Hollandale Is Madison’s Most Overlooked Countryside Gem Here Are 12 Things Worth Seeing

Just about 40 miles west of Madison sits a tiny village that most people drive right past without a second thought.

Hollandale might not show up on every tourist map, but I promise it holds surprises that will make you want to pull over and explore.

From whimsical concrete art gardens to peaceful river trails and quirky local shops, this countryside spot offers a refreshing escape from the usual tourist crowds.

1. Nick Engelbert’s Grandview

Ever wondered what happens when a creative mind meets tons of concrete and colorful trinkets?

Nick Engelbert spent 15 years building over 40 concrete sculptures that look like they jumped straight out of a storybook.

The address is W5350 WI-39, Hollandale, WI 53544.

Every sculpture sparkles with pieces of china, glass, beads, buttons, and seashells pressed into the concrete surface.

You’ll find characters from fairy tales, mythology, and history scattered across the grounds.

The property stays open during daylight hours all year round, so you can visit whenever the mood strikes.

Walking through feels like stepping into someone’s wildest daydream.

The house also operates as a museum where you can learn more about Nick’s incredible artistic journey.

2. Yellowstone Lake State Park

Forget what you know about crowded city parks.

Spread across 1,000 acres, this park wraps around a gorgeous 455-acre lake that invites you to swim, fish, or paddle around.

The address is 8495 Lake Rd, Blanchardville, WI 53516.

Summer days here mean camping under the stars, biking through shaded trails, or setting up a family picnic by the water. When winter arrives, the fun doesn’t stop.

Ice fishing becomes the main event, and snowmobiles zip across trails while cross-country skiers glide through the quiet landscape.

Bring your gear for any season and you’ll find something exciting to do.

The park gives you space to breathe and reconnect with nature without driving hours away from Madison.

3. Pecatonica River

Imagine floating down a river that shows you what Wisconsin looked like centuries ago.

Stretching 120 miles through southwestern Wisconsin, this waterway offers a window into the past with its unspoiled banks.

The river flows near Hollandale, WI 53544.

Grab a canoe and paddle at your own pace while watching for wildlife along the shores.

Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of spots to cast their lines and wait for a bite.

The current stays gentle enough for beginners but interesting enough to keep experienced paddlers engaged.

Pack a lunch and make a full day of exploring the bends and hidden coves.

You’ll feel like a pioneer discovering new territory, even though you’re just minutes from modern conveniences.

4. Valley View Park

Small-town baseball carries a magic that major league games just can’t match.

Every Sunday during the season, locals gather at this park to cheer on the Hollandale Rockies.

The address is County Road G, Hollandale, WI 53544.

Home Talent baseball has deep roots in Wisconsin, and watching a game here connects you to that tradition.

Kids run around the outfield while adults settle into lawn chairs with snacks.

The atmosphere feels relaxed and friendly, like attending a family reunion where everyone’s invited.

You don’t need to understand every rule to enjoy the excitement when someone hits a home run.

Admission costs next to nothing, and the memories you’ll make are priceless.

5. Hollandale Rockies Baseball Games

Sunday afternoons take on a whole new meaning when you catch a Hollandale Rockies game.

These Home Talent League matches happen at Valley View Park, County Road G, Hollandale, WI 53544.

Players aren’t professional athletes pulling million-dollar salaries.

They’re your neighbors, local shop owners, and farmers who love the game enough to play every weekend.

The competition stays fierce despite the casual setting.

Watching these games reminds you why baseball became America’s favorite pastime in the first place.

Bring a blanket, grab some popcorn from the concession stand, and settle in for an afternoon of genuine community spirit.

The announcer knows everyone by name, and the crowd celebrates every play like it’s the World Series.

6. Hollandale Grocery

Walking into this store feels like stepping back to when grocery shopping meant chatting with people who actually knew your name.

Running strong since 1958, this family operation has become the heart of the community.

The address is 104 W Main St, Hollandale, WI 53544.

Their meat counter draws customers from surrounding towns because the quality simply can’t be beat.

You’ll find cuts prepared exactly how you want them, not pre-packaged weeks ago.

The staff takes time to recommend recipes or suggest the perfect roast for Sunday dinner.

