Top 11 Things To Do In Dodgeville, Wisconsin

1. Learn about local heritage at Iowa County Historical Society & Museum

Browse through the artifacts and archives of Iowa County Historical Society & Museum and discover the area’s fascinating past. This small museum was opened in 1976 and highlights the county’s growth from mining town to modern city. The museum brims with interesting information and features unique collections, including historical photographs, local artifacts, family genealogies, and microfilm of Iowa County newspapers. There are also historical recreations of an old schoolroom and a mining camp.

Iowa County Historical Society & Museum

Address: 1301 N Bequette St, Dodgeville, WI

Website: Iowa County Historical Society & Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Sat - Tue)

2. Enjoy the natural beauty of Governor Dodge State Park

With its dappled forest, peaceful lakes, and rushing waterfall, Governor Dodge State Park is a beautiful place to enjoy the picturesque scenery around Dodgeville. This gorgeous park features stunning landscapes and recreation areas and even has an on-site concession stand where you can purchase gear rentals, food, clothing, and gifts. With hiking, cycling, and horseback trails galore, there are tons of ways to explore the park—whatever your preferred means of transport. Enjoy summer activities like fishing, swimming, and boating on both Cox Hollow Lake and Twin Valley Lake, or try out snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter. Visitors can also stay overnight on the picturesque campgrounds.

Governor Dodge State Park

Address: 4175 State Highway 23, Dodgeville, WI

Website: Governor Dodge State Park

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

Price: 28 USD

3. Pack a picnic for Centennial Park

This family-friendly park is filled with wonderful ways to unwind in Dodgeville. Head to the pleasant community area and enjoy a picnic at the sheltered pavilions or grill something up on the public barbeque while the children ramble on the playgrounds. Perfect for some friendly competition, the park also has a baseball field, tennis courts, and horseshoe pits. Another highlight of the venue is Comer Swimming Pool Complex, which has a bathhouse, a wading pool, and a sheltered area.

Centennial Park

Address: 501 S Dacotah St, Dodgeville, WI

Website: Centennial Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

4. Try the unbeatable meat at Bob's Bitchin' BBQ

Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ is a mouthwatering eatery that is renowned for its slowly smoked meat and stunning assortment of signature sauces. This casual restaurant smokes all their dry-rubbed meat in-house and features BBQ favorites like beef brisket, pulled pork, and smoked sausages. There are also fantastic appetizers, hearty sandwiches, and nightly specials on offer. Order your meat entrée either “wet” (cooked in the sauce of your choice) or with a dry rub only and sample the famous sauces from your table.

Bob's Bitchin' BBQ

Address: 167 N Iowa St, Dodgeville, WI

Website: Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am - 8:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

5. Visit historic Old Rock School

Enjoy a glimpse of the past when you visit Old Rock School. This historic property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was built in 1853. Limestone rubble was used to construct the two-story building. After nearly 50 years as a schoolhouse, the building was converted into a private residence.

Old Rock School

Address: 914 N Bequette St, Dodgeville, WI

Website: Old Rock School

6. Have a drink at Duke's Brew Pub and Ale House

Morgan Street Brewery is a casual restaurant with fantastic food and a first-class assortment of beers on tap. This late-night restaurant and bar serves casual food—including hot dogs, burgers, and chicken wings—and serves mixed drinks and beers on tap. In addition to well-known national brands, you can also try one of the local Wisconsin micro-brews kept in rotation. There is live music entertainment throughout the week as well.

Duke's Brew Pub and Ale House

Address: 105 E Chapel St, Dodgeville, WI

Website: Duke’s Brew Pub and Ale House

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 3pm - 10pm; Thu - Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat: 1pm - 12am (closed on Sun)

7. Join a community event at Harris Park

For a relaxed afternoon, head to Harris Park. With its picnic tables, sheltered pavilions, and fun play equipment, this community area is filled with fun activities that the whole family can enjoy. In the warmer months, you can follow the paved walking path, watch local teams play baseball, or hit the sandy ground for a game of volleyball. A large sheltered building also hosts many community events throughout the year, including ice hockey games, markets, and food competitions. From sporting matches to musical performances, the park brims with entertaining events year-round and is the perfect place to enjoy local life in Dodgeville.

Harris Park

Address: 600 N Bennett Rd, Dodgeville, WI

Website: Harris Park

8. Revel in old-fashioned fun at Folklore Village

Folklore Village is a unique establishment in Dodgeville that focuses on community events and folk arts. At this friendly cultural center, visitors can enjoy a calendar full of vibrant events, including comedy shows, dance performances, and art workshops. Stop by, and learn how to do anything from joining a square dance to making a unique craft like a woven basket! Throughout the year, Folklore Village also hosts musical concerts across a variety of genres.

Folklore Village

Address: 3210 Co Rd BB, Dodgeville, WI

Website: Folklore Village

9. Find unique souvenirs at Time And Again Vintage

You never know what hidden treasures you may find at Time And Again Vintage. This cheerful antiques store works with 35 vendors and is always filled with unique antique goods. From small home décor objects to furniture sets to seasonal items, there is always something of interest to find here. Instead of regular business hours, Time And Again Vintage holds large sales on a monthly schedule, so check its Facebook page to see when you can visit!

Time And Again Vintage

Address: 146 N Iowa St, Dodgeville, WI

Website: Time And Again Vintage

10. Explore picturesque trails on horseback with Doby Stables Inc.

Join a riding excursion with Doby Stables Inc. and discover the gorgeous landscape around Dodgeville via horseback. No matter your age or experience level, this company offers peaceful trail rides led by an experienced guide. For younger riders, the 45-minute trail ride is tranquil and scenic, whereas the 60-minute excursion to nearby Governor Dodge State Park is a thrilling option for more experienced riders. Reservations are required in advance for all trail rides.

Doby Stables Inc.

Address: 4228 WI-23 Trunk, Dodgeville, WI

Website: Doby Stables Inc

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 24 USD

11. Pick up movie tickets for Dodge Theatre

This casual movie theater always has something of interest playing. Although this cinema is small, it screens the latest Hollywood blockbuster releases across a variety of genres and offers a variety of showings throughout the day. Discounts are offered for seniors and children under the age of 11. Whether you prefer comedies, adventure, or animation features, Dodge Theatre is a great destination for your next movie screening.

Dodge Theatre

Address: 205 N Iowa St, Dodgeville, WI

Website: Dodge Theatre

The delights of Dodgeville

With its quaint downtown, magnificent recreation opportunities, and breathtaking scenery, Dodgeville is a pleasant destination. From boating and BBQ to square dances and shopping, this lovely city brims with scenic charm and a friendly ambiance. Start planning your getaway to the Uplands today and try out these things to do in Dodgeville, Wisconsin.