Local Communities
Sparta
Known as the “Bicycling Capital of America”, the home of the world’s largest bicycle and the Monroe County seat. Located in a scenic valley, Sparta hosts the northern end of the Elroy-Sparta Recreation Trail and the eastern end of the La Crosse River State Bike Trail.
More than 60,000 people annually ride the Elroy-Sparta Trail, which offers a 32-mile ride through spectacular foliage and topography. Another 21.5 miles of biking pleasure is available on the La Crosse River Trail, which is linked to Sparta. The trail parallels an active rail line, as well as the river. Some of the bigger highlights each year is the annual Sparta Butterfest and weekly free Concerts in The Park in Evans-Bosshard Park.
Sparta features a historic 4 corners featuring the County Courthouse, the Deke Slayton Space & Bicycle Museum, the Library and Post Office, all listed on the Historic Register.
Tomah
Tomah is truly Wisconsin’s “Cranberry Country”…and the crossroads for West-Central Wisconsin. Our location, where the state’s interstate system (I-90/94) divides, makes us the perfect destination. Whether it’s a family vacation, reunion, business meeting or if you just need to getaway, Tomah’s your place.
There’s something for every season; biking, hiking, fishing, boating, camping, golfing, snowmobiling, skiing or shopping for unique Amish & cranberry items. We offer over 600 motel rooms, 6 area campgrounds, a variety of restaurants, 10 community parks (2 of which are located on Lake Tomah), self-guided driving tours through our Amish & Cranberry Country, birding & wildlife observation at the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, watching the Fall cranberry harvest season and much more!
The biggest event of the year is the NTPA Wisconsin Dairyland Grand National Truck & Tractor Pull on late June. Rated as the #1 Pull in the nation multiple times, this event draws fans from around the world. Recreation Park in Tomah is also the home of the annual Monroe County Fair.
Cashton
Cashton sits atop some of the most scenic hills in southwestern Wisconsin. It’s home to the largest Amish community in Wisconsin.
Cashton marked the spot of an old Native American trail that led westward to the Mississippi River, serving as a trading post and rest stop for stagecoaches heading north to Sparta and other cities. Highways 27 and 33 provide easy access to the Cashton area.
Enjoy the peace and quiet of small town America as you travel in Cashton. Front Street takes you on a ride through historic downtown Cashton. Great restaurants offer down-home cooking for a hearty breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Highway 33 East offers a great tour of Amish country — horse-drawn plows, corn-shock stacking, and lots of wildlife as you meander through the valley. The Amish post small signs advertising their ware — Rugs, bakery goods, furniture, wooden toys, and maple syrup. They are not open for business on Sundays. Watch for slow moving horse-drawn buggies as you travel these roads.
Norwalk
Gateway to the tunnels - is only three miles southeast of the longest tunnel on the Elroy-Sparta Trail and in the midst of 100 miles of snowmobile trails. The trail can be used not only for biking but also for walking, running, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
The Village Park has a great free tent campsite with showers, restrooms, and shelters. An RV camping spot is in the works. You can enjoy good home-cooked meals at the local restaurants and bars. Many other businesses can provide your local needs.
The second weekend of August features a NTPA tractor pull. The 1st Sunday in November Norwalk hosts the Rails to Trails Marathon, www.railstotrailsnorwalk.com, a Boston qualifying run featuring a 3/4 mile tunnel!!
Kendall
Kendall is home of the Elroy–Sparta State Bike Trail Headquarters…the nation’s first rails-to-trails conversion. You can receive trail information at 608.463.7109 or here.
The Village of Kendall Campground, located on a bluff, high above Glenwood Park, offers a beautiful view of the Baraboo River Valley. There are six primitive sites with a fire pit and picnic table. It features a bathhouse with showers and restrooms, volleyball courts, a baseball diamond, basketball court and a playground. Enjoy fishing in the nearby Baraboo River.
Labor Day weekend starts out with the Corn Bust on Friday evening at Glenwood Park; followed by a pancake breakfast at the park on Saturday morning. Sunday events include a parade and tractor pull. In November the Senior Citizens Club hosts their annual craft show at the Community Hall.
Wilton
Wilton is a small picturesque village and farming community located at the headwaters of the Kickapoo River. It is nestled in the valley between tunnels one and two on Highways 71 and 131, 15 miles south of Tomah.
Wilton offers you an easy day’s ride to either end of the bike trail, as well as a base to other points of interest. Welcoming you with a public campground, swimming pool, hot showers and plenty of room to “play”, the Wilton Village Campground provides camping, picnic shelters, handicapped facilities, a swimming pool, and bathhouse with laundry.
A fun community event each year is the annual Wilton Wood Turtle Days at the end of July. Lots of fun for the entire family over a 3 day event.
Warrens
The Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin and host to the Warrens Cranberry Festival, which brings more than 100,000 people to the town. Over 1,200 booths, a huge parade on Sunday, and lots of great food make this a must see.
Warrens celebrates Cranberry Blossom Day the last Saturday of June. Tour the Wetherby Marsh from 9a.m. to noon. The Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center and area businesses feature special sampling of cranberry products.
Warrens is the place to go to play in the water. Outdoors with Jellystone Park or indoors at Three Bears Lodge, there is plenty to do for the whole family!
Paved county roads offer scenic bicycling rides and auto tours.
Melvina
This little Village gets "jumpin" the first weekend in August each year with the annual Frog Days celebration. There is a softball tournament, food, refreshments and of course, frog races!
Leon
Take a mistake in a national newspaper and create a festival! When an article in the USA Today mistakenly listed this little community as having an alligator issue, you just knew that would create a buzz and sooner than later creating a new festival. Don't miss Gatorfest at the end of August each year in the little town of Leon.
Oakdale
Home of tall bluffs and the gateway to Wisconsin's driftless area. Enjoy spectacular views of picturesque rock formations. Mill Bluff State Park features 21 campsites, picnic areas, a shelter and a swimming pond with changing stalls.
Wyeville
Some of a rich railroad history. It was aptly named with the crossing of the Chicago and Northwestern Transportation Company lines and a connecting "wye" in nearly every direction. The Holiday Lodge Golf Resort & RV is just a short jaunt off Highway 21 in Wyeville. The village also borders the Meadow Valley Wildlife Area, a 58,000 acre property that lies within the bed of the old Glacial Lake Wisconsin.
Cataract
Home of the Wegner Grotto & Sportsmen's Club Field Day. The unincorporated community of Cataract lies halfway between Sparta and Black River Falls. It is home to the Wegner Grotto, Little Falls Railroad & Doll Museum and the annual Cataract Sportsmen's Club Field Day.
