Discover natural beauty and family-friendly things to do in Dodgeville

A stay at the Prairie Rock Lodge in Dodgeville places you near the area’s top things to do, including skiing at Tyrol Basin and touring The House on the Rock, a wild and wonderful architectural gem. Outdoor adventures abound thanks to the amazing landscape of the Driftless Area, where you can explore the famous Cave of the Mounds or hike, bike, and bird-watch in nearby Governor Dodge State Park. Looking for kid-friendly activities? Havens Petting Farm offers fun for all ages, and the Museum of Minerals and Crystals has plenty to dazzle the eyes. If you need a break from on-site meetings, you can stroll the trails through the hotel’s 17 acres or travel just two miles to browse downtown Dodgeville’s unique shops and restaurants.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Landmark
  • Nature

Governor Dodge State Park

2.21 mi / 3.56 km from the hotel
You can look for deer, foxes, and more than 150 bird species at this beautiful 5,350-acre park. Bring a picnic basket and your outdoor gear for a day of hiking along the Pine Cliff Trail and canoeing or fishing in Cox Hollow Lake and Twin Valley Lake.

The House on the Rock

7.65 mi / 12.32 km from the hotel
Since opening in 1959, this quirky tourist attraction has become one of Wisconsin’s most popular destinations. See Japanese gardens, the world’s largest indoor carousel, and the Infinity Room with its more than 3,000 windows.

Tyrol Basin

18.34 mi / 29.52 km from the hotel
Find fun during every season at Tyrol Basin, where you can ski down the powdery slopes in the winter and try your hand at archery or disc golf in the summer. Check the Basin’s event calendar for one of their pizza and live music nights.

Taliesin

11.45 mi / 18.42 km from the hotel
This exceptional estate, once the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright, preserves the famous architect’s vision of organic design. You can explore the houses, towers and barns, and gardens where Wright perfected his iconic style.

Museum of Minerals and Crystals

2.11 mi / 3.4 km from the hotel
From fossils and huge crystals you can touch to glow-in-the-dark rocks, the exhibits at this gem of a museum are worth a visit. Stop by the gift shop to take a piece of Wisconsin home with you.

Cave of the Mounds

16.54 mi / 26.62 km from the hotel
Located in Blue Mound State Park, this cave system is the perfect destination for a spelunking adventure. After admiring the rare cave pearls in the Dream River Room, head to the surface to mine for gems and walk along the Karst View Trail.

Havens Petting Farm

18.01 mi / 28.98 km from the hotel
Children and adults alike will love visiting Havens Petting Farm. Founded to keep people in touch with agriculture, the farm lets you pet and feed the animals, ride a pony, watch a sheep-shearing session, and tour the farm’s 80 acres.

Military Ridge State Trail

17.66 mi / 28.42 km from the hotel
You can hike for an afternoon or for a few days on this 40-mile trail created by the US military in 1855. Stretching from Dodgeville to Madison, the trail leads you through farmland, woods, and prairies as well as past two state parks.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

32.97 mi / 53.06 km from the hotel
This beautiful area was shaped by a glacier thousands of years ago during the Ice Age. Today, visitors can explore more than 1,200 miles of hiking trails while enjoying the picturesque landscapes.

Old Rock School

1.41 mi / 2.28 km from the hotel
Now on the National Register of Historic Places, this limestone house was built in 1853 by a Cornish immigrant. You can explore the site’s gardens, interesting architecture, and beautiful masonry.

Dodge Point Country Club

6.23 mi / 10.03 km from the hotel
Tee up on this 18-hole, par-70 course for a fun day of golf surrounded by the wide-open prairie. Beautifully kept greens offer challenges for all levels of players, and the on-site restaurant gives you a place to celebrate after a great round.

Mineral Point Railroad Museum

9.31 mi / 14.99 km from the hotel
Get a glimpse into railroad history at this museum housed in Wisconsin’s oldest surviving depot. You’ll learn about rail workers through the decades as well as the people and communities the railways served.