Sparta Wisconsin Attractions

Nestled in a quiet, peaceful, hilly coulee Justin Trails Resort offers guests a relaxed, dog-friendly country getaway in the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region. The Resort is located 30 miles East of La Crosse, 13 miles South of Fort McCoy, 5 miles South of I-90 Sparta Exit 25 and 6 miles from the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail.

Bring the whole family and make Justin Trails Resort your home base. Within 30 minutes of the resort there are plenty of activities to enjoy such as riding the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail, shopping in Downtown Sparta or canoe/kayak the La Crosse or Kickapoo Rivers. This is just a taste of the fun things to do nearby!

Amish Country – Near Cashton WI is the largest settlement of Amish in the state of Wisconsin with 350 families. 

Elroy-Sparta State Bicycle Trail – the first rail-to-trail in the United States, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail is one of the most popular trails in the country. With three rock tunnels and five small towns along its 32.5-mile route, the trail passes by wetlands, prairies, farmland, and unglaciated areas. 

Shopping in Downtown Sparta – The charming shops and boutiques are the cornerstone of Downtown Sparta, each sharing new knowledge and creativity with locals. Deviating from the monotony of big-box stores, these independently owned shops provide a sense of community, bringing togetherness in the care taken to serve their customers with a friendly smile and, oftentimes, a personalized greeting upon arrival. Homegrown character oozes through each storefront, inviting new visitors to explore the world through new eyes.  

Drifty’s Canoe Rental – canoe or kayak trip down the beautiful Kickapoo River with Drifty’s Canoe Rental. The Kickapoo River offers unmatched scenery of the driftless region. It is a very safe, slow-moving river that can be enjoyed by beginners as well as experienced canoe enthusiasts. The river follows a meandering, winding path through Wildcat Mountain State Park and the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, with plenty of places to stop for a picnic, swimming or exploring. 

Grandad Bluff – The 600-ft high bluff overlooks the city of La Crosse. The view of the Mississippi River Valley includes the three states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Wisconsin Trails readers voted this “the most scenic view in the state.” The park features a shelter house, coin-operated binocular, and picnic areas.

Sparta’s Wooden Bridges – Sparta is home to many unique wooden bridges within walking distance of downtown Sparta. These special bridges were built by hand by “The Five Shovelmen” who volunteered to build these bridges to beautify the community. Take a stroll on the self-guided bridge tour. The Love Lock Bridge includes wire cables on which couples can place padlocks to symbolize their love for each other. Purchase an engraved lock at KEPS Naturals. 

Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bike Museum – The museum is seen as a progression of transportation, from the first bicycles to today’s space missions. Sparta is home the first rails to trails programs in the United States and is therefore known as the bicycling capital of America. Deke Slayton was one of America’s first astronauts and is a native to the Sparta Area.  Exhibits include bicycles dating back over a hundred years and Deke Slayton’s Spacesuit.

Riverside Park – where the Mississippi, Black and La Crosse rivers meet. This park is the home of the La Crosse Queen which offers a Friday evening Pizza Cruise or a daily sight-seeing cruise. At the north end of the park, enjoy strolling through the Riverside International Friendship Gardens. 

Kickapoo Valley Reserve – The Kickapoo Valley Reserve is an 8,600-acre tract of public land located between the villages of La Farge and Ontario in southwestern Wisconsin.  

Perrot State Park – Perrot State Park’s 1,200 acres are nestled among 500-foot bluffs where the Trempealeau and Mississippi rivers meet. Enjoy breathtaking river views from the hiking trails in this park, known for its natural, archaeological, and historical resources. There is direct access for bicyclists from the campground to the 24-mile Great River State Trail. There is also a marked canoe trail in Trempealeau Bay. Canoes can be rented at the park in season.