Whether it’s the dead of winter or the perfect summer day, southern Wisconsin’s Cheese Country Trail System can be found teeming with activity.
The route, also known as the Tri County Trail, is a 47-mile gravel and dirt trail from Monroe to Mineral Point, put in place on a former railroad bed. The trail is used by ATV/UTV riders as well as hikers, bicyclists, cross country skiers and horse riders. Snowmobiles are also allowed on the trail during the winter season.
“The trail links to surrounding towns and counties that used to be used for the railroad,” said Joe VanMatre and Josh Listerud of Cheese Country Rentals in Monroe. “We have the trail head in Monroe and it extends all the way to Mineral Point. The importance of the trail is it connects us with all the towns in between and in turn helps support local business and gives people a safe, fun place to ride.”
The trail system is important to their business, offering UTV, skidloader and trailer rentals.
Important definitions:
● ATV stands for “all-terrain vehicle” and is also known as a four-wheeler or quad, usually designed for one rider.
● UTV is short for “utility task vehicle” and is designed with a cabin for two to four riders.
“Cheese Country offers UTV rental services, and it was established because we thought others may want to explore UTV riding without the large expense of buying one. We saw the idea up in Tomahawk and decided to start the adventure in Monroe.”
While most renters use the UTVs on the trail for the day, VanMatre said they can also be rented for a weekend or longer and taken to a different destination if desired.
Riders can be any age and no experience is required, though the person renting/driving the vehicle from Cheese Country Rentals needs be 25 years or older. According to VanMatre, the ATV safety course is required by the state of Wisconsin for all trail drivers born after 1988 — though it is recommended for all drivers. The course includes trail rules, etiquette and ATV/UTV safety instruction.
Cheese Country Rentals highly recommends Monroe Powersports for repair and maintenance needs. They’ve used the local business to service their vehicles “from day one.”
Tina Redington also recommends Monroe Powersports in Monroe, as well as Mike’s Engine Repair in Darlington and Full Throttle Powersports in Lena, Ill.
Redington has been involved with the Green County ATV Club, as both a member and leadership member, since 2017. The club was created for area ATV/UTV enthusiasts and boasts around 150 members. Monthly meetings are normally held from mid-spring through October.
“Our club members enjoy frequent Wednesday night rides when weather permits … and there is an annual summer picnic and Christmas party,” Redington said. “We plan two northern Wisconsin outings that members can attend as a group and we try to do a scenic ride at least once a year.”
The club has a yearly fundraising event at the Badger State Tractor Pull in Monroe and also works to maintain the Green County portion of the Cheese Country Trail.
Club membership requirements:
● Open to any ATV/UTV fan (members come from across Wisconsin and Illinois)
● Must be 16 years or older (16-17 year olds require signed parental permission)
● Yearly membership fee: $25/individual or $35/family
● Follow club bylaws and federal/state/local rules and regulations
According to Redington, the Green County ATV Club works to update a new local map of established ATV/UTV routes every two years, with volunteers visiting local establishments along the trail and other routes.
“We have heard many good things about the road routes that have been opened in Green County on both the township and the county level,” she said. “Our club members, as well as Pec Valley ATVers of Monticello and Sugar River ATV Club, have spent many hours attending city, village, township and county meetings to get road routes open in the past few years.”
For those who are interested in getting started with the ATV/UTV world, Redington reminds new riders that:
● Anyone born after 1/1/1988 is required to complete at ATV Safety Certification course.
● A helmet is required for anyone under age 18.
● No one under age 16 is allowed to drive a UTV on a public road.
● No one under age 12 is allowed to drive an ATV on a public road.
● All ATV riders between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult while operating on designated routes.
The full rules and regulations can be found on the Wisconsin DNR website.
Listerud and VanMatre have seen the ATV/UTV community in the area grow at a fast rate, as interest from new riders has increased.
“We feel the clubs do a great job promoting and maintaining the trails and keeping the community up to date with all the latest news,” they said.
Both Cheese County Rentals and the Green County ATV club emphasize the word “community.” Riders in the area help each other to enjoy the activity in a safe way.
“We are a down to earth community that loves to see the world behind the handlebars/wheel of our ATV/UTV,” said Redington. “How often does one stop (in life) and check out the view? Driving our ATV/UTV allows us the ability to see that view a bit better.”
— This story is part of our annual “Best You Yet” series highlighting local services that can help readers be the best version of themselves in the new year. This story focuses on the topic of recreational enjoyment.
