Elroy-Sparta State Trail Voyage Tips and guide

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail, also known as the Sparta-Elroy Trail, is a rail trail in Southwest Wisconsin.

The trail is a rail trail, built on the main line of the Chicago and North Western Railway line that opened in 1873. The rail line closed in 1964, and the trail opened in 1967. Sparta is the largest town on the trail, at the western end, and one of the most accessible, being on I-90. Elroy, at the other end of the trail, isn’t as accessible, but it is located at the junction of 3 state roads.

The trail is usually travelled by bike, so most will need to bring or rent a bike.

Map of Elroy-Sparta State Trail

This assumes the rider or traveler is starting in Sparta. If you are starting elsewhere, please remember that the listings are ordered by distance from Sparta.

Once in Sparta, you’ll have to find somewhere to stay, and if you need to, somewhere to rent a bike.

• 43.882265-90.8092011 Leon Valley Campground, 9050 Jancing Ave.  (updated Sep 2025)
• 43.926863-90.7881722 Sparta DNR Campground, 9890 Imac Ave.  (updated Sep 2025)

• 43.924024-90.818563 Super 8 Sparta, 716 Avon Rd.  (updated Sep 2025)

• 43.9435-90.7672084 Best Western Plus Sparta Trail Lodge, 4445 Theater Rd, ☏ +1 608 269-2664, fax: +1 608 269-2994.  (updated Sep 2025)

At the other end of the trail is Elroy.

• 43.728329-90.2690945 Schultz City Park Camping, 301 S Main St.  (updated Sep 2025)