Art & Culture Norwegian immigrates found Westby and Coon Valley to be the most similar to the landscape of Norway. With a population of 99% Norwegian, many traditions came to be and still maintained today. This community has keep traditions of rosemaling, carving, weaving, music, culinary and even ski jumping alive. With the help of our Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center and the Skumsrud Farm the communities has preserved 2 pioneer homesteads and artifacts in their museums to keep our traditions strong for future generations. This are also hold many special events to celebrate the Norwegian heritage. Bohemian immigrants from what is now the Czech Republic originally settled in the eastern side of Vernon County in Hillsboro. Thousands of visitors come to the Firemen's Park to enjoy traditional food and music, arts and crafts and other festivities. Hillsboro is also known as the largest rural African American settlement in Wisconsin. Craftsmen from this community built most of Vernon County's historic round barns. The Hillsboro are is home to at lease eight round barns, some are still in service today! A state historical marker tells the story of "Cheyenne Valley" along with the brochure showing the locations and history of each of the round barns. The are also books for sale in many communities and the Vernon County Historical Museum. Vernon County full of creative people and musically talent people too! If you come to our festivals you will find,Czech, Norwegian, German, Jazz, Cowboy Classics, Community Big Bands and even a Blue Grass Festival!. This area is also blessed to have such great local talents in the area from young kids to our most famous star! So whether your preference is for rustic folk art, hand-sewn quilts, fine furniture, stunning jewelry, unique weavings or distinctive pottery – there’s a future family heirloom waiting to be discovered in Vernon County!