Justin Trails

Shopping in the Coulee Region is an adventure driving winding roads from one craft person’s shop to the next. Most of these shops are located in a shop on the farm where the craft person resides. Strip malls have not found their way into the rural coulees. There are many hand made treasures to be discovered. Quilts designed and sewn by Amish women are sold at Down a Country Road Amish Tours & Gifts and a number of Amish gift shops with their hand painted roadside signs inviting you to be delighted with “Made in USA” products. Amish crafted baskets, rugs, quilts and home baked goodies will fill your gift giving needs. “Something Special from Wisconsin” labels can be found on honey, sorghum, cheese, and Justin Trails Premium Granola. Quality imports from Norway and Scandinavian countries bring sweaters, fabric, books, toys, and lace in Westby at Dregne’s on State Hwy. 14 & 27. Bring a Wisconsin Atlas & Gazetteer to navigate the township and county roads for thrills to discover a piece of rural Americana.

Lusk Scandia Woodworks
Mike & Becky Lusk
N906 County Road PI
Coon Valley, WI 54623
608-452-3472 www.luskscandiawoodworks.com
Visit the workshop featuring a wide selection of hand-crafted items. Becky, a Vesterheim Gold Medalist Wood-carver, creates Norwegian Folk Art such as figure carvings, ale bowls, kolorsing and acanthus carvings. Mike offers a wide range of woodworking including shelves, cabinetry, tables, boxes and other wooden items. Custom orders welcome. The shop also offers the rosemaling of Vesterheim Gold Medalist, Jean Giese, and the award winning quilting of Tammy Barclay.
Open Monday, Thursday-Saturday
10 a.m. – 4p.m.

RounTree Country Retreats
S7073 Aikins Rd.
Readstown, WI 54652
608-629-5132
Geri and Hugh Harper offer meeting space for quilters and scrapbookers as well as lodging in a family farmhouse.
“Rountree Quest Country Retreat is located on our “family farm”. We raise organic chickens and enjoy our pets, the goats, pheasants, dogs and cats.”

Main Street Station Public Market
215 S. Main Street
Viroqua, WI 54665
608-637-1912
www.viroquamainststation.com
“The market is anchored with Bramble Book Store on Main Street and State Hwy. 27 & 14.  Additional stores include: Optima, a farm-market Restaurant & Cafe, VIVA Gallery, Woodhookers, and Gypsy Import & Export.  Across the street is Blue Dog Cycle Shop with bicycles, supplies and Rossignol cross-country ski equipment.

Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center, Inc.
P. O. Box 235
Coon Valley, WI 54623
tel 608-452-3424
fax 608-452-3157
www.norskedalen.org
Located 3 miles north of Coon Valley, WI, on County Hwy. PI. Enjoy hiking on the scenic nature trails; touring a restored 1890’s log farmstead; viewing exhibits featuring the natural and cultural heritages of the Driftless region; and browsing in our gift shop. Open: Year-round-Summer Hours (April 15 – Oct. 31) Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday 12 – 4 p.m. Winter Hours (November 1-April 14) Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday closed. Sunday 12 – 4 p.m. Nominal admission fee.

Inspirations at Dovetail Farm
29553 Nevada Rd
Cashton, WI 54619
608-654-5727
www.dovetailfarm.com
Email: dovetailfarm@centurytel.net
Welcome to Inspirations at Dovetail Farm!
Come browse the crafts, antiques, and woodworking or just sit on the porch and enjoy the view.
Located in the heart of the largest settlement of Amish in Wisconsin.

Skumsrud Heritage Farm
1/2 mile west of Coon Valley, WI on U.S. Hwy. 14/61.
608-452-3424
www.norskedalen.org
Take a self-guided tour through more than 11 historic buildings. On weekends, see artisans displaying, demonstrating , and selling their works such as woodcarving, rosemaling, weaving, and more. Participate in special heritage craft classes, workshops, or weekends which will feature music, competitions and events. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekends): Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday 12 – 4 p.m. Seasonal daily gift shop open 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Westby Rod & Gun Club
RR1, Westby, WI 54667
608-634-4314
Camping and picnic area, trap range and rifle range. The members are also involved in stream bank improvement, trout production, and pheasant production. They sponsor of the Hunter Safety Program and Co-sponsor of the Landowner Appreciation Days. Located on County Hwy P in Timber Coulee.

