Dodgeville, WI

Travel Guide

Photo by Erin Hansen
One of Wisconsin’s oldest cities was founded by miners during the state’s lead rush in the early 19th century. Today it has parks, museums and heritage buildings.

Dodgeville is located in the southwest corner of Wisconsin and is one of the state’s oldest cities. It is the most populated city of Iowa County but, with approximately 5,000 residents, maintains a small-town atmosphere. 

Colonel Henry Dodge established Dodgeville in 1827 as a mining settlement. Within two years, the city was larger than Milwaukee and Chicago combined. See Dodgeville’s origins firsthand at Dodge’s Camp. This cabin, built by one of the town’s founding miners, is one of Wisconsin’s oldest structures and is the last mining camp from the “lead rush” of 1827-1830.  

Downtown Dodgeville is among Wisconsin’s oldest districts. Stroll past heritage buildings that stretch for six blocks along Iowa Street. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants or go shopping in the area’s antique stores and boutiques. See exhibits of rocks, minerals and crystals from all over the world at the Museum of Minerals and Crystals. Discover the special local fluorescent rocks that glow when put under a blacklight. 

Enjoy the seasonal Wisconsin weather at Dodgeville’s three main parks. Centennial Park is home to sporting fields and a swimming pool. Watch a game at any time of year at Harris Park, which has a large indoor sports complex. Pack a picnic or use the facilities provided to cook up a barbecue at Wilson Park.

Rent a car to explore the area surrounding Dodgeville. Go west to Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark, which is renowned as one of America’s best show caves. Take a tour along lighted walkways that snake through the cave and marvel at the crystal formations that line the walls. Taliesin, the estate of Frank Lloyd Wright, is located in nearby Spring Green. See the famed architect’s designs at this spectacular home, which offers guided tours throughout the day.  

Dodgeville is centrally located in the Midwest. Rent a car to drive to Milwaukee in the east or Chicago in the southeast. You can easily get around Dodgeville center on foot or using the local bus service.  

Don Q Inn
Don Q Inn
2.5 out of 5
3658 State Road 23, Dodgeville, WI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥10,231 per night from Apr 30 to May 1
¥10,231
¥11,613 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 30 - May 1
Stay at this hotel in Dodgeville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (975 reviews)
"This place was awesome."

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2025

Don Q Inn
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
3.5 out of 5
1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI
The price is ¥21,407 per night from May 2 to May 3
¥21,407
¥24,724 total
includes taxes & fees
May 2 - May 3
Stay at this 3.5-star luxury hotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,543 reviews)
"The fromt staff were very helpful and courteous. The hotel was clean and the room was comfortable."

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2025

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
Moxy Madison Downtown
Moxy Madison Downtown
3.5 out of 5
823 East Washington Ave, Madison, WI
The price is ¥16,495 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥16,495
¥19,052 total
includes taxes & fees
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Camp Randall Stadium and Alliant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (218 reviews)
"The location is great if you’re going to the Sylvee. Staff is very nice. But the walls are so thin we could hear every word of our neighbors conversations."

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2025

Moxy Madison Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Dylin
The Dylin
4 out of 5
611 E Dayton St, Madison, WI
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Camp Randall Stadium and Alliant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (40 reviews)
"My stay was lovely. Everything was comfortable, clean and easy. I would recommend highly and absolutely be back to stay when visiting Madison again!"

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2025

The Dylin
Big House, Nice neighborhood, PET FAMILY FRIENDLY HOME
Big House, Nice neighborhood, PET FAMILY FRIENDLY HOME
Madison
Stay at this vacation home in Madison. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Camp Randall Stadium and Alliant Energy ...
3.2/10 (10 reviews)
Fishing outing
"Fished the Madison chain while we stayed here. 20 minutes to the ramp. Plenty of places to eat in neighborhood easy gas stops on easy to ramp. Plenty of room to move around in house for the four of us. Driveway and street parking were available for two bass boats and trucks. Electric hook up was ..."

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2024

Big House, Nice neighborhood, PET FAMILY FRIENDLY HOME
Stunning, serene, rustic house in the woods near Spring Green, Wisconsin
Stunning, serene, rustic house in the woods near Spring Green, Wisconsin
Avoca
Stay at this vacation home in Avoca. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
10/10 Exceptional! (455 reviews)
A breath of fresh air
"Loved my stay at the Dyer's in Avoca. The calm and tranquility was just what I needed. My dog and I were quite happy there and look forward to a return visit."

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

Stunning, serene, rustic house in the woods near Spring Green, Wisconsin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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