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UFOs And Ten Junk Miles, Belleville
Attracts Quirky Creative People
A Great Day Trip Words by Lakes Edition Staff
Last Updated: 04/09/2025 Reading Time: 10 minutes
(Photo above is a view of Lake Belleview in downtown Belleville)
What are the ingredients of a great getaway weekend or daytrip? A lake, born from an old mill, a downtown with beautiful historic square, new library and smack center on the Badger State Trail for starters. Belleville is back, and new retail is a just a strong signal this town stands on its' own as a destination like nearby New Glarus or Paoli.
Where to Visit On Your Belleville Weekend or Daytrip
Over the years Lakes Edition journalists have covered attractions, places to eat, and shops in Belleville
and much more. Below are some of just a few of our favorites. Please enjoy!
Have a place in Belleville to recommend? Send suggestions to
info@lakesedition.com
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Belleville, often overshadowed by the Verona day trip destination Paoli, holds its own as a fun escape from the long hours Epic Systems workers endure. Think of this town of 2500 as a place to create your own adventure. Bring a lunch and spend the day with a folding chair and good book along the shores of Lake Belleview. Or begin a trek down the Badger State Trail discovering quite tree lined trails, and affording behind the scenes, backyard views of area Green County farms. And the Belleville area is blessed with a quite a few great, organic and CSA producing farms.
SUGAR RIVER RAILROAD BRIDGE
Built in 1887 by the In 1886, the Chicago, Madison & Northern Railroad, the bridge is one the great architectural jewels of the Badger State Trail. The trail runs over the Sugar River and allows hikers and bikers to safely traverse to river level and underneath Highway 69 over to Lake Belle View. This historic, truss metal bridge is just across the street from Belleville Public Library and Library Square. A great little starting point for your daytrip adventure in Belleville.
Photo to the right is courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical Society, Sherwin Gillette, Bridge Across Sugar River, 82836. Viewed online at https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Image/IM82836
LIBRARY SQUARE
Find this historic green space at the eastern edge of downtown adjacent to the historic depot, newer Belleville Public Library and the Badger State Trail. In the fall the square plays host to Southern Wisconsin's premiere unidentified object festival, UFO Days, a weekend long fete including a UFO Parade along Main Street. Library Square also plays hosts to outdoor concerts like the Belleville Public Library sponsored
Music in The Park.
THE BADGER STATE TRAIL
This trail is fairly busy with bikes and dog walkers in the warm season months on the weekend, but hikers or bikers getting on the Badger State Trail here will find it less congested then entry points closer to Verona on the north or New Glarus to the South. Plan on heading to New Glarus by bike from Belleville be aware that the railroad tunnel is still closed off as it awaits full restoration. The trail plays host to the Ten Junk Miles a quirky, come as you are running race, not so much a competition as fete and test of your patience.
BELLEVILLE DEPOT
In 2018 the Village of Belleville purchased the historic private developer in hopes of fully restoring it as a destination. To date the property sits awaiting its bright future. Plans for the space have included a nature center, historic space, event space to a cafe and education center. The depot is still a beautiful aside as it is directly across from Library Square right on the Badger State Trail. Grab a breakfast burrito and coffee from nearby Ligonberry Llama cafe before and find a nice perch on the outside steps before heading out on the Badger State Trail.
LAKE BELLE VIEW
Beauty and serenity. Lake Belle View
Lake Belle View was born out of essentially a mill pond. But unlike other dammed rivers, the people of Belleville decided to free the nearby Sugar River from the legacy of milling and create an entirely new separate but contiguous body of water, Lake Belle View. The engineering feat required to create a independent lake was controversial as the dam is still very much intact. But today the lake solely exists fed by a clear running cold spring. MORE
DULUTH TRADING CO. OUTLET
The Belleville Outlet store is jam-packed with exceptional savings and open year round!
- Catalog returns
- Overstocks
- Discontinued items
- Slight flaws and seconds
And of course each and every item is marked down and priced to move – up to 50% off all day. Every day.
So swing on by and dig around for some deals. You’ll be amazed at the savings!
DETAILS:
1107 River Street, Belleville
Phone:
(608) 424-1227
The Hardwood Shop has been owned and operated by Mike Rahberger and his family for over 30 years. Prior to opening The Hardwood Shop, Mike and his family owned and operated a fifty cow dairy farm southeast of Monroe, WI, from 1970 – 1986. In 1986, the family made the decision to quit farming and pursue Mike’s vision of creating custom furniture, iron grills and cabinets of the highest quality.
