Menomonie, WI
Menomonie, Wisconsin was voted #15 among the top 20 Best Small Towns in America by Smithsonian Magazine. Come and explore all that Menomonie has to offer and see for yourself why our community is one of the best small towns in America!
What to Do: Menomonie has planned a host of activities for families, including food vendors, tours of Menomonie attractions, children’s activities, three levels of amateur racing and stunt riders. New in 2013, Mainstreet Menomonie is hosting SummerDaze, offering entertainment after the Pros finish: Live music and a ribfest, bean bag tournament, weiner dog races and a beverage tent. Spectators are urged to check out the various community rides for all levels as well as the Menomonie Gran Fondo that follows the challenging road race course for more experienced cyclists. Attractions include the Woodlawn Homestead, of Caddie Woodlawn fame and the National Downtown Historic District with several museums and the Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater.
Where to Eat: Where to Eat: Main Street Menomonie offers several unique eateries including the Log Jam bars, local pizza bistros Ted's Pizza and Jeff's Pizza, eclectic foods prepared at Zanzibar's Restaurant and Pub and the Raw Deal. The Acoustic Cafe, the Vagabond Bakery and Legacy Chocolates are great spots for a morning or lunch treat. Visitors can also try The Stout Ale House, The Golden Leaf Cafe, and Cancun Restaurant, located just a short drive from downtown.
About Menomonie
Lying about an hour east from the Twin Cities, Menomonie, Wisc. is a productive college town situated in the heart of Dunn County. The city boasts a progressive community of 16,000 residents, yet still maintains its traditional feel and is a popular destination for cycling enthusiasts.
Founded around a lumber mill at the Wilson Creek and Red Cedar River junction, it was permanently settled in 1830. In 1853 the town became home to the Knapp, Stout and Company which became the greatest lumber company in the world producing over 5.7 million feet of lumber. From those beginnings, Menomonie grew and today is home to several large corporations, a state of the art medical facility and the proud home of both the University of Wisconsin-Stout and the Chippewa Valley Technical College.
Thanks to its historical roots, Menomonie’s Main Street has been designated a National Downtown Historic District which houses the 1890 Victorian era Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater. Brick paths are a testament to the city’s brickyards and Caddie Woodlawn Park hosts the original Woodlawn homestead, allowing visitors the chance to experience the life they read about in Carol Ryrie Brink’s 1935 Newberry Award-winning children’s book - Caddie Woodlawn. Menomonie’s history is on display as visitors tour the Empire in Pine Lumber Museum, the Russel J. Rassbach Museum and quaint shops, antique dealers, restaurants, coffee shops and confectioners occupying the town’s historic buildings. http://www.menomoniechamber.org/
About the Menomonie Road Race
Menomonie’s 2010 introduction to the Nature Valley Grand Prixwas a rousing success. The challenging 95-mile pro men’s road race and 76-mile women’s race leads riders through a hilly, rural route featuring 3 Sprint lines and 4 Jelly Belly Sport Beans King/Queen of the Hill competitions (3 for the women) highlighted by the notorious “Star Hill,” which promises to inject some adrenaline into the scenic Wisconsin countryside. The deciding factors in this stage are its length and the short, steep climbs scattered through the course that require a strong, all around contender to take the stage. The route culminates in a 4-lap circuit through downtown Menomonie. This stage was a game-changer for both the men’s and women’s races last year, with the yellow leader’s jerseys changing hands in both races.
In addition, the Menomonie stage offers many family friendly events throughout the day including the second annual Gran Fondo experience. Italian for “Big Ride,” the event will challenge the most experienced amateur cyclists. Other community rides are open to riders of all abilities. The Expo, open from 11 am to 5 pm, offers activities for the whole family
Menomonie is eager to introduce the world to the best of Wisconsin cycling. The Gran Fondo and Spectator Rides give visitors a chance to see the region and experience the serene roads that traverse the countryside. The Red Cedar State Trail is the perfect place to enjoy biking or hiking along 14 miles of the Red Cedar River while more adventurous cyclists have the opportunity to continue along the full 37-mile trail system to Eau Claire. The area also offers endless miles of beautifully paved and bike-friendly roadways. Whether you prefer marked trails or the open road, you’re sure to enjoy, exploring Wisconsin’s cycling opportunities.