Winter Recreation

^Fishing 

_{There's always something to fish somewhere in Wisconsin, 365 days a year. It is important to follow all regulations and requirements when fishing in the state of Wisconsin, including ice safety precautions. A fishing license is required in the state of Wisconsin. There are limited open seasons for certain species and waters. Make some winter fishing memories – one fish at a time.}

_{Resources/Helpful links:}

_{» Ice Safety [here]}

_{» Fishing Regulations [here]}

_{» Get a Fishing License and Information [here]}

_{» Knowing the fishing seasons/Important dates [here]}

_{» Guide in Wisconsin Season Dates 2025-2026 [here]}

_{» Fishing at Fort McCoy [here]}

 

^{Whitetail Ridge Ski Area | [more information here] | Ski/Snowboard Lessons [here]}

_{Whitetail Ridge Ski Area is located near scenic Fort McCoy and is open to the public. Ski Hill - Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding - Enjoy downhill slopes with a vertical drop of over 185 feet. A self-loading T-bar serves the slopes where the longest run is 1,300 feet. Snowboarding your thing? Come check out the terrain park! Snow Tubing - Grab a tube and head down one of the 5 runs on this 800'-long slope. Cross Country Skiing - Ski over 5 miles of scenic country on our groomed trails.} 

^{Snowmobiling | Monroe County Trails | Facebook Page} 

_{Snowmobiles are permitted on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and operators MUST follow all Wisconsin snowmobiling laws [visit here for more information]. The opening and closing of the snowmobile trails is at the discretion of each county. For up to date trail conditions and the snow report for Monroe County, please visit [here]. The trail also connects to numerous miles of county snowmobile trails. The trail is open to walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed and users must share the trail with snowmobiles.}

_{Resources/Helpful Links:}

_{» DNR Permits, Licenses, and Registrations information [here]} 

_{» DNR Safety and Education Courses [here]}

_{» DNR Snowmobile Regulations [here]}

_{» Snowmobile Trail Conditions [here]}

_{» Association of Snowmobile Clubs [here]}

_{» Digital Map of Snowmobile trails [here]} 

 

^{Sparta Ice Arena | Sparta Youth Hockey Association | Facebook Page} 

_{Sparta Youth Hockey Association, a non-profit organization. They are dedicated to promoting youth ice hockey in the Sparta, Ft. McCoy, Cataract, Rockland, Bangor, Cashton, and Norwalk areas. They represent over 80 area youth from ages 3-15 participating in our programs. Their core values promote teamwork, dedication, and respect through the game of ice hockey. Open skate availability is posted on their Facebook page [here].}

^Hunting 

_{Monroe County offers diverse landscapes of wooded areas, wetlands, and open fields, hunters have ample opportunities to adventure out. Hunters safety is very important and safety education is a great opportunity to gain knowledge on how to remain safe.  All state and federal hunting regulations must be followed. A hunting license is required in the state of Wisconsin. No person shall discharge any firearm or hunt with a firearm within the City of Sparta. Find further information on the Municipal Code of Ordinances [here].} 

_{Resources/Helpful Links:}

_{» Hunting Resources [here]} 

_{» Wisconsin DNR Hunting Public Access Lands [here] | Public Access Land Maps [here]}

_{» Wisconsin DNR Hunting [here]}

_{» Monroe County Land Information Office Contact [here]} 

_{» Monroe County Beacon Map [here] | Tips on how to use Beacon [here]}

_{» Using Public Access Lands Publications [here]}

 

^{Snowshoeing | Justin Trails Resort} 

_{If you can walk, you can snowshoe! All you need is a pair of snowshoes or rent ($10), warm clothes, sturdy boots and a sense of adventure! We have snowshoes for adults and children to enjoy our very hilly 200-acre property. Use of our snowshoe trails is available with a Trail Pass $10, under age 5 no charge. (Trail Pass is included when you stay in our lodging). On a night hike there is no need for lights with the bright white snow. Our 4 miles of groomed trails are of varying difficulty and a great way for the entire family to take in breath-taking woodlands, animals, birds, beautiful and sparkling snow around our Resort.}