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THINGS TO DO IN COTTAGE GROVE
The original known settlement in the region existed 10 years before Wisconsin became a state. Two years later, in 1840 William C. Wells bought additional land and named the town for a lovely grove of bur oak trees bordering his first home. Wells' house served as a tavern, and the town's original post office.
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. The expanding town's current population is around 9,500 with a growth rate of 5.6% annually, a rather high percentage for the Upper Midwest region. But looking past the upturned earth, and sprouting up houses and apartment blocks there are places of quietude and reflection just around the corner. The Glacial Drumlin Trail the 53 mile compacted gravel route along a former rail corridor begins at Cottage Grove and continues eastward to downtown Waukesha, eventually this hiking/biking destination will connect Madison to Milwaukee's lakefront unfettered by street connectors.
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
McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park
4841 County Highway TT, Cottage Grove, WI
The vision for McCarthy Youth and Conservation Park began in 1974 with a donation of 180 acres of land that was owned by Russell and Ella McCarthy. The McCarthys' primary goal was for the park to The McCarthys’ primary goal was for the park to become “a place where kids from the city could learn about nature.” The park offers a group camp, hiking, cross-country skiing, equestrian trails and camping, picnic opportunities, and a beautiful prairie/wetland restoration.
Glacial Drumlin Trail
4548 Schneider Drive, Cottage Grove
Phone Number (608) 835-5572
The Glacial Drumlin Trail the 53 mile compacted gravel route along a former rail corridor begins at Cottage Grove and continues eastward to downtown Waukesha, eventua
website.
(Photo provided courtesy of the County of Dane)
ANDERSON COUNTY PARK
914 Union Road, Town of Oregon
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.
CAMBODIAN BUDDHIST TEMPLE
1848 County Highway MM, Fitchburg
The address is technically in neighboring Fitchburg but this gem of Cambodian spiritual archiecture is just east of Oregon not far from the HWY 14 underpass. A visit to the grounds transports you to Southeast Asia, no passport required. Phone number (608) 835-8136.
CARANDALE FRUIT FARM
A famous, weekend family destination for strawberry picking this farm established in 1969 is all about berries. There are Aronia berries, gooseberries, blackberries, elderberries, Saskatoon for starters.
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.
