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BICYCLE TRAILS: The Elroy-Sparta State Trail was the first rails-to-trails conversion in the U.S. Nearly thirty miles of the 32-mile trail are located in Monroe County. The trail which includes 3 massive rock tunnels and 33 trestles is as easy to ride as it is beautiful. No grade is over 3% and the trail is covered with limestone screening for a smooth riding surface. The La Crosse River State Bike Trail offers the bicycling enthusiast an additional 21.5 miles which parallels the La Crosse River and an active rail line to the north. Prairie, farmland, trout streams and forests are found along this trail. The bike trails are open from May 1 through October 31 each year. Bike passes are required for all bicyclists age 16 and over at a cost of $3 daily or $10 annually. More information about area bike trails
CANOEING: Try the Kickapoo River for breathtaking scenery. The Kickapoo is one of the few rivers in the nation that flows north, south, east and west. Canoe rentals are available in Ontario. The La Crosse River offers Monroe County visitors scenic and more challenging canoeing. The river remains at canoeable levels throughout the summer for approximately 60 miles from County Trunk BB bridge, northeast of Sparta off Hwy. 21, to its meeting with the Mississippi River at La Crosse. Canoe rentals are available in both Sparta and La Crosse. The Black River from Black River Falls to North Bend is another scenic canoeing adventure. Canoe rentals available in North Bend.
HORSEBACK RIDING: A unique feature of the 22 mile "400" Wisconsin State Bike Trail is a 7.5 mile horse trail between Wonewoc and La Valle. In the Wildcat Mountain State Park there are 12.5 miles of horse trails and a campground for campers with their own horses, although this park does not have horses for rent. On Hwy. 71 between Kendall and Wilton, there are organized horse trail rides open from April 1st through the fall.
GOLFING: There are many beautiful and challenging courses throughout the county for you to enjoy. The Sparta municipal golf course has the reputation of being one of the finest 18- hole golf courses in Wisconsin. Also give the Hiawatha golf course in Tomah a try.
CAMPING: There are a multitude of places to camp in Monroe County and Vernon County, with everything from primitive campsites to camps providing all the amenities. Beautiful camping is available along the bike trails. A campground guide is available from Monroe County Extension Office, P.O. Box 309, Sparta WI. 54656. Kamp Dakota and Granger's Campgrounds in Oakdale, Brush Creek Campground and Pleasant Valley Log Cabin and Campground in Ontario, Pine View Recreation Area at Fort McCoy, Leon Valley Campground in Sparta, and the public campground in Wilton show that quality camping may be found throughout the County. The State Park at Wildcat Mountain also has camping available.
HIKING: Hiking is a great way to see Monroe County. The bike trails are available for hikers at no charge. Bring your camera to take some great photos. Camping is available along the trails.
FISHING: The Monroe and Vernon County area offers some of Wisconsin's best trout fishing. The area is home to many spring fed streams that have both stocked and native populations of brown and brook trout. The Coulee Region is noted for its trophy trout streams. There are about seventy three trout streams to choose from, as well as six public trout ponds operated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. For the warm water fisherman, many area ponds and rivers offer bass, walleye and panfish. The Pine View Recreation Area at Fort McCoy also has fishing opportunities on ten lakes and 200 acres of water! For more information consult the Wisconsin fishing regulation pamphlets.
TURKEY HUNTING: Turkey Hunting is a popular recreational activity in Monroe County. Considered one of the premier big game animals, turkeys were introduced to Monroe County in 1976. Three hundred and fifty birds acquired from Missouri have blossomed into a harvestable population. There is a great deal of public hunting land; a permit is needed.
SWIMMING: You can swim the rivers and lakes and enjoy the beautiful beaches or you can use the recreational complexes located within our towns.
BOATING: Enjoy the many lakes, rivers and streams that offer excellent boating opportunities. Enjoy the beauty of the area or just relax in the quietness.
PARKS/FORESTS: Mill Bluff State Park, 21 sites, lake, hiking, Hwy. 12 East 12 miles from Tomah, (608) 427-6692. Wildcat Mountain State Park, 37 sites, nature trails, hiking trails, horse riding trails, cross-country skiing trails. (608) 337-4775. Black River State Forest, 101 sites,hiking, cross-country skiing, lake, fishing, snowmobile, canoe. Located off I-94, 15 miles from Tomah, (715) 284-1433. McMullen County Park, 34 sites, hiking, fishing, boat landing and dock, small game & deer hunting nearby. 2 1/2 miles northwest of Warrens on 24th Ave. (608) 378-4913. Admission stickers required at all state parks.
AREA MUSEUMS: Area museums highlight Monroe County's historic past. The Cranberry Expo Ltd. located in Warrens, is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the cranberry industry. Guided tours and hands-on exhibits make cranberries interesting to all ages and backgrounds. Call (608) 378-4878 for more information.; The Harris G. Allen Telecommunication Historical Museum in Tomah offers a firsthand look at the technology and equipment used to shape the telephone industry in Wisconsin. For more information, call (608) 374-5000.; The fascinating career of Donald "Deke" Slayton, an "Original 7" astronaut from the Sparta area, unfolds before your eyes at the Monroe County Local History Room/Museum - Deke Slayton Air and Space Bicycle Complex. The Museum contains unique displays, a library and a genealogy resource center. It is located in the Masonic Temple Building. Call (608) 269-8680 for more information.

