Relax in a whirlpool, explore our snowshoe trails, cross-county ski, speed down our sledding hills, enjoy a crackling bonfire, stargaze or just soak it all in. In warm seasons we also offer farm tours, yoga retreats, disc golf tournaments, events and gorgeous Wisconsin Elegant Barn Weddings. Come visit us for the day or stay in our farmhouse suites and log cabins for the ultimate Wisconsin getaway. We offer cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding / snow tubing with amenities, including:
- Large indoor warming area
- Booths with tables and seats
- Bonfire Ring and Firewood
- Heated indoor restrooms
- 8 foot tables and folding chairs
- Pizza, wine and beer
- Snack shop: hot chocolate, bottled water, Gatorade, candy bars
Disc Golf
Justin Trails Resort offers two 18-basket professionally designed championship disc golf courses and regularly hosts tournaments. Our Classic Course is rated #1 in Wisconsin and is approximately 1 mile in length.
Expect a mix of wide open fairways, dramatic elevation changes and tightly wooded shots. Experienced players will love the challenge of our Big Brother Course rated #5 in the US for pay-to-play courses. The course is 3+ miles long and features amazing vistas, enormous downhills and an incredible finish for a day of golf you will never forget! (Download Map)
We loan discs for use on our courses and we have Dynamic Discs, snacks, wine and beer for sale in The Lodge. If you are not familiar with the sport we will be happy to give you a quick introduction; you might just return home with a new hobby!
The course is open year round during daylight hours or at night by appointment. Course access is included for lodging guests, for day visitors the Trail Fee is $5 and includes trail access.
Bird Watching
Pack your binoculars! Wisconsin is home to over 300 species of birds, and our beautiful eco-friendly resort is the perfect place to spot them. We offer a peaceful habitat for our feathered friends with over 200 acres of woodland, ponds and organic farm land. Each year at Justin Trails Resort a bird counts is performed.
A breeding bird count was taken in June, 2017 with a total of 69 bird species identified! Our property hosts 7 species of woodpeckers, 7 varieties of flycatchers, 4 thrush species, 3 vireo species, Scarlet Tanager, and at least 8 warbler species. Owls and raptors can often be seen or heard.
Trail System
Nestled in a private coulee, Justin Trails Resort includes 200 acres of woodland, hills and meadows. We created a trail system in 1985 for guests to enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, running, fat tire biking or making up their own adventures (check out our self-guided scavenger hunt.) We are a pet friendly Wisconsin getaway, and our property offers a great opportunity for dogs to run off leash far away from any roads or traffic.
Keep your eyes peeled and you may spy deer, wild turkeys, hawks, and other wildlife along the trail. During winter months we offer snowshoe and ski rentals, a designated dog skijor trail and lessons, as well as our famous snow tubing hills! Access to our trail system is included for lodging guests, for day visitors the Trail Fee fee is $5 and includes disc golf. (Download Map)
Stargazing & Bonfires
Nighttime is a great time for outdoor adventures. Our remote location and clear skies make for excellent stargazing. As you look up into the night sky, it seems as if you can reach up and grab the Big Dipper. During winter evenings sledding and snowshoeing are phenomenal.
With the light reflecting off the snow, you may not even need headlamps it is so bright at night. Year round bonfires are super fun, and guests are welcome to use our fire ring and supplied firewood anytime during their Wisconsin getaway.
Snow tubing & Snowshoeing
Snow tubing is good old-fashioned fun for all ages! Race down either of our tubing hills or link up with friends and enjoy a ride together! We are open 10:00 AM daily. Snow tubing is available on two groomed hills, one 600 foot steep hill great for a fast ride and one 1,200 foot long fun, great for little kids. We provide a variety of small and large snow tubes for your use which are included with your Trail Pass or bring your own. Trail Pass is $5, under age 5 no charge. (Trail Pass is included when you stay in our lodging). We offer 2 sledding hills, beautiful vistas and it is good for your health. Kids will sleep well tonight!
If you can walk, you can snowshoe, no experience is necessary for this sport! All you need is a pair of snowshoes (we rent snowshoes for $5), warm clothes, sturdy boots and a sense of adventure! We have snowshoes for adults and children.
On a night hike there is no need for lights with the white snow. Our 4 miles of groomed trails are of varying difficulty and a great way for the entire family to take in the breath-taking vistas, animals & birds, beautiful woodlands and sparkling snow around Justin Trails Resort.
Wildcat Mountain State Park & Kickapoo Valley Reserve
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Wine Tasting Tours
Horseback Trail Rides
Additional Area Activities to enjoy:
- Canoeing or Kayaking on the scenic Kickapoo River or La Crosse River
- Visit the Deke Slayton Space & Bicycle Museum in Sparta
- Spend the day exploring historic downtown Viroqua shops, dining and theatre
- Explore back roads and visit the Village Shops at Down a Country Road in Wisconsin’s largest Amish community
- The area offers Driftless Destinations routes perfect for motorcyclists winding through scenic valleys
- The Fort McCoy Commemorative Area near Sparta Wisconsin consists of five WWII-era buildings set aside to tell the unique story of Fort McCoy. They represent the types of facilities found in the cantonment area when it was constructed in 1942.
Our Favorite Local Restaurants
There are a number of excellent local restaurants to enjoy during your Wisconsin getaway in Sparta, only 15 minutes from Justin Trails Resort, as well as the charming town of Viroqua or the bustling downtown of La Crosse, each about 30 minutes away.
The Cotter Pin
Leon, WI, 608-487-8118
A cozy wine boutique with excellent comfort food. Panini pressed sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps and daily specials.
Hours: Monday through Thursday 10:00 am – 9:30 pm or later (if busy) and 10 am to close Friday through Sunday.