Snowflake Ski & Golf Club
Route 1, PO Box 2
Westby, WI 54667
608-634-3211
http://www.snowflakeskiclub.com/
The Snowflake Ski & Golf Club is located on County Trunk P between Westby and Coon Valley. The Club features a beautiful and unique 9 hole, par 30 golf course, which surrounds the Timber Coulee trout stream. A world-class ski jumping tournament is held every February on the Clubs 90 meter ski jump. Open 7 days a week May through October.

If your muscles need a change of pace, spend a day floating on your choice of rivers. The Kickapoo River in southwest Wisconsin is the world’s “crookedest” river. It is shallow and recommended for all ages and all levels. In drought years, it may be necessary to portage.  Rental and shuttle service are available in Ontario at: Kickapoo Paddle Inn, 608-337-4726;  Mr. Duck 608-337-4711; Drifty’s 608-337-4288 and Titanic Canoe Rental 608-337-4551.

Kickapoo Yacht Club, La Farge 608-625-2071.

On the Kickapoo River at Readstown, the Crooked River Canoes, Cabins & Camping 608-629-5624.

The La Crosse River is deeper but has sharper turns and needs more than beginner skill level.  Fort McCoy has canoes available but no shuttle service. The Black River is wide and deep, slow and easy, with sandbars for picnicking. Canoe & kayak rental and shuttle are available in Melrose at Melrose Express 608-488-7017. In Black River Falls at Black River Express Canoe & Kayak Rental 715-284-8136. Mississippi River Back Waters rentals are available at Goose Island.

Lake Onalaska, Schafer’s Boat and Bait LLC 608-781-3100.

Naturally we create joy with quality lodging and recreation in a secluded coulee.

Mississippi River Lock and Dam
A trip to the Lock and Dam at Dresbach, MN, Genoa or Trempealeau, WI will yield an engineering miracle/nightmare depending on your environmental view operated by the Army Corps of Engineers to move barge traffic up and down the Mississippi River. Pleasure boats and barges lock through the dam. Watch from an observation deck. Visit Website

State Parks National Wildlife
“This land is your land…”  State parks, forests and national wildlife refuges belong to all citizens and visitors. Choose from hiking, bird watching, photographing, canoeing and breath-taking scenery at Black River State Forest, Black River Falls: Website

Wildcat Mountain State Park in Vernon County: Website

Wyalusing State Park south of Prairie du Chien; or the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge north of Trempealeau, Wisconsin where you enjoy world class scenery without crowds and expensive prices. One of God’s Country’s best kept secrets! Only a Wisconsin State Park sticker is required for admission. National Wildlife Refuge admission is free.  Each of these state or national public lands is within an hour’s drive of Justin Trails Resort at Sparta, Wisconsin.

Scenic Drives
Donna Justin’s personal favorite drive on a sunny day anytime of year is I-90 crossing the Mississippi River near La Crosse, WI continuing past Lock and Dam # 6 at Dresbach, MN to State Highway 61 north toward Winona, MN. The mighty Mississippi River creates islands and sandbars for resident eagles and migratory birds to rest. The background of bluffs with rock outcroppings among the hardwood forest on the Wisconsin and Minnesota side is a site more beautiful than the Amazon River. There are a couple of pull-off viewing areas for bird watching and photographers.

Any time of year is great for drive through the coulees. Drive Mallard Road south to State Highway 33 past a residence with 5 spring fed ponds. In May continue through the narrow valley with a moist, shady, hillside of mature trees. To the east, view the large, white flowered -Trillium, smell the columbine, and notice the May Apples unfurl their large leaves. June brings ferns unfurling.

During a country drive in Monroe County in July, Castor beans, 6 feet tall with large white flowers dot the roadside. Wild blue/purple phlox and wild old-fashioned roses can be spotted in areas with a grove of trees that may be an abandoned homestead.

Mother Nature shows the detail of the hills and valleys on a winter drive. In summer, a topless convertible or a motorcycle is a wonderful conveyance on winding country roads through this Driftless Area.

Nearby in Vernon and La Crosse County are several Rustic Roads designated for travelers to enjoy the special beauty of that area.

Bike the famous Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail complete with three tunnels, one tunnel is 3/4 mile long requiring walking a bike through the tunnel with a flashlight.  The other two tunnels are 1/4 mile one.  Are you ready for a longer ride? Add the 21-mile La Crosse River Trail, the 18-mile Great River Trail, the 23-mile “400″ or the 12-mile Omaha Trail.

