Elroy-Sparta State Trail: Elroy to Kendall

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail from Elroy to Kendall passes through open grassland and meadows. The Baraboo River runs close to the path, crossing the trail several times as it meanders south. As the trail moves toward Kendall, it travels through a forested corridor offering shade and protection from the wind.

It is 6.4 miles from Elroy to Kendall. The crushed limestone path is in good condition. Traveling northwest from Elroy, the trail departs Juneau County and enters Monroe County after 3 miles. For most of the route, it runs adjacent to Wisconsin State Highway 71.

In Elroy, cyclists have two good trailhead options. Elroy Commons is located on Railroad Street next to “The 400” State Trail. This well-outfitted trailhead has restrooms, showers, a self-service bicycle repair station, covered picnic shelters, a playground, and bike shop. The Elroy Commons Trail Shop sells a variety of goods, including trail passes. It also offers bicycle rentals and repairs. To reach Elroy Commons by car, turn east off Wisconsin State Highways 80 and 82 onto Franklin Street. Then turn left (north) onto Railroad Street, and drive several hundred feet to the parking area.

A second trailhead is found 0.7 miles down the trail from Elroy Commons. On the northwest side of Elroy off Wisconsin State Highway 71, this simpler trailhead has a parking lot, information kiosk, drinking water from a hand-pumped well, and restrooms. A historical marker conveys the story of the development of the Elroy Sparta State Trail.

Thompson Memorial Park is located across the highway from this trailhead, and has a small Wisconsin DNR campground for trail-goers. A paved service road on the south side of the highway is gated to prevent vehicles from entering. Cyclists lift their bikes over the gate and proceed up a steep 0.2 mile road to the campground. There are 13 tent campsites, a water pump, and toilets. An onsite drop box allows for campsite registration.

Another Elroy campground is on the south side of town. Schulz City Park and Campground is located off Wisconsin State Highways 80 and 82. It has campsites for tents and RVs, with many having electric and water hookups. Restrooms, showers, and a sanitary dump station are available. Camping fees are paid at the Elroy Commons Trail Shop.

Schulz City Park also has a swimming pool, playground, restrooms, ball field, volleyball and tennis courts. The park is home to the annual Elroy Fair, with horse and tractor pulls, animal showings, carnival rides, music, bull riding, and many food options.

Members of the Ho-Chunk nation originally occupied land in the area that would become Elroy. Because of a treaty with the U.S. Government in 1837, many Native Americans were removed from their homeland. Local settlement by white Americans began in the early 1850s with mills and homesteads along the Baraboo River. By 1858, Elroy had developed and incorporated as a city. The population in Elroy increased rapidly during the 1870s with the construction of several railroad lines there.

Today, the small city has several claims to fame. It is the home of former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson, and boasts the slogan “Where the Trails Meet.” The “400” State Trail, Elroy-Sparta State Trail, and Omaha Trail all converge in Elroy.

If starting the Elroy-Sparta State Trail at Elroy Commons, cyclists travel north on the path for 0.2 mile to Cedar Street. The route turns left (west), and heads 450 feet in a bike lane on Cedar Street. After crossing Wisconsin State Highways 80 and 82, the trail resumes on the west side of the highway. It travels northwest adjacent to Wisconsin State Highway 71 for 0.4 mile, then arrives at the second trailhead.

From that trailhead, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail continues next to the highway for another mile. The path is enveloped in a tree corridor, and crosses Sorenson Road and County Highway PP.

A mile from the second trailhead, the trees give way to open meadows and grasslands. Now further from the highway, the path passes through marshes to cross the small Baraboo River twice. To the east, a forested ridge is noticeable. Songbirds or sandhill cranes are frequently seen in the meadows and wetlands.

It is 0.9 mile from the second bridge over the Baraboo River to the third river crossing. The landscape remains the same: grassy meadows and low wetlands by the river. A half mile later, the path crosses the river a fourth time. The trail grade is level throughout the route.

The trail then arrives at Nutmeg Road. Over the next mile, it turns west, crosses the Baraboo River twice more, and meets Monitor Road. After Monitor Road, the turns northwest again for 1.3 miles before arriving in Kendall. A tree corridor lines the trail in this section.

After crossing the Baraboo River one final time and passing over White Street, the path arrives at a trailhead in Kendall. It has a parking lot, park benches, covered picnic shelter, information kiosk, bicycle self-service station, and historical marker about the trail.

The Kendall trailhead also houses an old railway depot, built in 1900 by the Chicago and Northwestern Railway. The Wisconsin DNR restored the building in 1964, and it now houses the headquarters for the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail. State trail passes, bicycle rentals, shuttle service, concessions, and apparel and souvenirs are available. The depot contains a museum with railroad exhibits, restrooms and drinking water.

The Kendall trailhead is easy to reach by car. Turn north on White Street from Wisconsin State Highway 71. The parking lot is immediately to the left (west), alongside the old depot.

Kendall is a small village in Monroe County and was named for L. G. Kendall, a local farmer and landowner. Kendall has had a post office since 1874, and was once the home of a 14-stall railroad engine roundhouse and turntable. It housed “helper” locomotives that assisted other engines in climbing the inclines between Kendall and Sparta.

^{Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.}

Outside the trailhead facilities, Kendall offers trail-goers simple amenities. There are a few taverns serving food and a gas station/convenience store. Most businesses are on Railroad Street, south of the trail.

Trail last ridden and documented in July, 2023.