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Family activities, hiking trails and biking the Elroy-Sparta Trail in Monroe County, Wisconsin

Monroe County
Offering Some of the Finest Recreational Opportunities in the Nation!

From the rolling valleys and hillsides to the lush forests, sparkling rivers and streams, and red cranberry bogs, the scenery is beautiful and varied throughout Monroe County. In addition to the beautiful countryside, the county is also well-known for its great bike trails and cranberry production! Located in the west central part of Wisconsin between the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, Monroe County offers great outdoor recreational adventure and provides a wonderful life for its residents in Tomah, Sparta, Warrens, Wyeville, Cashton, Norwalk, Wilton and other communities.

Recreational Activities

Monroe County offers residents and visitors a broad range of recreational opportunities. Known as one of the finest biking areas in the state, Monroe County offers over 50 miles of easy-riding railroad grade bicycle trails through spectacular scenic valleys and along the beautiful La Crosse River. The Elroy-Sparta Trail is a 32-mile rail-to trail conversion and offers an easy ride. Covered with limestone screening for smooth riding, bicyclists of all ages can enjoy the scenic trail through spectacular foliage, over 33 trestles and through three massive rock tunnels. The Elroy-Sparta Trail links with the 400-Trail and the La Crosse River State Trail offering miles and miles of scenic travel through prairies, farmlands, forests and quaint communities. In winter, Monroe County's bike trails become part of a network of trails linking with trails in surrounding counties to provide hundreds of miles of snowmobiling enjoyment. The county also offers countless miles of cross country ski trails and ski hills for downhill skiing. Horseback riding and golfing are also popular activities in the area.

Hundreds of miles of rivers and streams, including the Kickapoo River, one of the crookedest and most picturesque in the nation, provide every kind of water activity. There's swimming, boating, canoeing, and some of the best fishing for bass, perch, blue gills, sunfish, trout and crappies around! The county's varied landscape provide habitat for an abundant variety of game and wildlife including whitetail deer, wild turkeys, upland birds, waterfowl, beavers, otters, fox, hawks, eagles, owls, herons, and cranes. Mill Bluff and Wild Cat State Parks offer great hiking, camping, hunting and other outdoor adventure.

Scenic driving tours of Monroe County offer visitors a chance to explore the cranberry country, "Oil City", the tranquil old-world Amish country, fall colors and more on one of three Monroe County driving adventures.

Shopping, Dining & Lodging

Shopping in Monroe County is pure fun! The area features numerous antique, gift and specialty shops, including a 60-dealer antique mall and area flea markets, as well as Amish crafts. There's great cuisine, including ethnic, gourmet, fast food, and traditional. And there's lodging to accommodate everyone's needs from 15 campgrounds to motels, Victorian bed and breakfast inns, and cottages.

Area Attractions