Western Wisconsin

More affectionately known as the Driftless Region, this part of Wisconsin that dodged the glacial drift, hence the name the driftless region.

Some of the biggest whitetail deer in the world call this area of Wisconsin home. They thrive in the lush vegetation and fertile land in large part thanks to the Mississippi river.

Some of our country’s most underrated fly fishing is hosted out here. Small rivers and streams fed by ~600 natural springs are dotted with trout. Thousands of miles of these clear cold streams flow into bigger rivers like the Kickapoo and eventually wind up in the mighty Mississippi River.

Driving through this area feels more like the foothills of the Rockies than it does Wisconsin. Hills and bluffs dotted throughout the landscape with narrow roads winding through them amongst rolling hills and rivers make for a breathtaking view in every direction. Looking over the mighty Mississippi is another great way to unwind in what is potentially one of the most remote corners of the state.

Again, I hate making hard lines on where the region starts because it’s more of an agricultural difference than anything. For this purpose, we’ll consider the driftless area the region west of I-94 with a straight line going south.

Biodiversity runs rampant in the driftless area. As many different habitats as you can think of in Wisconsin exist in this small section of the state. Cool spring fed streams separate the rolling hills, oak savannahs give shelter to massive whitetail deer, and prairies of native grasses and plants give life to innumerable small critters. Rare species of birds, mammals and fish all find a unique home in this wildlife haven.

Amish farms and a plethora of other agriculture operations dot the landscape. Fertile valleys fed from the rush of the Mississippi river and other streams make the ground some of the most fertile in the Midwest.  Some of the most unique non farm foods also grow in this unique area. Morel mushrooms and ramp are reason enough alone to go have a meal at a local café. Top quality Amish farms also sell some of the freshest food available. Being well out of the reach of a major metropolitan area allows these farms to remain family owned and produce the same quality foods and ingredients that they have for generations.

Amongst the incredible fishing, deer hunting claims this area as record breaking territory. Some of the USA’s largest whitetail deer have come out of counties in the driftless area. Buffalo county has become famous for the title of best deer hunting in the country with over 150 Boone & Crockett record entries. A statistic along with 6 other counties that has helped keep Wisconsin at the very top of B&C’s state list.

With an outdoor adventure waiting at every time of the year, a remote setting, and unmatched wildlife, this area of the state is unmatched. It’s the perfect place to get lost from the rest of the world.