Tucked into the gently rolling terrain of southwestern Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, Lafayette County invites visitors with its blend of Prairie State-era history, scenic outdoor escapes, and warm-hearted small-town charm. From its lead-mining past to the barn-quilt decorated countryside and lively summer festivals, this county offers a memorable slice of rural America.

 

A rooted past

Founded in 1846 and named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, Lafayette County’s story begins before Wisconsin was even a state. Mining, agriculture, and community growth shaped its townships. The stately Lafayette County Courthouse in Darlington, built between 1905-07 in grand Neoclassical style, stands as a symbol of civic pride (and was uniquely funded almost entirely by one individual). The county also hosts the “Point of Beginning” monument near Hazel Green, where early U.S. surveyor Lucius Lyon marked the start of Wisconsin’s land survey grid in the early 1830s.

 

Unique attractions & the great outdoors

For nature-lovers and adventurers alike, Lafayette County offers rich rewards. The Yellowstone Lake State Park is a serene destination, brimming with birdlife, waterfowl, and prairie-woodland edge habitat. For trail enthusiasts, the 47-mile Cheese Country Trail (a converted rail-line) winds through the county from Monroe to Mineral Point—perfect for hiking, biking, ATVs in summer, and snowmobiling in winter. If you prefer simpler pleasures, hit the county back-roads lined with over 65 barn-quilts—vibrant artworks painted on barns that transform a drive into a treasure hunt of color and rural heritage.

 

Festivals & community spirit

Expect the calendar to be alive almost year-round. The county plays host to many smaller but spirited gatherings: a Canoe Festival in Darlington, a community fish fry or fish boil in Argyle, Gratiot, or South Wayne, and seasonal events in towns like Shullsburg, Belmont, and Blanchardville. Lastly, the Benton Community Labor Day celebration always sends summer out with a bang. These events showcase local food, music, and history and offer travelers a genuine feel of community.

 

Why visit?

Lafayette County doesn’t rely on flashy tourist spectacles—it invites you to slow down, look deeply, and engage with the place. You’ll wander historic main streets lined with limestone buildings, paddle a quiet river, cycle through rolling hills, and then cap the day with a homemade meal at a local restaurant. The beauty here is understated but abundant—there’s a richness in its fields, an authenticity in its festivals, and a calm joy in its rural pace. Whether you're drawn by natural beauty, history, or wholesome community celebration, Lafayette County offers a rewarding destination off the beaten path.