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Area Attractions
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Fort McCoy
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Fort McCoy is an Army
installation located between Sparta and Tomah along Highway 21. Founded in
1909, the fort is named in honor of Major General Robert Bruce McCoy, a
distinguished veteran of World War I, who also served as a county judge and
mayor of Sparta. The post has more than 1,100 buildings and encompasses
approximately 60,000 acres. The installation is the largest employer in
Monroe County, with 1,800 civilian workers and 400 permanent party
military. The base - home to a variety of wildlife - hosts two recreational
areas that are open to the public. The Whitetail Ridge Recreation Area has
facilities for downhill and cross country skiing, a tubing slope, snowmobile
trails, and a chalet. The Pine View Recreation Area has a beach, boat
rentals, campsites, miniature golf and fishing. Fort McCoy has also opened a
History Center, a World War II Commemorative Area and Military Equipment
Park. History Center and Commemorative Area buildings are open by
appointment only for groups of 15 or more. A narrated one hour driving tour
of Fort McCoy is also available for groups. Tours are Free of Charge. To
arrange tours, contact the Public Affairs Office at (608) 388-2407.
www.mccoy.army.mil
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For group tour information or for
driving tour and history book contact:
Public Affairs Office
100 E. Headquarters Road
Fort McCoy, WI 54656-5263
608-388-2407 |
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Picture Courtesy of Something Unique Designs |
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St Mary's Church
St. Mary's Church, located at the highest point
of St. Mary's Ridge on County Trunk U northeast of Cashton,
was built more than 100 years ago. A photo taken from this
breathtaking vantage point was once selected by Lady Bird
Johnson for a national calendar. The interior of this
stunning landmark is just beautiful! Located adjacent to
the Church is a convent house which has been converted into
an inn. |
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Wegner Grotto
The Paul and Matilda Wegner Grotto - a
grassroots art environment - is located near Cataract, north of Sparta. The
Grotto is a fantastic sculpture garden of concrete structures decorated with
thousands of glittering glass shards. The Grotto is located off Hwy. 27,
west on Hwy. 71. Free admission (but donations are appreciated). Open
Memorial Day through Labor Day with closing ceremonies at 6:00 p.m. on the
Monday of Labor Day. Tours and additional information may be arranged by
calling: The Monroe County Local History Room: 608-269-8680, M-F 9:00
a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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A glimpse of the
Wegner Grotto |
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Details of shards of glass |
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Amish Community
Monroe County has a thriving Amish community,
mainly centered east of Cashton and south of Tomah. Many
farms indicate if they have quilts, candy, baked goods,
furniture or other times for sale. (Please show your
respect by not taking pictures or stopping to stare.)
There are many shops and tours to discover.
This unique business provides a tour service
for visitors who would like to see the surrounding Amish
community with a knowledgeable guide. An Amish gifts shop is
also located on the premises.
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Area Museums
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Area museums highlight Monroe County's historic
past. The
Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center, located in
Warrens, is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the cranberry industry.
Guided tours and hands - on exhibits make cranberries interesting to all
ages and backgrounds.
For more information call:
608-378-4878.
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Cranberry Discovery Center |
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Monroe County Local History Room Museum and
Library
offers
changing history exhibits and special programs. the Research
Library is an essential resource to the genealogist and
local historian. Resources include church, cemetery, school
and government records; thousands of historic photographs;
county newspapers and maps; and census records. Located in Sparta at 200 West Main Street.
Free admission. Open Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30
p.m., the first Thursdays of each month 9 a.m - 9 p.m., and
Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4:30pm. Closed Sundays and holidays.
For more information call 608-269-8680 or email MCLHR@centurytel.net. |
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is a progression of
transportation from the very first bicycles, through the
Wright Brother's bicycle shop and their Wright Flyer, to
Monroe County's rich aviation history, and into outer space
with Mercury 7 Astronaut, Donald Kent "Deke" Slayton.
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Mercury 7 Astronauts |
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There are artifacts and activities to cover all interests. Visitors may
come in for a quick peek or spend hours exploring displays,
reading books, and perusing binders compiled by volunteers.
There is a children's area stocked with puzzles, blocks, an
interactive wall, and story books.
Volunteers and staff are always ready to help the kids make a paper
glider or two to fly off the loft. The Museum boasts a small
gift shop, "Rockets & Sprockets". Sale items are related to
bicycles, aviation, and space; many are locally hand
crafted.
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Museum Complex |
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Exhibits:
1. Shooting for the Stars: The Life
& Adventures of Deke Slayton. Born in Monroe County,
Deke Slayton served in the Army Air Corp during World War II
and he was a test pilot in the U.S. Air Force. In 1959,
Slayton was chosen as on the Mercury 7, America's first
Astronauts.
2. A New Freedom: The Bicycle
Revolution in America. This permanent exhibit
reflects the evolution of the bicycle from its early
European influence to the modern day racing models.
3. Where Eagles Soar: Monroe County
Aviation History. This is a permanent exhibit of
Monroe County's pilots and their stories. On display is a
quarter scale model of the Wright Flyer and a full scale
model of a 1932 Pietenpol Aircamper Airplane.
Visit our Rockets and Sprockets Gift Shop
for holiday ornaments, postcards, books, t-shirts,
children's toys, jewelry and prints of the Museum's Mural
"Looking Back" by local artist Michael Martino |
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The museum is open year round. For more info:
608.269.0033
email:
dekeslayton@centurytel.net |
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Little Falls Railroad and Doll Museum
Enjoy a ride in the country on the way to a tour
at the
Little Falls Railroad & Doll Museum - an experience you
won't want to miss. Hundreds of dolls from the 1800's to
the collectibles of today are displayed throughout the
museum. See the Japanese area, the 2006 exhibit
"Fashions Through the Ages" and the President's First Ladies in Their
Inaugural Gowns the Victorian doll house and everyone's
favorite - The "Christmas Morn" room. Then find your way to
the orange caboose for a nostalgic trip back to the days of
the steam engine. You will enjoy the three operating
layouts, and for the little tykes there is an outdoor train
ride. Browse through the large library of photos, books,
magazines and videos for more railroad history. |
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Railroad Museum |
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Doll Museum |
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The museum is located two miles
east of Cataract on Cty. Hwy. II.
For more information call:
608-272-3266
www.raildoll.org |
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Toy Train |
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