This Charming Downtown In Wisconsin Offers The Perfect Way To Spend An Afternoon

We absolutely love this old mining town in far southwest Wisconsin where visitors can dig up some new surprises. Delicious dining, charming shops, and fascinating attractions can all be found in downtown Platteville WI. Looking for a getaway to a classic and unique town? Platteville is an ideal day trip destination. And if you’ve ever wondered about things to do in Platteville, here’s what’s waiting for you inside one of the best small towns in Wisconsin.

Platteville was settled in the 1820s as a lead mining town.

It was in the heart of lead mining country, and some old mines were dug in the area that’s now the city – if you drive around town, you might notice that some streets don’t quite line up. That's because they were routed around mines!

Today, the city has about 11,000 people, a population that’s boosted by the University of Wisconsin Platteville.

The school was once a big mining school, and in the 1920s, students constructed a giant M on a nearby hillside. You can still see the M a few miles out of town and even hike to the top of the hill for a panoramic view.

The city has some interesting attractions – you can tour the 1845 Bevans Lead-Zinc Mine and learn about the life of early settlers at the beautiful Mitchell-Rountree Stone Cottage Museum.

Platteville's charming downtown is a pleasant place for an afternoon stroll.

Main Street will take you through the heart of the city; during the holidays, it’s especially timeless and beautiful. On some nights during the holiday season, there are carriage rides, and hot roasted chestnuts served right on the street.

There is a mix of interesting businesses tucked into the historic storefronts, including the Driftless Market, which sells a mix of local and organic products.

You may work up a little hunger strolling Platteville’s downtown.

Steve’s Pizza Palace is a good bet – it’s on Main Street near the city’s beautiful library. Steve’s has been around for more than 50 years, and it’s kept many university students well-fed over the years. After dinner, take a final stroll through the beauty of downtown Platteville WI.

Check out this cool YouTube video by Platteville Web Solutions with some great scenes from inside one of the best small towns in Wisconsin.

https://youtu.be/D2o9BsqQiUg?si=WNSIQP1Y3HB9nFWN

Learn more about Platteville on the Platteville Regional Chamber’s website. If you’re in town, pay them a visit at their log Welcome Center. Also, in case you want to extend your trip to this small town in Wisconsin, here’s a charming B&B in Platteville that we recommend for an overnight stay.

If you enjoy discovering historic towns, check out this place where you can mine art and adventure.