The Elroy-Sparta trail is 32 miles in length on the abandoned Chicago & Northwestern Railroad bed and passes through three rock tunnels. The Kendall and Wilton tunnels are ¼ mile long and the Norwalk tunnel is ¾ mile long. The trail is covered with limestone screenings and provides a smooth riding surface groomed and maintained by the Department of Natural Resources. The 34 bridges have been planked and protected by railings. The Elroy-Sparta Trail is considered to be the first rails to trails hiking and biking trail in the nation.

Need a shuttle or a bike rental?
Call ahead to Speeds Bicycle Shop www.speedsbike.com to make reservations for shuttle service and bicycle rentals. Phone 608-269-2315. Milt has been in business for 3 decades.  He offers a full line of new bicycles, bicycle repair and shuttle service.  His shop is right next to the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail in Sparta, WI.

For guided riding, additional trails, full service family bicycle shop visit Pete and Alycann Taylor at www.bluedogcycles.com in Viroqua, WI.

Here are some great websites for additional information on bicycling:

Trails from Rails
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Bicycling Along the Elroy Sparta Trail
Elroy Ride Report with pictures from Mike Bentley
Elroy Trail Tips
Bike Me!
Sparta Wisconsin Website

and in case of any injuries…
Sparta Medical Facilities

Redrock Trail Rides ~ Kathie Sullivan
13597 Katydid Avenue
Sparta, Wisconsin 54656
(608) 823-7865

Located high atop a scenic ridge in central Monroe County, the “Redrock” and surrounding land has been in the Sullivan family for four generations. Hence the name for the trail-riding business was born. On your ride to the rock you will find calming and tranquil beauty. Perhaps you’ll even spot some of the area’s whitetail deer, squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, eagles, hawks and wild turkeys. Of course, since the trails are located on a working dairy farm, you will see a herd of Holstein cows grazing contentedly on a nearby hillside and maybe get to pet a new calf.

When you reach the “Redrock,” you will dismount and tie the horses for a walk out on the rock. From there you can fully enjoy the breath-taking beauty of several miles of valley below. Be sure to bring your camera to capture some of the beautiful scenery, and maybe a picture of you or the kids with your horse.

You may choose from any one of 31 horses. Rock N Red, Vega, Misty, Robbi, and Stilts  are just some of the gentle, well-broke, horses and ponies waiting to take you on the trails.

Justin Trails Resort does not have horses. Redrock Trail Rides is only 6 miles away.

Appointments are required!

• Morning rides begin at 9:00,9:30, 10:00 or 10:30. First reservation chooses the level of trail and time of morning ride.
• Rides may also be scheduled for 1:00, 3:00 or 5:00.          7:00 pm. rides need to be scheduled by noon.
• Redrock Trail Rides is just five miles from Norwalk on the Elroy-Sparta bike trail. Trail rides are offered from mid May through October.

Another option:  Michelle Rasmussen, trainer/owner of Morning Star Stable, 20496 Hematite Ave.,Tomah, WI offers lessons and training at her stable.  Call 608-372-3611 or cell phone 608-343-3605. email all4horses@centurytel.net.

Llama trekking with Dusty and Rusty through the trails here on the farm.  We halter them for you and walk with you for a one hour or two hour trek.  See photos in photo gallery under Accommodations.

If you have your own horse(s), ride the 10 miles of trails here at Justin Trails Resort.  We have a pasture with a chain link fence enclosure next to the llamas for your horses to graze.  Trail riding is $10/animal.

Our mission is to honor the land, environment and create a healing refuge for recreation, relaxation and rejuvenation for our guests.  We support rural, sustainable tourism by promoting local vendors who live and provide guests with recreation, food and lodging in the hills and valleys of southwest Wisconsin also known as the Driftless region.  Justin Trails was established in 1985.

Such activities in the area include: indoor concerts, community theater, and museums of historic nature, ethnic people, famous people and a museum for children. Museum of famous astronaut Deke Slayton, Cranberry Expo, and Brush Trophy Museum range from historic to modern. Peek at lifestyles from a bygone era at: The Hixon House, home of lumber baron, Gideon Hixon, famous author Hamlin Garland’s home and the ethnic Norwegian immigrant settlement. Interests range from down home to very sophisticated. All are located within an easy one hour drive of Justin Trails Resort. There is no rush hour traffic congestion in southwest Wisconsin. You may need to slow for a horse drawn buggy or a bicyclist on country roads.

The Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bicycle Museum is the home of memorabilia of one of the original seven astronauts and commander of the Apollo-Soyez mission and many early, rare bicycles.

CONCERTS

Pump House Regional Arts Center
www.thepumphouse.org.

Visit these links for more information:
www.lacrossesymphony.org
www.viterbo.edu

SPARTA AREA MUSEUMS

Monroe County Local History Room and Research Archive
200 West Main Street, Sparta, WI 608-269-8680 FAX 608-269-8921
Hours: Monday – Friday 9-4:30
Admission: Free
The Local History Room is located at a National Register of Historic Places in a former Masonic Temple built in 1923. The History Room tells the story of men and women who lived and worked in Monroe County. Photographs, documents, memorabilia and historic artifacts record Monroe County life in all its periods. The Monroe County Local History Room provides a regular cycle of new displays.

· Vintage costumes, military gear, antique toys and medical devices
· Carpentry tools, kitchen utensil, furs and pelts, and advertising.
The Research Room welcomes all those interested in genealogy and the history of Monroe County. Its documentary archive is the most complete source of county historical information in the area.
Research Records include:
· Census, newspapers, maps, photographs
· Published county histories and high school annuals

Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bike Museum
608-269-0033 or toll-free 1-888-200-5302
200 West Main St. Sparta, WI 54656
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:30 – 4:30
Admission: Adults $3.00.  Groups of 25 or more call for reservation & group discount.
Deke Slayton, one of America’s original astronauts, was born in Sparta and raised in Monroe County.
Being at the forefront of space exploration, this exhibit takes you through history with many of his personal artifacts.
· Project Mercury · Astronaut Selection · Apollo Missions · Space Shuttle
Discover the History of Bicycles as they became faster, stronger, sleeker and more sophisticated; the history of bicycles parallels the growth of our nation.

Warrens

Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center, www.discovercranberries.com

204 Main St., Warrens, WI 608-378-4878
Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 1-October 31
The Cranberry Discovery Center is filled with equipment, quilts, a cranberry-growing video, and knowledgeable tour guides. The Cranberry gift shop has many cranberry themed food and gift items available.

Brush Trophy Room Museum

www.brushoutfitters.com/museum.asp
Centerville, WI
This is a totally awesome museum to view artistic talent in painting the backgrounds, taxidermy talent in creating natural poses of animals as found in their natural habitat, and to view trophy animals from around the world shot with a bow and arrow. Admission fee.

LA CROSSE MUSEUMS

Riverside Museum
Main Street, La Crosse, WI 54601
608-782-2366
Riverside Park at junction of Main Street on the Mississippi River Bank
Open: Memorial Day to Labor Day Daily 10-5
Admission: fee
Riverside Museum concentrates on the importance of the Mississippi River to the area’s growth and development. Exhibits range from prehistoric artifacts to modern collections of area wildlife. One room is dedicated to the War Eagle, a riverboat which caught fire and sank in 1870. The museum is located in the Convention and Visitor Bureau building’s first floor.

The Pump House Regional Arts Center
119 King Street, La Crosse, WI 54601
608-785-1434
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. 12-5; Thursday 12-7; Saturday & Sunday 10-3
Admission: Free
The Pump House Regional Arts Center was founded in 1977, and presents visual and performing arts with a Midwest emphasis. Educational outreach is an important part of the mission. The Pump House is located in an historic water pumping station, one block from the Mississippi River on King Street.

Gertrude Salzer Gordon Children’s Museum of La Crosse
207 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 546001
608-784-2652
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5; Sunday 12-5 Closed major holidays
Summer Hours: June-August, 10-8 on the first and third Thursday of
the month
Admission: $3.50/person (infants and members free)
The Children’s Museum is where children play to learn, and adults learn to play! Three floors of hands-on exhibits, birthday party/meeting rooms, multipurpose theater, gift shop and more.

UW-La Crosse Archaeology Center and Lab
UW-La Crosse Campus near 17th & State 608-785-8464
Hours: Monday-Friday 9-4:30 Closed major holidays.
Admission: Free
This “working museum” enables visitors to view archaeologists processing artifacts from the area. Exhibits contain many important findings from recent excavations and information about the field of archaeology. Located on East Avenue, north of UW-L’s Cartwright Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Hixon House
429 North 7th Street, La Crosse, WI 608-782-1980
Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day: 1-5
Admission: Families $12, Adults $4, Seniors $3, 12 & under $2.
The La Crosse County Historical Society’s Italianate-style residence gives an authentic glimpse into the elegant Victorian lifestyle enjoyed by lumberman-financier Gideon Hixon. The beautiful woodwork, period furnishings and charming gardens make the tour a worthwhile experience for young and old alike.

