The Kickapoo Valley Ranch Guest Cabins

in Southwestern Wisconsin

The finest accommodations. The most breathtaking setting. Your Sanctuary Awaits...

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...

Here you will find the answers to many of your frequently asked questions.

Still unsure about something?

Call Cowboy Joe at 608-625-6222 & he will certainly help!

What are the Kickapoo Valley Ranch's policies?

   All cabin rates are effective February 1st, 2013 and are subject to change without prior notice. 

   Cabin rates are based on double occupancy with a fee of $20.00 for each additional child &

$25.00 for each additional adult (limited to two in all cabins except the Albertella Homestead)

and include all the in-cabin amenities.

        The Albertella will sleep two adults with up to four children or up to four adults.

   Reservations are confirmed with the receipt of a cash, check or credit card deposit

equal to one night or 50% of guest’s stay (whichever is greater.)

        Deposits not received or credit cards that cannot be processed within 5 working days

may result in a reservation being "cancelled" without notice.

        ALL reservations require a credit card to be on file, even if paying by cash, check or gift certificate.

        Final balances being paid by cash or check is always appreciated.

        Contact Cowboy Joe for additional details. 

   A refund of a reservation's deposit will be offered if a cancellation notice is received

fourteen calendar days prior to guest’s arrival date.

        A $20.00 (plus 5.5% tax) processing fee will be applied.

        Cancellations made between fourteen & seven days of your arrival

will be offered a one-time rebooking, otherwise deposits will be forfeited.

        Cancellations within seven days of your arrival will forfeit guest’s deposit.

        Cancellations of a rebooked stay will also forfeit guest’s deposit.

   Within seven days of your arrival and/or once you check in,

a 50% fee of the regular nightly rate will be assessed to all early departure days.

   "No Shows" are charged for their full stay.

        A "no show" is considered to be any guest that simply never shows up for their reservation

OR a guest that attempt to cancel a reservation within 12 hours of check-in.

   Check-in is limited to between 4pm and 7pm; check-out is by 11am.

        Deviations from these timeframes will be considered but not guaranteed.

        First-time guests are "all but required" to arrive during standard check-in timeframe.

Why you may ask?  See here for more information...

        Repeat guests may be afforded some additional latitude regarding check-in time.

        Please remember, we are a small boutique facility without extra staff,

we need to be informed if a delay in your arrival will occur.

   All cabins are 100% smoke-free.

        Responsible smoking is permitted on porches.

        Ashtrays are provided in cabinet above microwave.

   Please, absolutely no candles or open flames in or around the cabins.

   NEVER transport firewood to the Ranch in your vehicle.

        Though there is a small communal campfire spot up near the cabins,

        WE supply the firewood to help reduce the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer beetles.

   All cabins have a TV monitor & DVD player if guests choose to bring their own movies.

        (There is no TV reception.)

   For the safety & security of you, the staff & other guests,

absolutely NO unregistered guests will be allowed on the property.

        Anything but 100% compliance could result in you being asked to leave without refund.

   Please make every effort to keep your vehicular speed at 15 miles per hour

while on driveways & in parking areas.

        One never knows who or what might be right around the bend

or when you might come up to a speed bump.

   We are a quiet, country “Sanctuary” getaway.

        Please keep voices down when outside & on porches.

        No music outside.

        And please, when outside of your cabin or car, keep cell use to a minimum. 

What is provided at the Kickapoo Valley Ranch Guest Cabins?

   Bedding – Most cabins have a king sized bed with all linens.

        Spring, Summer & Autumn - Miss Kitty’s Rendezvous has two queen beds.

        The Albertella Homestead has a king bed AND two twins.

        Other than Miss Kitty’s (Spring, Summer & Autumn) all cabins have a queen sleeper.

        Linens are supplied & made up on the sleeper IF REQUESTED.

        All cabins have a choice of pillows.

   Bathroom appointments – All cabins have a shower over tub.

        The Big Sky Getaway has a jetted tub & separate shower.

        All bath linens are provided.

        Eco-friendly soaps, shampoo, & a host of additional bath amenities are provided.

        Hair dryers are also provided.

   Kitchenette – Microwave, two burner stovetop, sink & small refrigerator.

        The Albertella Homestead has a full kitchen

with standard four burner stove/oven & a full refrigerator/freezer.

        Pot & pans, dishes, flatware, glassware including wine glasses & serving utensils.

        Toaster & coffee pot.

        Kitchen linens.

        Our very own signature coffee & a selection of tea.

        Cooking oil, cream, sugar (and sugar substitutes,) salt & pepper, etc...

        A GREAT electric grill on the porch.

   DVD players connected to a nice sized TV monitor.

        DVD players will also play CD's!

        A small library of DVD's available in the Check-In Office for guests to borrow.

   Dining table & chairs.

   Gas fireplaces in the winter & air conditioning in the summer!