Fall / Winter Activities

SNOWMOBILING: Monroe County has 170 miles of state funded snowmobile trails plus many club trails. For conditions or info. call (608) 372-9050 or (608) 269-3375. Get your free Monroe County Snowmobile Trail map from the Chambers of Commerce, most hotels or by calling (608) 373- 9050. Or write: Tom Popp, RR1, Box 115, Tomah, WI. Trails open Dec. 1st, conditions permitting, and are groomed twice weekly. Snowmobile on the Elroy-Sparta Recreation Trail & La Crosse River State Trail. The tunnels, closed in the winter, may be bypassed via county highways and snowmobile trails.
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: Cross country skiing is popular all across Monroe County. Black River Forest will challenge all skier's ability levels and has been rated one of the best ski areas in the midwest. Trail maps available at Tomah Chamber of Commerce or State Forest, Rt. 4 Box 18 Black River Falls, WI. 54617, or call (715) 284-1433, Cross country skiing is also available at Fort McCoy, Just-N-Trails Bed & Breakfast, and in Sparta.
DOWN HILL SKIING & TUBING: Whitetail Ridge Recreation Area at Fort McCoy is where skiers of all ages can enjoy the downhill slopes with a vertical drop of over 185 feet. There are four ski slopes, the largest run being 1300 feet. Whitetail Ridge also has a 800' long slope with it's own tow rope for tubing! Relax in front of the fire in the chalet and enjoy a delicious sandwich and beverage. To get there, take Hwy. 21 from Sparta or Tomah, enter Fort McCoy at Gate 5 and follow the signs.
ICE SKATING: Ice skating is available at most of the towns in Monroe County. You may want to try our frozen streams and lakes in the winter.
ICE FISHING: The many lakes and ponds offer excellent summer and winter panfishing. Tomah has a 225 acre lake well known for its "whoppers."
HUNTING: With over 40% of Monroe County forest-covered, hunting opportunities are plentiful, particularly for deer and wild turkeys. Take care not to stray onto private property. The DNR station at N. Superior Ave. in Tomah (608) 372-2811, can provide you with information.
FALL COLORS: Extensive forest and rolling hills offer breathtaking fall colors for auto touring throughout Monroe County. Tours are especially nice in the fall when you can enjoy the changing seasons.
BOWLING: During the winter months especially, bowling is a very popular sport. When the temperatures are well below zero and braving the outdoors doesn't seem a very sensible thing to do, get your exercise by going to one of the many bowling alleys in Monroe County. Even in the smaller communities, such as Cashton and Kendall, you will find a bowling alley. The Cashton Oasis also has dining and a lounge in addition to its bowling.

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