Dodgeville Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Erin Hansen
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.

Don Q Inn
Don Q Inn
2.5 out of 5
3658 State Road 23, Dodgeville, WI
The price is NZ$157 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
NZ$157
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Dodgeville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (956 reviews)
"Unique rooms and historic themed areas"

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2025

Don Q Inn
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
3.5 out of 5
1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI
The price is NZ$301 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
NZ$301
includes taxes & fees
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star luxury hotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,428 reviews)
"We stayed for two nights over spring break. We were offered a room on the floor with the pool which was perfect for our two kids. Room was lovely, pool was one of the warmer and more comfortable we've experienced and the hot tub was perfect. The parking garage was very convenient, safe, well lit, ..."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2025

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
Baymont by Wyndham Madison West/Middleton WI West
Baymont by Wyndham Madison West/Middleton WI West
2.5 out of 5
8102 Excelsior Dr, Madison, WI
The price is NZ$122 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
NZ$122
includes taxes & fees
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Madison. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Very good so far"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Madison West/Middleton WI West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Dylin
The Dylin
4 out of 5
611 E Dayton St, Madison, WI
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Camp Randall Stadium and Alliant ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"Everything was very nice, clean and well decorated. The bed was extremely comfortable as well and I'm a harsh critic. There was a hiccup with parking upon check-in, but the online chat system was easy and got a quick response."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2025

The Dylin
Big House, Nice neighborhood, PET FAMILY FRIENDLY HOME
Big House, Nice neighborhood, PET FAMILY FRIENDLY HOME
Madison
Stay at this vacation home in Madison. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Camp Randall Stadium and Alliant Energy ...
3.2/10 (10 reviews)
Fishing outing
"Fished the Madison chain while we stayed here. 20 minutes to the ramp. Plenty of places to eat in neighborhood easy gas stops on easy to ramp. Plenty of room to move around in house for the four of us. Driveway and street parking were available for two bass boats and trucks. Electric hook up was ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2024

Big House, Nice neighborhood, PET FAMILY FRIENDLY HOME
Elegant country retreat near Spring Green w expansive views of Driftless Region
Elegant country retreat near Spring Green w expansive views of Driftless Region
Spring Green
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Spring Green. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions The House on the Rock and Meadow Valley Trailhead ...
10/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
Blending family getaway
"Perfect place for a family getaway - two busy working parents, our combined four kids. Peaceful, but easy access to local towns for what we needed. Barbara was responsive and we loved the home. Truly a little oasis!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2025

Elegant country retreat near Spring Green w expansive views of Driftless Region
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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