(Photo above is a view of Rock Lake near downtown Lake Mills)

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. Lake Mills is back, and new retail is a just a strong signal this town stands on its' own as a destination like nearby Cottage Grove or Cambridge. Captain Joseph Keyes and his family came to what is known today as Rock Lake, in 1837 and constructed a sawmill and grist mill at the outlet of the lake. The settlement was first known as Keyes Mills. Captain Keyes was instrumental in having it officially named Lake Mills, but in 1870 that name was changed to Tyranena the name given by area Indians.  Later the Wisconsin State Legislature restored the name to Lake Mills.

Downtown's historic square is surrounded by beautifully restored mid to late 19th century architecture many of the commercial structures built with cream city brick and graced with interiors of exposed timber or ornate pressed tin ceilings.  Lake Mills is a town in transition, note the number of hair salons and real estate office compared to the lack of bars more typical for a Wisconsin city of this size.

Where to Visit On Your Lake Mills Weekend or Daytrip

Over the years Lakes Edition journalists have covered attractions, places to eat, and shops in Lake Mills

and much more. Below are some of just a few of our favorites. Please enjoy!

Have a place in Lake Mills to recommend? Send suggestions to info@lakesedition.com

THE GLACIAL DRUMLIN STATE TRAIL Hwy 89/Glacial Drumlin Trail

This trail is fairly busy at the Cottage Grove trailhead with bikes and dog walkers in the warm season months on the weekend, but hikers or bikers getting on the Drumlin State Trail here will find it less congested at Lake Mills with three entry points, like.Korth County Park on County Highway S. It is 4.4 miles from the interstate to the park entrance.

There is also the historic, 1895 Italianate depot serve as trailheads south of downtown Lake Mills. The former ticket office features interpretive display area, restrooms and showers for trail visitors.

DAYDREAM BELIEVER BOOKS AND GIFTS

Large picture windows overlook Lake Mills historic square (Commons Park), a bookstore/cafe concept is a rare commodity in Southern Wisconsin, exceptions being Whitewater and Madison two college towns.  Daydream Believer is warm, welcoming spot to hang out with a steamer and latte with new book.  The cafe side features, while the bookstore side has a good selection of NY Times best sellers, kids books, and nice section of local authors. Address

130 E Lake St, Lake Mills, WI 53551

Phone +1 920 648 5100

(Interior photo courtesy of Yelp!)

Ephraim pottery

203 W Lake St, Lake Mills

The Studio Gallery communicates closely with the studio and there is a steady flow of ideas back and forth in the form of suggestions from customers and feedback on new ideas. This gallery carries many unique pieces – product development designs, experimental pottery, second and irregular quality vases and tiles, and glaze variations.

Come to visit us in Lake Mills to see and feel our pottery in person. Lake Mills is about 25 miles east of downtown Madison and about 50 miles west of downtown Milwaukee. It is about a 2.5-hour drive from downtown Chicago and about 4.5 hours from the Twin Cities. Street parking is available.

- 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:
   (920)648-5269    ephraim.studiogallery@gmail.com  

Hunter's Eggs

W6908 Highway B, Lake Mills

Our farm located in Jefferson County provides a quite, relaxing home for our hens to lay their eggs. We have a store location where you can buy our eggs in Lake Mills. It is self serve and located at W6908 Highway B Lake Mills.  The eggs are also available at The Cinnamon Stick located at 4017 Lien Rd in Madison thecinnamonstick.net Phone: 608-416-5200 

Bartel's Beach

Address: South Ferry Dr. Lake Mills

Bordering the eastern shore of Rock Lake Bartel's Beach was previously known as Lakeside Park. The park is an extremely popular beach on hot summer days. The park offers a swimming beach, picnic areas, playground equipment, restrooms and fishing piers.

Sandy Beach

Address: 345 Sandy Beach Road, Lake Mills

Located in downtown Lake Mills Sandy Beach is just a short walk from the historic square, shops, cafe, and restaurants. Daily and seasonal beach passes are required to enter the recreational area. These passes can be purchased at the Sandy Beach entrance during open hours or at City Hall. Fees help maintain the beach and its high-quality facilities for public enjoyment.

Lake Mills Family Restaurant

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.  And Lake Mills Family Restaurant has a great Friday Night Fish Fry.

103 West Main Street, Lake Mills, Wisconsin

Phone: (608) 467-4905

Tyranena Brewing Company and Fharmacy Public House



Newly opened and located in downtown Lake Mills, The Fharmacy Public House features two floors of seating in a historic building that was home for many years to a pharmacy (as well as a grocery store, doctors’ offices and more). Enjoy the pub-like atmosphere with a large stage for performances, a rooftop deck overlooking idyllic Commons Park and an outdoor beer garden on Lake Mills’ quintessential small town Main Street.
Tuesday through Thursday: 5 to 9 pm

Also The Original Brewery, Tasting Room & Beer Garden

Enjoy a pint of Legendary Wisconsin Beer in our original Tasting Room! This intimate space comfortably seats 35 people. You can test your skill playing board games and puzzles or gather some friends and play cribbage.

If you prefer the great outdoors, consider enjoying a beverage in our beautiful, expansive Beer Garden. Each summer, we host live music on Friday and Saturday nights outdoors with food trucks serving nearby on the patio. Check our music and food schedule!