Journey Along Wisconsin’s Backroads To Dorset Valley School Restaurant For A Great Meal In A Setting To Match

A great meal is never too far away in Wisconsin. Whether you’re in a well-populated city or out in the middle of nowhere, a good restaurant is sure to be nearby. And when you’re near Wilton, that good restaurant is Dorset Valley School Restaurant. Serving up home-cooked food in a historic schoolhouse, a visit to the restaurant is sure to be a memorable (and tasty) one. Take a look:

Dorset Valley School Restaurant is located in the tiny village of Wilton. As you can see, it’s situated right off the Elroy-Sparta Bicycle Trail, so it’s the perfect spot for bicyclists to grab some grub.

But the trail isn’t the only thing near the eatery. Dorset Valley School Restaurant is right next door to the Trail-side B&B.

Pretty remote, reaching the restaurant requires some effort. It also requires traveling along back roads and scenic highways. (Remember to watch out for Amish buggies as you travel on the secluded roadway.)

You’ll definitely know when you’ve arrived at the eatery because, as you’ve probably guessed from the name, it’s in an old schoolhouse.

The former schoolhouse was transformed into a restaurant back in 1998. Well, not completely transformed — the original 300-pound bell still sits atop the schoolhouse.

But signs of the building’s past aren’t limited to its exterior. Inside, there’s a chalkboard displaying the school’s name.

Despite the few clues regarding its past, the one-room school house received plenty of updates during its transformation into a country-themed restaurant, including oak hardwood floors and the addition of Amish-made tables and chairs.

Lots of antiques and hand-made items fill the restaurant, adding to its quaint charm.

But the atmosphere is only part of what makes this restaurant so special. The other is its tasty home-cooked fare, which includes a little bit of everything — from breakfast favorites, like pancakes, eggs, and hashbrowns, to country classics along with sandwiches and burgers on homemade bread.

Desserts are just as plentiful since the restaurant includes a bakery.

In addition to the regular menu, there are a variety of daily and weekly specials. Visit on Fridays for a fish fry, Saturdays for prime rib, and Sundays for the eatery’s "secret" cream cheese French toast.

Serving up great food in a setting to match, Dorset Valley School Restaurant is a true hidden gem that’s worth seeking out.

Dorset Valley School Restaurant is open year-round. During winter (January 1st through April 30^th), it’s open Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. During summer (May 1^st through December 31^st), it’s open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, call (608) 435-6876. You can also visit the Trail-Side B&B website.