mineral point wisconsin

Historic Mineral Point Wisconsin

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Mineral Point is one of our favorite towns in the Driftless area and in Wisconsin’s Cheese Country.

Settled in 1827, Mineral Point was prominent in the creation of the Wisconsin Territory, serving as the host town for the July 4, 1836 inauguration of the first territorial governor, Henry Dodge. As the center of the evolving lead mining industry, Mineral Point grew quickly and drew immigrants from Cornwall England an area with a rich mining history. By 1850 the majority of the residents of Mineral Point had Cornish ancestry. The Pendarvis Settlement, a Wisconsin Historic Site, preserves some of the early structures and relates the history of Cornish settlements and mining in Mineral Point. Many other Mineral Point buildings from its early history have been restored and are found along Commerce Street, High Street, and ShakeRag Street.

Today Mineral Point is a center of artists, artisans, unique restaurants, galleries and boutiques.  There is about 25 galleries and studios of sculptors, fiber arts artisans, woodworkers, potters, glass workers, painters, etc. The town hosts several annual events including a 4th of July Festival (always held on the actual 4th), the Mineral Point Car Show, the Fall Art Tour, and the annual Cornish Festival. Mineral Point is also home to Hooks Cheese, producers of over 50 varieties of award-winning cheese.

A few highlights around Mineral Point

The Gray Dog Deli is one of Mineral Point’s favorite cafes.

Shake Rag Alley

In addition to preserving several historic buildings that was the heart of early Mineral Point, Shake Rag Alley is an arts education center offering  workshops and classes are offered in a wide variety of arts and crafts. In the summer they offer day camps and programs especially for young people.

Shake Rag Alley Mineral Point
Jo checks out the information booth at the entrance to Shake Rag Alley
Shake Rag Alley Mineral Point
Taking a walk through the gardens and “village” of Shake Rag Alley
Shake Rag Alley Mineral Point
This pioneer cabin is one of 9 historic buildings in the Shake Rag village.
Shake Rag Alley Mineral Point
Many of the historic buildings in the Shake Rag village are used as classrooms and workshops.

Pendarvis Historic Site

The Wisconsin Historic Society offers narrated tours, with costumed interpreters, of the buildings, artifacts and gardens of the 5 acre historic site. Pendarvis is open Thursday through Sunday, June 1 to October 15th. Guided tours are available 4 times a day or at other times you can do a self-guided tour.

Miner Home Pendarvis
The original Pendarvis and Telawny Miners homes. on Shake Rag Street.
Mineral Point Pendarvis House
The Pendarvis House Restaurant operated for 35 years until 1970

Fourth of July Celebration

A rarity these days, the annual Independence Day celebration is always held on the 4th itself. It is an “old school” day-long and evening celebration featuring a Parade, an Ice Cream & Pie Social, a Community Band Concert, a Softball Tournament, and Fireworks.

Mineral Point Ice Cream Social
Young and old alike line up for ice cream and pie before the concert at the Soldiers Park pavilion.
Mineral Point Fireworks
Fireworks are on Christmas Mine Hill next to Soldiers Memorial Park.

High & Commerce Street Galleries

Several interesting galleries, shops, and pubs line both High & Commerce Streets. Check out a list of artisan shops, boutiques, studios, and specialty retail.

Mineral Point Artisans
One of several artisan studios in town
mineral point galleries
The Longbranch Gallery features rustic, folk, and fine art, the works of over 60 local, regional and national artists

Mineral Point Restaurants & Pubs

One of Mineral Point’s most popular places to eat, according to Zomato Reviews, is Brewery Creek Pub (see our review here) on south Commerce Street near the old Depot.

Jo enjoying her burger and fries at Tony’s Tap outdoor patio.

Other highly rated places to eat and drink are Tequila Point and the Gray Dog Deli both on High Street. We’ve eaten a few times at Tony’s Tap Bar & Grill also near the Depot and although nothing fancy about the menu, the food and prices were decent and they gave us attentive, friendly service. Nice outdoor patio too.

Mineral Point WI Visitor Links

Links: Driftless Area Scenic Drives

Cheese Country Travel Map & Article Directory

Cheese Country Scenic Drive Map with notes on cheese factories, golf courses, RV camping, and other attractions.
Article Directory & Map Cheese Country Scenic Drive with notes on cheese factories, golf courses, RV camping, and interesting towns and other attractions.

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