U.S. 14: Mazomanie
to Spring Green, Wisconsin

As you leave "Mazo" on a southwesterly path you'll enter the Wisconsin River Valley; "Mazo" is considered the "gateway" to the Valley.

To the south, you'll see the rolling hills that mark this area untouched by glaciers known as the western "Uplands" of Wisconsin or the "Driftless Area." To the north is the Wisconsin River and more flat farm land.

U.S. 14 turns back due west and is a straight shot to the small town of Arena, Wisconsin. About three miles east of the small community is a historical marker for the Village of Dover.

Settled in 1844, the town thrived until 1850 when the railroad built a depot in Mazomanie. With no train stopping in Dover, most residents moved their homes to Mazomanie, making the village a ghost town.

What is that thing?

After slowing to pass through Arena, you'll continue westward on U.S. 14 in the shadow of the hills to the south. It won't be long before you're saying to your co-travelers ... or to yourself, if you're traveling alone ... "What is that yellow thing?"

Why, it's a big ear of corn, of course.

Towering over Peck's Farm Market on the south side of U.S. 14 is not only a big yellow ear of corn, but it is joined by an oversized watermelon and a pumpkin big enough to live in, as well.

Unfortunately, we were too far away from home to purchase produce when we passed Peck's so we didn't park.

But Peck's offers much more than fresh fruits and vegetables. There's a petting zoo, gift shop and wagon rides on the weekend. Heck, they even set up a TV outside so shoppers can watch the Badgers and the Packers during football season.

And Peck's is open seven days a week, year-round, which is probably rare for this snowy part of the country. If you need to take a break and wander around to stretch those legs for awhile, this looks like the place.

Exit Stage South

Returning to U.S. 14, get ready for a short side trip away from the highway about a mile west of Peck's by turning south onto County Highway C.

Tucked back in the hills are both the American Players Theatre and Tower Hill State Park.

The professional theater brings William Shakespeare to the hills of Wisconsin in a picturesque setting from June through October. More than 1,000 outdoor amphitheater seats are situated in a natural bowl around the stage.

Picnic areas surround the theater; you can bring your own or order a gourmet box supper through the box office, pick it up and grab a shaded table for an intimate dinner under the stars.

State Park Offers History Lesson

Tower Hill State Park gets its name from the original use of this area. Tunnels were dug and a tower was erected to create lead shot in the 1800s here. The tower and melting house has been restored and the park also offers exhibits on lead shot making. The park sits above the Wisconsin River and boasts some nice views of the landscape below.

After sightseeing or taking in a play, return to the highway and continue west past the town of Helena and the Helena Marsh on the north side of the highway.

The highway curves to the northwest as it crosses the Wisconsin River and swings past the north side of Spring Green on its way to meet up with Wisconsin 60.

Continue west on U.S. 14 (Coming soon!)

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