Clayton Township is located in Southwest Wisconsin and is part of the Driftless Area, an area was mostly untouched by the glacial advance some 10,000 years ago. The glaciers melt water created the Driftless Area that is known for its rugged topography creating scenic bluffs and valleys. It is bounded on the west by Utica Township and the villages of Bell Center, Gays Mills, and Soldiers Grove, on the north by Kickapoo Township in Vernon County, on the east by Akan Township in Richland County and to the south by the Township of Scott. The Scenic Kickapoo River runs along the western boundary of Clayton Township, with the famous Gays Mills orchards located primarily within Clayton’s borders.
Farm fields growing hay, corn and soybeans feed the dairy cows, goats, beef, hogs and chickens that are raised in the area. Clayton Township is home to the well-known Gays Mills apple orchards that bring people from around the upper Midwest to enjoy high quality fruit and the stunning scenery. Many generations have made the trek to “orchard ridge”, along State Highway 171 from US Highway 61 to State Highway 131, to enjoy a variety of family friendly activities in the spring to see the apple blossoms and in the fall for locally grown fruit and produce. Local farmers markets sell local meats, vegetables, honey, maple syrup, mushrooms, fruits, baked goods and more.
Native hardwoods dominated by oaks and maples cover the steep side hills, providing habitat to wild turkeys, raccoon, badgers, possums, foxes, coyotes, groundhogs, squirrels, whitetail deer and more. The fall bow and gun deer hunting seasons offer both locals and out-of-area hunters memorable experiences and venison for the freezer.
For more information, please view the Historical Information on Clayton Township