Located in the Driftless Area, a region untouched by the glaciers of the last Ice Age, Mineral Point has a rich cultural heritage and fascinating history. It’s one of the oldest places in Wisconsin (established in 1827) and the lands that make up Mineral Point were once rich in lead and zinc which contributed to the town once being an important mining hub.
A great way to discover the town and its rich culture and lasting legacy is by spending the day exploring mostly on foot. We put together the following guide to help get you started.
The Highlights
In case you don’t have time to read the entire guide, here are the highlights:
First, kick things off by learning all about the town’s influential mining past while on an interpretative walk at the Merry Christmas Mine Hill Trails and Prairie. Here is a very useful map for you to use on the trail. Next, continue traveling back in time on a Historic Mineral Point Architectural Tour. While enjoying your self-guided tour, stop at Artful Apparel Hand Weaving Studio and Shop for a bit of unique shopping in a historic building. Round out the day by celebrating Mineral Point’s Cornish culture with a piece of authentic figgyhobbin at the Red Rooster Café, sweet treats for later at High Street Sweets and a stop at the Cornish Heritage Park. After a busy day, kick your feet up and enjoy a restful stay at the Mineral Point Hotel & Suites.
Keep reading for more details on each of these stops and suggested activities in Mineral Point, Wisconsin!
Merry Christmas Mine Trails & Praire
Immerse yourself in the unique mining past of Wisconsin on the Merry Christmas Mine Trail and Prairie. Set out on either the Lead Trail Loop, the Zinc Trail Loop or both! Stop along the way at different points of interest that hold particular significance to the land and it’s past as a major mining site. There are a total of 16 points of interest or “stations” spread across both loops. Start by walking the Lead Trail Loop followed by the Zinc Trail Loop to learn about the history of the place in chronological order.
Pro Tip: Before you set out on your walk, stop by Pendarvis, a Wisconsin Historic Site, to pick up a paper visitor’s guide that includes a detailed look at the Merry Christmas Mine Trail. If Pendarvis is closed when you visit, you’ll find these paper maps available in a box located by the front door.
Historic Mineral Point Architectural Walking Tour
Mineral Point has an unbelievable number of buildings and sites recognized on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places – over 500 to be exact – including the very first building in the state of Wisconsin placed on the Register. One of the best places to admire the array of historical architectural styles is on High Street. Take yourself on a self-guided tour/walk along Mineral Point’s downtown where you can enjoy and learn about over 20 historical buildings and sites. Historical buildings are marked with an official U.S. Register of Historic Places plaques located on the exterior of the building. You will also see buildings in the Cornish stone cottage style built in the 1840s. Most of the buildings remain in use today with some restored as art galleries and boutiques.
Pro Tip: This is a free activity and can be done in as short or long as a duration as you have time for.
Artful Apparel, Hand Weaving Studio and Shop
Located in a historic building made of limestone, a construction material commonly used by the Cornish in the 1800’s, is where you’ll find Artful Apparel. This is a place that celebrates both the spirit of art and the history of woven textiles. While there is an assortment of unique items available, its standout are the textiles made by hand on a loom. Here you and your crew can find scarfs, hats and other clothing apparel made by Kathleen Nutter, a talented artist who also to be the shop owner. You can’t find these unique items anywhere else! Leaving Mineral Point with something from Artful Apparel means you’re bringing home something special from your visit.
The Red Rooster Cafe
There’s no better way to celebrate the strong Cornish history of Mineral Point than by taking a bite out of a Cornish patsy or figgyhobbin at the Red Rooster Café. Located on the center of High Street this café used to be the Iowa County Bank in the late 1800’s.
The strong Cornish culture here is due in part to the mining industry which brought many Cornish settlers to the area and Cornish specialties have been served at this café for three consecutive generations. We tried Cornish pasty – both a meat and a vegetarian version – and a slice of figgyhobbin for our first time ever here. Both were divine! Other sweet Cornish fare you’ll find on the menu includes Bread Pudding, Tea Biscuits and Saffron Bread.
What is Figgyhobbin? Figgyhobbin is a Cornish sweet treat or dessert. It is made with raisins, nuts, brown sugar and cinnamon all rolled up in a pastry crust. It is often served with warm caramel and whipped cream.
High Street Sweets
If the figgyhobbin didn’t satisfy your sweet tooth or if you’re looking for some sweet treats for the road, be sure to stop by High Street Sweets. This cute candy shop stocks a range of chocolate bars and treats from the United Kingdom. We bought a bunch of Tunnock’s Tea Cakes. You’ll also find penny candy, mainstream candies like gummy worms and even chocolate sourced from an Amish community.
Cornish Heritage Park
Located across the street from the Red Rooster Café / High Street Sweets you’ll find a lovely little park with the most picture-perfect photo opp: a sign that reads: “Mineral Point, ‘the most Cornish Town in the USA’”. You can also learn a bit more about the town’s Cornish history which started in the 1830’s when emigrants from the Redruth area of Cornwall starting coming to Mineral Point. Plus, you’re right next to the Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce where you can pick up maps of the town, ask for recommendations and dive even deeper into the history of the local area.
We highly recommend a stop at this park. It’s small and won’t take long to explore – trust us – but it is a lot of fun and makes for great photo memories!
Stay in a Registered Historic Place
Mineral Point Hotel & Suites
Mineral Point Hotel & Suites is a boutique hotel on the Wisconsin Registry of Historic Places. It is housed in a building built by an Irishman in 1857 in anticipation of the railroad coming to Mineral Point. It’s also featured on the Historic Mineral Point Architectural Tour of the town’s northside – another stop on this adventure! With a stay at this hotel, you’ll feel transported back in time but will be equipped with modern-day amenities like luxurious, clawfoot bathtubs and a stocked bar in the main lobby. Not to mention an incredible, central location in the heart of downtown Mineral Point. The property also doubles as a café, so you don’t have to be a guest to stop by and take in the romantic aesthetic and history of the place. In the warm months you can even enjoy your coffee al fresco on the patio.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a chance to discover rich history, Mineral Point is the place for you! This charming and creative community is sure to teach you a thing or two and leave it’s mark on you all at the same time.
– Justin + Alyssa
Disclaimer: Parks and Planes LLC has taken great care to ensure accuracy of this post as much as possible. However, over time, things like hours of operations, admission policies, even names of things may change. We suggest double-checking details when planning a trip. As always, all opinions, photos and content are our own. We only recommend places, products and experiences we love.
