THINGS TO DO IN COTTAGE GROVE


Recent news that Amazon.com is locating one of its' biggest distribution warehouses in the U.S. to Cottage Grove portends a rapid growth rate in this already growing suburb on Madison's far east side.


But, if you look past the upturned earth and sprouting houses there are places of quietude and reflection just around the corner.



Places to visit on your Daytrip to Cottage Grove

Over the years Lakes Edition journalists have covered attractions, places to eat, and shops in Oregon and much more. Below are some of just a few of our favorites. Please enjoy!


Have a place in Cottage Grove you would like to recommend? Send us a line info@lakesedition.com


GLACIAL DRUMLIN TRAIL

Cty Highway N, Cottage Grove


One of the more popular bike dominated trails in the Madison area is the Glacial Drumlin Trail.  Cottage Grove is the trail head for the paved and gravel connection between the eastern suburbs of Madison and Waukesha.  Plans are to connect downtown Madison via this trail to downtown Milwaukee.  The trail while mostly flat as it travels eastward from Cottage Grove trail head is quite scenic as it meanders through glacial features such as low packed hills, or drumlins.  It is great place to pick up the trail and head to Lake Mills too.


VERTHE SCHOOL PARK

4548 Schneider Drive, Oregon

Phone Number (608) 835-5572


At the time of its construction in 2008 The Deer Park Tibetan Buddhist Temple was the largest of its' kind outside of Asia.  A holy place also near and dear to the famous spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama as his best friend Geshe Sopa was head of the temple until he passed away in 2019.  Deer Park grounds and temple are open to the public but check for times and days on their website.


(Photo provided courtesy of the County of Dane)

GOVERNOR TAYLOR NATURE PARK

914 Union Road, Cottage Grove


By far the largest park in the area, this diverse 300 acre green space of woodland, prairies, and agricultural fields is worth a half-day of exploring and packing a lunch..


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

BLACK BEAR INN

1848 County Highway MM, Fitchburg


Northwoods without travelling outside South Central Wisconsin, the Black Bear Inn is nostalgic inside and out, with a cabin aesthetic (hewn log siding) and salad bar with most big dinners.  Dinners served with rolls and butter, choice of *baked potato, French fries, or hash browns, and soup or salad. *Baked potato available on Friday and Saturday only.  320 W Cottage Grove Rd, Cottage Grove.  Phone +1 608 839 5222



DOOR CREEK ORCHARD

Vilas Avenue, Cottage Grove


Pick your own apples or grapes. Founded by an ex-teacher.

There are also Concord grapes, plums, pears and cherries to choose from. At Carandale strawberries are what they are most famous for, and the only fruit that visitors can pick. Open until early September.

Enjoy Visiting Our Other Towns of the Week

Day trip adventures are just a short drive away in Lakes Edition country.