Cork & Barrel
Sparta, WI, 608-487-9950
A comfortable atmosphere to grab a glass of wine, beer or bourbon. Our friendly staff will ensure you find something that you will enjoy..
Hours: Closed Monday; Tuesday – Friday 5:00 – 10:00 pm; Saturday 12:00 – 10:00 pm and Sunday 12 – 8:00 pm.
Ginny’s Cupboard
Sparta, WI, 608-269-6669
Sandwiches, Soups, and Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain with outside seating.
Hours: Monday – Saturday 6:00 am – 8:00 pm and Sunday 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
Jake’s Northwoods
Sparta, WI, 608-269-6464
Full Menu featuring steak, chicken, fish, pasta, soup, and salad.
Hours:Closed Sunday & Monday; Tuesday – Friday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; Saturday 3:00 – 10:00 pm
Big Boar Barbecue
La Crosse and West Salem, WI, 608-612-0387
home to the best BBQ in the North. We take pride in our savory, smoked barbecued meats and our friendly, casual atmosphere, and we use fresh and local ingredients whenever possible.
Hours: La Crosse: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm daily, West Salem: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm daily
The Charmant
La Crosse, WI, 608-519-8800
Offers a wide variety of dining options on-site. The Charmant Hotel takes a thoughtful and sustainable approach to food and drink, sourcing from regional farmers and purveyors and working with local breweries and spirit makers.
Hours: Call ahead for hours…each dining option offers different hours.
Lovechild
La Crosse, WI, 608-433-2234
Uncomplicated food with intriguing ingredients and big flavors – locally sourced and seasonally driven
Hours: Sunday Closed; Monday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Mint
La Crosse, WI, 608-519-5011
A neighborhood craft bar & eatery providing locally sourced, consciously prepared food & craft cocktails. We use the bounty of our backyard paired with multicultural culinary expertise to provide our customers with a consistent rotation of delectable dishes.
Hours: Monday Closed; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Sunday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Piggy’s Restaurant
La Crosse, WI, (608) 782-5400
Mon-Fri Soup and Salad buffet is a local favorite! Live Blues Bands every Fri and Sat 8:00-11:30 in the Blues Lounge. Lotsa Pasta Thursdays, 5:00-8:00 Chef prepared pastas with tons of toppings and sauces! Center cut steaks, flown in fresh seafood and a smoker stoked with Hickory wood from the surrounding bluffs.
Hours: Sunday 4 – 10:00 pm; Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm and Saturday 4 – 11:00 pm
The Twisted Moose
La Crosse, WI, 608-782-9192
Menu includes some of the finest flavors of the North and some delicious “twists” on traditional comfort food, all served in a resort-like setting – log siding, a stone fireplace, woodsy décor & when weather permits, front windows that open up wide to the world outside.
Hours:Closed Monday; Tuesday & Wednesday 4:00 – 10:00 pm, Thursday 4:00 – 2:00 am, Friday 3:00 – 2:30 am and Saturday 11 – 10:00 pm
The Waterfront Restaurant
La Crosse, WI, (608) 784-4877
Elegant restaurant offers the most dynamic dining experience in La Crosse, breathtaking riverside seating and the highest quality products. Great for romantic dinners!
Hours: Sunday Closed; Mon-Friday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm; Saturday 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
El Vallarta
Sparta, WI, 608-269-0547
Casual Mexican Restaurant with a full menu. Awesome service!
Hours: Sunday 11:00 am – 8:30 pm; Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; Friday & Saturday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Rudy’s Drive-In
Sparta, WI, 608-269-2011
Old Fashioned Drive-In with Hamburgers, Cheese Curds, and Ice Cream.
Hours: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Daily (April – November)
Slice of Chicago
Sparta, WI, 608-269-2181
Homemade pizza with dough prepared daily. Fresh vegetables, cured cheeses & leanest meats. Chicago style pizza offering a casual dine in, carryout or delivery experience.
Hours: Monday – Thursday 4:30 – 8:00 pm, Friday 4:30 – 9:00 pm, Saturday 3:00 – 9:00 pm, Sunday 3:00 – 8:00 pm
Franklin Coffeehouse
Sparta, WI, 608-633-5332
Freshly-brewed coffee and teas, with iced and hot options and stir-in favorites. Also, homebaked scones, cinnamon rolls, muffins and glueten-free cookies.
Hours: Closed Sunday & Monday; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 6:30 am – 2:30 pm; Thursday 6:30 am – 4:00 and Saturday 7:30 – 1:00 pm.
Dave’s Pizza
Viroqua, WI, 608-638-4000
Great pizza, buffet and salad bar. Gluten free options!
Hours: Sunday & Monday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, Tuesday Closed, Wednesday & Thursday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Driftless Cafe
Viroqua, WI, 608-637-7778
Farm-To-Table dining with a full menu. Outstanding!
Hours: Sunday & Monday Closed; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 am – 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Friday & Saturday 11 am – 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tangled Hickory
Viroqua, WI, 608-637-3031
Fun Wine Bar & Bistro with a full menu. Great food and atmosphere!
Hours: Sunday Closed, Monday – Thursday 4 – 11:00 pm, Friday & Saturday 4:00 pm – 2:00 am
Viroqua Food Co-op
Viroqua, WI, 608-637-7511
Deli serves 3 meals daily from the hot bar, with a soup and salad bar, made-to-order sandwiches and coffee, tea and espresso.
Hours: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm Daily
Borgens Cafe
Westby, WI, 608-634-4003
Homemade comfort foods for breakfast and lunch. Salad bar with locally sourced seasonal produce, complete with homemade soups and salads. Friday fish fry. Don’t forget the pie!
Hours: Saturday – Thursday 7:00 am – 4:00 pm, Friday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