Swarthout Museum
9th and Main Streets, La Crosse, WI 608-782-1980
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10-5, Saturday & Sunday 1-5 Closed major holidays
Admission: Free
The Swarthout Museum features a variety of permanent and changing exhibits intended to educate and enlighten both children and adults about the history of La Crosse County. The Children’s Room allows young visitors to try on clothing from the past, and to provide a hands-on experience with interesting historic machines. The museum is located inside of the La Crosse Public Library.

Our mission is to honor the land, environment and create a healing refuge for recreation, relaxation and rejuvenation for our guests.  We support rural, sustainable tourism by promoting local artisans who live and create art for guests’ shopping opportunities in the hills and valleys of southwest Wisconsin also known as the Driftless region.  Justin Trails was established in 1985.

Hiking in west central Wisconsin is abundant in public lands. There are four major blocks of land with thousands of acres all with specific geological interest: Black River Falls State Forest in Jackson County, Wildcat Mountain State Park in Vernon County, Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge and Perrot State Park both in Trempealeau County. It is possible to spend weeks discovering all the treasures in these public lands. This is an undiscovered part of Wisconsin. The Refuge has only 60,000 visitors in a year.

Wild Cat Mountain State Park is located in the bluff area with steep rock outcroppings, Kickapoo River, the “crookedest” river flowing through the park with trails for hiking or horseback riding. A State Park day or season pass is required.

The county roads wind through miles of hills, rivers, farms, and quaint towns. Many Amish people with their horse and buggy life style live in this area. The night sky is very clear, and one can view many more stars on Wildcat Mountain than at other parks. Satellites and the Milky Way are very visible, showing up as a pretty pale blue band across the night sky.

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge is free and open to the public with a viewing area to watch migrating birds on the Mississippi River.  An interpretive center and the Great River Bicycle Trail runs through the Refuge.

The Refuge was established in 1936. It lies within the Mississippi River Valley in west-central Wisconsin. Land was isolated from the Mississippi and Trempealeau Rivers by levees built in 1911 to provide refuge for a variety of habitats including sand prairies and marshes. The Refuge is an important area for waterfowl and other migratory birds. It provides habitat for bald eagles, osprey, black terns and pelicans.

Perrot State Park at Trempealeau includes an island mountain and miles of trails for hiking. The Great River State Bicycle Trail runs through a small part of the park. A State Park day or season pass is required.

There is a great description of the geology of the area in which Trempealeau National wildlife Refuge and Perrot State Park. | Click here for more info |

Hixon forest in La Crosse offers bluffside hiking.
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Norskedalen offers hiking on this non-profit Norwegian Immigrant settlement.
| Click here for more info |

The Black River State Forest was established in 1957 which includes approximately 67,000 acres in Jackson County. The area is unique among the state forests mainly because of its geological features. The Forest lies on the edge of the glaciated central plain east of the rough coulee region or Driftless area of Wisconsin. If you hike the nature trail to the top of Castle Mound, one can observe what was once the bed of glacial Lake Wisconsin. Unglaciated buttes, sandstone hills, and castellated bluffs such as Castle Mound dot the vast forest landscape. Black River State Forest is at the edge of the Wisconsin Glacier. A State Park day or season pass is required.

Sparta, WI is a fantastic area to use as home base to hike miles and miles of scenic wonderland known as “God’s Country” in G. Heilman Brewing Company’s advertising campaigns of the 1970s and 1980s.  Justin Trails Resort is the perfect Wisconsin lodging option for your hiking adventure.  Hike 10 miles of trails on-premise.  Try your skill at disc golf on Classic and Big Brother courses.  There are loaner discs in the Lodge for your use.

Our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast mission is to honor the land, environment and create a healing refuge for recreation, relaxation and rejuvenation for our Sparta Cabins guests.  We support rural, sustainable tourism by promoting local vendors who live and provide guests with recreation, food and lodging in the hills and valleys of southwest Wisconsin also known as the Driftless region.  Justin Trails was established in 1985.