Hazel Green

Hazel Green offers two distinct starting points for a trip: the town’s history, with its Opera House, and activities on the Mississippi River, which lies 9 miles to the west. In town, historic buildings and seasonal puppet theater are part of the scene; on the river, boating, canoeing, hunting and fishing take center stage. When choosing your vacation rental, you can consider whether cultural history or time on the water should play a bigger part in your travel plans.

History in the Town Center

Hazel Green was established in 1831 as the Point of Beginning of the State of Wisconsin. This early role gives the town’s history a direct connection to the formation of the state. The historic center has buildings from different years, including the Opera House/Town Hall, built in 1898. Hazel Green Town Hall has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989. These two details tell different aspects of the Town Hall’s story: its place in the historic center and its listing on the register.

The Wisconsin House, a former stagecoach stop dating to 1846, is also part of the historic center. The Simison brick building is another landmark; it dates to 1847 and 1853. These names and dates give your exploration a concrete framework without implying that all the buildings belong to the same period. If you are especially interested in Hazel Green’s history, these structures offer different points of reference, from the Point of Beginning to the buildings of the 19th century.

Opera House and Seasonal Puppetry

The Hazel Green Opera House is locally significant as one of the most important venues for the cultural, social and entertainment activities of the Hazel Green community. It is home to the Fever River Puppeteers, who perform marionette and other puppet shows seasonally. At the Opera House, people and puppets come together for entertainment—another way to experience the town’s culture beyond its historic buildings. Since performances are seasonal, the timing of your stay may matter if you want this cultural experience.

For travelers who want to focus on culture and history, there are two distinct interests to consider: Hazel Green’s historical development and puppetry at the Opera House. You can give these aspects different weight when planning your days, rather than shaping your stay around just one kind of discovery. If you are traveling with children, you can keep the seasonal performances in mind as a possible activity to enjoy together.

The Mississippi River and Memorial Park

The Mississippi River lies 9 miles west of Hazel Green. There are excellent opportunities there for boating, canoeing, hunting and fishing. The river adds a distinctive scenic and active element alongside the town’s historical and cultural attractions. If waterfront activities are important to your trip, take this location into account when considering the destination and your vacation rental; river activities offer a separate focus west of Hazel Green.

Memorial Park is also a point of reference in the Village of Hazel Green. It is intended for visitors and residents. Along with the historic center and the Opera House, it adds to the selection of places you can consider during a stay in Hazel Green. These locations appeal to different interests: local history, cultural activities, time in the park and outings on the Mississippi River.

Hazel Green as a Base for Your Trip

When looking for a vacation rental, the first thing to consider is which experiences you want your trip to revolve around. Hazel Green offers historical points of interest in town, seasonal puppet shows at the Opera House and opportunities for activities on the Mississippi River to the west. You can assess Hazel Green as a destination based on whether its history and culture or the activities on the river better suit your vacation plans.

If you’d like to discover more places, also take a look at Platteville, Dickeyville and Boscobel.

For the broader travel overview: Grant County.