Sparta, WI


Sparta is known as the Bicycling Capital of America. One visit there and you’ll see why. The Elroy Sparta State Trail is one of the most beautiful Rails-to-Trails paths in the state. As you bike or hike the trail you’ll go through three old railroad tunnels built in 1873. Walking through one of these is an experience in itself. But Sparta features more than just biking. There’s fishing, boating, golfing and of course shopping in its unique downtown. Visit the Four Historic Corners where all four buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places or try your luck at milking a cow at the annual Sparta Butterfest. Whether you bike or not Sparta is a place you can enjoy all year round.

More information about Sparta

Bicycling Through the Heart of Wisconsin

Air: May 19-20, 2012
View full episode at Kididdel.com
Strap on your helmets and get ready to experience Wisconsin’s natural beauty by bicycle! We’re heading to the Bicycling Capital of America to ride the country’s first rails to trails conversion in Sparta, to Stevens Point to explore one of the first trails to encircle an entire community, and up to the Northwoods to follow the Heart of Vilas County Trail through St. Germain and Boulder Junction.

Video Gallery

  • Episodes

    Bicycling Through
  • Webisodes

    Guitar lesson with
  • Webisodes

    Hear a McPherson
  • Episodes

    Sparta-Hill Country
  • Webisodes

    Elroy-Sparta Bike

  • Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce

    Known as the Bicycling Capital of America, Sparta is a community of 9000 population nestled in the rolling hills of west central Wisconsin.
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  • McPherson Guitars

    McPherson Guitars is a pioneer in the marketplace with its state-of-the-art bracing, cantilevered neck, and soundhole placement. Find out what others in the recording and performance industry, including many Grammy Award winners, have discovered - that McPherson Guitars offer a range of dynamics and depth of sound like no other.
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  • Mathews Bows

    Mathews, Inc. currently employs a staff of over 300 people and operates three local facilities to a diverse line of archery equipment, bow components and accessories for authorized retailers all over the world.
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  • Amil's Inn

    Amil’s Inn Bed and Breakfast is nestled in the Kickapoo Valley in Wilton Wisconsin. This delightful country home was constructed by Amil Reeck and his wife, Whilhelmine “Minne” in 1910, and has been fully remodeled by Amil’s grandson, David Reeck. David and his wife Anita welcome you into their historic home that captures the allure of times gone by, with all the comforts of today. The newly remodeled home has four guest rooms each with private baths.
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  • Country Inn & Suites Sparta

    With its charming décor and convenient amenities, the Country Inn & Suites Sparta, WI hotel provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere sure to please business and leisure travelers alike. Relax in our cozy accommodations and enjoy easy access to nearby biking and hiking trails, as well as businesses and attractions.
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  • Deke Slayton Museum

    The Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum, Inc i was founded in March 1999 by a core group of Monroe County residents who wanted to honor NASA astronaut Deke Slayton’s memory in his hometown and commemorate the rich bicycling heritage of the area.
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  • Elroy-Sparta Trail

    The Elroy-Sparta Trail, known as "the three tunnel trail," is a 32-mile bike trail located in Hidden Valleys Country on the abandoned Chicago & North Western Railroad bed. The trail passes through three rock tunnels and a portion of the unglaciated areas of Wisconsin, highlighting the state's natural beauty.
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  • Fort McCoy

    As a Total Force Training Center, Fort McCoy’s primary responsibility is providing quality training facilities for reserve- and active-component military forces. Fort McCoy is a ready and capable mobilization site, equipped to prepare and deploy military units for any contingency. The Fort McCoy community truly is unique, with active, reserve and civilian components working together for the betterment of all facets of life at the installation.
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  • Percheron Paradise Romantic Hideaway

    We are a secluded getaway resort near La Crosse, Wisconsin. To help you get around our site just click on the pictures on the right. They will take you to that building where you can view more pictures and check out our rates.
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  • Sparta Events

    Find out more about Sparta’s Concerts in the Park and other events.
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  • Rudy's Drive-In

    Rudy's has been a familiar summer tradition for over 69 years. Let the good times roll at Rudy's Drive-In in La Crosse and Sparta!
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