Excellent fishing and water sports are available at area lakes, rivers and streams. There are six public trout fishing ponds in Monroe County operated by the Dept. of Natural Resources, and 73 trout streams totaling over 400 miles of stream banks. With over 40% of the county covered with woodlands, hunting opportunities are plentiful. You can fish the La Crosse River or the many lakes and streams. There are also many beautiful and challenging golf courses throughout the area. Canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, camping, hiking, swimming, boating are very popular during warmer weather.

Bicyclists will want to visit the area again and again. Warrens offers three scenic full-circle bike/auto tours through beautiful cranberry country – all on the comfort and safety of paved roads. The Wetlands Tour, the Danavang Tour and the Morman Tour range from 22 to 33 miles taking you past cranberry marshes, sphagnum moss beds and Great Blue Heron nesting spots. More than 60,000 people annually ride the Elroy-Sparta National Trail, which offers a 32-mile ride through spectacular foliage and three famous tunnels. Another 21.5 miles of biking pleasure is available on the LaCrosse River Trail, which is linked to Sparta. The trail parallels an active rail line, as well as the river.

From early spring through late fall, the motels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds are busy. But the fun doesn’t stop then! Winter activities include horse-drawn bobsled rides, cross country & downhill skiing, tubing, ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoeing, bowling and more! Monroe County has 190 miles of state-funded snowmobile trails plus many club trails. The Sparta Community Ice Arena is open year-round for hockey and skating.