Miners were some of the first Europeans to settle in Wisconsin; they came to mine the rich surface deposits of lead found in the state’s southwestern corner. The Badger Mine and Museum in Shullsburg preserves the city’s 180-year history of mining and cheesemaking. Enjoy the exhibits, then descend 51 steps with your tour guide into a hand-dug nineteenth century lead mine. Drive just south of town on Cty. U to experience Gravity Hill, a stretch of road where vehicles appear to roll…uphill. For the historically inclined, Lafayette County is loaded. In the northwest corner of the county you can visit Belmont Mound State Park, home of the First Capitol State Historical Site. Tour two buildings used during the 1836 Territorial Legislative session: the Council House where the legislators met, and a lodging house for those legislators. Motorcyclists and ATV enthusiasts flock to the Cheese Country Trail, a 47-mile railbed trail that traverses Lafayette county from Monroe to Mineral Point. Family campers love Yellowstone Lake State Park in the northeastern corner of the county – fish, hike, boat and bike. For more information about Lafayette County, call 608/776-8080 or visit lafayettecounty.org.