Location: Monroe
Top Things to do in Monroe
The 10 Best Things to Do in Monroe, United States
Monroe, known as "the Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA", is a city in and the county seat of Green County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 10,827 at the 2010 census. The city is bordered by the Town of Monroe to the north and the Town of Clarno to the south.
Restaurants in Monroe
1. Minhas Craft Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Reviewed By David C
We took the tour which was informative. Not only do they explain the process, but we heard about local history as well. The beer was good as were the sodas. We ate at their new restaurant across the street. The food was delicious and the menu had many interesting options like mac and cheese with duck confit and blackened pheasant.
2. Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By bafcaf - Fulton, IL
We had not been to Baumgartner's in probably 25 years and decided to have some lunch and cold drinks (Spotted Cow) while in town. As soon as I walked in I recognized the place from many years before and the food, service and atmosphere were still the same, fantastic. I think I will be back before 25 years are up again.
3. Minhas Micro Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By Bryant K - Evansville, Wisconsin
We usually stop by once or twice a year for the tastings. The distillery tastings include three cocktail type drink tastings with take home glasses and a bottle of pre-mixed cocktail liquor. The tastings are your choice from a substantial list of miniature cocktails. (the bloody mary's used to be very good but they kinda cheapened them up a bit) If you want just a taste of the different liquors they will provide you a sample of anything without having to use your drink coupons. Be aware that the absinthe is just a liquorice flavored drink and not true absinthe (which is now legal in the US). This is still a good deal and I recommend purchasing your pass thru Groupon (which always seems to be available). The winery tasting has moved twice and is now in the room as the distillery. I'm not sure I like this set up since it can get can very crowded certain times of the day because the distillery & winery are combined and people often stop by after the brewery tour. Anyway the winery deal is good and includes a tasting of six wines plus the take home wine glass. Previously you would receive a cheese tray as well but not anymore. Also recommend you purchase in advance thru Groupon. So get a pass for both the distillery and winery and do one after the other at the same place. You can purchase some good booze or wine right here so take some home. The gift shop is nice and stop across the road at the brewery for a huge gift shop, bar and take home beer. Recommended place to visit in Green County Wisconsin.
4. The Alp and Dell Cheese Store
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By pmoeser - Chesterfield, Missouri
As I am originally from Switzerland and Germany, I seek out authentic cheese from Switzerland rather than the "Swiss cheese" that you find in every supermarket in the US. This store fits the bill. I stocked up on Gruyère and raclette from Switzerland as well as some excellent cheeses made locally in Wisconsin.
5. Roth Kase Cheese Factory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By IllinoisKate1 - Chicago, Illinois
Tours are 1000AM Monday thru Friday. 1100AM on Saturday. We highly recommend the tour to learn about the high standards and pride taken to make Roth Cheese. Tony was informative about the history of cheese making and how to obtain the highest quality of cheese. He explains the chemistry involved to the few ingredients. Milk is from local grassfed cows without hormones. In the store, you will find ample amount of samples of cheese from Roth and other companies. On Saturdays, there are samples of wine.
6. National Historic Cheesemaking Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
The only National Historic Cheesemaking Center Museum in the United States. Take a step back in time as you enter the century old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory that was lost in history for almost 100 years. Veteran cheesemakers and knowledgeable guides lead daily tours, offering colorful stories about cheesemaking, cheesemakers and the rich cheese factory history from the old world to the new world, and the rich heritage that still exists in today's industry. The past comes alive as a testimonial to "An era that was, that will never be again." John Bussman - 1994
Reviewed By Sebbyboy - Flower Mound, Texas
Great place to learn the history and process of cheese making in Wisconsin. Small but includes many artifacts, photographs and an authentic, relocated cheese barn. Starts with a good video. A tour guide will accompany you in very small groups.
Out guide was Ernie, a Swiss born cheese maker who had lived in Wisconsin for decades. A great guide who was informative and obviously the " real deal." Admission was very reasonable at $5 per person I recall.
Do not miss this. Even children should enjoy. An hour or so is adequate although one could spend more time there.
7. Green County Courthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
The Historic Green County Courthouse was built in 1891, and since that time the soaring clock tower has steadily marked the passing of time on the Square in downtown Monroe. The building is open weekdays (8 am - 4:30 pm) and offers a self-guided tour, a history room, and a photo opp with gavel and robe at the judge's bench.
Reviewed By ruukasu0808 - Monroe, Wisconsin
This landmark is the centerpiece in Monroe's downtown square, surrounded by a park for live music events, festivals, and the downtown shops, restaurants, and entertainment. I like it so much in the summer, I live here.
8. Swiss Colony
Overall Ratings
4 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By DessertsDivaFL - Cape Coral, Florida
For some reason I thought there would have been more choices here but what they offered was fine. This is a building with the Swiss Colony on the left side with other stores to the right but it's all an open building so not sure what this was.
I was able to get cheese, beef sticks and a dry pasta chili mix. Prices were as expected, not discounted.
9. Badger State Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Tracy B - Rockton, Illinois
This is one of my favorite trails to ride in WI. It runs from the IL stateline all the way toward Madison where it connects with another trail. The Badger Trail is unique because it has the Stewart Tunnel near Belleville. This trail is challenging as it has more elevation than is apparent. It is uphill to the tunnel and also seems to be uphill to Monroe, so it makes for a good work out. I like there are towns to stop in for refreshments along the way: Monroe, Monticello, and Belleville.
10. Chalet Cheese Cooperative
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By IdahoEd - West Bend, Wisconsin
If you like Limburger Cheese, come and smell it and take some home, freshly wrapped or slightly aged. You can enjoy, in the same room, watching it being hand-wrapped by the same people that have wrapped it for decades, The people at the small outlet are very friendly and love your company while they work. Take home some for an enjoyable meal on German Rye bread with sliced Vidalia onions. Located just north of Monroe, WI, the historic Cheese Making Center of Wisconsin.
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