Settled in 1845 by Swiss immigrants, New Glarus is a picturesque community; a thriving showcase of Swiss heritage, architecture and cuisine. New Glarus residents observe Swiss traditions throughout the year; expect to hear plenty of yodeling and alphorns in a village famous as “America’s Little Switzerland.” Just south of town, New Glarus Woods State Park offers 32 family campsites as well as a paved connector to the 22-mile Sugar River State Trail.
Monroe, by comparison, is all about cheese. The art and business of making cheese has kept Green County thriving for more than 100 years. Local cheese factories welcome visitors with samples and retail sales. You can pair your favorite cheeses with a local brew; Monroe’s Minhas Craft Brewery, founded in 1845, is the oldest continually operated brewery in the Midwest producing the smooth lagers, ales and bock beers of the Berghoff label.
Monroe is also a trailhead for the 47-mile Cheese Country Trail, popular with ATVers and motorcyclists. Bicyclists prefer the Badger State Trail, a 33-mile railbed conversion highlighted by the 120-year-old Stewart Tunnel between Monticello and Belleville.
For more information about New Glarus, call 800/527-6838 or visit swisstown.com. For Monroe, call 608/325-7648 or visit monroechamber.org. For Green County, call 888/222-9111 or visit greencounty.org.
