Stoughton (Wisconsin)

Stoughton is in Southwest Wisconsin. Stoughton is a lovely town of 13,000 located just 15 miles south of Madison. Founded in 1847 and known for its Norwegian heritage, including the famous Syttende Mai celebration of Norwegian Independence Day on May 17th. Stroll the tree-lined streets of Stoughton's historic neighborhoods and see hundreds of beautiful Victorian-era homes. Explore the community's vibrant Main Street featuring shops and galleries full of art, jewelry, antiques, and collectibles.

Get in

The nearest airport is Dane County Regional Airport in Madison. From the airport, take I-90 to Highway N, and turn right on Highway 51.

Understand

Get in

Get around

See

• Stoughton Opera House, 381 East Main Street, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. The Stoughton Opera House first opened in 1901. It is one of the largest second story theaters in the Midwest. The opera house was completely restored in the 1990s and hosts a variety of local, regional and national musical and theater acts each year.  
• The Haunted Barn, 755 Hwy 51 (one mile east of the Hwy. 51 - Hwy. N intersection), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 7pm -11pm. On the weekends in September and October is The Haunted Barn. The haunted house, filled with actors, props, sound effects, and an dizzying vortex room, makes a great night out. $12. 

Do

• Stoughton's Lake Kegonsa is an excellent boating destination and offers great fishing for bass, walleye, panfish and northern pike. Lake Kegonsa State Park features boat launches as well as scenic nature trails.

Buy

Eat

• Koffee Kup, 355 East Main Street, 53589, ☎ [phone]. An affordable family diner with very friendly staff. 
• Halversons Supper Club, 1965 Barber Drive, 53589, ☎ [phone]. Across the street from Lake Kegonsa, Halverson's boat dock makes it easy to tie up and pop in to enjoy a Friday fish fry. Good salad bar for small-town Wisconsin. A more upscale choice in prices and menu offerings, though the food is more rustic than big city-dwellers will be used to. 

Drink

• Main Street Pour House, 121 East Main Street 53589, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Drinks, music, food and atmosphere in historic downtown Stoughton. Featuring regionally brewed craft beers, wines and spirits, and live music or DJs every weekend. 

Sleep

Connect

Go next

• Madison is 20 minutes to the north on Highway 51, offering the great usual restaurants and cultural activities of a capitol city.

Routes through Stoughton

Wausau ← Madison ←

N  S

→ Janesville → Rockford