Exploring a Hidden Gem: Mineral Point, Wisconsin

Over the first weekend in May, Mike and I got the chance to check out Mineral Point, Wisconsin. It's about a 2-hour drive west of Milwaukee and just an hour west of Madison. Mineral Point is Wisconsin’s third-oldest city and proudly calls itself the “Most Cornish Town in the USA.” The town is full of stunning buildings made from 19th-century limestone.

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So, what did we get up to in this historic Wisconsin spot? Our weekend was jam-packed, and we didn’t quite get through everything on our list, but that just shows how much there is to do in Mineral Point—it’s definitely a place worth visiting.

Lodging in Mineral Point

We stayed at The Lion & The Porcupine in the Haven room, and it was a great home base for the weekend. The Lion & The Porcupine is perfect walking distance to food & shops. The building has been recently remodeled, so everything feels clean, updated, and thoughtfully done while keeping the building’s historic character.

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There are also shared spaces, including a communal kitchen and living area, which made it easy to relax and settle in between exploring around town. It’s a historic, beautiful, and comfortable option right in the heart of Mineral Point.

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Food & Drink in Mineral Point

There are so many good spots to eat in Mineral Point - we didn't have time to try them all!

Our first stop for dinner was Popolo Pizzeria and it did not disappoint. We started with the spinach artichoke dip (highly recommend) and each got our own pizza (not necessary, but that’s what we did). Everything was really tasty and the restaurant is full of charm.

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We stopped by Midway Bar & Grill for lunch and ordered their steak sandwich with waffle fries. The sandwich exceeded my expectations. They are known for their pizza at Midway Bar, but we wanted to switch it up a bit.

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We started one of our mornings at Wild Blue Yonder Coffeehouse. They were celebrating their two year anniversary and giving out samples of Strawberry Shortcake. It was so, so good. Mike and I both ordered lattes and it was the perfect spot to caffeinate first thing in the morning.

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We also grabbed breakfast at Pointer Cafe - if you are looking for an old school diner, this is it. The portions were big, the service was great, and the vibes were immaculate. Mike tried the biscuits and gravy while I had a classic breakfast. It was all so good. 

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I have heard great things about Eliza’s Lounge so we stopped there for after dinner cocktails. It has such a great vibe! They have a full menu and live music on the weekends. It was one of my favorite spots throughout this trip.

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We heard great things about American Wine Project so we had to make the stop - such an adorable place! They have tons of seating inside and a gorgeous outdoor area to enjoy wine. Mike and I bought purchased flights and tried samples of several flavors.

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Shopping in Mineral Point

Historic downtown Mineral Point has so many fun shops to visit! We spent hours in the afternoon paroozing the stores.

The Violet Fig is a European-style florist and tea-boutique. If I was a loose-leaf tea drinker, this place would be my haven. The store smells amazing and all of the items are perfectly curated.

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The Station is a beautifully curated yarn shop offering everything you need to create knitted and crocheted pieces along with group knitting spaces. Even if you don’t knit, you’ll find Wisconsin-made gifts and other handmade items. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who loves crafting.

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I have followed Republic of Letters Books on social media for a while and was so excited to finally visit. This might be one of the hippest bookstores I’ve ever been to. Republic of Letters Books has a wide variety of books, both new and used, a little something for everyone. I love the vibes inside and even left with a new-to-me-book!

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To know me is to know I love a sweet treat, so we had to make a stop at High Street Sweets. High Street Sweets is a nostalgic candy shop packed with retro treats, local chocolates, and colorful displays that make it hard to leave empty-handed.

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Aspen Ridge Home & Garden was the last spot on our shopping spree. It is more than just a garden center; it feels like a destination in itself. The space blends plants, restored antiques, garden art, and home décor, creating an eclectic mix that’s both inspiring and easy to wander through.

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Outdoor Fun in Mineral Point

We were lucky enough to be in Mineral Point during the opening weekend of the Mineral Point Market! I bought a homemade pop tart (yum) and Mike purchased a crocheted blanket that he fell in love with. The market takes place on Saturday mornings from May-October where you can find local produce, bread, and other homemade goods.

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We wanted to get some movement in while we were visiting, so we hiked Merry Christmas Mine Hill. The Merry Christmas Mine Hill is about a 1-mile loop that brought us past old mining artifacts – it was super cool! It is located across the street from Pendarvis – a Wisconsin Historical Site. Unfortunately, Pendarvis was not yet open for the season, but we wandered around the grounds a bit anyway.

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We also roamed around Shake Rag Alley Center of the Arts. There were a few workshops going on, but we stuck to exploring the grounds. I will definitely be signing up for a workshop when I visit again, though! They have workshops for things like blacksmithing, glass bead making, embroidery, and more.

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