The Pearl of the Pecatonica River
 Darlington's downtown is a registered National Historic District, appropriately acknowledged for the architectural and cultural gem that it is. It is truly the pearl of the Pecatonica. A paved walking path follows the Pecatonica River from the Black Bridge Park to Riverside Park, and is lighted for your evening walk. Enjoy the beautiful flower garden beds along the walking trail. The plots are cared for by business, organizations, individuals, and the Darlington Garden Club members.
 The 47-mile Cheese Country Trail is a multi-use trail which begins in Monroe and ends in Mineral Point. Along the way, the trail passes through portions of Green, Lafayette, and Iowa counties. The Cheese Country Trail was conceived by local volunteers and financed from snowmobile and ATV registrations. The trail is open to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-road dirt bikes, mopeds, motorcycles, horses and horse-drawn conveyances, bicycles, and hikers. Stay awhile! Lodging options range from campgrounds, to motels, to RV parks. Many of these offer easy and direct accessibility to the trail.
 One of the most interesting historic sites in Lafayette County is the Lafayette County Courthouse. The Courthouse was built between 1905 and 1907 at a total cost of $136,556.17. When Mr. Matt Murphy from Benton, Wisconsin, died in 1903, he bequested that 70% of his estate be used toward the construction of a County Courthouse. Today, Lafayette County has the distinction of having the only Courthouse still in use in the United States that was for paid solely by one man. Lafayette County is also the home of Wisconsin's first State Capitol located just outside Belmont, Wisconsin. This Capitol and Supreme Court building were in use only once during the 1836 session before the Capitol moved to Madison.
 On the banks of the Pecatonica River the City of Darlington hosts the annual Darlington Canoe Festival. For over 40 years this festival has continued a tradition as one of Southwest Wisconsin's premier summer events. The festival usually takes place on the second full weekend in June. It has blossomed into a 4-day event with activities for people of all ages and interests. The festival grounds provide a great place for anyone to enjoy a carnival ride, grab a bite to eat from the food court, watch the home talent show, or meet friends and/or family. Also included are the Saturday night Harmony and Highlights Fireworks Show, the Annual Beowulf Motorcycle Summer Party, and the Canoe Fest Committee Dances.
Darlington Chamber / Main Street Program
439 Main Street • Darlington, WI 53530
Phone: (608) 776-3067
http://www.darlingtonwi.org • Email dtonmain@mhtc.net
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