Historic Cooksville

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.

Group Tours of Historic Cooksville

Groups that wish to tour the Historic Village of Cooksville in Rock County, Wisconsin, may make arrangements with local historian, Larry Reed (lreed@chorus.net) who represents the Cooksville Community Center, Inc., and the Historic Cooksville Trust, Inc., to organize and schedule such tours.

Larry will provide an introduction to the village, founded in 1842, and will conduct guided tours of the village’s Historic District, listed in both the National Register of Historic Places and the State Register of Historic Places.
The Tours may be structured to meet the needs of the tour group, the size of the group, the date desired, and the availability of local tour guides and local historic homes. Two types of guided tours are generally available:
1. A Walk Through the Village. This small-group tour will consist of an introduction to the history of Cooksville at the Cooksville Schoolhouse (Community Center) or elsewhere, followed by a guided walking tour of the village. The walking tour includes a stroll from the Schoolhouse and the Public Square around the Village and then back to the Schoolhouse, viewing the exteriors of about 25 historic buildings. The tour does not include visiting any interiors, except for the Cooksville General Store (1847) if it is open and the Schoolhouse (1886) if it is open, and lasts about one and a half hours. The cost is $6 per person.

2. A Historic House Tour. This tour includes an introduction to the history of Cooksville at the Cooksville Schoolhouse (Community Center) or elsewhere, followed by a guided walking tour of the village and a tour of the interiors of four or more historic buildings, usually including the Schoolhouse, a historic Church (1879) and three historic houses, as well as the Cooksville General Store (1847), if it is open. The number of interiors visited may be increased, if desired, depending on availability of the houses, for an additional charge. The tour lasts about two and a half hours. The minimum cost is $10 per person.
Other special tours for small or large groups or for school children may be arranged, for shorter or longer periods of time. The charge may vary. Groups may wish to picnic on the Cooksville Public Square, as part of their visit to the village. The scheduling of guided tours depends on the date desired and the availability of local guides and historic homes.
The Cooksville Community Center, Inc., and the Historic Cooksville Trust, Inc., are both non-profit, charitable organizations, and any donations to these organizations are tax-deductible, according to federal and state regulations. For further information, contact Martha Degner, Cooksville Community Center, (608) 335-8375 or relax@cooksvillefarmhouseinn.com, or Larry Reed, Historic Cooksville Trust, (608) 873-5066.

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 and air conditioning. The Public Square can be reserved in advance for outdoor activities such as wedding receptions, family picnics, etc.

The Cooksville Store was established in 1846 and claims to be the oldest general store in the state. It is under new ownership since August of 2013 and is well worth a visit. It carries Amish style bulk foods, natural and organic products, candies, soaps, jams, jellies, hand rolled butter, and ice cream served at an old fashioned counter. Hours are 11-6 on Tuesday and Wednesday, 10-6 Thursday - Sunday. Closed Monday and some holidays.

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.