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Cross Plains is a community of 3500 in Dane County, incorporated in 1920. It is also known as the “Gateway to the Driftless Area” of Wisconsin. It was named by one of the early settlers named Berry Haney.  He was from Cross Plains, Tennessee and named the community after his hometown. On the east edge of town is a marker honoring Haney and his business, Haney Tavern.

We began our tour with breakfast at the Cross Plains Family Restaurant.  Friendliness and good food is the cornerstone of this great restaurant, open in June 2014.  Stop by for a great meal if you are visiting the area! The restaurant is in Glacier’s Edge Square Shopping Center on the eastern edge of town. Piggly Wiggly is the anchor business here.

 

 

After breakfast we took a look at the Cross Plains Historical Society Museum building, the former St. Martin church. We will have to come back when it is open. It is just behind the shopping center.

 We continue down Main St. and see many thriving businesses and historic buildings. On our left is the Crossroads Coffee House, waking up Cross Plains since 2007.

Kurt’s on Main bar and volleyball in the summer. Also True Value.

Just off of Main is the American Legion -Post 245  and a Veteran’s Memorial. I went to a wedding reception there in 1998.

 

Back on Main is one of the oldest buildings in the town, a former general store called the Plain Good building.

 

 

Another historic building across from the Plain Good building. We do not yet know of its history.

 Further down the street is Jodie’s Bar and Grill.

 Get your dog groomed at Salon Fido.

 Enjoy some bowling at Main Street Lanes.

 Behind Main St. flows the Black Earth Creek with a bridge going across and a recreational path.

And here is one of the town’s favorite places to eat, Coach’s Club.  We will eat there the next time we visit.

Now we reach the end of Main St. before leaving town.  Before we do, there are some other places to see first.

 We saw a couple other historic buildings. We don’t know the history of this one yet.

 

The Old Stone Dental Building is quite beautiful. It was constructed in 1849 by Peter Hill. It has been many things over time, but became a dental office by 2002.

 Visit the Cross Plains Brewery also.  A proud history going back to  1852. Read this recent article about the brewer. Get Esser’s Best beer here.

When the Historical Society Museum isn’t open, you can learn more about Cross Plains at the Rosemary Garfoot Public Library.  It also holds the distinction of being the first “green” library in Wisconsin. They always have something going on there, check their website for the latest events!

Cross Plains also has a supper club called The Hilltop at 4173 County Rd. P. They have been there over 40 years! A great place to celebrate a special event or Wednesday AND Friday Fish Fry! They came under new ownership in January of 2016, Steve and Vanessa took over from Jerry and Mary Thompson to keep this Cross Plains institution open. They opened and owned the restaurant in 1976, 40 years. The new owners changed the name from The Hilltop Inn to just The Hilltop because the original name made people think they also offered lodging which they do not. They look forward to serving you beginning March 16, 2016. They are a supper club, open 4-9 PM.

 We had a great visit to Cross Plains and hope to make it to one of their many festivals this year.