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By Car or By Bike Brodhead Packs In Family Fun

(Pictured above is Brodhead''s Replica Covered Bridge)

This Southern Wisconsin town derives its' name from original land speculator, and man of the Milwaukee, Chicago, St. Paul Railroad, Edward H. Brodhead. A man of means in 1856 bequeathed a Meneeley bell to which ever local congregation built its' church first. The Methodist Church won.

A Surprise around every turn. The approach into downtown Brodhead on Hwy 11. whether from the north or south is a dramatic wide arcing curve. The town slowly reveals itself as you head down 1st Center Street enticingly drawn to downtown Brodhead's historic square. The square is not so much itself photogenic as the amazing architecture that hems it in from three sides. What distinguishes this Southern Wisconsin town from other cities? For town its' size, there is just so much to do in see in Brodhead, an historic museum in a depot, a free aviation museum, the trailhead for the Sugar River Trail (a tame alternative to the New Glarus end of the trail) and all within a walking distance. Downtown Brodhead is also just minutes from a vibrant Amish community, replete with a furniture store, bent-and-dent store, bulk food store, and bakery.

Places To Visit on Your Daytrip to Brodhead

Over the years Lakes Edition journalists have covered attractions, places to eat, and

shops in Brodhead and much more. Below are some of just a few of our favorites.

Please enjoy!

Have a place in Brodhead you would like to recommend?

Send us a line info@lakesedition.com

(Pictured above is one of the Sugar River Trail's bridges. Photo courtesy to Wisconsin DNR)

THE SUGAR RIVER STATE TRAIL (terminus)

Brodhead is the terminus of the 26 mile Sugar River Trail which begins in downtown New Glarus.

The trail is very flat as it once was a rail corridor. But though little elevation changes occur along the way the trail is quite enjoyable. Enjoy many views of the Sugar River along route including the wooded diversion of Pearl Island. If you are ambitious you will be treated to a trail that crosses 23 bridges, most notably nearby is Brodhead's covered bridge at Putnam Park. Pass along pastures, and countryside, and meander through forests. The trail is enjoyable no matter where you join it.

THE BRODHEAD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Founded in 1975, the Brodhead Historical Society operates its museum in the former Milwaukee Road depot in downtown Brodhead. The museum is open to the public at no charge, May through September, on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, or by appointment for group tours. Their mission is to protect, preserve and promote the history of Brodhead; to operate our historic Depot Museum; to show Brodhead’s rich past through annual displays and permanent displays in the depot; and to add to our collection of artifacts from Brodhead’s past.

(Pictured above is war plane not from the museum)

KELCH AVIATION MUSEUM

Come visit Brodhead's newest family friendly attraction, the Alfred & Lois Kelch Aviation Museum, This donation based, museum dedicated to aviation history is located at the Brodhead Airport (C37) on Airport Road. Housed in six hangars, the museum contains a unique collection of aircraft from the “Golden Age of Aviation”. Most of the planes are from 1920s-1930s and have been used in capacities such a U.S. Mail delivery, crop dusting and rallies. All of the aircraft are fully restored and most are flyable. Also discover fully restored automobiles from the same era

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Admission is free. Larger groups requesting a guided tour should call for an appointment.

PEARL ISLAND NATURE CORRIDOR

Check out the Pearl Island Corridor along Brodhead's raceway, the site is of the former power station. The property lies within the town proper runs from city to the dam. A 2010 grant from DNR helped rebuild the site as a walking trail.

The park along the Sugar River is a great recreation destination. Access the north end of the corridor via The parking lot at Headgates park. Head north to Decatur Lake Dam to complete your hike. All along the route are benches, bird houses, and scenic vistas.

(Photo by Lakes Edition Staff)

TOUR AMISH COUNTRY

Wisconsin’s cultures and people are as varied and beautiful as its’ rolling topography. One of the more, unique ethnic settlements in this state are the Amish. Originally from Switzerland and known as the Anabaptists, the Amish were persecuted for their religious doctrine and fled their home land during a thirty year war. The religious war in central Europe between the Catholics and Protestants in the early to mid 1600s. Go To Tour

Events Around Brodhead

Fire & Ice Festival

Nothing can kick off the Christmas holiday better than taking time to enjoy the annual Fire & Ice Festival in Brodhead with carriage rides, lighted parade, memory tree, Fire And Ice lighting and Friday night luminarias. The first full weekend of December. Pretty lights and seasonal music greet you as you find bargains for a special something for the people on your shopping list. Fire is on the Square to keep you warm and to roast hot dogs or marshmallows for s’mores. Ice provides great entertainment as it is transformed with a chainsaw into glistening, incredible ice sculptures! Prepare to be amazed! For more information, call the Brodhead Chamber of Commerce at 897-8411.

Brodhead Restaurants

Chucheria la Chispita-Snack Bar

'Sparkling Sweets', loosely translated from Spanish Chucheria La Chispita, this newer locally owned, Mexican restaurant which opened in late February 2025 is family friendly food and a candy/ice cream dreamworld for kids. The playful, colorful nature of this snack bar's mascot graphic is carried through out the welcoming signage, and Mexican wall art. Try the coconut ice cream, a variety of bakery items like la conchas, pancakes, or the delicious specials like mole tamales, salsa verde chicken tamales. Tamales are labor intensive to make, so to have them around on the weekend is indeed a treat. Also find a great variety of traditional Mexican drinks, horchata made daily is delightful, cinnamon tinged rice drink any time of day.

Chucheria La Chispita Snack Bar is located at

‎915 W Exchange St,, Brodhead, Wisconsin and opened

Monday-Sunday, 11:30 AM to 8 PM.

Country Garden Restaurant

For over 20 years this local institution has served up traditional American breakfast & lunch menu fare to the Brodhead community. Country Garden Restaurant is a cozy spot serving great food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Their **fish fry** is a standout, and their **biscuits and gravy** are a highlight, with **chorizo with eggs brekkie** and **veg skillet** also mentioned as delicious. The restaurant offers generous portions and affordable prices, with **bottomless coffee** always a plus. While some dishes have room for improvement, the restaurant's service is always excellent and super fast. With a focus on good cooking and a welcoming, country style ambiance, Country Garden Restaurant is a recommended destination with friendly people and is very kid friendly. Entry is going to be a bit tight for a chair but can be done.

Country Garden Restaurant Bar is located at

‎913 W Exchange St,, Brodhead, Wisconsin and opened

Monday-Sunday, 11:30 AM to 8 PM.

Towns Nearby

A Side Trip To Albany

Just a minute 10 drive from downtown Brodhead, Albany is a nice addition to any day trip in Green County. Downtown's one way street along the Sugar River. In the Summer Albany is synonymous with tubing, and S&B Tubing is the destination for friends and families seeking a lazy trip down the gentle flow of the Sugar River. Another uniquely Albany destination is Pleasant Prairie Greenhouse's West location at 301 E Main Street. This corner garden center, features perennials, annuals, fresh produce, pumpkins and more, and a novel self-serve destination on the weekend for deals on the afore mentioned plants. And for birders and hikers there is the 90 acre Albany Wildlife Area Albany Sand Prairie and Oak Savanna State Natural Area (No. 680) and just four miles outside of Albany is the 62 acre Muralt Bluff Prairie, a park with rare native plant species and prominent Sandstone bluff. The park was designated a state natural area (SNA) in 1977 and is used by the University of Wisconsin as an outdoor classroom.