Badger State Trail: Monticello to Monroe
The Badger State Trail from Monticello to Monroe takes bicyclists 10.3 miles through the rolling countryside of Green County. While the route ascends in elevation, the scenery offsets the climb. Monroe offers trail-goers plenty of dining and tourist attractions.
In Monticello, the trailhead is by the village’s old red railroad depot. A parking lot, restrooms, and information kiosk are found there. The trailhead serves bicyclists on the Badger State Trail and the Sugar River State Trail. It is off County Highway EE, east of Monticello.
By car, the trailhead is accessed from Wisconsin State Highway 69 by turning east on County Highway F (Lake Avenue) and driving through Monticello. After a series of curves in the road, continue east on County Highway EE and the rest area will appear on the left.
Monticello’s small historic downtown includes several diners and taverns. For trail-goers looking to indulge in a snack, the M & M café offers ice cream treats. A few blocks away, next to Montesian Lake, is a beautiful community park. The park and its historical marker are worth a stop. Cyclists will learn about the area’s cheese-making industry, especially the pungent and unique Limburger cheese perfected by Swiss immigrants.
The Badger State Trail is accessed from the trailhead by traveling south a short distance on the Sugar River State Trail until it crosses County Highway EE. At that point, bike west on the road for 350 feet until meeting the Badger State Trail, then continue south on the trail. Otherwise, remain on the Sugar River State Trail for another 0.2 mile until the two trails intersect. Trail signs at this junction provide directions and mileage to communities along both trails. The Badger State Trail heads straight south toward the city of Monroe.
From the trailhead, the path heads south. Over the first mile, it crosses the West Branch of Little Sugar River and Burgy Creek. It also bridges Allison Road and Round Grove Road. Most of the Badger State Trail descends in elevation. However, the grade rises nearly 300 feet over ten miles in this section. The gradient is not very noticeable.
The Badger State Trail makes its way through the rolling agricultural countryside of southern Wisconsin. In late summer, it is common to view from the trail vast fields of corn, hay, or soybeans. Occasionally, the trail cuts through hills and ridges, revealing 20-foot tall limestone outcroppings. Other times, it traverses sunny meadows. But most of the route is shaded by a corridor of bushes and trees. Oak, maple, ash, and plenty of invasive buckthorn trees grow in this strip of forest surrounding the trail.
It is 10.3 miles to Monroe from Monticello. Before reaching Monroe, the trail crosses busy Wisconsin State Highway 11. Extreme caution should be used when traversing this four-lane highway. Fortunately, traffic is clearly visible for a long distance.
The trailhead in Monroe is located at 14th Avenue. To access the parking lot, turn east off 14th Avenue by Veracruz Mexican Market. Parking for the Badger State Trail is located behind The Bike Haus. This bike shop sells bicycles and provides repairs. Drive past the market and the bike shop to find the parking lot. On the north side of the trail are flush toilets, a sheltered picnic area, and a self-registration station.
The trailhead in Monroe is easily accessed by car. Take the exit for 18th Avenue from Wisconsin State Highway 11 and drive south for 0.3 mile. Turn right (west) onto Mansion Drive, and drive 0.2 mile. Then, turn left (south) onto 14th Avenue, and go 0.3 mile to the trail intersection. There, turn to the left (east) by Vera Cruz Mexican Market. Drive past the market and The Bike Haus to the trailhead parking lot.
Monroe’s cheese stores and restaurants prove its moniker as “the Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA.” Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern is on the city square across. It offers an enjoyable Swiss-Wisconsin dining experience. Their menu includes local beer, tasty cheese soup, and sandwiches. Cheese connoisseurs may be tempted to try the pungent Limburger cheese sandwich. Baumgartner’s also sells regional cheeses from their deli counter.
Turner Hall, just off the city square, is the oldest active Turner Hall of Swiss origin in the nation. It houses the old-world Ratskeller restaurant, featuring traditional Swiss and Wisconsin fare. On Sunday afternoons, Turner Hall hosts dances on their large dance floor.
Swiss Colony outlet store is a local gem in Monroe. It sells discounted cheese, desserts, and other food items. The delectable goods are all produced by this long-established company headquartered in Monroe. Alp & Dell Cheese Store is yet another option for great cheese. It offers a variety of award-winning cheeses, including the highly recommended butterkäse.
Minhas Craft Brewery and Distillery is a featured Monroe attraction. It features microbrews and spirits for sample and sale. Visitors may tour the facility also.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
After ending a ride in Monroe, bicyclists may choose to relax at the expansive Twining Park. The entrance to this city park is located next to the trailhead on 14th Avenue. The park includes a variety of picnic spots and recreational opportunities.
While it is a gentle, uphill climb for 10.3 miles from Monticell to Monroe, this section of the Badger State Trail still offers a pleasurable and picturesque excursion. Hills, dales, marshes, and rocky outcropings are visible along this part of the part. Beyond the experience of the Badger State Trail, the city of Monroe also has a lot to offer trail-goers.
Trail last ridden and documented in August, 2020.