Great Attractions, Shopping and Restaurants in Stoughton, Wisconsin

What makes Stoughton a popular, weekend/daytrip for so many visitors to Southern Wisconsin? Stoughton is famous for the historic Stoughton Opera House (pictured above.) The Norwegian immigrant town founded in 1847 is only 25 minutes on US HWY 51 from Madison and a direct shot from Northern Illinois.  It is the beautifully restored, 19th century architecture along the town's Main Street. It is the easy hiking and kayaking access to the Yahara River which runs right through downtown, and just minutes from beautiful Lake Kegonsa. But if time is abundant after visiting all the great attractions, dining and shops around this historic town of 12,000, checking out the calendar and planning for a concert at the Stoughton Opera House is also worth a visit!

And don't forget Southern Wisconsin's largest Norwegian Independence Day celebration,

Synttende Mai which is actually a multiple day, city-wide event in Stoughton.



Places to visit on your Daytrip to Stoughton


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

Please enjoy!


Have a place in Stoughton you would like to recommend?

Send us a line info@lakesedition.com



ATTRACTIONS

LAKE KEGONSA


Visit Southern Wisconsin's other lakeside state park.



A short drive away from downtown Stoughton are the quiet shores of Lake Kegonsa State Park.. The park offers several trails, 96 camp sites, boardwalks through marsh areas, forested trails as well as a beach for humans and one for pets.


Camp facilities are as extensive as you will find at any larger state park in Wisconsin. There are full bathrooms with flush toilets and showers, electrical hook-ups, and sanitary stations.


Address: 2405 Door Creek Road
Stoughton, WI 53589
Phone: 608-873-9695


( Lake Kegonsa State Park)

Norwegian Heritage Center
Stoughton, WI

Livsreise (lifs-rye-sa) translates to “Life’s Journey.” It is a generational journey, encompassing not only the physical journey Norwegian emigrants traveled, but also the continued journey as generations embrace their Norwegian Heritage here in Stoughton, Wisconsin and across the nation.
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Stoughton Opera House
Stoughton, WI

The historic Stoughton Opera House is located in Stoughton, WI just a few minutes south-east of Madison. The theater plays host to a wide variety of musical and theatrical performances throughout the season - rock, folk, classical, oddities, comedy...you name it.
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Stoughton Community Farmers' Market


Producer only market, volunteer powered, benefits the food pantry, community programs.


When: May 24th-October 11th, 2025(Saturdays) 8:30-Noon

Where: 207 South Forest Street (City Hall)

Stoughton, WI, 53521


Website:https://stoughtoncommunityfarmersmarket.org/

Phone: (608) 535 - 9835

PLACES TO DINE

Banushi's Bar & Grill
Stoughton, WI

Stop in and visit BBG's today. Cold drinks, delicious food, and a friendly atmosphere are always on tap at Banushi's Bar & Grill! And don't forget their Friday Fish Fry featured in Lakes Edition's article 10 Great Fish Fries Around Southern Wisconsin.
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Springers of Lake Kegonsa
Stoughton, WI

Springers is a family-friendly restaurant with something for everyone! Travel just minutes from Madison and find a fish fry worth raving about. Nested on the North shore of beautiful Lake Kegonsa, Springers is a getaway not far away.
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DOWNTOWN SHOPS

Nordic Nook
176 W. Main Street, downtown Stoughton, WI
The Nordic Nook is a steadfast, anchor, institution, destination in downtown Stoughton. Visitors from across the country make the Nordic Nook a must visit destination in Southern Wisconsin. This locally owned, Stoughton staple is two floors of fine Scandinavian gifts, home goods, food and apparel. 

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Abel Contemporary Gallery 
524 East Main Street, Stoughton, WI 53589

Since 2004, Gallery Owners, Theresa Abel and Tim O’Neill, have exhibited artists with national reputations along with the work of well-known local artists and emerging talent. For Abel, a painter, and O’Neill, a woodworker and metalsmith, it is important to exhibit fine art and fine craft side by side. The gallery features notable artwork in many media, hosting three concurrent exhibits every seven weeks and maintains an alternative exhibit space which offers an opportunity for more evocative work such as installations and video art. In 2019 Abel Contemporary made the move from Paoli to Stoughton, just a few miles to the east. Abel and O’Neill spent much of 2018 and the beginning of 2019 renovating the gallery’s current home, a historic tobacco warehouse originally constructed in 1891. This 8,000 square foot building is a spectacular backdrop for some of the most notable art and craft in the region.
Soap and Flame 
159 W Main St. Stoughton WI 53589

Intimate but full to the ceiling, curated space of handcrafted soaps, bath products, accessories, and candles at Soap & Flame. This great gift idea spot is charming bath and body boutique offering a delightful variety of handmade soaps and bath and body products. Soap & Flame owner, Debbie Mehrhoff uses natural ingredients with vibrant colors, fragrance oils, and essential oils to create fun and fragrant products. With a focus on craftsmanship and community, Soap & Flame aims to bring a bit of happiness to your everyday self-care routines and brighten your day.
Overt Space Gallery + Gift 
130 E Main St, Stoughton, WI 53589

Overt's storefront displays are beautiful and captivating luring customers in for a look.
As an artist-run space, they are fueled by a passion for creativity and a commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices.  Overt Space takes pride in their as a cultural hub, bridging the gap between artists and art enthusiasts. While they primarily focus on featuring artwork from Wisconsin artists, they also showcase talent from across the nation, celebrating the rich diversity of artistic expression

EVENTS

Synttende Mai Festival

May 16 - 18


Throughout downtown Stoughton, WI 53589, USA 

 

On 17 May, 1814 Norway’s constitution (the third oldest in the world) was signed into law. The document created aimed to declare independence for the Norwegian people even though at this point in the country’s tumultuous history they were bound by political maneuverings to a joint alliance with Sweden ruled by King Oscar. Every year since 1951 descendants of Stoughton’s Norwegian immigrants and the larger community get together and celebrate the 17th of May or Synttende Mai.ne,

Coffee Break Festival

Sat Aug 21st 9:00am  - 3:00pm


Mandt Park, 381 E Main St, Stoughton, WI 53589, USA 

 

In 1880 Stoughton's Coffee Street was having daily coffee breaks for coffee. The citizenry being 80% Norwegian (100% on Coffee Street) had to fit in some time of day to send a batch of coffee through their system between meals. With the T.G. Mandt Wagon Co. going strong, it became necessary for tobacco firms to hire women for the seasonal tobacco steaming. The Gunderson Tobacco Warehouse at Main & Coffee Streets was ideal for hiring women because it was so near their homes and they could run home to check on the kids, the house and see how the next meal was progressing.


Coffee Break Festival is held the third Saturday in August with a Coffee Brew-Off, Cup O' Joe All Wheels Show, Arts and Crafts, Pork Roast, Beer Garden, More!

All-Wheels Show Awards include: Best AMC, Best American Bike, Best Antique, Best Camaro, Best Camper Trailer, Best GM, Best Convertible, Best Cruising Car, Best Ford, Best Hod Rod, Best Import, Best Investment, Best Mopar, Best Mustang, Best Paint, Best Saturday Night, Best Sunday Drive, Best Tractor, Mayor's Choice, People's Choice, Young Gun, and more! Event is rain or shine,

Enjoy Visiting Our Other Towns of the Week

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