Things to Do Near Paoli, WI | Local Guide from Seven Acre Dairy
Bicycling
Madison is ranked one of the best cities for bicycling with over 200 miles of trails. Paoli is the epicenter of the local biking community. Seven Acre is at the crossroads of Military Ridge Trail and Badger State Trail.
Paddling
The Sugar River provides miles of calm and truly beautiful river kayaking, paddle boarding, or canoeing adventures.
Seven Acre offers a take-out for canoes and kayaks.
Visit Sugar River Outfitters for information on kayak rentals, shuttles, and guided day trips.
Other Adventures
- Tuli Sauna & Plunge – Book a session in our on-site, wood-fired sauna
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens
- State Street – live music, dining, entertainment
- Overture Center for the Arts
- Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
- The Orpheum Theater
- Garver Feed Mill – dining, spa, shops, entertainment
- Madison Eats Food Tours
- Willy Street Eats – explore unique shopping and some of Madison’s best restaurants
- Concerts at The Sylvee
- Dane County Farmer’s Market
- Madison Boats – Boat Rental
- Paoli Art in the Park – September
Kid-Friendly
Year Round:
- Henry Vilas Zoo – free
- Madison Children’s Museum – downtown Madison
- Explore the Epic Systems campus – self-guided tours Sat & Sun 10AM-3PM – checkout the slides in the Alice and Heaven buildings
- Cave of the Mounds – 20 miles west of Seven Acre
- House on the Rock Attraction – 45 miles west of Seven Acre
Seasonal:
- Terrace at UW’s Memorial Union – outdoor music, drink and food – May – October
- Fireman’s Park Beach – splash pad, park and beach – Verona, WI – Memorial Day – Labor Day
- Vitense Golfland – indoor/outdoor mini golf, batting cages
- Eugsters Farm Market – Stoughton, WI – June – October
- Enchanted Valley Acres – Cross Plains, WI – September – October
Madison-Area Dining
Fairchild, Madison
- The Harvey House, Madison
- Heritage Tavern, Madison
- L’Etoile Restaurant, Madison
- The Old Fashioned, Madison
- Osteria Papavero, Madison
- Sardine, Madison
- Sugar River Pizza, Verona
- Tornado Steakhouse, Madison
Frequently Asked Questions About Paoli, WI
How far is Paoli, WI from Madison?
Paoli is about 15 miles south of downtown Madison. Roughly a 20-minute drive via US-18 W and Highway 69. It’s one of the closest small-town escapes from the city, making it a popular day trip for Madison-area visitors and a convenient stop for travelers heading toward New Glarus or the Driftless Area.
What is Paoli, WI known for?
Paoli is best known as “Wisconsin’s Smallest Art Town” — a village of roughly 700 people packed with independent galleries, artisan shops, and restaurants along the Sugar River. It’s also known for its historic character, having grown up around a 19th-century mill and creamery industry, and as a crossroads for cyclists on the Badger State and Military Ridge trails.
Where can you park in Paoli, WI?
Free public parking is available throughout the village, including a small municipal lot near Paoli Mill Park and street parking along Paoli Road. Individual businesses have their own guest parking lots. On busy summer weekends and during events like Paoli Art in the Park, arriving before mid-morning gets you the closest spots to the shops and river.
Is Paoli, WI worth visiting for a day trip?
Yes, Paoli is one of the more rewarding day trips within easy reach of Madison. A typical visit combines browsing the galleries and shops, lunch at a local restaurant, a walk along the Sugar River, and coffee or soft serve at one of the cafes. Add a bike ride on the Badger Trail or a paddle down the Sugar River and it easily fills a full day.
What is there to do in Paoli, WI in winter?
Winter in Paoli is quieter but still worthwhile. The Christkindlmarket Paoli runs late November through December, bringing a traditional European holiday market to the village. The shops, galleries, and restaurants stay open year round, and the area’s wood-fired sauna is especially popular with cyclists, cross-country skiers, and weekend visitors looking to warm up after a cold day outside.