Cozy Winter Weekend in Mineral Point, Wisconsin: Things to Do, Places to Eat, and Activities to Enjoy
Nestled in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region of rolling hills and beautiful limestone bluffs, the city of Mineral Point enchants visitors with its historic charm, friendly residents, and cozy shops and restaurants.
I spent a February weekend in this historic city with Sam, in search of the coziest spots for the best winter getaway.
Throughout this post, you’ll learn Mineral Point’s unique history, where to stay, and what to enjoy during the winter season.
This post is graciously sponsored by Mineral Point, but I had free direction on my itinerary and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
When you make purchases through the links in my post, I may earn commissions at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As always, I only provide links to products and services I recommend. Read my full disclosure here.
About Mineral Point
The History of Mineral Point, Wisconsin
The city has a fascinating history with mining at its core. In the 1600s, Native American women from several tribal nations became the first to mine the minerals left behind by glaciation. By the 1800s, people swarmed the hills of Mineral Point searching for lead ore.
They often dug holes in the ground as temporary cave homes, resembling badger holes. This is how Wisconsin’s nickname, the ‘Badger State’, came to be. Eventually, the prevalence of iron ore in Mineral Point reached Cornwall, England whose miners had advanced skills. Some of those miners moved to Mineral Point and left their mark on the city’s architecture, food menus, and more.
Where is Mineral Point?
Conveniently located right off Highway 151 in Wisconsin, Mineral Point is the perfect day trip or road trip destination from many Midwest cities. Sam and I drove just under an hour from our home near Madison.
Where to Stay in Mineral Point?
I stayed at Roland’s Loft, a second-floor studio apartment in the Sardeson Building, managed by the Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts. Originally built in 1877, the loft was extensively renovated and then dedicated as Roland’s Loft in 2018.
The loft features all the amenities you need like a comfy queen bed, two armchairs, a rocking chair and a writers’ desk. The small kitchen area features seating for two, a mini-fridge, sink, dishes, and a portable burner with pots and pans.
My favorite aspects include the unicycle decorations and theater touches like chairs in the bathroom and posters on the walls. You’ll also appreciate the writing desk made out of floorboards from the Mineral Point Opera House, and the beautiful ceramic tiles in the bathroom shower.
Roland’s Loft is also conveniently located in the Historic Downtown district, just steps from the popular shops and restaurants.
While Roland’s Loft provides an Airbnb-type experience, Mineral Point also has several traditional lodging options if you prefer an in-person check-in process with housekeeping and on-site services:
– Commerce Street Brewery Hotel ($$) – Daily continental breakfast, fireplaces, whirlpool tubs
– Mineral Point Hotel ($) – Clawfoot tubs, light continental breakfast, daily housekeeping
– Quality Inn Mineral Point ($) – Free breakfast, heated indoor pool, 24/7 front desk staff
Weekend in Mineral Point Itinerary
Day 1
Dinner at Midway Bar and Grill
Head straight downtown for dinner at Midway Bar and Grill. This local bar serves a Friday Fish Fry – a staple in Wisconsin – which often sells out long before the bar closes for the evening. If it’s already sold out or you aren’t dining on a Friday, try their famous pizzas instead.
I built my own pizza, a very typical-for-me cheese and black olive offering, and it was so dang good. It came out of the kitchen piping hot and loaded with just the right amount of cheese. I had to stop myself from eating way too much in one sitting.
Tables in the bar are limited so you may want to consider a takeout order and make your evening even more cozy.
Cozy Night at Your Hotel
Enjoy an early night in and pick out something to watch or snuggle up with a book. I love catching up on my favorite show or diving into my current read while out of town, when I don’t have any of my normal home distractions. Don’t forget to pack your comfiest pjs and slippers.
Day 2
Power Pilates at High Barre
Normally I’m one to take full advantage of sleeping in on vacation, but every once in a while, I surprise myself (and totally shock Sam), by planning something first thing in the morning. When I learned Mineral Point had a local fitness studio with a Saturday 7:45am Power Pilates class, I figured it’d be the perfect start to the day.
Although I may have regretted the early wake up call just a teeny bit, the class was fantastic! I definitely struggled through certain movements, but the instructor gave excellent recommendations for scaling the exercises up or down, and I never once felt like I didn’t belong.
The class regulars eagerly chatted with me and I’m certain they’d welcome you just as warmly. Plus, what’s better than getting the hardest part of your day done first?!
If Pilates is not your cup of tea, The High Barre also offers Barre classes, yoga, Tai Chi, and Zumba. All classes are drop-in style meaning no membership is required. Purchase a single class or a multi-class pack and sign up online.
Breakfast at Wild Blue Yonder Coffeehouse
Whether you opt for the early morning workout class or not, breakfast at Wild Blue Yonder Coffeehouse on Hill Street is an absolute must. I tried Loaded Toast for the first time (okay, I only added egg and cheese), but it was so filling.
