Attractions

Cheese County Trail: A 47-mile trail that starts in Monroe and goes to Mineral Point. It allows ATVs, horse riding, as well as bikers and hikers. The trail is not fully groomed, so some bikers could have trouble. For conditions, call 608/776-4830.

Green County Courthouse: 1610 16th Ave. Green County's first real courthouse was completed in 1844, but it proved too small. The second courthouse, located at the present site, burned in the late 1880s and was replaced in 1891 with the present-day one. The Romanesque-style courthouse, which had its 100th anniversary in 1991, was built for $52,390 by local masons. The cornerstone was laid on Aug. 14, 1891. In 1892, Monroe and Green County shared the $500 cost of a tower clock - the same clock that stands today. Aside from the removal of the clock turret in 1955 because of wind damage, the building has remained basically unchanged throughout its history. The tower was restored in 1985. It is listed on the National Register.

Green County Historical Museum: 1617 9th Street. The building, dating back to 1861, was formerly a Universalist Church. During the Civil War, the ground floor was used to store wheat and wool for the Union Army. To this day the building retains the beauties of the old church's interior, including the stained-glass windows, which date back to the 1890s. Housed within are a variety of artifacts dating to as early as 1860, including many tools and utensils used in the daily living of early settlers. There is also a special military section containing the memorabilia of Green County soldiers. Outside the museum is a fully furnished schoolhouse, dating back to the late 1800s. Open June through September weekends 2-5 p.m. It is listed on the National Register.

Historic Cheesemaking Center: The former Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad Depot, built in the mid 1880s and now known as the Monroe Depot, was moved to its present location in 1993 by Historic Monroe, Inc. It now houses a visitor information center, the Historic Cheesemaking Center, which showcases artifacts and information about the area's cheese industry, and the start of the 47-mile Cheese Country Recreation Trail. Bicycle rental information available.

Historic Walking Tour: Booklets available at the Chamber of Commerce and other sites. See an array of 19th century homes built by settlers in a variety of classical styles ranging from Greek Revival, French Empire, Octagon to Victorian Queen Anne. Many are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Huber Brewery: 1208 14th Ave. Established in 1845, the original building was destroyed by fire in 1875. It was rebuilt and produced beer until Prohibition. In 1933, beer production resumed and has continued to today.

The Idle Hour Mansion: 1421 Mansion Drive. Standing stately for more than a century, this 1857 17-room mansion is a fine example of 19th-century architecture. It was originally built on a 3,000-acre tract of land by Arabut Ludlow, a Vermont orphan who acquired his wealth through various business interests. Headquartered in Chicago but having dealings in Madison, his route took him through Monroe on a regular basis. In 1846, he chose Monroe in which to erect a building and open a general store. While raising five children, he acquired the land and built the family mansion. A National Register building open for tours, restaurant and bar.

Monroe Arts Center: 1215 11th St. A cultural site. Offers a variety of exhibits and performances. Hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Thursdays until 7 p.m.

The Swiss Colony, Inc.: 1112 7th Ave. The business offers cheese and other specialty food gifts in its mail order catalog. They also are available at its retail store in the Crossroads Center.

Turner Hall: 1217 17th Ave. The site honors and maintains the city's Swiss-American integrity. It is a social and historical landmark that dates to 1868.

Area Parks

New Glarus, WI

* Sugar River Trail, a 23-mile trail linking New Glarus and Brodhead, an abandoned Milwaukee Railroad line, is now a bike, hike, cross-country ski and snowmobile trail. For information, call 608/527-2334.

* New Glarus Woods State Park, combines acres of forest, prairie and farmland. The park includes camping, trails and a picnic area. For information, call 608/527-2335.