Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
so prudence dictates checking first if you're hoping to leave the river. Another option is to
head for the depths of the Kickapoo River Impoundment area at Rockton.
The west fork draws lots of serious anglers, and the main fork is almost perfect for
lolling rolls. If you do want to start in Ontario—easiest for novices, as the outfitters are all
right there—figure 12 hours (more if you like to take your time) to get to La Farge; most
operations take you halfway, to Rockton.
The reserve has 50 miles of hiking/biking/horse trails, along with 21 primitive camp-
sites, most not reachable by car. You must have a permit to use the reserve; costs are $4
daily, $10 more for camping. Information is found at the reserve office (S3661 WIS 131 N,
La Farge, 608/625-2960,
www.kvr.state.wi.us
). Another great source of information is the
links section of the Kickapoo Valley Association's website (
www.driftlesswisconsin.com
)
.
Accommodations and Food
I love both the
Driftwood Inn
(608/337-4660, $55) in Ontario and, even more, the
Hotel
Hillsboro
(608/489-3000, $60) for their basic but clean and very friendly budget lodging.
La Farge is small, but the countryside, the largest Amish farming area in the state,
does have the wonderful
M
Trillium
(E10596 Salem Ridge Rd., 608/625-4492,
www.trilliumcottage.com
,
$80-105), a private cottage B&B with nook-size rooms and zil-
lions of cushiony pillows. Appropriately named as well, the farm sits on 85 acres of
trillium-strewn meadow, forest, and an organic garden.
A lovely drive to the northeast near Hillsboro, you'll find the equally admirable
Inn
Serendipity Woods
(S 3580 St. Patrick's Rd., 608/329-7056,
www.innserendipity.com
,
$395/795 weekend/week), an A-frame retreat cabin by a pond surrounded by a 30-acre
wildlife conservation area. It's run by the same earth-conscious folks who run the top-pick
Inn Serendipity in Monroe in southwestern Wisconsin.
If the primitive Kickapoo Reserve sites are full, most campers go to Wildcat Mountain
State Park. La Farge's Village Park has primitive sites and does charge a few bucks.
Some fine burgers (never had the steaks, but others recommend them) come in Cashton
at the
Badger Crossing Restaurant
(909 Front St., 608/654-6706); it's in a cool old 19th-
century general store and all meat is made by a local butcher.
