8 Best Things to Do in Monroe, WI

© chika_milan/stock.adobe.com

The Minhas Craft Brewery in Monroe, Wisconsin is the second oldest brewery in the United States and the oldest brewery in the Midwest. The brewery, which is one of the country’s top ten largest breweries, has survived two major fires, “brushes with the mob,” prohibition, and the Great Depression. Visitors can relax and do a beer tasting in the Lazy Mutt Lounge and take a tour of the Minhas Brewery. Guided tours share the brewing process, what exactly is an IPA, and much more and are available daily, with more than one tour time offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

1208 14th Ave, Monroe, WI 53566, Phone: 800-233-7205

© National Historic Cheesemaking Center

The National Historic Cheesemaking Center offers tourists and locals alike in the Monroe area a chance to learn more about the Dairyland of America, right in the heart of the country’s cheese country. The town is often called the “Cheese Capital of the United State” or the “Gateway to Cheese Country.” Visitors can take a tour of the National Historic Cheesemaking Center and Museum, watch a video presentation about the cheesemaking process, visit the Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory, and even sometimes watch Master Cheesemakers make a massive wheel of Swiss cheese, just like how cheese was made more than 100 years ago.

2108 6th Ave, Monroe, WI 53566, Phone: 608-325-4636

© Roth Cheese

Inspired by its Swiss heritage, Roth Cheese proudly calls the scenic rolling hills of the state of Wisconsin home. The cheese that has become famous in the region is handcrafted by a team of experienced and knowledgeable cheesemakers, as well as a supporting crew. Roth Cheese specializes in alpine-style, Swiss-inspired cheeses, Havarti, Gouda, and Dutch-style Gouda, as well as a handful of its own “American Originals.” Cheese lovers can visit the Roth Creamery in the cheese-filled town of Monroe to tour the factory, try several samples of delicious cheese, and buy some to take home with them.

657 2nd St, Monroe, WI 53566, Phone: 608-328-2122

© James Reininger/stock.adobe.com

The historic Green County Courthouse of Monroe, Wisconsin was built back in 1891 as the seat for the Green County government. In March of 1978, the courthouse was added to the country’s National Register of Historic Places and is now open to the general public for self-guided tours. Visitors can also choose to join a guided tour of the Romanesque architectural style building with advance reservations. People of all ages can also take an opportunity to put on a judge’s robe and take a picture sitting at the bench, gavel in hand. The History Room offers a look at the past.

1016 16th Ave, Monroe, WI 53566, Phone: 608-328-1838

© Badger State Trail

The Badger State Trail extends approximately forty miles from the Illinois-Wisconsin border to the city of Madison, traversing many small communities, glacial topography, ravines, remnant prairies, scenic meadows, rolling hills, woods, and pastoral farmlands. One of the highlights of the lengthy trail traveling over the state of Wisconsin the Stewart Tunnel, which measures 1,200 feet in length. This unique tunnel was constructed on a curve, which prohibits people from being able to see where it ends from the entrance. Jackets and flashlights are recommended in the Stewart Tunnel. Water also occasionally trickles in from the springs above.

Monroe, WI

© Bullet’s Restaurant

Bullet’s Restaurant has a long history in the Midwestern city of Monroe, Wisconsin. Whether someone is a tourist or a local, or in the mood for a steak, delicious pizza, or just a cold drink, the Green County House offers a bit of something for almost everyone. Built back in 1864, the Green County House has undergone several additions and changes. Jim “Bullet” Doyle, along with his wife Kay, operated the place as a bar in 1979, featuring bands during weekends. A couple years later, food began to be served at the bar, followed by a sit-down restaurant two years after that.

1301 15th Ave, Monroe, WI 53566, Phone: 608-325-7777

© Minhas Kitchen

The Minhas Kitchen is housed within a historic building dating back more than 150 years in the cheesemaking town of Monroe. The Minhas family desired to create a place that would offer the best ambiance and experience for people traveling from miles away, treating themselves to a special daycation. Ravinder Minhas, the owner of Minhas Kitchen, opened the restaurant to serve world-class cuisine paired with excellent award-winning wines, liqueurs, and spirits. The unique Monroe dining establishment also has a selection of its own amazing cocktails and flights. Tastings are also available in the adjacent Minhas Wine Garden.

1404 13th St, Monroe, WI 53566, Phone: 608-328-5555

© Red Apple Inn Family Restaurant

The Red Apple Inn Family Restaurant offers home-style cooked, made-from-scratch dishes served by attentive and friendly staff. Founded in 1982, the family-owned and operated restaurant carries on an excellent reputation for service and hometown comfort. The Red Apple Inn boasts meals of generous portions and some of the most affordable options for delicious comfort food in Monroe and the surrounding area. The menu here includes a variety of comfort foods, home-cooked American classics, light and healthy dishes, an extensive salad bar, homemade soups, daily specials, and a handful of options influenced from other parts of the world.

1019 8th St, Monroe, WI 53566, Phone: 608-325-6130