(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 DRUMLIN STATE 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

Lake Mills, Wisconsin

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   203 West Lake St., Lake Mills, WI 53551 (Church St. ramp entrance)

There can be no better recommendation for any bookstore than that of the customers who patronize it. As I was enjoying a wonderful visit to Daydream Believer I overheard a conversation between two young women when one of them said, “I absolutely love this store.” (What more can I add to that?!). My experience here is merely as a first-time visit yet I can appreciate this customer’s declaration. Daydream Believer has become a successful independent business that opened in 2021 thanks to Jean L.’s vision for the community. All towns need a bookstore and Jean, who is also a practicing lawyer, has filled the void with this terrific bookstore/cafe/gift shop with the perfect location in downtown Lake Mills across from the picturesque city park. As Jean told me, this bookstore has become her happy place and therapeutic escape from a stressful law job and a challenging personal life. Who knew a bookstore could offer such a super healthy benefit (all you OTHER owners know!).

It was great to hear her say that everything is going very well. Lake Mills and Wisconsin in general are well-populated with readers and authors giving a boost to any indie. Naturally, Daydream Believer has a dedicated group of regulars but they also enjoy many Chicagoans who own lake property in the are

DETAILS:

N 9528 County Road U, Belleville
Phone: 608-527-5222 Email: mikerahberger@gmail.com

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

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

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

7 W Main St, Belleville, WI 53508 (608) 424-1911

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