Showing Flat Clara Around The Driftless Area

A few years ago, Flat Clara’s older brother, Flat Max, visited us when we lived in Austin, TX. We have since moved to Belleville, WI, which is about 150 miles from my hometown of Marshfield, WI. My buddy Mike knew I loved road trips and asked if Flat Clara could visit.

I said yes, and soon Flat Clara arrived in the mail.

Handmade paper cutout character with orange face, blue shirt with purple belt, and brown pants lying on wooden floor

Our first stop was Riverville Bar & Grill. They’re one of my favorite restaurants in Belleville.

Paper cutout character held in front of River Ville Bar & Grill establishment with circular logo featuring campfire design, established 2021

We had a Mexican breakfast skillet.

Paper character positioned next to breakfast plate with scrambled eggs, toast, and condiment containers on wooden table

We hit the road and stopped in New Glarus. Our first stop was Hoesley’s Meats to get a snack for later.

Paper character held in front of Hoesly's Meals restaurant building on overcast day

Green County, where New Glarus is located, is known for landjaegers. These are like beef sticks but a bit bigger. They are seasoned a little differently and do not require refrigeration. This is what makes them the perfect road trip snack!

Paper character in car seat next to package of beef jerky in plastic wrap

After Hoesley’s, we stopped in Downtown New Glarus. New Glarus is known to be “America’s Little Switzerland.”

Paper character on historic main street with brick buildings, church steeple, American flag, and storefronts including bakery

We soon got in the car and headed south. Before you knew it, we were in Illinois!

Paper character in front of green Illinois welcome sign reading 'Welcome to Illinois - The Land of Lincoln - From the People of Illinois'

Further into Illinois is Freeport. This is where Little Cubs Field is.

Paper character at Little Cubs Field entrance building in Freeport, Illinois with Cubs logo visible

Little Cubs Field is a miniature replica of Wrigley Field.

Paper character at Little Cubs Field baseball diamond with outfield fence sponsors and scoreboard visible in background

Our next stop was heading west on US-20 to Galena. We made a pit stop at one of my favorite scenic lookouts. Many people think Illinois is all flat, but Northwestern Illinois is very hilly. Northwestern Illinois, Northeastern Iowa, Southwestern Wisconsin, and Southeastern Minnesota form the Driftless Area. This is the area the glaciers did not flatten out. That’s why it’s so hilly.

Paper character with panoramic view of rolling prairie landscape with patches of snow under blue sky

The pit stop didn’t last long, and we made it to Galena. Illinois is best known for Abraham Lincoln and his role in the Civil War. However, Ulysses S. Grant also had a significant role in the Civil War. We visited his house in Galena.

Paper character in front of two-story brick Italianate historic house with green shutters and American flag

After Galena, we headed to Dubuque, Iowa. They have a beautiful courthouse, which is one of my favorites. We stopped by and admired its beauty.

Paper character in front of ornate Victorian-era courthouse or civic building with clock tower and elaborate architectural details

We then took a look at the mighty Mississippi River.

Paper character with frozen river or lake and arched bridge visible in background

Our trip went on the final leg when we got on US-151 and headed into Wisconsin.

Paper character positioned below flagpole flying American flag and Wisconsin state flag

We were soon back at my house. Finally, it was time to wish Flat Clara goodbye and send her back to Marshfield.

Open residential mailbox containing mail with patches of snow visible on ground

I hope she had a nice adventure on one of my favorite drives around the Driftless Area!

-e

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