The Best Menomonie Spots for Anything, According to an 11-Year Transplant
Looking for inspiration on where to see the local sights or just to get a better bite to eat? Check out these top-notch locations.
After transferring to UW-Stout, I’ve lived in Menomonie for 11 years, and I’m still here. I’ll never be a true townie, according to the hairdresser who shared that you have to be born here like she was to qualify for that title. But since Menomonie is a lot more than meets the eye, more than just a rest stop off of I-94 between Minneapolis and Madison, I’m content bearing the title of transplant. Whether you’ve been here for a few weeks, a few years, or maybe you’re one of those lucky few townies, here’s a crash course on Menomonie must-do’s.
Outdoor/Adventure
Sledding | Check out the Dunn County Fairgrounds (620 17th St SE) for a hill free of obstacles under the Menomonie water tower. It’s the best spot in town for snowboarding too. Everything else is downhill from there.
Natural Wonder | Devil’s Punchbowl (410th St) features some awe-inspiring ice walls during the winter or a pleasant waterfall in the spring. Be ready to descend and ascend some snow-covered stairs in the winter. If you find yourself visiting in the spring, be sure to wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy.
To Catch a Sunrise | Hang out in the parking lot or at a picnic table in Lakeside Park (Wolske Bay Rd). Witness the slow rise of the sun providing a great view of the lake. It is just down the road from the Menomonie Public Library.
To Catch a Sunset | Grab some custard from Culver’s and head down the hill to Point Comfort Park (803 21st St NE North). Sit out on the dock or pull up a picnic table and watch the sun disappear behind the silhouette of Menomonie.
Fishing | Park on the land bridge (Shorewood Dr) connecting Evergreen Cemetery to the mainland (City of Menomonie). Cast into the bayside to hook a crappie or two. By the way, this historical cemetery was founded in 1873 and is the largest in Dunn County. It’s open seasonally to visitors.
Next, drive or walk to the south end of Riverside Park (County Rd P). Set up on the beach and drop a line near the confluence of Gilbert Creek and the Red Cedar River.
Walking | Stokke Trail is a good bet if you are up for a short walk. Start at the Red Cedar Trailhead (910 Hudson Rd) and walk towards the dam or vice versa to maximize your view of the Red Cedar River and other woodland scenery.
Biking | Hop onto the Lake Menomin Loop for a relaxing, scenic cruise. This paved trail is 8.3 miles from start to finish, but you’ll hardly notice the miles as you take in all the sights. Start and end at the trailhead in Wakanda Park (909 Pine Ave).
Swimming | The Dunnville Bottoms is a hidden gem on the Red Cedar River. It is about 15 miles down the Red Cedar Trail if you feel up to biking, or you can consult Google for driving directions. The best address to use is 524th Street/Dunnville Road to get you close, and then you can keep going until you hit the dead end. From there, it’s a short walk down a path.
Slurps & Bites
Coffee | The Blind Munchies Coffeehouse (621 Wilson Ave) will get you going when the going gets tough. It is conveniently located near campus with a laid-back feel and serve delicious espresso drinks.
Donuts | Donut Sam’s (521 2nd St E Suite B) is a great place to get a high-calorie kickstart to the day. They offer some inexpensive donuts with an attitude and a fun atmosphere. Show up early for the best selection.
Pizza | Lucette Brewing Company (910 Hudson Rd) offers an industrious atmosphere that pairs nicely with its woodfired pizza oven. Their unique za’s are topped with locally sourced ingredients to bring your pizza experience closer to home. Order ahead and get it to go or dine in and enjoy it tableside.
Fish Fry | You don’t have to be a successful fisherperson to enjoy the flounder. The Great Escape Bar & Grill (2909 Bongey Dr) serves up some great fried or baked cod or walleye. Plus, you can get a salad bar included.
Impress Them
Best Place to Take Your Mom | At Town and Country Antiques (244 Main St E), get lost in nostalgia and find unusual items. If you finish early, walk down the road to C & J’s Candy and Ice Cream Shop for everything from basic chocolate to wild treats from around the world.
Best Place to Take Your Dad | What father would turn down a nice steak or some thick-cut bacon? At Cut Rite Meat Shoppe (872 N Broadway St), the smokehouse smell will inundate your senses as you walk through the door. They have self-serve to-go meat snack options, but the helpful person behind the counter will “meat” your expectations if you have something more hearty in mind.
To Learn History | At Rassbach Museum (1820 John Russell Rd) in Wakanda Park, take a step back in time to see history about bank robberies, living conditions, and once-thriving industries in the likes of bricks and logging in Menomonie.
Best Classic Midwestern Date Spot | Go bowling at Broadway Bowl (1501 N Broadway St). Get things rolling by ordering food like fries and a burger. It’s a great spot to do a double date. They have weekly specials, but cosmic bowling on Friday nights pretty much encapsulates that whole midwestern charm experience.