Dodgeville is a year-round outdoors destination
Dodgeville, Wisconsin, is a city and town in the state’s scenic Driftless area. The community gets its name from founder Henry Dodge, who would become the Wisconsin Territory’s first governor. Dodge’s name is also on a hilly and forested park popular for activities like fishing, boating and winter sports. Another nearby site is The House on the Rock, a modernist landmark built on a rock hill. The house’s attractions include a large sea creature, Asian gardens and a recreated 19th century neighborhood. Additionally, Dodgeville has a historic downtown with restaurants, bars and shops. “People come to Dodgeville basically for the atmosphere,” says Barry Rowe, a Realtor with Potterton Rule Real Estate’s Dodgeville office. “We have many lakes, rivers and rolling hills. There are a lot of outdoor activities to do.”
Homes come from many generations
City homes are in neighborhoods with many straight roads and mature trees. There are also a few neighborhood parks within a short distance of some homes. They include Oakham Lawn Park and Dodgeville Arboretum, where trails cross a few acres of prairie and woods. Many homes here were built between the early 20th century and today. Houses include Queen Annes, Craftsman bungalows and American Foursquares. The city also has ranch-style, bi-level, split-level and modern traditional homes. Most city homes go from $100,000 to $500,000, depending on house size and lot acreage. A few homes with footprints over 3,000 square feet run between $500,000 and $570,000. Some upscale homes in the rural areas can cost over $1 million. Also, just over a third of the area’s properties are rentals.
Food options include doughnuts, barbecue and other comfort fare
Many local restaurants are downtown, which has many brick and stone buildings built between the 1840s and 1940s. The historic district’s landmarks include the Greek Revival-style Iowa County Courthouse, Wisconsin’s oldest active courthouse. One of downtown’s staples is Quality Bakery, which has been around since 1928. “People drive from out of state to get doughnuts from that bakery,” Rowe says. Another popular spot is Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ, known for its fish fries, brisket and smoked pork. “People drive for hours to come eat there,” Rowe says. “People also like to go in there after work to have a couple of drinks.” Restaurants outside downtown include Jimmy’s Diner. Walmart and Piggly Wiggly offer some grocery shopping options.
Dodgeville area has several city parks and Governor Dodge State Park
Harris Park is one of the city’s recreational destinations. The 30-acre park is notably home to Ley Memorial Pavilion, a 27,000-square-foot facility with an ice skating rink. The facility also hosts auctions and flea markets. Harris Park’s other amenities include baseball fields, sand volleyball courts and 2 miles of walking trails. Centennial Park has more sports amenities and the city’s pool, or Comer Swimming Pool Complex. However, Governor Dodge State Park is the area’s most prominent outdoor destination. The more than 5,000-acre park provides access to Military Ridge State Trail, a 40-mile path that passes through several nearby villages and communities. More miles of hiking, biking and horseriding trails wind through the park, which also has a waterfall and two lakes with fish like bass and walleye.
Dodgeville School District and St. Joseph School provide education
Dodgeville School District serves the area and gets a B from Niche. Dodgeville Elementary and Dodgeville Middle also both receive B grades. Students may then finish at Dodgeville High School, which gets a B-minus. St. Joseph School is a private option for pre-kindergarten to eighth-grade students. The Catholic school puts on a variety of fundraisers during the year. They include several fish fries and a golf outing.
White Oak Festival brings music and highlights rural region
White Oak Savanna is a local destination for live music and other events. In August, White Oak Festival brings a large lineup of activities to the more than 70-acre farm. The event showcases live acoustic music, and performers typically include guitar players, fiddlers and drummers. The event also lets White Oak Savanna highlight the surrounding farmland. Other activities include yoga and stargazing.
U.S. 18 connects Dodgeville to Madison
U.S. Highway 18 passes through Dodgeville and goes toward Madison, 45 miles east. Wisconsin’s capital has Dane County Regional Airport, the area’s hub for commercial flights. Dodgeville has Upland Hills Health Hospital & Clinics, which serves the city and several nearby communities.
Winter brings snow and frigid temperatures
The area usually gets about 35 inches of snow annually. Dodgeville also averages winter low temperatures of 9 degrees. “We get a lot of different weather,” Rowe says. “We see everything from frozen winter weather to amazing summer weather.”
