Discover Small-Town Charm in Monroe County, Wisconsin

Featured Photo Location: Ginny’s Cupboard, Sparta, WI

Discover Small-Town Charm in Monroe County, Wisconsin

Tomah: Where the I Divides

Tomah sits at the crossroads of Interstates 90 and 94, but its downtown feels worlds away from the hustle of the highway. Stroll along Superior Avenue and you’ll find family-owned restaurants, antique shops, and local boutiques tucked into charming brick buildings.

• Jac’s Steakhouse offers hearty comfort food in a warm, inviting atmosphere and a fantastic lineup of live music.
• Tomah Cash Store provides three stories of clothing, unique gifts, home decor, and more.
• Tomah Area Community Theatre draws visitors with fun, live performances.
  Seasonal events like the Downtown Thursday Nights bring the community together for live music, food, and drinks.

Stay: The Cranberry Country Lodge offers family-friendly lodging with a pool and waterpark, while the Hampton Inn Tomah is a comfortable option close to downtown.

Sparta: Bicycling Capital of America

Sparta’s downtown reflects its title as the “Bicycling Capital of America.” Murals, public art, and cycling-themed touches give Main Street a playful spirit.

• The Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum blends biking history with space exploration.
• Grab coffee and a pastry at Ginny’s Cupboard, a beloved local café with a retro soda-fountain vibe.
• Dinner favorites include Matsumoto Ramen House and Blue Collar Bar & Grill.
• Don’t miss the iconic Ben Bikin’ Statue at the city’s edge—a landmark photo stop.

Stay: The Best Western Plus Sparta Trail Lodge provides easy trail access, and Justin Trails Resorts takes you outside of the city into the rolling hills of the Driftless.

Cashton: Heart of Amish Country

Cashton is a gateway to Wisconsin’s largest Amish community. Quaint storefronts and small businesses offer locally made goods, organic offerings, and gifts.

• Not far from downtown is Pasture Pride Cheese, and a little out of town, you will find Old Country Cheese. A must-visit for a wide variety of Wisconsin cheeses, many made from local Amish dairies whose milk is still delivered to the dairy in chilled milk cans.
• Dining favorites include Peck’s Corner and Badger Crossing Pub & Eatery.
• Each September, Cashton Fall Fest fills the streets with music, a parade, and even an old-fashioned tractor ride.

Stay: For a unique experience, the Cashton area Airbnb’s offer cozy cabins and country stays just outside of town.

Norwalk: Trail Town with a Big Heart

Tucked along the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, Norwalk may be small, but it’s full of character. Known as the “Gateway to the Tunnels,” this trail town is a friendly stop for trail-goers.

• Refuel at Bailey’s Diner before exploring the trail.
• Situated between tunnels 2 and 3 on the bike trail, Norwalk is a great spot for an easy bike ride to explore them. Tunnel 3 is ¾ miles long!
• The annual Norwalk Truck and Tractor Pull brings the community together for good food and good company.

Stay: Many cyclists opt for trail-friendly campgrounds nearby, such as Norwalk Campground.

Experience Monroe County’s Downtowns

Each of Monroe County’s downtowns has its own personality, yet they share a common thread: warm welcomes, community pride, and a slower pace that lets you truly enjoy the moment.

Whether you’re pedaling into Sparta, shopping in Cashton, exploring Tomah’s main street, or pausing in Norwalk, you’ll find that Monroe County’s small-town charm is something worth experiencing again and again.