Norwalk WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Norwalk, Wisconsin.
1. Norwalk Village Park
CAMPING AND OUTDOOR RECREATION
Norwalk Village Park, located at 104 Mill St., offers free tent campsites with showers, restrooms, and shelters for outdoor enthusiasts. This welcoming park provides affordable RV camping spots for travelers looking to explore the area. Visitors can enjoy the comfortable amenities before venturing out to experience the local restaurants and businesses in this charming village.
2. Elroy-Sparta Trail
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL EXPERIENCE
The Elroy-Sparta Trail features its longest tunnel just three miles northwest of Norwalk, making it an ideal starting point for trail exploration. This state trail offers multiple recreational opportunities including biking, walking, running, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling throughout the year. The Norwalk Trailhead serves as a gateway to this iconic trail system that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from across the region.
3. Norwalk Snowmobile Trails
WINTER ADVENTURE NETWORK
Norwalk serves as a gateway to an extensive network of snowmobile trails spanning 100 miles through the picturesque Wisconsin countryside. These well-maintained trails offer winter enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to explore the snow-covered landscape during the colder months. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of snowmobiling while taking in the scenic beauty of Monroe County's rural terrain.
4. Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bicycle Museum
ASTRONAUT HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bicycle Museum honors Sparta native and pioneering American astronaut Deke Slayton with fascinating exhibits. Visitors can explore the dual themes of space exploration and cycling, reflecting the area's connection to both aerospace history and bicycle recreation. The museum provides an educational experience showcasing the achievements of one of America's early space program heroes alongside the region's cycling heritage.
5. FAST Fiberglass
ROADSIDE ATTRACTION COLLECTION
FAST Fiberglass features an impressive collection of oversized fiberglass sculptures and roadside attractions that have become iconic landmarks in the region. Visitors can marvel at the whimsical and colorful creations that showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of fiberglass molding. This unique attraction offers excellent photo opportunities and a glimpse into the American tradition of roadside curiosities.
6. Fort McCoy
HISTORIC MILITARY INSTALLATION
Fort McCoy is an active United States Army installation with a rich military history dating back to 1909. Visitors can learn about the fort's significant role in military training and preparation throughout various conflicts including both World Wars. The installation occasionally offers public tours and houses the Fort McCoy Commemorative Area featuring exhibits on military history and the fort's development over more than a century.
7. Wegner Grotto County Park
FOLK ART WONDER
Wegner Grotto County Park showcases an extraordinary collection of folk art created by Paul and Matilda Wegner using concrete embedded with thousands of glass pieces. This unique outdoor art installation features intricate sculptures, decorative structures, and a glass church that reflects the couple's creativity and German heritage. Visitors can wander through this fascinating grotto that represents over 40 years of artistic expression and has been preserved as a county park for public enjoyment.
8. World's Largest Bicyclist
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The World's Largest Bicyclist stands proudly in Sparta, cementing the town's reputation as the 'Bicycling Capital of America.' This oversized statue depicts a penny-farthing rider and serves as a popular photo opportunity for visitors and cycling enthusiasts alike. The whimsical landmark celebrates the area's extensive bike trail system and cycling heritage, making it a must-see stop for anyone passing through the region.
9. Kickapoo Wild Adventures
RIVER EXPLORATION EXPERIENCES
Kickapoo Wild Adventures offers boat rentals and guided experiences on the winding Kickapoo River, known as one of the oldest river systems in the world. Visitors can paddle through the scenic river valleys while observing diverse wildlife and lush vegetation in this pristine natural setting. The outfitter provides all necessary equipment and expertise for both novice and experienced paddlers to enjoy a memorable day on the water.
10. Titanic Canoe Rentals
PADDLE ADVENTURE OUTFITTER
Titanic Canoe Rentals provides equipment and transportation for exploring the beautiful waterways of Monroe County. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, or tubes to experience the peaceful rivers flowing through the scenic Wisconsin countryside. The rental service makes it easy for travelers to enjoy a self-guided water adventure with convenient drop-off and pick-up options at various points along the river routes.
11. Brookwood High School Trail
EDUCATIONAL NATURE PATH
The Brookwood High School Trail offers a peaceful walking path through natural areas near the local high school in Ontario, just a short drive from Norwalk. This educational trail features informational signage about local flora and fauna, making it both recreational and educational for visitors. The well-maintained path provides an accessible opportunity for nature observation and light exercise for all ages.
12. Monroe County Local History Room
REGIONAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Monroe County Local History Room preserves and showcases the rich heritage of the region through engaging exhibits and extensive archives. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development from Native American settlements through European immigration and beyond. The museum offers genealogy resources and rotating exhibits that highlight different aspects of Monroe County's fascinating past.
13. Amish Country Tours
CULTURAL HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
Amish Country Tours provide visitors with a respectful glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Amish communities that thrive in the hills and valleys surrounding Norwalk. Guided tours take participants to Amish farms, workshops, and markets where handcrafted furniture, quilts, and fresh produce can be purchased directly from the makers. These educational experiences offer insights into the Amish commitment to simple living, craftsmanship, and community-centered values.
14. Wildcat Mountain State Park
SCENIC NATURAL WILDERNESS
Wildcat Mountain State Park offers spectacular views from 500-foot bluffs overlooking the winding Kickapoo River Valley near Ontario, a short drive from Norwalk. Visitors can explore over 25 miles of hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing trails through diverse terrain including prairies, forests, and river bottoms. The park's natural beauty changes dramatically with the seasons, providing opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and connecting with nature year-round.
15. Sparta-Elroy Bike Trail Tunnels
HISTORIC RAILWAY PASSAGES
The Sparta-Elroy Bike Trail Tunnels include three remarkable hand-carved tunnels that date back to the 1870s when they were created for the Chicago and North Western Railroad. These impressive engineering feats—one stretching 3,810 feet long—now serve as cool, dark passages for cyclists and hikers traversing the famous rail trail. Visitors should bring flashlights to navigate these historic tunnels that offer a uniquely immersive experience combining history, adventure, and natural beauty.