Mineral Point - Visitors Guide 2008 - (Page 3) art, architecture and ambiance to Mineral Point good the soul – an escape hustle A tripcrowded cities,fromisthe fromfor and bustle of a retreat everyday life schedules. Rolling hills and rugged stone bluffs give shape to a landscape of wooded hills, rock ravines, and the cultivated mosaic of farm fields offers a backdrop that is relaxing as well as inspiring. One of the first things you notice about Mineral Point is the historic architecture. Mineral Point is home to one of the finest inventories of 19th century architecture to be found anywhere in the Midwest. In 1971, the entire community was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it the first city in Wisconsin to receive that designation. The pre-Civil War homes of some of Wisconsin’s leading families are still standing. With just a little imagination, one can sense the presence of Wisconsin’s first territorial governor tapping his cane on the downtown sidewalks, or hear the mining wagons creaking and groaning on rutted paths through town. Over 180+ years, Mineral Point has transformed itself from a rough and tumble mining town into a very charming and creative community. What you find today is a town filled with early Wisconsin architecture, much of which has been lovingly restored or renovated to accommodate new uses and serve as living reminders of the community where Wisconsin began. Downtown is filled with artists’ studios and galleries where you can shop for artwork found only in Mineral Point. Family run businesses offer friendly personal service and people passing by still smile and wave. One cannot help by notice that there is a special quality about Mineral Point. It is a community where dreamers can pursue their unique visions. They help make Mineral Point a place of inspiration for those wanting encouragement to follow their own individual path. Some have chosen an unconventional path from their beginning and some are finding new adventures after following a more traditional road for most of their lives. A delightful example is Nick Engelbert, a farmer turned artist, who lived from 1881 to 1962 and whose life took him from his Austrian birthplace to a picturesque piece of hillside just south of Mineral Point. His vivid imagination and love of life is captured at his beloved Grandview and his philosophy lives on as it captures the sentiment of so many here: “If a man can’t find happiness on a little farm in Wisconsin, he hasn’t the makings of happiness in his soul.” You are cordially invited… Cozy up in a century old building transformed into a modern guest house or bed and breakfast. Enjoy a meal lovingly prepared with local foods. Stroll the steep, crooked streets and discover why Mineral Point holds a special spot in so many hearts. welcome to mineral point 3
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