Monticello
Links
Edelweiss Creamery - Monticello
Sugar River Farmer's Market is held every Tuesday 6:30am-10:30am & Friday 2:30pm-6:30pm until October 29th on Hwy. 69 across from the lake.
Enjoy a fresh cool drink from the artesian well on the back side of this monument located on Hwy. 69.
Map from Monticello to Belleville
ATV Map for Village of Monticello
Village parks are a great place for a picnic. Flush bathrooms are on path to Montesian Gardens (below).
Monticello, WI is home to both the Badger Trail and the Sugar River Trail. Plan now to start in Monticello and head north on the Badger to experience the tunnel and continue on to Belleville or come back to Monticello and enjoy the village pool, the Sugar River Trail, and the fine establishments of Monticello including the popular M & M Cafe.
The DNR has a parking lot on the east side of Monticello on the Sugar River Trail. To access the Badger Trail, from the parking lot, go toward New Glarus on the Sugar River Trail and at the first blacktop street (Lake Ave.) take a right to the end of the street past the mill. There is a lack of directional signs by the DNR to the Badger Trail, but look for trailhead pictured to right. Turn left to the Stewart Train Tunnel and Belleville or turn right to Monroe and Freeport, Il,
The Sugar River Trail is Wisconsin's second Rails to Trails state trail. It includes an abundance of wonderful scenery, including the wildlife area south of Monticello. Cranes can be spotted during all warm months, and in late fall a flock of over 50 sandhill cranes can be seen. Becasue the trail is old, the surface is harder and easier to ride than the Badger. You will also find more shade on the Sugar River Trail.
If you are lucky enough to be in Monticello on a Saturday, be sure to step back in time by visiting the Monticello Historical Society housed in a former drugstore. Also see the current display called "Jimtown" which was the area located next to the present Badger Trail. This display will delight anyone intereseted in railroad history.
Before leaving the area, be sure to buy some cheese from one of the three local cheese factories. May we recommend Edelweiss Creamery located west of town about two miles on County C. All cheeses are also available at Gempler's Grocery Store on Main Street which also has an in store restaurant. While at Gempler's don't forget to purchase some locally brewed beer for home and a Badger Trail t-shirt.
New to Monticello is the Crossover Cafe which offers fresh, homemade, organic ice cream, smoothies, shakes, sorbets, and treats right on the Sugar River Trail and Badger State Trail (just north of Lake Ave. between trails). Open on summer weekends, it is perfect for cyclists and families!
Pictured below are the Monticello Depot and the Stone Warehouse, on the Sugar River Trail. Both were restored by the Monticello Community Club. The loading dock on the depot has been made into a deck with picnic tables for your group. If you are planning a ride for your bike club, consider using one or both buildings as your start. DNR bathrooms and parking lot with village water also located at site. Two other shelters are also available in the village park located on Hwy. 69. Reservations for use of structures and further information about Monticello can be obtained by calling the Village Hall at 608-938-4383.
The Badger Trail crosses the Sugar River Trail just south (about 3 blocks) of Monticello. From this point, both trails run parallel to each other to just north of the village (below).
Flags are flown each year for holidays related to our nation and veterans at Montesian Gardens located on the east side of Monticello next to Hwy. 69.
Playground construction May 17, 2008
DNR Trailhead for the Badger Trail includes trail information and welcome sign to Monticello businesses.
Be sure to check out Millie Montesian the whale in Lake Montesian. Millie was named by Elizabeth Weichmann during Homecoming 2007. (Homecoming is the community festival celebrated the second weekend of July each year.)
Please note that when it is cold enough and snow limited, the trail is open for ATV's. The northern most point allowed on the Badger Trail is Lake Ave. in Monticello. The village of Monticello welcomes you with ATV access to the village clearly marked. Call the DNR dedicated phone line to check trail conditions by calling 608-527-2910.
The objective of this site is to promote the Badger State State Trail and the Sugar River State Trail. If you are interested in linking to this site, want to advertise on the site, or have related information to share for this site, send e-mail to: webmaster@badger-trail.com