   Hand-crafted Nantucket rockers on every expansive sitting porch.

   There is a communal fire pit for cozy camp fires.

        Firewood provided.

        Again, please, DO NOT bring your own firewood.

        However, DO bring your own matches/lighters.

   Free WiFi internet access is provide virtually everywhere on the property!

        Currently, the strongest signal "up at the cabins" is in the 1889 Western Village cabins.
        The cabins that currently have experienced the weakest WiFi signal

are The Woodview & The Big Sky Getaway.

    What is not currently provided…

     We do not providing bathrobes.

     We provide no food service.

        Many folks pack a cooler for their stay.

        Keep in mind, the nearest grocery store is 10-15 minutes away.

     Again, there is no television reception in any cabin.

     There are filled ice trays in each freezer.

        There is no large ice machine on the property.

     With these being housekeeping cabins, daily maid service is not provided.

        Are you staying several nights & does your cabin now need “freshening up?”

        Let Cowboy Joe know & it will be attended to, under most circumstances, by midafternoon.

    What should we bring for our Kickapoo Valley Ranch getaway?

    Whether you get “out & about” or just “hang out” on your cabin’s porch here are a few suggestions… 

   Layers – Mornings & evenings can be cool in the Kickapoo Valley.

        Turtlenecks & long sleeve shirts are recommended with a sweater or light jacket.

        By midday, temperatures can sometimes change 20 to 30 degrees or more.

   Long pants – Perfect for hiking or biking in the woods to protect from scratches & ticks! 

   Hiking boots – There are incredible hiking in the Valley!  Trails can be extremely rugged. 

   Sunglasses, caps or hats with brims & sunscreen;

it is so important to protect your eyes & your skin from the sun.

        Don’t forget the lip balm with sunscreen.

        And make sure you bring some bug spray & bottled water for hiking.  

   Warm coat or sweater – Temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit here!

        And winter can get downright frigid! 

   Fishing gear – Just off the Ranch, the Kickapoo River has wonderful fishing

as do many of the creeks and rivers a short drive from your cabin door.

    Weister Creek, adjacent to the Ranch, is rated class A for trout fishing.

    Don't forget your appropriate fishing licenses since they are not available on-site

and some locations in the area that do offer licensing may not always be open or easily accessible.

   Personal gear for canoeing! – There are several canoe liveries not far from the Ranch

so you can paddle down the incredible Kickapoo River.

    Don’t forget zip-lock baggies for anything you don’t want to get wet!

    And the Ranch's bath towels are not allowed off the property

so if you intend to canoe, a couple beach towels might come in handy.

   Bicycles & biking gear – There is great “on-road” & off-road biking in the area, as well!

   Don’t forget your camera and binoculars!!!

   And what about some cards, board games, a good book or a few DVD's,

just in case the weather isn't conducive to spending time outdoors?

What to leave behind… 

   All your fancy clothes & jewelry.

        Even if you head into town for a special dinner out, this is the country.

        Dressed up is a clean pair of jeans!

    What are the Kickapoo Valley Ranch's policies regarding massages?

   See here for details...

    What are the restaurants or grocery stores in the area?

Restaurants:

American Legion     120 Rusk Avenue, Viroqua     637-2271

Badger Crossing Pub & Eatery     909 Front Street, Cashton     654-5706

Big River Inn & Restaurant     500 Main Street, Genoa     689-3200

Blue Goose Ice Cream & Pizza Parlor     S2106 24 Valley Road, La Farge     625-4335

Borgen’s Café     109 S. Main Street, Westby     634-4003

Central Express (groceries, too!)     633 Front Street, Cashton     654-7784

Central Express (groceries, too!)     411 N. Main Street, Westby     634-2230

Chaser’s     920 N. Main Street, Viroqua     637-9000

Cheese Corner     323 S. Main Street, Viroqua     637-7779

Culver’s Frozen Custard & Butter Burgers     1002 N. Main Street, Viroqua     637-8444

Dairy Queen     404 S. Main Street, Viroqua     637-7870

Dave's Pizza     113 S. Main Street, Viroqua     638-4000

DiSciascio’s Coon Creek Inn     110 Central Avenue, Coon Valley     452-3182

Driftless Café     118 W. Court Street, Viroqua     637-7778

Dunnum's Café     830 N. Main Street, Viroqua     638-6011       

Great River Roadhouse     9660 State Hwy. 35, DeSoto     648-2045

Great Wall Chinese Restaurant     210 Airport Road, Viroqua     637-7715

The Grille (in Viroqua Medical Building)     407 S. Main Street, Viroqua     637-4428        

