Definitely Not Made in China

The Kickapoo Exchange holds its annual Not Made in China Holiday Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18. You’ll find locally sourced treasures, such as hand thrown pottery mugs, botanical art pieces, traditional baked goods, and hand-made toys, in this celebration of both Native American culture and made-in-the-USA gift giving. While you’re there, learn more about Ho-Chunk culture by taking the Ho-Chunk Nation Tour. Among the random facts to be gleaned: The tribe (also called People of Big Voice) lived in Green Bay prior to two ice ages before being forcibly removed and thus becoming the only federally recognized tribe in Wisconsin without a land base or reservation; the tours are offered year round with tribal docents providing oral history. Book in advance and your tour will include a traditional song and dance performance (ho-chunknation.com).

GO Not Made in China Holiday Fair at the Kickapoo Exchange Co-op, 209 Main St., Gays Mills; 608-735-4544.

Where to stay: The Konkapot Lodge (W12635 County Road A, Bowler; 715-787-4747, konkapot.com) is a hand-hewn lodge built by the Vele family in honor of their Mohican ancestors. Stay there and you are within steps of hiking trails (bundle up), where catwalks and bridges span area wetlands; rates range from $80 to $135. The Roth House Bed and Breakfast (102 Pine St., Soldiers Grove; 608-624-3884, therothhouse.com) is a gracious old Victorian near more than half a dozen galleries and art studios; rates range from $109 to $199.

Where to eat: Jones’ Black Angus (37640 US Highway 18, Prairie du Chien; 608-326-2222) is about 30 miles from Kickapoo Valley; locals say the drive is worth it. Halver’s Town Tap (315 Main St., Gays Mills; 608-735-4425) is a corner bar where the locals hang out for a brew and a burger.