Kendall Depot

05/21/2026

Over the next few days, we'll be featuring a different bike trail that passes right through our Commons!

First up is the historic Elroy-Sparta Trail, proudly known as "America's First Rail Trail." This scenic 32.5-mile route connects Elroy, Kendall, Wilton, Norwalk, and Sparta.

The Tunnels: The trail features three historic tunnels, ranging up to 3/4 of a mile long.

What to Pack: The tunnels are dark and cool, so flashlights and jackets are essential for your ride.

Trail Passes: Required for bikers ages 16 and older.

Scan the QR code on the flyer below to view the official DNR History and Story Map to plan your next ride.

Have you ever ridden the Elroy-Sparta Trail? Share your favorite stops or memories in the comments!

04/29/2026

🚴‍♂️ GEAR UP, RIDERS! THE TUNNELS ARE OPENING! 🚴‍♀️

The wait is finally over! This weekend marks the official season opening of the legendary Elroy Sparta Trail tunnels. If you call yourself a cyclist, this is the "bucket list" ride you absolutely have to tackle this summer. May 1st 2026~

As America’s very first rails-to-trails project, this 32.5-mile route isn't just a ride—it’s a trip through history. You’ll pedal through stunning wetlands, prairies, and the rugged beauty of Wisconsin’s unglaciated driftless area.

🔦 THE TUNNEL EXPERIENCE
The stars of the show are the three massive rock tunnels, each over 140 years old!

Kendall & Wilton Tunnels: Each a quarter-mile of cool, dark adventure.

The Big One (Norwalk/Sparta): A massive 0.75-mile trek underground!

Pro-Tips for the Tunnels: * Bring a flashlight—it gets pitch black in there!

Walk Your Bike through the tunnels for safety it's wet and rocky.

Pack a light jacket—it stays chilly even on 90° days.

Watch for the "mountain dew"—natural spring water often trickles from the ceiling!

🏰 MAKE SPARTA YOUR HOME BASE
Don’t just ride and drive away! Turn your trip into a summer getaway by staying a few days right here in Sparta. There is so much more to explore:

Downtown Vibes: Shop our local boutiques and grab a delicious bite to eat at our in town local eateries.

Culture & History: Visit our local museums and admire the iconic bridges that make our town so photogenic.

Beyond the Bike: Swap your helmet for a life vest! Grab a kayak or a fishing pole and hit our beautiful local waterways.

Concerts in the Park: If you’re here on a Wednesday (May 20th – August 26th), head over to Evans-Bosshard Park from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm for the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce’s Concerts in the Park! 🎶

On Saturday head to Water St in Downtown Sparta for The Sparta Farmer's Market May 9th-October 10th 8 am-1pm.

Whether you’re a distance pro or a family looking
for a weekend adventure, Sparta is the place to be this summer.😎🎣🔅🍺☀️🚴🚴‍♀️🛶🎶🦋

Explore Monroe County Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park

04/17/2026

Elroy-Sparta State Trail Property Notice:  View all property notices Info Reserve Recreation Maps Hours The trail is open year-round. Read More Directions Get directions to the property. Read More Admission A state trail pass is required for bicycling. Read More Volunteer See volunteering opportuni...

04/05/2026

Bike season is fast approaching, and I will again be offering shuttle service along the Elroy-Sparta State trail with additional services to the 400 State Trail, the La Crosse River State Trail, and the Great River State Trail. Shuttle services are on a first come, first serve basis so don't wait to get your reservations. Call of text me at 608-487-3271.

Sparta Trail Depot
Shuttle

04/05/2026

10/16/2025

10/07/2025

Currently at the Kendall Depot

09/21/2025

Currently available in Kendall

06/15/2025

Great River State Trail Bridge Burned

Recently one of the many railroad bridges along the Great River State Trail was severely damaged, to the point of being unusable and beyond repair. These bridges connect the trail through the marshy backwaters of the Mississippi River and without them the trail is unpassable. See the recent press release from the WI DNR here: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/109116

We strongly encourage anyone who uses or plans to use this trail to contact local legislators to encourage them to support the quick replacement of the bridge, to ensure continued trail access.

Sen.Pfaff [email protected]
Rep.Doyle [email protected]
Rep.Billings [email protected]

The bridge was originally built in 1957 as a railroad bridge for the abandoned Chicago-Northwestern railroad line and is over 200 feet long and located approximately three miles east of Trempealeau.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources