Once known for the healing powers of the local artesian springs, Sparta is now most recognized as the “Bicycling Capital of America,” based on the fact that the first rail bed to be converted to bike trails is between Elroy and Sparta.
Over 60,000 visitors enjoy the Elroy-Sparta and La Crosse River State Bike Trails. It is a Rails to Trails Paradise! The tunnels, the landscape, the wildlife, the beautiful scenery are worth coming all year long. The Elroy-Sparta trail is a 32-mile ride through spectacular foliage and topography. It passes over 33 trestles and through three cavernous tunnels, one of which is almost a mile long. The La Crosse River Trail, which offers an additional 22 miles of biking pleasure, parallels the La Crosse River. Prairie remnants, farmlands, trout streams and hardwood forests are found along the trail.
Sparta offers a variety of attractions for all types of interest. Visit the Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bicycle Museum while in town or head over to Memorial Park to find the new aquatic center, ball diamonds, tennis courts, ice rinks, hockey arena, playground, sheltered picnic area, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking on Beaver Creek, Perch Lake and the La Crosse River. Sparta also has a reputable 18-hole golf course and a 12-lane bowling center. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are popular in the winter months.
The annual Butterfest celebration is held the second weekend in June, which includes a gigantic parade, carnival, free family entertainment state and plenty of food and refreshments on the grounds. Check out www.spartabutterfest.com ⚠ for more information.
Concerts in the park are performed 7-9 p.m. every Wednesday at Evans Bosshard Park during the summer months. These concerts are sponsored by the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce and are free to attend. Check the events calendar for details: https://bikesparta.us/calendar/ ⚠
Other activities include motorcycling, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, and visiting tourist attractions and gift shops. You will also find antique shops in the area and you don’t have to travel very far to get a glimpse of Amish life. Enjoy the local shopping and dining.
Sparta is home to many unique shops in its historic downtown district and world recognized manufacturers in our growing business parks. The quality of life in Sparta is second to none. Come for business, come for pleasure, and stay for a lifetime!
For further information contact the Sparta Chamber of Commerce, 111 Milwaukee Street, Sparta, WI 54656. Phone (608) 269-4123 or (800) 540-8434.
Website is www.bikesparta.com ⚠ Email executivedirector@bikesparta.com. ⚠
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