Discover Richland County and the Beautiful Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin!

Come explore and experience the Midwest seasons in Richland Center. Whether you are seeking a serene relaxing getaway or jaw dropping excitement, Richland Center offers visitors a variety of opportunities for four seasons of fun.

Parks and Recreation

The Pine River Recreation Trail is a 15-mile bike trail constructed on an abandoned railroad bed. The scenic trail follows the Pine River from Richland Center to Lone Rock. Ride over 15 bridges with spans up to 240 feet. Includes 4 ecosystems and longest curved bridge in WI. The trail is for hiking, biking, and snowmobiling. There is no fee to use the trail.

Ocooch Mountain Fall Bicycle Tour (held first weekend in September), is for those looking for a challenging ride. The tour includes steep 400-foot climbs, but also features shorter 12 and 35 mile loops. The tour is held in conjunction with the Richland County Fair. For information on the tour, please contact the Symons Recreation Complex at 608-647-8522.

Trout Fishing: There are 267 miles of Class I and Class II Trout Streams here in Richland County. This is where they get the trout to stock other streams all over the state! Check the Wisconsin DNR guide books available at the Visitor Center for detailed information on trout fishing in Richland County.

Canoeing / Kayaking: The local Pine River winds through valleys, under a natural bridge, and boasts scenic views of bluffs and lowlands. Nearby waterways include the lower Wisconsin River which is large, relatively swift-moving, and surrounded by hidden backwaters. The Kickapoo River is famous for its winding course and also a favorite of paddlers.

Birding / Photography: Eagles, ducks, cranes and a wide variety of song and game birds thrive in the Richland County landscape. The unglaciated land, rivers and streams provide the perfect habitat for a wide variety of birds, plants and wildlife. Bring binoculars, identification books, and a good telephoto lens on your camera.

Camping, canoe rental, golfing, frisbee golf, public hunting, fishing, and hiking grounds, geocaching, caving and other recreational information for the entire area is available at the Richland County Visitor Center (608-647-6205).

Snowmobiling in Richland County offers 134 miles of groomed trails. Sanctioned race annually at the Fairgrounds. Guide maps are available through the Richland Area Visitor Center (608-647-6205). Snowmobile Trail Map (5Mb) PDF

Lower Wisconsin River Road Scenic Byway, WI Hwy 60, follows the Wisconsin River for 100 miles from Lodi to Bridgeport/Prairie du Chien. The Lower Wisconsin River Road threads between the bluffs and the Wisconsin River or its backwaters. The byway has thousands of acres of public lands to explore and a variety of recreational opportunities. Here is an overview of the Scenic Byway, or you may download the Scenic Byway 60 Brochure. PDF

Richland County Fairgrounds, Home to the Wisconsin High School Rodeo Finals. The Fairgrounds boast jaw dropping fun and excitement for four seasons of fun! Saddle up for some rodeo fun or find a great seat in the grandstand to watch the tractor and truck pulls, drag races or freestyle moto-cross jumping. Don't miss the Richland County Fair held each September.

See the Richland County Park Commission website for more information about outdoor recreation activities in the area.

Museums / Historical Sites

Richland County Courthouse

Richland County Courthouse in Richland Center was built in 1889 and features marble pillared portico and multi-gabled clock tower. The county seat is located in Richland Center.

A.D. German Warehouse designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and constructed in 1915. The impressive red brick structure is topped by a massive concrete frieze reminiscent of Mayan decorative elements. The warehouse is privately owned and not open to the public. The Visitor Center has more information.

The Downtown Historic District is home to more than two dozen outstanding buildings constructed as early as 1850. Unique designs and styles of the time periods reflect the interests of the individual architects. Walking tour brochures available at the Visitor Center. Guided Historical Walking Tours are available for a fee. For more information please contact the Visitor's Center at 608-647-6205.

 

The Visitor Center in Richland Center has more complete information about all the attractions in the Richland County area.

Special Events

Wisconsin High School Rodeo Finals are held in Richland Center each year. See the High School Rodeo Association website for the complete rodeo schedule of events and competitions.

Star Spangled Music Celebration is an annual country music festival held each year the last full weekend of June in Richland Center, Wisconsin. The celebration is hosted by a non-profit organization run primarily by volunteers. Profits from the weekend support area charities, community service organizations, and student scholarship programs. See the Star Spangled Celebration website for schedule and information.

Richland County Fair is held during the first full week of September each year. Visit the fair website for the schedule of activities.

Center Color Fest - Come celebrate the season of fall with us! This celebration is held the first full weekend of October when the autumn leaves are at their peak and provide a spectacular backdrop to local festivities. On Saturday night, the Canyon of Lights evening parade is a unique experience you won't want to miss. Other weekend events include a Tour of Homes, Wheels of Time, History Horns & Hornet Band Competition, Farmer's Market, and Community Wide Sales. Take a scenic drive in the country to visit the orchards or winery too!

 

Take a look at the Calendar of Events for a full schedule of fun events!