Bicycling Capital of America
The Elroy-Sparta bike trail remains one of the most popular trails in the country. With three rock tunnels and five small towns along it’s 32.5 mile route, the trail is a favorite Wisconsin bicycling destination.
History
The 32 mile railroad grade which stretches across the watersheds of three rivers, the Baraboo, Kickapoo, and La Crosse, was formerly owned by the Northwestern Railroad. Just one year after the last train used the railroad line from Sparta to Elroy, the old Conservation Department purchased the right-of-way for $12,000 and began the development of the nations first railroad trail. From this simple beginning, the Elroy-Sparta State Park Trail has grown into a nationally famous bikeway whose annual visitor attendance averages over 60,000 patrons a year.
Trail Pass Information:
Trail passes are required for all riders ages 16 and older. Daily passes are $5 and annual passes are $25. See below for a complete list of all locations that sell trail passes. Please note that not all locations may have passes. Call ahead.
Hansen’s IGA – 1800 Commercial St., 608-486-2626
La Crosse Convention & Visitors Bureau – 410 Veterans Memorial Drive, 608-782-2327 (Janet – Dahl@explorelacrosse.com)
Smith Bikes – 125 7th St. North, 608-784-1175, Erik@smithsbikes.com
Walsh Golf Center – 4203 County Road B, 608-781-0838 (David Swift)
Rockland Stop & Go – 104 N Commercial St., 608-486-2500
Justin Trails, 7452 Kathryn Ave., Sparta, WI 54656, 608-855-0282
Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce – 111 Milwaukee St., 608-269-4123
Sparta Kwik Trip, Store #317, 1751 E WI Street 54656, (Hwy 16 East, Sparta)
Speed’s Bicycle Shop, 1126 John Street, Sparta, WI 54656, 608-269-2315
Hansen’s IGA – 635 W Hwy 16
Le Coulee Cheese – 112 S. Leonard St.
Veterans Memorial Campground – N4668 Cty. Rd. VP
Village of West Salem – 175 S Leonard St.
Dave Heilman (Kendall/Elroy/Sparta) 608-487-3271