Red barn, two silos in surrounding green grass

The History of Justin Trails Resort

Don graduated from UW-Madison Farm Short Course. Don and Donna Justin met at the Cashton Fall Festival and enjoyed dancing polkas, waltzes, schottisches throughout their courtship and married in 1967.

They purchased the Justin Farm from Don’s parents, Ray and Kathryn Justin, in 1970 on a land contract. Donna graduated from UW-La Crosse with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a M.S. in Educational Media. Don had fun telling people he attained a Ph T (Put her Through). Donna taught in the Sparta Area Schools while Don continued to farm with assistance from Donna.

Two women and a man standing and smiling in front of a table in a dining room

Don, Dawn & Donna Justin

As the high interest rates in the mid 1980’s created financial difficulties for many farmers, Don & Donna looked for other ways to utilize their land to create a viable lifestyle.

In 1985 they had the bright idea to add ski trails to the land following guidelines from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and their experience skiing at Black River State Forest.

Log cabin with light green scalloped trim looking out into green pasture with gate

Little House on the Prairie Log Cabin

The following year, when the La Crosse Tribune covered the opening of bed and breakfasts in Viroqua, Westby, and La Crosse, the two were inspired to provide accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts.

The idea to add breakfast to the mix came while the couple attended the Willie Nelson Farm and Ranch Congress in St. Louis. The lodge where they were staying didn’t provide breakfast and as the two sought out their own provisions, they realized the value of an on-site breakfast with friendly conversation.

Yellow 2 story sided house, with light green shutters, and small portico with large tree in front.

1920 Yellow Foursquare Farmhouse

Next came private bathrooms, a remodel of the Granary to The Cottage renovations to transform the Machine Shed into The Lodge, construction on the Paul Bunyan log cabin, and the addition of whirlpools and fireplaces. After the cows and machinery were sold in 1996, two disc golf courses were created, and the chicken coop was renovated to become the Camping Cabin.

Aerial view of farm with red barn, silos, other outbuildings, green grass and trees with meandering lane.

We Have 200 Acres to Enjoy

Innkeeping is a satisfying lifestyle for Don, Donna, and their daughter Dawn as they love to create community among their guests, provide a peaceful retreat on their 200-acres and meet guests from all over the world. Don enjoyed sharing jokes and his quick wit until his passing in July 2024. Donna and Dawn manage the inn and events. A testament to their hard work – The Justins received the Century Farm Award on August 9, 2016, at the Wisconsin State Fair and Monroe County Conservationist of the Year in 2021.