Photo courtesy Magic Light Photography
Mineral Point is the quintessential historic Wisconsin town, complete with a charming downtown district, where visitors can enjoy artist studios, specialty shops, antique stores and architecture that has been deemed reminiscent of a Cornish village.
Each October, Mineral Point is one of a few southwest Wisconsin communities that participate in the three-day, self-guided Fall Art Tour of the region’s many artist studios. Considered to be the town’s largest fall event, the Fall Art Tour provides visitors with opportunities to explore the creative genius of many local artists. Held Oct. 15-17, the tour includes Mineral Point, Spring Green, Dodgeville and Baraboo.
The Mineral Point Farmers’ Market is a Saturday morning must-see, as this perfect little market has a big variety of seasonal produce, breakfast foods, baked goods, crafts and handmade soaps.
For those looking for a unique cultural experience during their visit, the Mineral Point Opera House simply won’t disappoint. This fall the opera house will feature live music, comedy shows, recent and retro movies, and the Driftless Film Festival in November. The Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts is also hosting an outdoor Picnic and a Play series through the fall.
For outdoor biking enthusiasts, Mineral Point offers a wealth of fantastic road cycling, including challenging and scenic rolling hills on well-maintained country roads that are beautiful to ride as seasons change and leaves burst with vivid colors. Of course, the 47-mile Cheese Country Trail, which starts in Mineral Point, is a favorite trail for ATV aficionados, as it traverses historic communities that offer lodging, restaurants and shopping.
Wine lovers will also delight in Mineral Point’s American Wine Project winery, where you can order tastings and relax on the expansive porch or stroll through awe-inspiring gardens.
You certainly won’t leave hungry when visiting Mineral Point. The town features wonderful dining options, including traditional breakfast options at Pointer Café. Or tempt your palate with unique Cornish delicacies at the Red Rooster. If wood-fired pizza is a favorite, check out Popolo Pizza, or enjoy classic pub food at Commerce Street Brewery.
Spending Halloween in Mineral Point won’t disappoint, as the town boasts a fun tradition with its Halloween parade. Children dress up in their costumes and walk from High Street to Shake Rag Alley — stopping, of course, for candy at High Street Sweets — with more trick-or-treating at historic sites around Shake Rag Alley.
MINERAL POINT CAR SHOW
Sept. 11
Held the second weekend in September at Mineral Point’s Soldiers Memorial Park, this annual car show offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with some amazing antique, vintage and custom cars.
CORNISH FESTIVAL
Sept. 24-26
Launched in 1991, the Annual Cornish Festival and Celtic Celebration focuses on strengthening Mineral Point’s ties to Cornwall. The festival features food, activities and entertainment celebrating “all things Cornwall.”
