Elroy – Sparta State Trail Marker

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Near Elroy in Juneau County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Elroy – Sparta State Trail

By Keith L, May 5, 2009

1. Elroy – Sparta State Trail Marker

Inscription. This 32 mile state trail was formerly the mainline of the Chicago and North Western Railway. The conversion from “rail to trail” represented a new concept in recreational development. Utilizing the abandoned railbed, it was the first trail of its kind in the United States to be designated a National Recreational Trail by the United States Department of Interior. The trail is primarily used for bicycling, hiking and snowmobiling. Passing through scenic areas, it links the communities of Elroy, Kendall, Wilton, Norwalk and Sparta. Added attractions are its three tunnels, the longest being 3,833 feet. Train service began in 1873 as steam locomotives hauled grain, livestock and passengers. Rail service ended in 1964. The trail was established by the Department of Natural Resources in 1965 and opened to the public in 1967.

Erected 1979 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 252.)

Location. 43° 44.826′ N, 90° 16.794′ W. Marker is near Elroy, Wisconsin, in Juneau County. Marker is on Main Street (State Highway 71) half a mile west of Academy Street (State Highway 80/82), on the right when traveling west. Click for map. Marker is by the trail at a trail parking lot. Marker is in this post office area: Elroy WI 53929, United States of America.

Other nearby markers.

By Keith L, May 5, 2009

2. Elroy – Sparta State Trail Marker

At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. A different marker also named Elroy – Sparta State Trail (approx. 5.5 miles away); The Lost District (approx. 7 miles away); Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, U.S. Navy (approx. 7.5 miles away); Mt. Vernon Cemetery Civil War Memorial (approx. 7.6 miles away); African American Settlers of Cheyenne Valley (approx. 7.6 miles away); Stewart's Chapel (approx. 9.2 miles away); New Lisbon Civil War Memorial (approx. 10.5 miles away); Castle Rock (approx. 12.1 miles away).

Also see . . . The Elroy-Sparta State Trail. The official web site of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail. (Submitted on May 7, 2009.)

Entrance sign to Thompson Memorial Park Photo, Click for full size

By Paul F, September 24, 2010

3. Entrance sign to Thompson Memorial Park

Park is the location of the historical marker.

Credits. This page originally submitted on May 7, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 462 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 7, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on October 7, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.