain untouched by glaciers, take a moment to appreciate the outcroppings of dolomite, limestone and sandstone all throughout the region.
Where to hike/run/walk
Governor Dodge State Park, one of my favorite state parks in Wisconsin, offers nearly 40 miles of hiking trails! Some highlights are a waterfall (where you can often see ice climbers in the winter), several old well houses still flowing with spring water, an old farmstead, a gorge that makes you feel as if you’re walking along a canyon, several lake trails, caves and high prairies. A state park sticker is required and can be purchased right at the park entrance, where you can also get a map and information on flora and fauna.
Bethel Horizons is a Lutheran church camp that allows people to enjoy their trails when camp is not in session (weekends during the summer, and throughout fall/winter/spring). Hiking trails are separate from mountain biking trails and are clearly marked. One of my favorite overlooks in the Midwest is here. Although these trails are free, consider making a donation. Visit bethelhorizons.org for maps and closures.
The Military Ridge State Trail is a 40-mile non-motorized gravel rail trail starting in Madison and ending in Dodgeville. This is a perfect trail for those wanting fewer hills or those in larger groups with kids. It also leads right into Governor Dodge State Park. There is no fee to walk on this trail; however, there is a fee to bike.
Dodgeville Arboretum and Nature Trail near downtown offers 3 acres of gentle nature trails maintained by the local Lions Club.
Bloomfield Prairie Trail boasts 630 acres (430 of which are actively maintained prairie). Owned by Iowa County but managed in part by the Driftless Area Land Conservancy, this area features year-round prairie habitat and is a favorite for birders and plant lovers.
The Driftless Trail is a planned 100-mile loop connecting the lower Wisconsin State Riverway, Governor Dodge State Park, and Blue Mound State Park, all while passing through state conservation lands and privately conserved areas generously shared by dedicated stewards. Currently, the finished segments near Dodgeville include Knobs Road, offering a moderately difficult 3.9-mile loop, and Weaver Road, offering a 1.2-mile loop with large rock formations. For more information on these trail segments, please visit driftlessconservancy.org
Want to try your feet at a few running races? Rickey and Kelly, with Driftless Endurance, put on several endurance races in the Dodgeville area throughout the year. Details can be found here: Driftlessendurance.com
Adventures on two wheels
The Military Ridge State Park runs between Dodgeville and Madison. Highlights include Governor Dodge State Park, Blue Mound State Park and Brigham County Park—all of which offer camping for those choosing to bikepack. A daily or annual bike permit is required and can be purchased at several kiosks along the trail or through the DNR.
Road riding in Governor Dodge State Park and the surrounding Driftless hills can offer heart pounding climbs and endless rewards in the form of views and exhilarating descents. For those not familiar with riding in this area., I highly suggest using lower gears, as hill gradients can reach close to 20%. If you want to test your heart and lungs at a long-running event, the Dairyland Dare will be held this August 1st with distances ranging from 50-200km.
The Dodgeville Cluster Mountain Bike Trails, just north of Dodgville, might be one of my favorite trail clusters in southern Wisconsin. Perched up on a ridgeline just outside of Governor Dodge State Park, this is actually two trails in one. Parking at Bethel Horizon camp, you can ride the Bethel trails when camp isn’t in session, and the Thistle trails just across the road when stated as open. Lungs and legs will be treated to climbs, well designed rocky trails offering challenges for those seeking tech, and flow can be found throughout to give your brakes and mind a brief rest. The views are beautiful year-round, offering a mix of trees, native plants, and rocky outcroppings. A waiver must be signed prior to riding and is available at Corptrails.org or at the kiosk.
If you have more time to explore, a brief 20-minute drive east will bring you to Blue Mound State Park, which not only offers some of the most challenging mountain bike trails in the area, but also miles of hiking trails. Fire towers overlooking the area are the added bonus for making the climb to the top of the park.
Playing on the water
Cox Hollow and Twin Valley Lakes -- both in Gov. Dodge State Park -- are beautiful and serene reservoirs for paddling and swimming, with bathrooms and concession stands, too.
Just northwest of Dodgeville, Blackhawk Lake is a DNR-run 220-acre Recreation Area that offers camping, paddling, and fishing." There is a boat launch and campground, along with 1,500 acres of additional trails.
Pecks Landing in Spring Green, just north of Dodgeville, offers a perfect spot to embark on a Wisconsin River voyage.
Camping
There are a few private campgrounds available, but my go-to spots in the area are always the state parks or Blackhawk Lake. During summer, sites fill quickly. To reserve a site at a state park, visit DNR.wisconsin.gov
Gear
There aren’t many options outside of Madison, but Blue Mound Bicycle Works is a full-service shop. The owner has a wealth of knowledge not only about biking in the area but also an affinity for old mountain bikes—many of which he refurbishes and sells at the shop.
In the 25 years I’ve been visiting the Dodgeville area, I have seen so many additions and positive changes supporting the silent sports community. I, like Michelle and Stewart, am excited to see what the future holds, but am concerned by lack of funding. Want to get involved in protecting this special area if funding like the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program disappears?
Cervenka, with DALC, says “One of the most impactful things people can do is make their voices heard. Reaching out to legislators, participating in Conservation Congress hearings, and speaking up in support of conservation funding all matter. At the same time, conservation does not stop while policy decisions are being made. For us at DALC, this moment highlights the importance of community support more than ever. Historically, Knowles-Nelson has provided funding for land protection. But as that funding becomes uncertain, private donations, volunteer involvement, and local partnerships become even more essential to advancing conservation. The Driftless Area of Wisconsin is really defined by its complexity and resilience, and the same is true of the community working to protect it.”
Next time you are traveling through southwest Wisconsin, do yourself a favor and get a taste of Dodgeville.
One area that stands out right now is Wintergreen. This is the first time DALC has taken on a project like this, where land protection is paired with the opportunity to create a true gateway experience for the Driftless landscape. In addition to the property itself, Wintergreen includes an existing conference center, which adds a whole new layer to how we think about conservation, stewardship, and community connection. It is a place that really embodies our mission of Conservation, Care, Connection.
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We started Dairyland Dare in 2006 because we loved riding the roads around Dodgeville and wanted others to experience the same. When we rode the back roads near Girona, Spain, we actually said to each other ‘we traveled to Europe to experience the same type of riding we have right out our front door’. There are several new projects in the works here and we’re excited to see what the future holds.
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Michelle Godez and Stewart Schilling, founders and former organizers of the Dairyland Dare and long time residents of Dodgeville.
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