Mt. Horeb Area Real Estate Blog

Check out these Towns

Blue Mounds and Barneveld are two small rural communities West of Mt. Horeb that probably don't get the credit they deserve.  Many Realtors don't know what a great option they are for affordable real estate, let alone most people. These two towns  have a lot to offer as communities, especially if you want more for  your money.

Blue Mounds is located about 5 minutes outside of Mt. Horeb and shares the same school district.  The population is not much over 750.  Homes there tend to be on larger lots, there are many cul-de-sacs and lots of wooded lots or lots with no one behind (although I can't speak for the new subdivision going in). There are homes of all ages, but homes 5-10 years old tend to dominate the market.  The Military Ridge bike trail runs right through Blue Mounds and Blue Mounds State Park, Brigham County Park, and the Cave of the Mounds are conveniently located "up the road" from any home in the area.  Blue Mounds has a small mom and pop grocery that serves up yummy ice cream in the summer.   The residents also have their own town festival, complete with parade.  As their website says, its the "best of small town life with access to many outdoor activities".

Barneveld is about 10 minutes from Mt. Horeb, just over the Iowa County line.  The population there is just over 1000 and continues to grow due to its convenient commuting location between Dodgeville and Madison.  Barneveld home prices are outstanding, and a buyer can expect to get a lot for their money.  Barneveld boasts a great fishing lake at Birch Lake Park and is only 5 minutes from all the parks near Blue Mounds.  The Military Ridge Bike Trail also skirts this little town.  The Deer Valley Lodge and Golf Course are just outside of town.  The water park in the lodge and the par 72  18 hole golf course are very popular for people near and far.  Barneveld has its own k-12 school district, all located in one school, that provides an amazing sense of community for this small town.  Everyone in town is an Eagles fan! 

Bethel Horizons

I went on the best field trip with my son to Bethel Horizons just outside of Dodgeville.  Most of the time I was just amazed that I was still in Wisconsin.  What a hidden gem!  My biggest regret is that I don't have pictures.  I can try to describe walking down into the valley surround by acres of purple phlox or the view from the cliff we climb looking out over hills and valleys, but it just wouldn't be the same.

As a class, we hiked, searched the pond for creatures, climbed a cliff and ate lunch at the top, and did the ropes course.   It was truly an adventure for us and one of those educational experiences for kids that can't be measured on paper with a test.  The proudest moment for all the adults was the encouragement all the kids gave each other as they tackled the various adventure challenges.  It wasn't forced and it wasn't obligatory.  My son's 4th grade teacher should be proud that she has fostered such a great sense of camaradarie with these diverse kids.

The staff there is fun and friendly; you can see they love where they are and what they do.  One of our guides, Kevin, clearly was in touch with today's youth as he strummed his guitar and guided us through the paths.  He would stop and quiz the kids on pop culture favorites which the kids ate up.  The ropes course teachers amazingly were able to get the kids to tie the complicated ropes around them in a fun way that kept them all together following directions. They were great at what they do.

But most importantly for you to know is that Bethal is open to the public.  There are environmental education programs, adventure programs, summer camps, and retreat centers that are rentable for small and large groups.  If you are needing to get away from it all, but gas prices have got you down, I highly recommend this amazing place.  There isn't a pool or playground, but there is peace, quiet and beauty.