Things To Do in Mineral Point, WI

Mineral Point, WI, is a picturesque and charming getaway, perfect for a day or weekend. Tucked in Wisconsin’s Driftless area, it’s easy to see why Mineral Point is considered one of Wisconsin’s most charming towns. 

From art studios and galleries to specialty shops and restaurants, you’ll find many unique things to do in Mineral Point.

Mineral Point is the first city in Wisconsin listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Explore the historic architecture that transports you to Cornwall, England, in Wisconsin’s Driftless area.  

Speaking of Cornwall, Mineral Point, WI, is considered the most Cornish Town in America. You’ll see why when you stroll or drive through High Street in historic downtown. 

Mineral Point hosted my visit. All opinions are my own. This post may include affiliate links that help support the free content we post here on Dining Duster.

What is Mineral Point Known For?

Cornish miners first came to Mineral Point in the 1830s to mine lead. They settled into the area and built small limestone homes and buildings similar to the ones they had lived in before leaving Cornwall, England. 

Mineral Point has over 500 structures on the National Register of Historic Places today. 

As I explored the historic downtown, I heard people say it looked like Cornwall. The limestone buildings are mostly attached (as opposed to free-standing) and beautifully restored within each block. I enjoyed reading the plaques on the buildings, which told their origins. 

Dine, Drink, and Discover The Most Cornish Town in the USA

Wherever we travel, we love to dine, drink, and discover, so that’s how we’ll break down all the things to do in Mineral Point for you to read. There are many things to do in Mineral Point, so let’s get into it!

Dining and Drinking in Mineral Point

Reminder: We focus on plant-based or vegan options. If you’re plant-based or vegan, you’ll be pleased to know you’ll have several dining options in Mineral Point. For those not looking for plant-based or vegan options, you’ll be thrilled with the local restaurants in Mineral Point—for instance, head to Red Rooster Cafe for traditional Cornish dishes. Daily menu offerings include fresh pasty, bread pudding, figgy hobbin, tea biscuits, and saffron. 

Cafe 43 has a great coffee menu with milk alternatives. I enjoyed a piece of avocado toast and recommend the sourdough option. I loved the detail of the finely diced tomato. To make it vegan, omit the bacon and cheese. Cafe 43 appeared to be the only vegan breakfast option in town, so I dined here twice and, on the second day, chose a piece of sourdough toast with peanut butter. The service was excellent on both days. 

I found a Hummus and Pita sandwich at Wild Blue Yonder during Taste of Mineral Point. It was filling and hit the spot. They seem to have different lunch specials, so there may be other vegan options when you visit. I did notice a traditional hummus platter on the menu as well.

I enjoyed a vegetable pasty with pasty sauce at the historic Walker House, and I’m told the Red Rooster Cafe also serves a meatless cornish pasty. I want to try that next time. 

I visited during the popular Sushi Sunday special at Popolo. My veggie roll was delicious, and they also had a lovely cocktail menu. I took a wood-fired pizza home with me to eat on the patio at my hotel. It was excellent!

For a unique Pub experience, consider watching the event calendar for Pub Night at Pendarvis. Set in a historic pub, Pendarvis holds special events in a historic pub.

American Wine Project is an absolute must-stop if you enjoy local wines. I spoke with Erin Rasmussen, the founder of AWP. A Wisconsin native, Erin’s resume includes over ten years as a winemaker in New Zealand, Napa, and Sonoma Valley in California.

Erin is on a mission to change people’s minds about wine from the Midwest. She works closely with University of Minnesota Extension for grapes. Erin calls the American Wine Project “low-intervention wine.” She is part of a small movement of winemakers who use grapes meant for colder climates and methods that promote good soil health.

I enjoyed my flight of red wines and the view from the patio. The previous tenant was a greenhouse, and meticulous landscaping is maintained for the winery.

Discovering Historic Mineral Point

As I mentioned, 500 buildings in Mineral Point are on the National Register of Historic Places. Several enjoyable tours are available to learn more about Cornish history and why Mineral Point is the most Cornish Place in the U.S. History lovers will find plenty of things to do in Mineral Point!

Tours to take in Mineral Point

Plan to take a tour of Pendarvis. The guided tour lasts an hour; you can explore the grounds afterward. 

The Pendarvis tour includes three buildings: Polperro, Pendarvis, and Trelawny. It explains how two gentlemen, Edgar Hellum and Bob Neal, restored these buildings after the miners left Mineral Point in the early 1930s. 

They opened a tiny restaurant, Pendarvis House, to help fund their restoration aspirations. Pendarvis is named after an Estate in Cornwall, England. It could seat about 20 people by reservation only. They served their guests authentic Cornish Pasty that was so large it would feed the table.

Pendarvis became so popular that it was featured in national publications like National Geographic, Life, and Time Magazine, as well as Duncan Hines’ book Adventures in Good Eating. You might find this book fascinating. It is about the traveling salesperson Duncan Hines.

During my guided tour, I learned about the origins of the Wisconsin Badgers. Most people, including me, will think of the University of Wisconsin Badgers. The term originated from the lead miners who had to live in tunnels they dug on the hillside during the winter to provide shelter.

