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The Less Hectic, Slower Paced Brooklyn,
The One In Wisconsin
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? An agrotourism must see destination, one of largest nature preserves in South Central Wisconsin, and a cute, quaint walkable downtown, complete with a blacksmith and popular regional music venue.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Luke Bryan knows Brooklyn. The country music icon has performed in the greater Brooklyn metro area for the last two years in support of farmers. This year Bryan's Farm Tour (#farmtour) takes over a local farm field, September 19th at Klondike Farm. No this is definitely not the namesake, Brooklyn NY, this is the much quieter CSA, organic farmers outstanding in their fertile fields Brooklyn, Wisconsin. Located a little bit west of Highway 14 between Oregon and Evansville this Brooklyn is a quiet town with a lot to discover. Epic Systems workers endure. Think of this town of just over 1500 as a place to create your own adventure. Bring a lunch and spend the day with a folding chair and good book in Legion Park. Or begin a trek down the Brooklyn Wildlife Area discovering quite tree lined trails, marsh and creek affording behind the scenes, backyard views of area Green County farms. And the Brooklyn area is blessed with a quite a few great, organic and CSA producing farms.
Where to Visit On Your Brooklyn Weekend or Daytrip
Over the years Lakes Edition journalists have covered attractions, places to eat, and shops in Brooklyn
and much more. Below are some of just a few of our favorites. Please enjoy!
Have a place in Brooklyn to recommend? Send suggestions to info@lakesedition.com
BLACK SMITH BUILDING
On of a handful of buildings in downtown Brooklyn on the National Register of Historic Preservation (NRHP) list of historic places. The Blacksmith wooden clad complex built originally in 1866 is certainly one of the rarest and most unique structures in Southern Wisconsin still standing. The other black smith structure in our area is located on the Milton House property.
This historic structure is located at the
FOOD TRUCK NIGHT
Legion Park, 202 Railroad St, Brooklyn, WI
Very Brooklyn. This great little town 2025 every Third Tuesday hosts a food truck night. Legion Park in downtown Brooklyn, brings local star food vendors and the community together. And according the Brooklyn village website "This year's schedule is the Third Tuesday of Each Monday," May-September. The 1st food truck night is scheduled for May 20th, followed by June 17, July 15, August 19, and September "16ed" with
THE BROOKLYN WILDLIFE AREA
The Brooklyn Wildlife Area is vast, diverse in its' topography, ecosystems and vegetation, and right here in Southern Wisconsin's backyard. Hunters, hikers, birders and fisherman will find the park's 3,500 acres spread across DNR, state, private easements serene and rugged, secluded but accessible green space for any outdoor adventure.
BROOKLYN TRACTOR PULL
Free Three day event takes place Labor Day Weekend at the American Legion grounds. The tractor pull extravaganza kicks off Friday at 6pm featuring competition between the Community Antique Tractor Pullers. For kids and families there is the bean bag toss tournament. Oregon-Brooklyn VFW Post #10272 will be serving their FAMOUS Steak Sandwiches, Brats and Hot dogs. New this year: Main St Music will be sponsoring the music stage, musical act line up to be announced soon.
Saturday, commences a long day of activities and features at 10 am sharp. The competition of the day highlights members from PI Pullers, Southwest WI Pullers, and amateurs. Food and spirits vendors serving up throughout the day. Capping the day is a showcase of live music and the Fall Arts Art and Craft Fair at the Brooklyn Community Center, 9 am to 3 pm.
The Final day, Sunday is highlighted by a pancake breakfast
at 8 am. Later in the day Truck and Tractor Pulls start at 10
am featuring South Central WI Pullers, Badger Truck Pullers, Southwest WI Pullers and local pullers. Find food vendors and live music into the evening.
Legion Park, 202 Railroad St, Brooklyn, WI
AREA FAMILY FARMS
Brooklyn is ringed with a number of innovative farms just minutes from downtown, organically grown, sustainable, grass fed, and regenerative are buzz words but really encapsulate the quality of produce, and meats produced in this region. Here are just a few stellar examples of great farms to visit and source locally farm to table.
The Bee Charmer
Mary Celley the owner of Bee Charmer is full-time beekeeper, tending to 100 hives on her farm, and sells her bee-derived products at the Dane County Farmers Market. Celley also sells bees and runs a stinging-insect pest control business on the side. The Bee Charmer product line includes honey of course, but also salves, and candles.
Contact owner Mary Celley Phone: (608) 575-2449
Email: becharmr@aol.com for more information
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.
Yellow Dog Flowers and Produce
For sale: Discover fresh produce and our homemade canned goods throughout the season. It’s self-serve and open during daylight hours from May through December. We accept cash, check or Venmo.
https://www.yellowdogproduce.com/
Pick-up: W1565 State Road 92, Brooklyn, WI, 53521.
Phone: Molly 608-575-4647
Winterfell Farms
Travis and Bethanee Wright send positive organic vibes of vegetables and meat into the universe and Southern Wisconsin for CSA. And there is U-Pick berry options during the season (June - October.) In June find: red and black currants, blueberries, strawberries, and honey haskaps. July is time for mulberries, black currants, seedless greenhouse grapes, raspberries, gooseberries. In August, find peaches, plums and late season blueberries. The apple season begins in September along with pears and hazelnuts. October is apple season in full bloom pears are also in their prime too.
Winterfell Acres W1912 Mortensen Rd, Brooklyn, WI, 53521 608.628.7504 winterfellacres@gmail.com
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
A day trip of adventure awaits you around every shore in Lakes
Edition Country
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