Driftless Wisconsin

At the heart of Wisconsin's Driftless Area are Crawford County and Vernon County, defined to their west by the Mississippi River and by the Kickapoo Valley which runs through each. Never touched by glaciers, the Driftless Area is characterized by its beautifully sculpted topography. Forested hillsides reach down to valleys cut into limestone bedrock by cold-water trout streams. Forests, prairie remnants, wetlands, and grasslands provide habitat for wildflowers and wildlife. Land is farmed by the descendants of those who first settled here, by the Amish who adopted the area, and by a new breed of organic farmer. Artists, who need look no further than their own backyard for inspiration, create works of infinite variety. The great diversity of the area means something to suit the taste of every visitor. You can simply enjoy the peace and beauty of the countryside with a good book, a cup of coffee from a local roaster, or a glass of wine from a local vineyard. You can don your waders and hope to outwit a brook trout on a cool foggy morning. You can get on your bike and wind your way through magnificent scenery. You can shop for art, antiques, handmade furniture, artisanal cheeses, or locally-grown foods. Experience extraordinary!