On the tour, I also learned that the restoration of Pendarvis in the 1930s started today’s creative artist community. 

If you love touring historical homes, add Orchard Lawn Museum to your list of things to do in Mineral Point. Built in 1868, the Mineral Point Historical Society saved the Italianate-style house and 9 acres from demolition in 1936.  

If you take this tour, plan for about an hour inside the house. When Cornish immigrants Joseph and Sarah Gundry built the home, Joseph planted 32 species of trees on the property. Today, each tree has QR codes. If you plan to tour the grounds and learn more about the trees, plan for some extra time! 

In addition to owning Merry Christmas Mine (across from Pendarvis), the Gundrys also owned Gundry, Gray & Co., a downtown department store—currently Wild Blue Yonder’s home. Look for the building with the dog overlooking High Street.

Shake Rag Alley Center For The Arts is several blocks from Pendarvis. During my tour of Pendarvs, I learned what “Shake Rag” was called. It’s said that the miners’ wives would shake a rag toward the mine across the street, letting their husbands and sons know it was time for supper. 

Shake Rag Alley welcomes students from around the country to join their national art center, where they host workshops and retreats. 

Visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds from dawn to dusk. The 2.5-acre property has gardens and meandering paths to historic buildings. 

The Mineral Point Opera House, built in 1914, has been beautifully restored. If the entertainment schedule aligns with your visit, I highly suggest taking in a small, intimate show. I saw a fantastic show by The Countrymen, a fantastic Cornish Folk Rock Harmony band that traveled from the UK for the 30th Annual Cornish Festival and Celtic Celebration.  

Discover Shopping in Mineral Point

Shopping is one of the most popular things to do in Mineral Point. Plan to spend plenty of time on High Street in the historic downtown. If you love local shopping, antiques, and art, you can shop until you drop in historic downtown Mineral Point. Here are some of the shops that I enjoyed visiting.

Republic of Letters is a delightful independent bookstore with a welcoming atmosphere and a small but mighty selection of books. 

They have a brilliant partnership with The Book Kitchen, which has a new home in the back of the bookstore. Founder Nicole Bujewski is a French-trained pastry chef who now creates the most delightful gastronomic experiences for guests at the back of the bookstore. They host cooking classes and demonstrations and also have various food-related pop-ups. 

High Street Sweets is a fun stop, especially if you have a sweet tooth, for a building filled with candy. I spotted retro candy and loved the taffy selection.

I loved that Sullivans sells goods from over 60 local vendors. They also have cute boutique items available. 

Joey at Against The Grain Studio and Gallery features exquisite quilts, quilting, and sewing antiquities. The shop also features the work of Joey’s late husband, Don Mahieu, and antique items. 

If you love home and garden items, stop at Aspen Ridge Home & Garden. Here, you’ll find a lovely mix of antique furniture, garden art, home decor, plants, and products made by local artisans. After looking at all the fun items at Aspen Ridge, I left wanting garden art pieces and wanting to decorate for fall. 

Discovering Art Galleries in Mineral Point

According to Arts Mineral Point, Mineral Point is home to Wisconsin’s highest per-capita number of artists, and it shows! Mineral Point is a great place to peruse the world-renowned art stores and galleries. 

I couldn’t believe all the fantastic artwork using various mediums in Mineral Point’s many galleries. 

I spoke with Artist Bruce Tunis, who has commissioned murals nationwide and now runs a beautiful shop full of his work. He paints, does rug tufting, and is exploring chalk mediums. 

Some of the other galleries I stopped at were Jane Wilcoxson Studios. The most beautiful yarns (and other things) can be found at The Yarn Station.  Longbranch Gallery is stunning, and I noticed art even on the floors as I walked through the rooms, admiring everything for sale. 

I wandered into two pottery studios. We have recently started touring pottery shops when we travel, and it’s fascinating to learn about the education and training that go into making pottery. I watched a demonstration and admired the work at The Mulberry Pottery. Frank Polizzi creates wood-fired stoneware and has a gorgeous studio to visit. 

The Globe Clay Center features the most stunning pottery of two sisters, Joelle and Katie,  who were assistants to and took over the Bruce Howdle Studio upon his death. Some of Bruce’s work is displayed at the studio. 

Where to Stay in Mineral Point

Related: Read about our visit with Master Potterer Richard Bresnahan in St. Joseph, MN. 

You could certainly plan a day trip, but there are so many things to do in Mineral Point I suggest staying overnight. Mineral Point has multiple historical lodging options. 

I had a wonderful stay, and I highly recommend Mineral Point Hotel. This luxury boutique hotel has just five guest rooms and is impeccably decorated in a black-and-white French theme. It has a lovely patio and has started serving crepes and cocktails. 

Where is Mineral Point, WI?

Final Thoughts on Mineral Point, WI

Mineral Point, WI, should be on your radar if you enjoy small towns with charm, local shops, history, and great food. As you can see, there are many things to do in Mineral Point, WI.

Related: See The House On The Rock in nearby Spring Green, WI

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