12-13-14

 

Belleville is a friendly village of 2,385 in both Dane and Green counties.  Many of the early settlers came from France and you can see the evidence of that in some of the business names.  It was a foggy day in the 40’s and created quite the atmosphere. The town was all decked out for the holidays. In historic Library Park was a gazebo decorated and had a Christmas tree inside, also many lamp poles had pretty decorations on them.

We usually have a meal in most of the places we visit and we learned of a favorite place here, the Corner Café. This time we were joined by our nephew  Joe, we had breakfast together.   Their food was delicious! I wish could eat more but we will come back on our next visit.

 

After breakfast we came back to Library Park.  In the center is the first Village Hall building, constructed in 1894.  Also a two-sided marker that has only been there since 2011. A great synopsis of early Belleville history.

 

Behind the park across the street is the former railroad depot. The former rail was removed and replaced with the Badger State Trail.

In keeping this this being a former railroad track, we also headed south of town between Belleville and Monticello and found the historic Stewart Tunnel that the train once passed through. It’s 1/4 mile long and considered one of the darkest trail tunnels in Wisconsin.  We sure look small! It is over 20 ft. high! Find it here. Park on Tunnel Rd. near the trail, it is about 1/4 walk from the road.

 

Back in town, we saw another historic building, the former Park Hotel, important way station for travelers in Belleville’s early history. It is now The Dam Bar and Grill.

Other businesses downtown..

Francois Ford Sales and Service

 

Patches and Petals – The Quilter’s General Store

Originally a two-story furniture store.

 

Belleville Auto Body

 

Main Street Salon and J & M Bar and Grill

Bellville also has great parks for recreation as well. The Community Park has much to offer .  It is on the banks of Lake Bell View and a path goes alongside the lake. A bridge makes crossing easy and offers a great view of the dam.

 A couple guys are netting fish.

 Lake Bell View, it was hard to see it due to the fog.

On our way back downtown we saw an old railroad bridge over the Sugar River, now part of the Badger State Trail.

We had a great visit here today, and we have a few more places to tell you about.  We also sought out another marker just 7 miles west of town at Primrose Lutheran Church.  Some Norwegian settlers came to this area also.

 

 

A popular business on the north side of town is the Duluth Trading Company Outlet.

 A popular bed and breakfast called Cameo Rose lies just outside the village.

 

What a great day in Belleville, a friendly community with a big heart!