Monroe WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Monroe, Wisconsin.
1. National Historic Cheesemaking Center
CHEESE HERITAGE MUSEUM
The National Historic Cheesemaking Center showcases Monroe's rich dairy heritage and the art of traditional cheesemaking. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history of Wisconsin's cheese industry and see authentic cheesemaking equipment. This educational museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the process that made Monroe the 'Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA.'
2. Minhas Craft Brewery
HISTORIC BEER EXPERIENCE
Minhas Craft Brewery stands as one of the oldest breweries in the country, offering daily tours and tastings for beer enthusiasts. Visitors can learn about the transformation of malt and hops into beer while exploring this historic facility. The brewery represents an important part of Monroe's cultural heritage and provides a refreshing experience for those interested in craft brewing.
3. Minhas Micro Distillery
ARTISANAL SPIRIT TASTING
Minhas Micro Distillery offers visitors a chance to explore the art of small-batch spirit production in Monroe. The distillery provides tours where guests can learn about the distillation process and sample handcrafted spirits. This attraction complements the brewery experience, creating a complete picture of Monroe's beverage crafting traditions.
4. Green County Courthouse
HISTORIC SQUARE CENTERPIECE
The Green County Courthouse, completed in 1891, stands as the impressive centerpiece of Monroe's Historic Square. Visitors can don a robe and sit in the judge's chamber for a unique photo opportunity while exploring this architectural landmark. The courthouse is surrounded by charming shops that make up Monroe's vibrant downtown area.
5. Cheese Country Recreational Trail
MULTI-USE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
The Cheese Country Recreational Trail offers 47 miles of outdoor adventure, popular with ATVers and motorcyclists exploring the rolling countryside around Monroe. This trail serves as the only ATV trail in southern Wisconsin, providing a scenic route through the region's dairy farmlands. Convenient ATV routes within Monroe allow riders to access gas, food, and lodging during their journey.
6. Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern
ICONIC CHEESE EXPERIENCE
Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern serves as a beloved Monroe institution where visitors can sample authentic local cheeses and Swiss-inspired cuisine. The establishment combines a specialty cheese shop with a traditional tavern atmosphere, creating a quintessential Wisconsin dining experience. Guests can enjoy classic cheese sandwiches, local beers, and purchase a variety of regional cheese specialties to take home.
7. Swiss Colony Outlet
FAMOUS FOOD GIFTS
The Swiss Colony Outlet offers visitors a chance to explore and purchase specialty foods and gift assortments from this nationally-known Monroe-based company. Shoppers can find cheese, chocolates, pastries, and other gourmet treats at discounted prices. This attraction connects tourists to Monroe's Swiss heritage and reputation for quality food products.
8. Monroe Historic Downtown Square
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Monroe's Historic Downtown Square invites visitors to stroll among charming shops, cafes, and historic buildings surrounding the courthouse. The pedestrian-friendly district showcases the city's Swiss heritage through its architecture and specialty stores. Tourists can shop for unique items, enjoy restaurant offerings, and experience the authentic small-town character of this Wisconsin community.
9. New Glarus Brewery
FAMOUS WISCONSIN BEER
New Glarus Brewery, located near Monroe, is the renowned home of the famous Spotted Cow beer and other craft brews only available in Wisconsin. The brewery offers daily tours and tastings where visitors can learn about their brewing process and sample their exclusive beers. This popular attraction draws beer enthusiasts from across the country who want to try these sought-after Wisconsin-only brews.
10. Elroy-Sparta Trail
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL
The Elroy-Sparta Trail offers cyclists and hikers a scenic journey along America's first rail-to-trail conversion, featuring three historic tunnels. Located in the broader Monroe County region, this 32-mile trail passes through beautiful countryside and charming small towns. Visitors can experience the impressive 3/4-mile-long tunnel passages that serve as the trail's most distinctive feature.
11. Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bicycle Museum
ASTRONAUT HERITAGE SITE
The Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bicycle Museum honors Sparta native and pioneering astronaut Donald 'Deke' Slayton with fascinating space exploration exhibits. The museum uniquely combines space history with bicycle heritage, highlighting the region's connection to both aerospace innovation and cycling culture. Visitors can view authentic space artifacts alongside historic bicycles in this distinctive Monroe County attraction.
12. FAST Fiberglass
ROADSIDE STATUE ATTRACTION
FAST Fiberglass displays enormous fiberglass statues that have become an unusual roadside attraction in Monroe County. Visitors can see giant muffler men, dinosaurs, and other oversized figures that were once fixtures at businesses across America. This quirky stop offers excellent photo opportunities and a glimpse into the world of classic American roadside advertising.
13. Fort McCoy
HISTORIC MILITARY INSTALLATION
Fort McCoy serves as a major U.S. Army training center with a museum showcasing military history dating back to 1909. The installation's Commemorative Area features historic buildings, equipment displays, and exhibits detailing the fort's contribution to American military readiness. Visitors can learn about the region's military heritage through guided tours of this significant Monroe County landmark.
14. Wegner Grotto County Park
FOLK ART WONDERLAND
Wegner Grotto County Park showcases an extraordinary folk art environment created by Paul and Matilda Wegner using concrete embedded with thousands of glass pieces. The German immigrants spent their retirement years constructing this colorful collection of sculptures, including a replica of their wedding cake, a glass church, and other imaginative structures. This unique Monroe County attraction represents an impressive example of outsider art and personal creativity.
15. World's Largest Bicyclist
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The World's Largest Bicyclist stands as a distinctive roadside attraction in Sparta, which proudly calls itself the 'Bicycling Capital of America.' This enormous fiberglass statue depicting a person riding an old-fashioned high-wheel bicycle has become an iconic photo opportunity for visitors. Located in Monroe County, the quirky landmark celebrates the region's deep connection to cycling culture and its extensive trail systems.