Green County, Wisconsin covers 586 square miles of rolling hills, pristine lakes and meandering streams.  Renowned for many ethnic festivals and award-winning cheese, Green County easily draws tourists to the beautiful countryside and rural charm. 

Founded in 1836, Green County's seat is Monroe, known as "Cheese City, USA."  The largest of Green County's communities, Census 2000 recorded its population at almost 11,000.  Green County itself showed a population of 33,647.  Twenty other towns and villages comprise Green County, including New Glarus, famed as "America's Little Switzerland", Monticello, Brodhead, Brooklyn and Albany, known as the "Pearl of the Sugar River."  Both the Sugar and Green County's Pecatonica  rivers are some of the best canoeing and kayaking waters in Wisconsin.

The economy of Green County revolves around manufacturing, agriculture and dairy, with its principal product being cheese.  The median household income (at $43,228) is higher than the national average.  Tourism brings substantial revenue to Green County, the center of which is only 45 minutes from the major Wisconsin city of Madison, and two hours from Milwaukee.  Tourists flock from nearby Iowa and Illinois, the state that shares Green County's southern border.  

Green County festivals enchant and entice with their colorful ethnic costumes and dance, and a wide variety of culinary treats.  While famed for its Swiss heritage, Green County has large percentages of people with German, Norwegian and Irish ancestries, who all celebrate their traditions.  New Glarus holds an annual three-day Heidi Fest, as well as Volksfest and Willhelm Tellfest, which celebrate Swiss independence.  Patrons can explore the Swiss Historical Village and Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum at the same time.  New Glarus also holds Polkafest and Octoberfest celebrations.   

Historians and architects delight in the Romanesque-style Green County Courthouse, built in 1891 and located in Monroe, WI.  Found here are the 52-room Green County Historical Museum and the Cheesemaking Center, housed in a meticulously restored 1880's railroad depot.  Monroe offers a historic walking tour in the downtown district. 

Outdoor enthusiasts have long enjoyed the delights of Wisconsin's natural areas, and Green County has more than its share.  The phenomenal 1,000-mile National Scenic Ice Age Trail runs through here, sharing portions of Green County's Sugar River Trail.  The Badger State Trail contains the 1200-foot long Stewart Tunnel.  Trout fishing remains a long tradition in Green County, with its miles of rivers and streams, and five pristine lakes.  Eight top-notch golf courses await visiting and resident golfers.