The kitchen also has two separate cook lines to prepare almost everything they make gluten free. Sam was in heaven and even got to enjoy a piece of loaded toast with me!
Aside from toast, the coffee shop also offers a daily quiche, baked goods, and a variety of sandwiches. While you wait for your food, browse the assortment of handmade goods by local artists or grab a boardgame to play at your table.
Wild Blue Yonder is open daily except for Sunday.
Browse the Shops on Hill Street
Most of the downtown shops on Hill Street open at 10am so after you finish breakfast you’re ready for a little browsing.
There’s truly a little bit of everything in this driftless region. Browse walls of colored pencils and pens at Mayday Press, pick out your next favorite read at Republic of Letters, LLC, and celebrate Christmas all year long with the best ornaments at Berget Jewelers. Several art galleries also call Mineral Point home, including Huie Art and Driftless Studio and Gallery.
Keep in mind that a lot of the shops close on Sunday.
Lunch at The Brewpub
Located in the Commerce Street Brewery Hotel, the tap room offers house draft beers, tons of shared plate options, and favorites like baby back ribs and chicken tenders. While the restaurant was temporarily closed during my stay, it’s at the top of my list for my next visit.
Learn Mineral Point’s History at Merry Christmas Mine Hill
Even during the winter months, the trails at Merry Christmas Mine Hill are beautiful for hiking. Part of Pendarvis, a Wisconsin Historical Society site, two half-mile loops take you through the hills of the driftless region.
A self-guided tour map points out the unique artifacts and buildings from the original mining history of the area.
I loved learning how Wisconsin became the Badger state because of holes that the original miners dug and then eventually lived in.
Enjoy a Wine Tasting at American Wine Project
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Mineral Point is home to its very own winery – American Wine Project. The owners transformed a prior high school tech ed building into a cozy space to enjoy wine flights with friends.
There’s even a warm fireplace, blankets, and shelves filled with books for you to take home, in exchange for a small donation to a local community clinic.
I tried a flight of mostly white wines while Sam tasted the reds, and then we shared a delicious cheese plate complete with gluten-free crackers. I can’t wait to head back in the summer when the beautifully-landscaped grounds show off the garden blooms.
Dinner at Eliza’s Lounge
Once a bowling alley and bar, Eliza’s Lounge now serves delicious food and cocktails Wednesday through Saturday from 5pm until 8:30pm. Choose from menu offerings such as salads and sandwiches or smoked meat platters. Sam tried a combo platter with brisket and ribs and devoured the entire plate.
During the summer months, find extra seating available at the full-service patio off the back of the restaurant.
Day 3
Breakfast at Cafe 43
Mineral Point does not lack in breakfast options, and Cafe 43 is a wonderful choice as both a spot for coffee and breakfast and cozy nook. I had the croissant breakfast sandwich with a side of fresh fruit and it was so, so delicious.
Hike at Sardeson Forest Preserve
Offering two short trails, Sardeson Forest Preserve provides the ideal spot to take in the natural beauty of Mineral Point. Even with the chilly winter weather, this is a beautiful spot for a snowy hike – just make sure you have proper footwear as the rocks and leaves are quite slippery.
Shop at Brewery Pottery
Brewery Pottery is a must-visit shop with the coolest history. Originally an 1850s limestone brewery, today’s owners, Diana and Tom, live upstairs and make and sell their pottery downstairs. Along with their own art, you’ll also find the creations of over 250 local artists.
Lunch at Cow Tippers
Head to Cow Tippers for your favorite fried appetizer, burger, or sandwich. Sundays are pizza days so order their special or concoct your own. During the winter months, the restaurant is filled with locals watching the current sporting event. In the summer, the outdoor patio fills with customers taking in the fresh air.
Self-Guided Tour of Shake Rag
Before you head home, stop by Shake Rag Alley’s campus to enjoy a self-guided tour of the grounds and numerous buildings. While the campus is relatively quiet during the winter months, it’s still really neat to walk around. Additionally, Shake Rag offers a ton of workshops all year long perfect for the creative traveler.
Mineral Point FAQs
How much time do you need in Mineral Point?
Mineral Point is compact enough that if you only have a day in the area, you can have a great meal and enjoy the local shops or outdoor spaces. However, I recommend a night or two to really embrace all that this area has to offer and not feel rushed.
Do you need a car in Mineral Point?
While many of the main attractions in Mineral Point are located downtown, you need a car to get to Mineral Point.
Conclusion
Although just a short drive from larger cities like Dubuque, Madison, and Milwaukee, Mineral Point is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Whether you want a weekend full of exploring and trying new restaurants or a relaxing stay full of pages read, Mineral Point has just what you need for the perfect getaway.
