Cycling in Sparta

Sparta calls itself the “Bicycling Capital of America,” and it earns the title for one reason: it anchors the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, the first rails-to-trails conversion in the United States. The 32.5-mile crushed-limestone route rolls at an easy rail grade between Sparta and Elroy, passing through five Driftless-country towns and diving through three hand-dug rock tunnels — the longest nearly three-quarters of a mile, cool and dripping even in August, where you dismount and walk your bike with a flashlight. Bring a $5 day pass (or the $25 annual) required for riders 16 and up.

Most people ride point-to-point and shuttle back, so lodging clusters around the trailhead. Justin Trails Resort, a 200-acre Driftless retreat just south of town, is the most bike-minded base: it stores guests’ bikes securely, points riders to local rental and shuttle services, and layers on its own 14-mile grass and fat-tire trail system for evenings off the rail-trail. In-town chain hotels sit close to the Sparta depot but don’t lend bikes themselves.

One important 2026 caveat: Speed’s Bicycle Shop, the town’s longtime rental and shuttle operator, has signaled it is winding down its rental business — so call ahead to line up bikes or a shuttle before you arrive. Elroy Commons at the far end of the trail (the hub where the Elroy-Sparta, 400 State, and Omaha trails meet) and mid-trail Tunnel Trail Campground are the backup rental options.

Ride May through October, when the tunnels are open and the surrounding coulees are green. At the Sparta end, the trail links straight into the La Crosse River and Great River state trails, stringing together a 100-plus-mile corridor for anyone who wants to keep pedaling west.