Artsy Mineral Point Is One Of Our Favorite Small Towns

Artsy Mineral Point is one of our favorite small towns. Mining immigrants from England’s Cornwall county and modern day artists have combined for an exceptional day of shopping and history.

If you could rename your street for something compelling that represents it best, what would it be?

 

Shakerag Street in Mineral Point, Wisconsin is a name that brings about curiosity. Down this street are historic limestone block houses that were built by Cornish immigrant miners. Not only small, but nothing fancy either. But, these are important because they are some of the first houses to start Mineral Point. Another key point is that several hundred people lived in Milwaukee during this same time.

 

Pendarvis is also on this street. This historical site is centered on these small Cornish mining houses made from limestone blocks and is owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society.

 

This street stayed true to the simple lifestyle of the miners even as the town grew. Every day they went to work at the bottom of the hill with their houses in view. And, every day their wives waved dish towels in the air when a meal was ready. Thus, the name of Shakerag Street was born.

 

It is important to note that shake rag has several different meanings, but this describes Mineral Point.

Even though Mineral Point has a profound history, we are sharing some of the reasons we enjoy visiting this Wisconsin small town.

 

We recommend going to this fun living history event. You can read about it here, plus there are plenty of photos!

 

Mineral Point Is Different Now

Now, Mineral Point is a town full of artistic spirit that began in the small group of homes on Shakerag Street. Miners built them, but artists restored them because they were small and inexpensive.

 

Artists have a lot of shops throughout town. For this reason, you can spend all day here exploring and shopping.

Coming back to Mineral Point is inspirational each time. Notably, small town charm is on display from the moment you start driving into town through Shakerag Street. It’s nice coming back to this historical Cornish town every time.

 

Another favorite town of ours made Limburger cheese legal tender in 1905. Here, you can read how to experience this small town with deep roots from Switzerland. FYI, don’t skip the bakery!

 

Have you been? You should, and here are a few reasons why artsy Mineral Point, Wisconsin is one of our favorite small towns

 

Don’t Miss Hook’s Cheese Company

Next, at the five point intersection, you will see Hook’s Cheese Company. Don’t let this small cheese company fool you though. They are international award winning cheese makers. Hook’s is owned by Tony and Julie Hook. In fact, Julie is the only woman to win the world championship. She won against all cheese categories with her Colby!

 

This is important to remember. Although you can buy different cheeses inside, you have to get there early for fresh cheese curds before they sell out. To emphasize, freshly made each morning. Sometimes we get there about 9 am and they have already sold out.

 

Do you want to know how to get the freshest cheese curds? Fresh cheese curds squeak when you bite into them. The fresher they are the more squeak you will have. They can lose a little squeak each hour, eventually losing all squeak whatsoever. So, when it comes to cheese curds, fresh is a big deal in Wisconsin.

 

Enter through the side door with the ramp. This is where they package cheese for sale, but it’s also part of the factory. There is a cooler with many different types to buy, even their 15 year old cheddar. If you arrive early enough you can watch them making it. It’s pretty neat.

 

Sirius Sunlight Glass Studio

 

 

Sirius Sunlight Glass Studio on High Street is our next stop. Why? Because we love their glass art. The studio is owned by Jill Engels and Chuck Pound. Jill is the stained glass artist and Chuck is the hot glass sculptor.

 

 

Jill carefully crafts her stained glass here in the studio. We like seeing a skilled artist create work in front of us. For us, this makes it more special since we feel connected to the piece. It gives life and a story to each piece, whether you keep it or give it as a gift. We often give gifts from here since they are meaningful and helps support local artists.

 

 

She also creates custom work as well. For instance, lamps, ornaments and window panels.

 

 

Like most shops, the holiday season is their busiest. Funny, they wittingly told us when setting the store up for the holidays they like to bring a peanut butter sandwich since they work so late and restaurants are closed.

 

 

Imagine the joy from hand selecting gifts here. Sirius Sunlight Glass Studio is another reason why artsy Mineral Point is one of our favorite small towns

 

Our Favorite Glass Pieces

 

Even though we visit many different times of the year, Christmas season is our favorite. Of all the gifts we have bought, we have two favorites.

 

First, the glass blown hummingbirds are the most popular with us. These are small enough to hang in a window or even use as ornaments. We have given these as gifts to friends in Norway and India. Of course, friends and family here in America too.

 

Second, their glass icicles. Chuck makes these one at a time in his downstairs studio. We like the clear natural and twist designs. As matter of fact, you will be amazed how real they look. Each one is about 7 inches long and you can buy these in sets of 12 or individually. Additionally, each one comes with a hoop for hanging and each set a custom box for storage.

Another key point to remember is that Chuck made icicles for Lands End not very long ago. Each one uniquely made one at a time. How many you ask? 32,000 to be exact! Because these were so popular he could barely keep up!

Chuck was generous enough to demonstrate how he makes icicles.

 

Even though we have our favorites we like to look through everything they make.

 

Bargain Nook Is A Hidden Gem

 

In the middle of High Street look for the Bargain Nook shop. This is where to find Lands End products that are deeply discounted.

 

Lands End is one of our favorite companies for quality merchandise. Their headquarters are close by in Dodgeville.

 

Their shops are stocked full of clothing and catalog items that have been returned by customers. These items are new and in excellent condition but for some reason returned to Lands End. Mostly because they didn’t fit. Most importantly, everything is very well priced. They always have lots of pants for only a few dollars too.

 

We have also bought fleece blankets, which we love, along with other linens.

 

Travelers should check here for terrific prices on luggage, travel bags and toiletry bags. Don’t forget one of their most popular items is tote bags. These are always well stocked in all different colors and sizes. Additionally, swimsuits are a terrific bargain here, plus they have a large variety.

 

Since children are always outgrowing clothes so fast, it pays to check here for a good price. We always see a good selection of coats and backpacks along with kids clothes too.

Also, we always check the pet section because they always have a good variety. Over the years, we have bought several dog coats for only five dollars each. One year we even found one with the right name embroidered! One trip, we mentioned we didn’t know if a dog coat would fit. The friendly clerk told us to bring her in to see. Their pet section also has beds, leashes and carrying bags etc.

All in all, if you can find it in their catalog there’s a good chance you can find it here.

 

More Helpful Tips

 

Bargain Nook stores are a charity to help support those with disabilities. They have four other locations in Darlington, Spring Green, Platteville and Mount Horeb. We like to take a day trip from Madison through these Bargain Nook towns to see what we can find.

 

Donations are also accepted here, but they usually don’t have very much. A large majority is from Lands End.

 

Important info for the guys. Next door is an old fashioned hardware store. I (Tom) like to look around while Kristi shops at the Bargain Nook. I can always find something handy I otherwise couldn’t live without. Plus, it gives others time to shop as long as they like.

 

Across the street is a laundromat. This is where you will find ice cold drinks from the machine. I mean ice cold, like borderline ice in the cans.

 

Additionally, the laundromat and Bargain Nook have clean restrooms in case you need to find one.

 

Final Thoughts About Mineral Point, Wisconsin

Mineral Point, Wisconsin is an artsy town full of creative life, history and fun shopping. Although born out of lead mining, it has nicely transformed into a popular small town destination.

 

Read about another artsy town that’s home of a world famous rag doll, fun murals and authentic Amish experiences.

 

Many decisions that shaped Wisconsin’s identity originated here. Great history together with vibrant local artists set up a perfect destination for a fantastic visit to Southwestern Wisconsin.

 

We come back so much because we like what this small town has to offer. Although Mineral Point is full of exceptional artists and their shops, we are sharing just a few of our favorite things to do here. And, of course, sharing why artsy Mineral Point is one of our favorite small towns

 

Which part of Mineral Point is most interesting to you? Please share in the comments, or ask any questions you have too.

 

As always, thank you for reading! We hope you have enjoyed reading about Mineral Point, Wisconsin.

 

Tom and Kristi