Outdoor Exploration

Discover it Here...

The Richland Area is ready for you to find what you are looking for! If it is unspoiled natural beauty, scenic views, friendly people, unique experiences, or all of the above you will find it here. Scroll down to see the top experiences through Richland Center Tourism, click on each image to learn more about them.

#ExploreRC and experience the Midwest seasons in Richland Center WI. Whether you are seeking a serene relaxing getaway or jaw dropping excitement, Richland Center offers visitors a variety of opportunities. Situated halfway between Madison and LaCrosse at the intersection of US 14 and State Highway 80, Richland Center is an easy drive through the beautiful rolling hills of the Driftless Area. Snowmobiling, horse back-riding, kayaking and canoeing, trout fishing, golfing, hiking are some of the many activities found in the Richland Center area. Relax off-the-grid at one of the many short-term rental properties found tucked away in the rolling hills of the Driftless Area. Whatever your idea of “Getting Away” is Richland Center, Wisconsin has what you are looking for!

Richland Center, the county seat of Richland County, is located within the Driftless region of southwest Wisconsin. Richland Center is also located at the mid-point between the big city markets of Chicago, IL and Minneapolis, MN. U.S. Hwy 14 and Wisconsin Highway 80 intersect in Richland Center, providing convenient links to other major arterial highways running through Wisconsin. Running along Richland County’s southern border is the 100-mile Wisconsin River from the Empire Prairie to the Mississippi river. The Tri-County Regional Airport is available for use by the general aviation community and is located just minutes from Richland Center in Spring Green.

Biking Excursions

The roads around Richland Center, Wisconsin are characterized by their sweeping curves and scenic vistas, fun twists and turns that dip and rise along the hilly countryside.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Check out the Pine River! Local volunteers and organizations have been busy cleaning and improving the Pine River and recreational trails to make it a fabulous outdoor experience! There are several ports along the Pine River to begin your canoeing or kayaking adventure.

City & County Parks

Many family-friendly parks can be found in the city and surrounding area. The parks provide a lot of recreation options from hiking trails, tennis, basketball, to ice skating in the winter. For a more detailed description of the Richland Center City Parks and other important information, visit Richland Center Parks. The Park Shelters page can provide information on each of the shelters and reservation options. A few of the parks are listed below:

Eagle Cave & Resort

There is plenty to do above ground in the Richland area but also head underground and explore Eagle Cave or check out their campground and cabin lodging accommodations.

Eagle Cave is Wisconsin's Largest onyx cave, which offers camping, fishing, canoeing and hiking. It offers in-cave camping and an exploratory program mid-September to mid-May. There is a souvenir shop and game room along with snacks. Eagle cave has well over 3,000 feet of passage, featuring four main walking levels and four levels of subterranean tunnels for exploring.

Fishing Experiences

Richland Center is surrounded by 267 miles of Class 1 and Class 2 trout streams that twist and bend through the Wisconsin countryside. These cold water streams produce such good fish that the Department of Natural Resources uses the trout from our waters to stock streams across the state! Willow Creek is known far and wide for its exemplary fishery and beautiful scenery.

Hiking Experiences

The Greater Richland Area has many unique hiking, biking, and outdoor adventures. You can find those locations by visiting the Richland County Parks Commission website. One suggestion we will make, spend a morning or afternoon hiking the Ash Creek Community Forest, with 354 Acres there is plenty to discover and enjoy.

Ocooch Mountains of Richland County

The Ocooch Mountains are a place name for the Western Upland area of Wisconsin also known as the Driftless Region, meaning un-glaciated, lacking glacial drift or the Paleozoic Plateau. The lack of glaciated terrain accounts for the high hills, bluffs, and ridges.

Pine River Activities

The Pine River flows through the middle of Richland County and offers some of the most unspoiled and unique Karst Limestone and Sandstone outcroppings. There are no rapids and this experience is excellent for those wanting to slow life down and take in the scenery. Click on the link below for more information and also check out Pine River Paddle and Tube on Facebook.

Preserved Effigy Mounds

Frank's Hill is one of the best preserved areas of Effigy Mounds in Wisconsin. Learn more about visiting those calendar mounds by visiting the Three Eagles Foundation website.

Recreational Trails / ATV-UTV Routes

All Richland County trunk roads are open to ATV/UTV travel. Additionally, all but 3 townships have opened their county roads to UTV / ATV travel. This allows many different route options and views of our Driftless Area!

Snowmobiling

The Richland County Snowmobile Alliance brings together a relentless group of volunteers from five area snowmobile clubs that offer you the 134 miles of beautifully groomed and well-maintained snowmobile trails through our breathtaking hills and valleys. Get your gear, download a Snowmobile Trail Map, check the trail report and hit the trails for some fun in the snow.

Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow