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The Historic Viroqua Public Market presents... "The Driftless Region of Southwest Wisconsin" and it's unofficial capital, Viroqua, Wisconsion... one of the most unique and captivating places on Earth! The Viroqua Public Market is located in Viroqua, WI, population 4500, which is the county seat of Vernon County. Viroqua sits in the enchanting unglaciated part of Wisconsin, in the southwest corner of the state.
The area is one of the only parts of America consistently missed by advancing glaciers over the millennia, hence the name "Driftless or Unglaciated Region". This has preserved the unique topography of the region. The famous bluffs, coulees and small winding streams are mesmerizing. This rich, organic, ancient earth tends to capture the soul. The interesting topography was formed over 100 million years ago. This entire region was a vast prehistoric sea, with an underwater mountain range. The sea eventually disappeared, leaving just the sea-floor mountain range, which now defines the landscape of southwest Wisconsin as it slowly changes, shaped by wind, water, and man. When you walk these lands, you are literally in the same space that massive sharks glided through, separated only by the passage of time.
The image above is of Three Chimney's rock formation, just outside of Viroqua. It highlights the ancient seafloor mountain range that makes up the topography of the area. Many of the locations people congregate now in the 21st century, are the same exact places thirty thousand generations of humans were also draw to. Were modern campers from Chicago pitch tents, archeological evidence show peoples from the Paleo-Indian Tradition (10,000 B.C) , Archaic (7000 B.C.), through to the Kickapoo Native Americans of the 1600s, also chose to make camp! The spirit that drew them here remains, and continues to beckon visitors. As a fascinating aside, the entire Valley was slated to be flooded as part of a huge Army Corps of Engineers damn project. For several reasons the project was halted in 1973... now, we can enjoy the land and its spirit everyday, just as it has been for thousands of years. A large part of the Valley is permanently protected in the 8,500 acre Kickapoo Valley Reserve. .
The old, rich soil has supported decades of farming, and has been particularly suited to organic farming. The surrounding area has become one of the most successful organic farming regions in the entire world! In fact Organic Valley / CROPP organic farming coop, located 20 minutes from Viroqua, has grown into a multi-million dollar international company! The Driftless is also home to world-famous Sibby's Organic Ice Cream and her parlor, Organic Zone. Sibby's is made from fresh, local cream, pure glacial water and lots of love! Viroqua is a proud member of the coveted Main Street Program. Most of the downtown is part of a The Viroqua Public Market is also home to The Public Market also stewards Greenman Music Hall, a multi-use venue which has hosted over eighty acts including The Weepies, Ember Swift, Paul Cebar & the Milwaukeeans, Patchouli, Hanah Jon Taylor, Project Fourth The downtown and city in general are undergoing a Renaissance. Buildings like the market are being restored or rehabbed. Life in the city center has sprung forth again! Viroqua is very proud of the multi-million dollar restoration of the vaudeville era Temple Theater, which sits just down the block from the market. Viroqua also has a thriving farmers market, which takes place across the street from Main Street Station The markets have a friendly,
Here in Vernon County, just past a bend in the road, a different outdoor adventure awaits. You barn past Red Mound b The area is revved up by several area festivals every year, like the well established Wild West Days, the Viroqua Bluegrass & Gospel Festival, and the Market's own November Olde-Town Holiday Fair, to name a few.
Pleasant Ridge Waldorf and the Youth Initiative High School offer an alternative to the public school model. These schools have received international praise for their focus on principles and the spirit of the child. As they say "The curriculum speaks not only to the intellect but also to the physical and emotional capacities, linking head, hand and heart to educate the whole child". Viroqua is also blessed with a superb public school system (which I attended - '87). And still others are moving to the area for their own reasons, maybe to simplify, to connect, to live. The reasons are numerous. Viroqua is also seeing a steady influx of retirees, many drawn for what Conscious Choice Magazine, called The Public Market is fortunate to have another Viroqua landmark, steps away from its doors for visitors to enjoy - the elegant and wonderfully restored Victorian style Heritage Inn B&B. Vendors and visitors may spend a relaxing night in the B&B and stroll over to the market for a blissful, truly unique experience. Viroqua has been at the center of a 12,000 year-old history of humans in North America... the land where if lies has seen a 100- million-year-plus history of sea, land and life... now as Viroqua's newcomers bring ideas that add to the rich tradition of the original settlers, Viroqua is a town in evolution, in real-time!.... an evolution you not only can experience, but, indeed, contribute to. Come evolve. ..
Merchant, land, creativity, spirit, and soul are churned in a wondrous vortex at a place we call, the Viroqua Public Market @ Main Street Station!
Contact us Call 608-637-1912 email, or stop on by! 215 South Main Street Viroqua, WI 54665
follow your bliss... |
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Copywrite © 2008 New American Boulevard LLC, All Rights Reserved Photography: Copywrite © 2008MacaSTAT Productions |
Organic Zone Ice Cream & Coffeehaus
might find... incredible fishing in the numerous pristine streams and lakes, horseback riding (check out the
The people of the Viroqua area ultimately are it's greatest asset. Generations of families have loved the Coulee Region, the land and our common humanity. People here are strong, warm, and genuine. Recently, the families several generations deep in the area have been complimented by a large group of new-comers. Viroqua is seeing several entire families each year move into the area, many because of a very special school system. 
