Green County, Wisconsin

Green County sits in southern Wisconsin, right along the Illinois border, and it’s famous for its strong cheesemaking tradition. Swiss immigrants brought their cheesemaking skills to the area generations ago, and that heritage is still easy to see today. New Glarus, often called “America’s Little Switzerland,” is one of the best examples of that cultural influence.

Rolling hills, dairy farms, and scenic countryside shape much of the landscape. The Sugar River State Trail attracts hikers and cyclists throughout the year, while Monroe, the county seat, hosts the popular annual Cheese Days festival, celebrating the county’s dairy heritage.

Traditional farms now share the area with craft breweries and wineries, giving visitors plenty of ways to enjoy the local flavors. Life moves at a relaxed pace in Green County, where people appreciate small-town traditions, beautiful scenery, and the simple pleasures of rural Wisconsin.

Category Details
County Name Green County
County Seat Monroe
Cities, Towns, and Communities Monroe, Brodhead, New Glarus, Albany, Monticello
Interstates and Highways WI-11, WI-39, WI-69, WI-81
Etymology Named after Nathanael Greene (1742–86), a General during the American Revolutionary War
FIPS Code 55-045
Total Area (Land and Water) 585 sq mi (Land: 584 sq mi; Water: 1 sq mi)
Time Zone Central Time Zone (CT)
State Wisconsin
Coordinates 42.6826° N, 89.6252° W
Major Landmarks New Glarus Brewing Company, Sugar River State Trail, Green County Cheese Days
Adjacent Counties (and Direction) Dane County (North), Rock County (East), Winnebago County, Illinois (Southeast), Stephenson County, Illinois (South), Lafayette County (West), Iowa County (Northwest)
Population Approximately 37,000
Scroll to Top