Overview
Stoughton is in Southwest Wisconsin. Stoughton is a lovely town of 13,000 located just 15 miles south of Madison. Founded in 1847 and known for its Norwegian heritage, including the famous Syttende Mai celebration of Norwegian Independence Day on May 17th. Stroll the tree-lined streets of Stoughton's historic neighborhoods and see hundreds of beautiful Victorian-era homes. Explore the community's vibrant Main Street featuring shops and galleries full of art, jewelry, antiques, and collectibles.
1 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to eat
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Stoughton
Stoughton Opera House
The Stoughton Opera House first opened in 1901. It is one of the largest second story theaters in the Midwest. The opera house was completely restored in the 1990s and hosts a variety of local, regional and national musi…
Lake Kegonsa State Park
An excellent boating destination and offers great fishing for bass, walleye, panfish and northern pike. The state park features boat launches as well as scenic nature trails.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 12°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Jul. (climate data from nearby Madison)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MSN Dane County Regional Truax Field, Madison — 16 mi away. Directions
- RFD Chicago Rockford International Airport, Chicago/Rockford — 51 mi away. Directions
- MKE General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee — 67 mi away (major hub). Directions
The nearest airport is Dane County Regional Airport in Madison. From the airport, take I-90 to Highway N, and turn right on Highway 51.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Lake Kegonsa State Park
- Lunch Koffee Kup
- Afternoon Stoughton Opera House
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
The nearest airport is Dane County Regional Airport in Madison. From the airport, take I-90 to Highway N, and turn right on Highway 51.
See
Do
Eat
Eat Koffee Kup
An affordable family diner with very friendly staff.
Go next
- Madison is 20 minutes to the north on Highway 51, offering the great usual restaurants and cultural activities of a capitol city.
Nearby
Madison
City / town · 101 listings · 13 mi away
Verona
City / town · 16 mi away
Janesville
City / town · 4 listings · 19 mi away
New Glarus
City / town · 6 listings · 22 mi away
Johnson Creek
City / town · 4 listings · 25 mi away
Whitewater
City / town · 2 listings · 26 mi away
Beloit
City / town · 21 listings · 30 mi away
Columbus
City / town · 15 listings · 31 mi away
My experience
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