Monroe County, Wisconsin

Monroe County sits in western Wisconsin, just a short distance from the Mississippi River. Think cranberry bogs, scenic countryside, and miles of bike trails—that pretty much sums up Monroe County.

The landscape combines rolling hills with broad, flat valleys, making the area well suited for both farming and outdoor recreation. The famous Elroy-Sparta Trail runs through the county, drawing cyclists from all around. Sparta, the county seat, proudly calls itself the “Bicycling Capital of America.” It’s a big title, but the town has plenty of trails to support it.

Fort McCoy covers a significant portion of the county. The active military installation plays an important role in the local economy, bringing jobs, visitors, and business to the area. Monroe County doesn’t need to be flashy. It’s practical, welcoming, and down-to-earth—the kind of place where a friendly wave or nod still means something.

Category Details
County Name Monroe County
County Seat Sparta
Cities, Towns, and Communities Sparta, Tomah, Warrens, Norwalk, Cashton
Interstates and Highways I-90, I-94, US-12, WI-16
Etymology Named after President James Monroe, the 5th President of the United States
FIPS Code 55-081
Total Area (Land and Water) 908 sq mi (Land: 901 sq mi; Water: 7 sq mi)
Time Zone Central Time Zone (CT)
State Wisconsin
Coordinates 43.9442° N, 90.6186° W
Major Landmarks Fort McCoy, Sparta Elroy Bike Trail, Little Falls Railroad and Doll Museum
Adjacent Counties (and Direction) Jackson County (North), Juneau County (East), Vernon County (South), La Crosse County (West)
Population Approximately 46,000
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