Shelves stock everything from everyday essentials to local specialty items you won’t find in big chain stores.

Shopping here supports a family business that has served generations of Hollandale residents.

7. Stroz Inn

After exploring all day, your stomach starts demanding attention, and this local spot delivers exactly what you need.

Serving up hearty meals in a welcoming atmosphere, this eatery has become a favorite gathering place.

The address is 101 W Main St, Hollandale, WI 53544.

Menu options range from classic comfort food to daily specials that showcase whatever’s fresh and available.

Portions come generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest adventurer.

The staff treats everyone like regulars, whether you’re visiting for the first time or the fiftieth.

Prices stay reasonable, especially compared to what you’d pay in Madison restaurants.

Grab a booth, order something delicious, and eavesdrop on the friendly conversations happening all around you for a true taste of local life.

8. Governor Dodge State Park

Two lakes, miles of trails, and endless outdoor possibilities await at this impressive state park.

Located at 4175 State Road 23, Dodgeville, WI 53533, the park covers enough ground to explore for days.

Hikers can choose from easy strolls to challenging treks that reward you with amazing views.

Campers love the well-maintained sites that put you right in the middle of nature without sacrificing basic comforts.

Swimmers and boaters flock to the lakes during summer months.

When fall arrives, the changing leaves paint the landscape in brilliant reds and golds.

Winter transforms the park into a quiet wonderland perfect for snowshoeing.

Pack your outdoor gear and prepare to spend quality time surrounded by Wisconsin’s natural beauty at its finest.

9. New Glarus Woods State Park

Sometimes you need to escape into the quiet embrace of towering trees and shaded paths.

This park delivers that peaceful experience at W5446 County Rd NN, New Glarus, WI 53574.

Trails meander through mature forests where sunlight filters through the canopy above.

The sound of leaves crunching underfoot and birds singing overhead creates a natural soundtrack for your walk.

Spring brings wildflowers carpeting the forest floor in delicate colors.

The park stays less crowded than some bigger destinations, giving you space to truly relax.

Bring a field guide to identify the different tree species and plants you’ll encounter.

Whether you hike for an hour or all afternoon, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and reconnected to the natural world around you.

10. Brigham County Park

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the diversity of creatures that call this park home.

Located at 5825 Brigham Park Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517, the park protects habitat for numerous species.

Deer often appear along trails, especially during early morning or evening hours.

Birds of all kinds nest in the trees and hunt in the open areas.

The landscape rolls gently, creating varied environments from dense woods to open meadows.

Trails range from easy walks suitable for young kids to longer routes that challenge more experienced hikers.

Photographers love capturing the changing seasons against the backdrop of beautiful scenery.

Admission costs nothing, making this an affordable way to spend a day outdoors exploring what nature has to offer in this corner of Wisconsin.

11. Folk Lore Village

Step into the past and discover how Wisconsin’s early settlers lived, worked, and celebrated their heritage.

The village preserves historical buildings and cultural traditions at 3210 County Road BB, Dodgeville, WI 53533.

Each structure tells a story about the immigrants who shaped this region.

Exhibits showcase everything from traditional crafts to farming equipment used generations ago.

Special events throughout the year bring history to life with demonstrations and activities.

Kids learn more here than from any textbook because they can see and sometimes touch pieces of the past.

The dedication to preserving cultural heritage makes this more than just a collection of old buildings.

Allow at least an hour to wander through and appreciate the careful restoration work that keeps these stories alive for future generations.

12. Cave of the Mounds

Beneath the rolling Wisconsin hills lies a hidden world of stunning mineral formations that took millions of years to create.

Guided tours lead you through this natural limestone cave at 2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517.

Stalactites hang from the ceiling like frozen waterfalls while stalagmites rise from the floor to meet them.

The constant 50-degree temperature inside feels cool and refreshing on hot summer days.

Colorful minerals create patterns and shapes that look almost impossible.

Guides explain the geology behind the formations and point out features you might otherwise miss.

The cave earned recognition as a National Natural Landmark for its exceptional beauty.

Photography is allowed, though capturing the true magnificence proves challenging in the dim lighting.