La Crosse River State Trail: Sparta to Rockland
A bike ride from Sparta to Rockland on the La Crosse River State Trail is pleasant and enjoyable. It’s 6 miles with a mostly downhill grade, on a good limestone surface that makes an easy ride. Just north of the trail, the tracks of the Canadian Pacific Railway run adjacent. From the south, the traffic hum from Interstate Highway 90 is often present, but doesn’t diminish the pleasure of the ride.
The La Crosse River State Trail begins in Sparta at the old Chicago and Northwestern Railroad depot. This historic building was constructed in 1915 and renovated in 1992. It now serves as the headquarters of the adjoining Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail and home to the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce.
The depot benefits trail-goers on both paths. There’s restrooms and drinking water, and cyclists can purchase trail passes and other merchandise. The trailhead also has parking lots, bike racks, a bicycle self-service station, parking benches and picnic tables.
The depot trailhead is located in Sparta on the corner of Milwaukee and Water Streets. To reach the depot by car, take exit 25 north from Interstate Highway 90 in Sparta. Briefly follow Wisconsin State Highway 27 and turn right (east) on Avon Road. Drive 0.6 mile and turn left (north) on Water Street. After 0.3 mile, turn right (east) on Milwaukee Street and into the depot parking lot.
Nicknamed the “Bicycle Capital of America,” Sparta is within the La Crosse River valley. It sits in Monroe County, within Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. The region is also known as Coulee Country, from the French word “to flow.” Unlike much of Wisconsin this area was untouched by ancient glaciers, and the landscape still retains rugged bluffs and hills. Scenic streams and rivers flow today through its deep ravines and valleys.
Sparta is located on former Ho-Chunk territory, which was ceded to the United States in 1837. European American settlement began in 1849, and the community became an area crossroads. The first settlers were brothers Frank and William Petit, who opened a tavern in 1851. Their mother named the settlement after the historic Greek city-state of Sparta.
In 1854, Sparta became the county seat of Monroe County, growing further with the arrival of railroads in 1858 and 1873. The town attracted small-scale manufacturing in the late nineteenth century, due to the availability of waterpower on the La Crosse River. Sparta was also known as a health resort destination because of its artesian wells with mineral water.
Today, the modern town of Sparta has plenty of amenities for visiting trail-goers. Although the town is small, the junction of the La Crosse River and Elroy-Sparta State Trails has resulted in the development of biking resources. From the trailhead depot, a paved spur trail leads to the downtown and parks. There’s a unique “Bikin’ Ben” sculpture, and beautiful parks on the river. Sparta has several coffee shops, including Franklin Coffeehouse which offers coffee, tea, smoothies, and homemade baked goods.
Back on the La Crosse River State Trail, the path leaves the trailhead depot and heads southwest across Water Street. The double railroad tracks for the Canadian Pacific Railway and Amtrack come into view to the right (north) and continue along the trail to Rockland. Within a corridor of trees and bushes the path travels out of Sparta, passing factories, a mobile home park, and small forests. Less than a mile out, the trail crosses under the Wisconsin State Highway 27 overpass.
Forests then appear to the right of the trail, and fields to the left. Tree-filled bluffs and hills may be seen far in the distance. The trail runs by the massive operations and building of U.S. Silica Company, where a line of empty rail cars was seen. Just over 2 miles from Sparta, the path crosses Hammer Road and shortly after, the Little La Crosse River flows under the trail. It’s worth taking a short break on the bridge to enjoy the view.
After crossing Iceberg Road, the trail travels through the La Crosse River Trail Prairies State Natural Area. This unique trailside eco-region is a stretch of dry-mesic and dry prairie. It lies on the sandy terrace of the La Crosse River, and was once part of a vast prairie that covered much of this region. Plants include grasses, wild indigo, prairie clover, leadplant, prairie bush-clover, larkspur, pasqueflower, cinquefoil, asters, thimbleweed, and more.
Just over 5 miles out of Sparta, the trail Monroe County and enters La Crosse County. North of the trail, a large flooring company signals the start of Rockland. This little village has a trailhead with roadside parking along Commercial Street. No restrooms are available, but there is a bike rack, water fountain, two interpretive kiosks, and picnic tables.
The three interpretive markers in the covered shelter are worth reading. Two markers convey the history of the native prairies, and the railroad’s special role in preserving them. A third marker relates the history of Rockland. The village was named for a large rock, developed along the railroad line, and issued a post office in 1873.
The Rockland trailhead is accessed by car from Interstate Highway 90 by taking exit 25 near Spartan and going south on Wisconsin State Highway 27. Drive a half mile and turn right (west) on Icon Avenue. Go 1.2 mile and turn right (north) onto Icebox Road. After a short distance turn left (west) onto Iberia Avenue. Drive 3.5 miles and continue onto Rock Street for 0.5 mile. Then turn left (south) onto Commercial Street. Drive 0.3 mile to the trailhead.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
In Rockland, Gaylord Memorial Park is another trailhead option. It is 0.5 mile from the trailhead on Rock Street. The village park has restrooms, a portable toilet, vending machine, covered shelter, playground, ball diamond, and athletic fields and courts. Its amenities are especially appreciated as there are no convenience stores or restaurants in Rockland.
Trail last ridden and documented in October, 2022.