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

Elroy – Sparta State Trail

Photographed 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.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.

Location. 43° 44.826′ N, 90° 16.794′ W. Marker is near Elroy, Wisconsin, in Juneau County. It is on Main Street (State Highway

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71) half a mile west of Academy Street (State Highway 80/82), on the right when traveling west. Marker is by the trail at a trail parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elroy WI 53929, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Elroy–Sparta State Trail (approx. 5½ miles away); Geology of the 400 Trail (approx. 6.1 miles away); Towns made from this? (approx. 6½ miles away); The Lost District (approx. 7 miles away); Wonewoc History (approx. 7.1 miles away); Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, U.S. Navy (approx. 7½ miles away); Mt. Vernon Cemetery Civil War Memorial (approx. 7.6 miles away); African American Settlers of Cheyenne Valley (approx. 7.6 miles away).

Photographed by Keith L, May 5, 2009

2. Elroy – Sparta State Trail Marker

Entrance sign to Thompson Memorial Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Paul F, September 24, 2010

3. Entrance sign to Thompson Memorial Park

Park is the location of the historical marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,528 times since then and 34 times this year. 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 Richfield, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.