Dodgeville

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 centre 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
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Very friendly. Rooms are outdated. Was locked out of my room at 3:00 am because my key wouldn’t work."

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Don Q Inn
Best Western Dodgeville Inn & Suites
Best Western Dodgeville Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
1130 N Johns Street, Dodgeville, WI
The price is S$156 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$156
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Dodgeville. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (603 reviews)
"Employees were very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Best Western Dodgeville Inn & Suites
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
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! (2,799 reviews)
"I loved my stay . My daughter and I had a wonderful time"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (72 reviews)
"The faculty and room are absolutely gorgeous. I also like that the check in is all online and you don’t have to actually deal with a front desk person. My only complaint is the parking situation. If the garage is all reserved, you have to park off site a few blocks away. The neighborhood isn’t the ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

The Dylin
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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