Kickapoo Crossroads     609 S Hwy 61, Readstown     629-9999

Kickapoo Inn Bar & Restaurant     827 W. Kickapoo Street, Readstown     629-5565

McDonald’s     1214 N. Main Street, Viroqua     637-8400

Nordic Lanes     511 N. Main Street, Westby     634-3985

Norwegian Hollow Hideaway     E4533 Norwegian Hollow Road, Viroqua     637-7776

Old Towne Inn Supper Club     100 E. Old Town Road, Westby     634-3991

Ole & Lena’s Kaffe Haus     104 W. State Street, Westby     634-3200

Phil & Deb’s Town Tap     115 W. Main Street, La Farge     625-4122

Pizza Hut     1236 N. Main Street, Viroqua     637-8000

Red Lion Pub & Eatery     S6844 Terhune Street, DeSoto     648-3100

Rockton Bar     S2463 Rockton Loop, La Farge     625-4395

Rocky’s Supper Club     101 Main Street, Stoddard     457-2111

Sister’s Place     111 W. Main Street, La Farge     625-4117

Subway     1234 N. Main Street, Viroqua     637-8888

Tangled Hickory Wine Bar & Bistro     120 South Main Street, Viroqua     637-3031

Viking Inn Supper Club     113 N. Main Street, Viroqua     637-7398

Viroqua Food Cooperative (groceries too!)     609 North Main Street, Viroqua     637-7511

Viroqua Hills Golf Course     1110 US Hwy. 14, Viroqua     637-7615

Grocery, Organic Food, Convenience Stores:

Bergum’s Food Mart     101 N. Maple Street, La Farge     625-4413

Hansen’s IGA     525 Broadway, Cashton     654-7682

Hansen’s IGA     419 N. Main Street, Westby     634-2464

Village Market     1230 N. Main Street, Viroqua     637-2476

Kwik Trip     520 N. Main Street, Viroqua     637-3447

Kwik Trip     603 S. Main Street, Viroqua     637-8160

Old Country Cheese     510 County Road D, Cashton     564-5411

Ontario Fast Trip     201 N. Garden St., Ontario     337-4525

Organic Valley     1 Organic Way, La Farge     625-2602

Viola Natural Foods Cooperative     110 W. Commercial St., Viola     627-1476

Viola Quick Stop     102 E. Commercial St., Viola     627-1418

Viroqua Food Cooperative     609 N. Main Street, Viroqua     637-7511

WalMart Supercenter     1133 N. Main Street, Viroqua     637-8511

Westby Cooperative Creamery     401 S. Main Street, Westby     634-3183

ZZip Stop     217 Main Street, La Farge     625-2203 

    Can we bring our well-behaved pet with us on our vacation?

We offer no accommodations for guest owned pets of any kind

at the Kickapoo Valley Ranch, INCLUDING guest owned horses.

Because the next guest could be highly allergic to your cat or dog,

they could never be allowed in your cabin.

And it is also important to understand that,

though your pet is incredibly well behaved in many situations,

when put in an unfamiliar environment, accidents & problems can often occur.

We want this to be a "sanctuary getaway" for you,

time to look into a pet sitter or a brief stay at the local kennel.

Noncompliance will result in an extra cabin cleaning fee,

potentially as much as one night’s regular cabin rate or more.
Any damage as a result of noncompliance will also result in extra fees being assessed.

Is the property "motorcycle friendly"?

Motorcycle enthusiasts love this area of Wisconsin!

And County Road P is a fan favorite.
Things to know - all the roads TO The Ranch are paved,

but all the driveways & parking areas ON the property itself are gravel.
Also, there's a bit of incline on the drive from "down here" at

the Guest Check-In Office to "up there" where the cabins sit on the property.

The difference in elevation is about 85 to 100 feet

and the length of the driveway is maybe a third of a mile.
If we've calculated correctly, that is between a 4.8 & 5.8 grade.
There are a couple short spots that are a smidge "steep."

And there is a 45 degree turn (hairpin/swichback) in the driveway

about 2/3's of the way up to the cabin parking area.

Most motorcyclists have not been bothered at all by the driveway,

a few folks have not liked it...

    And finally, what kind of activities are there at the Ranch?

We pride ourselves on offering the one true, private "sanctuary" getaway in the Midwest.

 We offer no activity at the Kickapoo Valley Ranch.

We focus all our efforts on providing you with a quiet, country getaway

that simply cannot be found anywhere else in Wisconsin.

Surrounded by such vast "nothingness"

(the Kickapoo Valley Reserve's 8659 acres of pristine beauty)

you will likely not find anything like this anywhere in the Midwest. 

There is no playground on the property.

There is no pool.

There is not even a flat, grassy area to play Frisbee or lawn darts.

It is just not what this is all about here.

Respectfully, that is a more "The Wisconsin Dells" type of facility.

There is however, an area near the cabins for a quiet evening campfire.

(Again, we provide the wood; you provide the matches or lighter to get it going.)

Need some convincing that the Kickapoo Valley Ranch Guest Cabins will be your perfect getaway???

Check out what our guests have said at tripadvisor.com.