Cooksville Points of Interest

Cooksville, “the town that time forgot,” was built before the Civil War on the New England model around the village green. Most of the 1840’s houses surrounding the green still stand and are restored to their original quaint beauty. Go back in time and spend a day under the oak grove on the village green picnicking, playing croquet, bocce ball, softball, horseshoes, or flying kites.

Cooksville is home to what is probably the oldest continuously run general store in the state of Wisconsin. The Cooksville Store is open year round and offers a variety of grocery products and beverages as well as resale items.

The Cooksville Community Center, a non-profit corporation which was established in 1962 is housed in the Cooksville Schoolhouse on the Public Square. It serves as a focus for local activities such as educational programs, children's' activities, community meetings, garden and historic tours. The Community Center is also available for rent and is equipped with bathrooms, a kitchen and tables and chairs. The Public Square can be reserved in advance for outdoor activities such as wedding receptions, family picnics, etc.

The Cooksville Church "the little brown church on the corner" across the road from the Cooksville Farmhouse Inn is available for weddings and other celebrations. It was constructed in 1879 and displays architectural styles popular at the time, such as round Italianate arches, Gothic Revival spires or minarets, varnished interior woodwork, and a hand-painted stained-glass window. The church is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is not currently affiliated with any denomination. It may be rented for weddings or other ceremonies. The church has seating (pews and side benches) for about 120 people. The church is unheated and does not have restroom facilities although the ones across the street at the "parsonage" may be used. For fees and reservation information contact Larry Reed at (608) 873-5066.

Group Tours of Historic Cooksville

Learn about historic Cooksville from neighbor and historian, Larry Reed. See pictures of the village taken more than 100 years ago. Join Larry on a walking tour around the village and see the interior of his antique filled home, the Van Buren House (1848), the Schoolhouse (1886), the General Store, (1847) and the Cooksville Church (1879), as well as the Public Square and exteriors of about 20 historic buildings. Call Larry (608) 873-5066) for rates and information.

Area Attractions

Cooksville is conveniently located in Rock County 20 miles south of Madison. Plan to stay at the Cooksville Farmhouse Inn for Syttende Mai (Norwegian Independence celebration in mid May) and Victorian Holiday Weekend in Stoughton or the Soybean Festival (October) and the 4th of July celebration in Evansville. Nearby Edgerton offers parks, golfing, and a variety of festivals such as Santa Train, and the Henry Street Farmers' Market. Over Labor Day weekend see hundreds of old tractors and other steam powered farm machinery, shop the flea markets and antique and craft booths at the Rock River Thresheree. Antique malls, artists' studios, quilt shops as well as Madison and Janesville malls are easily accessible. The Stoughton Opera House is just 6 miles away and offers an entertaining performance series as well as elegant space available for rent by the public which is suitable for private performances, wedding ceremonies, business meetings, lectures, public performances. special events, and private media screenings. University of Wisconsin and Badger Events are just ½ hour away.

Retreats

Art Retreat – Join retired high school art teacher, Richard Krake, for drawing and/or painting prairie flowers, village homes and farmland scenery or subjects of your choosing. Bring your own supplies. Improve your skills or discover the artist within. Bring a project you’ve already begun or start a new one here. Richard will coach you with suggestions and ideas that you can take or leave. Sign up for one or more 2 hour sessions with Richard during your stay. Call the Cooksville Farmhouse Inn for rates and contact information.

Wedding Package – Have an old fashioned, country wedding or celebrate an important anniversary with a Renewal of Vows in historic Cooksville, Wisconsin. Wedding coordinator, Conni Hofeldt-Rowe of An Aire of Flair will help you plan the perfect day. Begin with your wedding service at the Cooksville Church (capacity 120) with its round Italianate arches, Gothic Revival spires or minarets, varnished interior woodwork and hand painted stained-glass window, designed and constructed in 1879 by a local architect. If you like, have a horse drawn buggy waiting to take you to the reception on the village green where you have a sumptuous catered meal in large tents with tables and chairs waiting for your guests. The Old School House which is now the Community Center will provide indoor shelter, a kitchen and bathrooms.

Theater Weekend – Plan your stay at the Cooksville Farmhouse Inn around one of the events at the Stoughton Opera House, just 6 miles away. This elegant Victorian space is one of the acoustic and architectural treasures of the Midwest. Originally called the City Auditorium, it first opened on February 22, 1901. It is one of the largest second story theaters in the Midwest. Now, completely restored, The Stoughton Opera House offers some of the most entertaining performances in the area and is open year round for rentals and tours.

Organize your own retreat around interests or activities such as music, scrap booking, bicycling, family reunions, church groups, wedding gatherings, canoeing. The house has ample room in the common areas for working around tables, rehearsing, small group discussions and large group meetings. Gather with chamber music playing friends from the Association of Chamber Music Players for a weekend of music making or reserve the whole house during the Madison Early Music Festival and bring a group of music making friends with you to continue the music making well into the night..

Residents of Cooksville can provide leadership for retreats on gardening, barn renovations, local history, worship planning, Bible study, Spanish language immersion, nature study and wildlife rehabilitation. Please inquire for more information.