7 Things to Do in SWISS-consin!

Home to picturesque communities like New Glarus and Monroe, Green County is known for its cheese factories, breweries, and Swiss heritage. Visitors to Green County can experience these things first hand at shops, restaurants and events that celebrate and carry on the traditions of Swiss culture and the quality products they produce. You’re sure to fall in love with the Swiss architecture, great shopping and authentic Swiss cuisine, but it’s the welcoming spirit and hometown pride of Green County’s communities that will keep you coming back again and again! Here are a few things we recommend doing when you visit Cheese Country.

Visit the National Historic Cheesemaking Center in Monroe. Monroe is known as the “Gateway to Cheese Country” and the “Cheese Capitol of the U.S.,” and here you can find out why! Experienced docents offer tours of the museum and the Imobersteg Cheese Factory gives visitors a glimpse at how cheese was made on a farm in the late 1800s.
Stop at one of the many cheese stores in the area to bring a slice of cheese country home with you. Some of our favorites include, Edelweiss Cheese Store in New Glarus, Maple Leaf Cheese Store in Juda, Decatur Dairy in Brodhead (TIP: They make the BEST grilled cheeses!), and the Alp and Dell Cheese Store in Monroe.
Visit the historic Turner Hall in Monroe for one of their monthly cultural events, or grab something to eat in the Rathskeller. Since 1868 Turner Hall is where nearly everything happened in Monroe, and today it’s still a gathering place for the community.
Have a cheese sandwich at Baumgartner’s in downtown Monroe. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Limburger!

Stop for lunch, or just a drink at Puempel’s Olde Tavern in New Glarus. Founded in 1893, Puempel’s offers a step back in time. You won’t find video games, a juke box or pool tables, but what you will find is friendly conversation, cold drinks and maybe a good game of euchre!
Visit one of Green County’s three craft breweries. New Glarus Brewery, Bullquarian Brewhouse, and Minhas Craft Brewery offer different atmospheres and experiences, but they all serve up great beer and fun times!
Attend Green County’s main event – held in downtown Monroe every other year – Cheese Days! It truly is a uniquely Wisconsin event that celebrates Green County’s cheese heritage. People come from all over the region to enjoy the live music, amazing food, cheesemaking demonstrations, cultural exhibits and marketplaces, and so much more.

Jessica Murphy is a producer of Discover Wisconsin. Watch the show on Fox Sports Wisconsin every Saturday at 10am or on Roku, Chromecast, Smart TV, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, or on DiscoverWisconsin.com.