DETAILS:
N 9528 County Road U, Belleville
Phone: 608-527-5222 Email:
mikerahberger@gmail.com
AREA FAMILY FARMS
Simmons Family Farm
The farm has been known for its chemical-free vegetables, grass-fed meats, and artisanal cheeses made from their own goats’ and cows’ milk. The Simmons Farm became famous in the Madison area for its' hosting of Goat Yoga. Rumors of the farm's demise are slightly exaggerated. Alex Simmons has willingly taken over the farm. And according to the family's recent posting on WhatsUpNewUp, "“Alex Simmons has been sole owner of the farm since inheriting it from his mother in 2005. The farm is not closing . The goods & services that Brian & Karla offered will be ending . The decision to not renew a lease was not entered into lightly. The future of the farm and the stewardship of the land is the family’s main concern and a top priority. There will be an announcement after the first of the year regarding the farm . It is important that people understand that the development rights to the 100 acres were sold to the state by Alex Simmons Sr and James Simmons back in the early 90s .There will be no development of the land and the farm will remain family owned for the unforeseen future.”
Simmons Farm is located at located at 1942 W Main Rd, Belleville. Keep up to date with the farm on Facebook.
Primrose Valley Farm
A magnificently diverse farm, designed and built to produce fresh vegetables and herbs grown organically without pesticides, hormones, antibiotics or genetic modification. Raised in harmony with the seasons and handled with a commitment to quality. Locally grown to maximize freshness and minimize carbon footprint. Produced in soil that continuously heals itself using sustainable farming practices. A perfect venue for events ranging from education to weddings. And an idyllic setting in the Driftless Region near Madison, Wisconsin.
321 Primrose Center Road, Belleville
Snug Haven Farm
Our goal is to produce high quality, fresh, chemical-free food to people in our area. After transitioning from a dairy farm, we began focusing on hoop house spinach and tomatoes. Recently, we added eggs and meat to our long line of products. Most people begin their growing season in the spring, but for us it seems to start in September. That's when we plant our spinach. At that point almost all our other crops are removed from the hoop houses and we start fresh with spinach. By early November the spinach is ready to harvest and we continue harvesting it into May. In February we begin starting seeds for future crops. Flower bulbs go in the ground shortly after and arugula is seeded. Our hoop houses allow us to extend the season by starting earlier and growing throughout the cold Wisconsin winter.
1170 Hageman Rd, Belleville, WI 53508 | (608) 424-3296 | spinach@snughavenfarm.com
Phone:
(608) 467-4905
DINING DOWNTOWN
Hungry after your tour of the Badger State Trail or fishing on Lake Belle View? There are quite a few restaurant options just around the corner or steps away on Main Street, River Street even an ale house.
Lingonberry Llama Cafe
Tucked along HWY 69 (Main Street) in downtown Belleville, Lingonberry Llama Cafe is a bit deceiving from the outside. It is actually much more spacious on the inside. Beautifully restored feels like a cozy getaway for a cup of coffee and a breakfast burrito or a nice quiche, or try the popular tuna sandwich.
103 West Main Street, Belleville, Wisconsin
Phone:
(608) 467-4905
Belleville Ale House
Looking for a place to meet friends, make friends or grumble about the last Packers game? The Belleville Ale House is Cheers without the Boston accent.
Even better the owner Pat, is a one man, bar keep, cook and busboy without East Coast pretention. No elaborate trendy menu, just the basics with great beer,
with specials like, Brisket Tacos, Pulled Pork Nachos
Jonny O's Pizzeria
A popular destination for families on Fridays, carry outs on Saturday nights, and of course Sundays are busy during Badger or Packers games.
Weekly specials include:
Monday: Enjoy $3 off a personal size pasta
Tuesday: “Two Pizza Tuesday” Get $10 off when you order 2 large pizzas, $8 off two medium pizzas and $6 off two small pizzas
Wednesday: “Wing Wednesday” Wings and Fries for $8.99
Thursday: Gyro and fries for $6.99
Friday: Steak Dinner 4pm-9pm
Saturday: Smash Burger and Fries for $9.99 / Steak Dinner 4pm-9pm
Sunday: House Salad or Caesar Salad for $6.99 / Italian Beef Sandwich and fries for $9.99
27 W Main Street, Belleville,
(608) 424-0077
jsunderlage@jonnyospizzeria.com
River Ville Bar & Grill
Whether you’re joining us for a hearty breakfast to kickstart your day, a delicious lunch to refuel, or a sumptuous dinner to unwind, our diverse menu has something to satisfy every palate. Renowned for our excellent margaritas and mouthwatering Saturday night prime rib, River Ville Bar & Grille offers a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends and family. From the first bite to the last sip, we are committed to providing exceptional service and unforgettable flavors, making every visit a culinary adventure.
619 River St, Belleville,
(608) 424-0020
jsunderlage@jonnyospizzeria.com
Enjoy Visiting Our Other Featured Southern
Wisconsin Towns
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