Life O'Riley Farm & Guesthouses

Life O' Riley Farm is located in the Driftless Region of Southwest Wisconsin on 160 acres approximately 6 miles south of Boscobel.

A dairy farm into the 70's, it is now cropped for corn, oats and hay. We work seasonally, following the rythyms of nature, to produce much of our own food, including vegetables, fruits, honey, eggs, broiler chickens, pigs and beef.  Beginning with maple syrup in early spring, we continue through to cidering and home butchering in the fall.  Winter finds us making soap, rendering and making sausage, among other things. 

We enjoy working and learning how to provide as many of our needs as possible in a sustainable fashion, which led us to add solar panels for energy and a summer kitchen for outdoor projects and gatherings.

Along the way we made improvements on an old schoolhouse and rebuilt a granary for guests.  Visitors are welcome to wander around the farm, which includes an overlook with fire-pit and great views, a path to an old quarry for fossil hunting, or to pick produce in season for meals from our gardens (for a small fee.)  Depending on when you come, we may be engaged in butchering, canning, harvesting, or most likely, weeding.

Since our arrival over 20 years ago the neighborhood has become part of a large and growing Amish community.  Just 2 miles down the road is a wholesale produce auction barn.  Sale days start in late March and peak in July and August (3 days/week) tapering off in October.  There is an area for purchasing smaller quantities, but for those looking for large lots for preserving, this is a very good place to find locally grown, freshly picked, in-season vegetables.

Many guests also enjoy exploring the surrounding natural areas, parks and small towns.  We can help you find antique/junk shops, galleries, award winning cheese, or direct you to several wineries nearby.  Boscobel has canoe rentals for the Wisconsin and Kickapoo rivers and there are 2 caves with tours for hot summer days, as well as a community pool and movie theatre.  Dinners can be as fancy as the Silent Woman in Fennimore, the Boscobel Hotel (birthplace of the Gideon Bible,) or as down home as our local cafes and a nearby brewpub. 

Of course, there is also the option of doing your own cooking, grills are available, or just relaxing, doing not much of anything.  We have have high speed internet available, but each of our buildings also contain an ecelectic collection of books, games and other amusements.

The schoolhouse is great for families, groups of friends or sportspeople.  The granary, smaller and more private, is perfect for someone seeking a quiet retreat/getaway, for couples, or families with very young children.

Breakfast consists of items we leave in your kitchen, including: eggs, bread/s, granola, pancake mix, milk, cream, butter, jelly, coffee, tea.  Guests prepare their own breakfasts at their leisure.

We have hosted small family reunions, book clubs, artists, writers, people looking to relocate to a rural setting, those interested in gardening and food production, as well as those coming to the area for work or pleasure.  We are also open to long term rental of the granary.  Please inquire if interested. 

 Whatever the reason, we are delighted to be able to share this beautiful corner of the state with our guests.  Email us at mjmurphy@wildblue.net if you have more questions about a stay at the farm.

Jean and Mike

• House on the Rock (45 min.)
• Wyalusing State Park (40 min.)
• Effigy Mounds Park (45 min.)
• Villa Louis Historical Home
• Kickapoo and Eagle Caves
• Fennimore Doll & Toy Museum
• Class A trout streams (10 min.)

"This is a great place to relax and be at peace." J. Ryan