Tomah: Recreation Trails, Music and History

Tomah offers a variety of ways to enjoy a stay: get active on the Tomah Recreation Trail, enjoy activities at Lake Tomah, explore cultural history and parks, or take in seasonal music and market offerings. Consider whether you primarily want to be active outdoors, explore historical topics, or visit during an event or market period.

Getting Active on Trails and by the Water

The Tomah Recreation Trail offers opportunities for walking, biking, rollerblading and running. It runs for about six miles through Tomah and uses sidewalks for some of its route. This makes it a specific option to consider if you want to include exercise in your stay.

At Lake Tomah, the focus is on other activities: opportunities include kayaking, canoeing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, boating and fishing. The lake also has two boat launches and an accessible pier. When planning your trip, you can weigh activities on the trail against those on the water.

Culture and History in Tomah

The Tomah Historical Museum displays the Frank King Collection, featuring the nationally syndicated comic strip “Gasoline Alley.” Another historical landmark is the Little Red School House, originally called Watermill School. Built in 1864, it was first located five miles northeast of Tomah on County Road G.

The school was among the first in the area to provide free textbooks, starting in 1912; an entrance was added in 1914. It closed in 1965, was acquired by the city and moved to its current location in Tomah’s Gillett Park, where it was set up as a museum. Its former location on County Road G and its current museum location are two distinct points in the building’s history.

Parks and Play Areas

The Winnebago Wonderland playground is located in a large park in Tomah. Rotary Plaza in Winnebago Park includes an accessible area with picnic spots and public restrooms. The plaza also features an all-inclusive music park with instruments that children of all ages can play.

Summer Music and Farmers Market

Downtown Thursday Nights (DTN) has been a six-week, family-friendly summer concert series in Tomah since 2019, featuring nationally touring bands. Americana Music in the Park is also held every summer in Gillett Park; specific event dates may change.

The Tomah Farmers Market takes place in Gillett Park from May to October in 2026. Local vendors sell vegetables, fruit, plants, jams, preserved fruits and vegetables, cakes, bread, cut flowers, herbs, spices, crafts and jewelry. Dates and vendor offerings may change. If the market or music events are important to your trip, check the dates and current offerings in advance.

Discover more destinations: Sparta, Kendall.

View the overview of the wider travel area: Monroe.