Welcome to UC MLP “Lifestyles Guide to Rural Life”. We’re excited to have you here! Take some time and enjoy reading about the benefits of living in Columbia County. In our Lifestyles Guide to Rural Life, you will find we have given you an excellent “taste” for the amenities in Columbia County.
Lifestyles Guide to Rural Life at a glance:
● Columbia County Tourism guide
● Unique to Columbia County
● Hunting Destinations
● Local Rod and Gun Clubs
● Archery Clubs
● Shooting Ranges
● Hotel Accommodations
Columbia County: A Brief History
Columbia County had its origins in Portage County. By an act of the Legislature on February 3, 1846, Columbia County came into being. Later in July, through an election, the governing body of Columbia County was born.
Boasting a rich indigenous Menomonie Indian Tribe heritage, as well as settlers from the East, Columbia County grew from precincts to townships. For some time, Columbia County shared lands with the Menomonie Indians.
The Fox River and the Wisconsin River are the two main rivers flowing through Columbia County, providing settlers with a means to buy goods for their frontier living. Buying, selling, and trading were financial avenues for sustaining life.
Many of the life-giving traditions of local Indian tribes and settlers have carried through to today. Through the practiced arts of conservation, dedicated landowners continue hunting a thriving hunting legacy. Deer, duck, and goose, along with fishing and trapping, preserve Columbia County’s ancient legacies.
We invite you to explore with us the numerous benefits of rural life as you explore what nature has to offer in and around Columbia County.
Thanks to Wisconsin Dells, Columbia County remains one of Wisconsin’s most famous tourist destinations. The Dell’s makes excellent day trips. Great to take visiting friends and family. Lots of job opportunities for your high schooler and college students.
The Dell’s isn’t the only “main attraction”. Check out these great places to see and activities to do as well:
Get “loopy” on 14 bicycle riding loops- Each loop has a different theme and varying mileage.
Mackenzie Center- Wild things are happening here! Spend the day exploring nature through prairie viewing, hiking trails, interpretive trails, exhibits, and museums.
Park It! Come get some quality time at our local county parks.
Barn Quilt Tours- “Sewn” together just right, this Barn Quilt tour makes for the perfect ride with friends. A two-for-one kind of fun!
Merrimac Ferry- Grab some friends for a nostalgic ride on Wisconsin’s only FREE ferry!
Horse and buggy days are still active within our beautiful Amish community. Come and respectfully explore the quaint life of our local Amish citizens.
Lifestyles Guide to Great Eats
Check out the UC MLP Land Pro realtor team picks for fantastic places to eat!
Pizza:
Log Tavern- Lodi
JJ's Bowling Alley- Portage
Dinners:
B & B Hitching Post- Portage
Cimaroli's- Portage
Suzy's Steak & Seafood House- Portage
Neil’s Wine House- Portage
Feil’s Supper Club- Randolph
Burgers:
Big Dogs- Portage
The Dump- Cambria
Friday Fish Fry:
Jack's Tap- Portage
B & B Hitching Post- Portage
Corner Pocket- Portage
Dino's Restaurant- Portage
Lunch:
Neil's Wine House- Portage
Dino's Restaurant- Portage
All Creatures Great and Small
Avid hunting enthusiasts enjoy the many seasons of hunting here in Columbia County. Whether it’s big bucks or ducks, pheasants, turkeys, or coyotes, Columbia County has something for everyone.
Become a member of a Rod and Gun club. Set your “sights” in at a local shooting range. Involve your children in a local DNR Youth Hunter Safety Course, or become a Hunter Safety Instructor yourself.
Columbia County 4-H Opportunities
Get the kids involved in a local Columbia County 4-H chapter. You don’t have to own animals to participate in 4-H. Your kids will learn a lifetime of wisdom, along with preparing them for life with the skills and leadership opportunities 4-H provides. Click here to find a local chapter.
In Columbia County
Nothing feels better than packing up the dog and family and heading out for a weekend of relaxing, campfires, and fun. Take a look at the great campgrounds we have here for you in Columbia County, Wisconsin.
Fun in Every Season
Winter in Columbia County has as much fun as the other seasons! If you love snowmobiling, check out our great trails and clubs. And if you need to do some tubing, snowboarding, or downhill skiing, Columbia County has you covered!
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
While the gentlemen have their own “hunting” to do, let’s not leave out the ladies!
Check out these fun places to decorate your spaces:
● Pardeeville Antique Mall
● Columbus Antique Mall
● The Mercantile
● Cottage House Primitives
● Three Bats in the Belfry
UC MLP Land Pro Realtors want you to feel at home here in Columbia County and are pleased to have delivered to you this great “Lifestyles Guide to Rural Life”.
We’re glad you’re here!