Wisconsin Friends of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail -WI FESST

06/16/2026

06/08/2026

Reminder for our Monthly Meeting!
We would love to see more bike trail enthusiasts at our meetings for new ideas and grow our volunteer & member list!
It’s always the 2nd Monday of the Month at 6:30pm.
Current Meeting Location: Dorset Valley Schoolhouse Restaurant in Wilton.
See you there!

05/21/2026

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Over the next few days, we'll be featuring a different bike trail that passes right through our Commons!

First up is the historic Elroy-Sparta Trail, proudly known as "America's First Rail Trail." This scenic 32.5-mile route connects Elroy, Kendall, Wilton, Norwalk, and Sparta.

The Tunnels: The trail features three historic tunnels, ranging up to 3/4 of a mile long.

What to Pack: The tunnels are dark and cool, so flashlights and jackets are essential for your ride.

Trail Passes: Required for bikers ages 16 and older.

Scan the QR code on the flyer below to view the official DNR History and Story Map to plan your next ride.

Have you ever ridden the Elroy-Sparta Trail? Share your favorite stops or memories in the comments!

05/14/2026

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05/03/2026

Shouting from the Trail - Thank you! 🙌 🚲
Bike Swap & Drive was a huge success! Every person that came in need of bike walked away with a bike! 🤩 To watch children, teenagers & adults come and find a bike their size was such a joy! Our Final Audit count: We were able to help match 38 individuals with a bike, took in 14 swaps that all found homes and have 10 still available!
Thank you to all those that helped make this a great event and a special SHOUT OUT out those that donated/swapped bikes!
Thank you to the following groups/individuals an all the helping hands not listed 🙌
Madison Bike Club
Dennis Glaman
Ken Schendel
Jason Guthrie
Donna Ruedy
Melissa Smith
Megan Ellenz
Jeff Ellenz
James Goetz
Avery Brown
Lettie Lodahl
Melisande Perry
Mae Russell
Jessica & Joseph Fendt
Rick Gruen
Elizabeth Schwarz
Sparta Chamber of Commerce
Chug ‘n Good Eats

05/02/2026

Still some FREE Bikes available!

05/02/2026

Today is Bike Swap & Drive day! Can’t make the event - message us to arrange donation drop off & you can still register to be on the “I need a bike” list! Contact us directly for more details!

*Bicycles of all sizes are welcome!
The Friends group is hosting our first Bicycle Swap & Drive! 🚴🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️
Please message us with questions or to arrange a bike donation prior to the event! 🙌
Be sure to look for us at the Sparta Chamber Tunnel Celebration on Saturday May 2nd!

04/24/2026

Students from Innovations STEM Academy rode bicycles along South Water Street on Earth Day, April 22, 2026, heading toward the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce for a community cleanup effort. An …

04/22/2026

THANK YOU to ALL the volunteers today that helped clean up the trail! Thank you to all those not pictured, that picked up on your own & continue to help keep our trail vibrant! Huge shoutout to the DNR for providing trees to plant!
A very Special Thank You to Richard Gruen (our Vice President) 🤩 for all your efforts & work behind the scenes leading up to this event! 🙌
We would love to see your photos from how you celebrated Earth Day and if you were out on any State trail (but especially the Elroy Sparta State Trail!)

04/21/2026

Reminder: Tomorrow is Earth Day Trail Clean Up! Multiple spots to meet up and help clean up the trail! Friends of the trail will be at several locations along the trail from 9-3pm!

Don't forget to give us a call and sign-up! This is a great team building experience, and doing a good deed all in one! Give us a call! 608 269 4123.

🌎 Our Power, Our Planet! 🌍.

Earth Day Trail Clean Up Day Aprill 22nd 9AM!

It’s time to shake off the winter blues and show some love to the trail we all adore! The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce , along with the Wisconsin Friends of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail -WI FESST and Dorset Valley Schoolhouse Restaurant, invites YOU to our Earth Day Trail Clean-Up!

Spring is officially here, and there’s no better way to enjoy the fresh air than by helping us get the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail ready for a summer full of visitors. Whether you’re a local regular or a weekend warrior, this is our chance to keep our corner of Wisconsin beautiful!

📍 Where to Meet (9:00 AM)
Pick the location most convenient for you! We’ll be stationed at:

The Sparta Depot- 111 Milwaukee St Sparta

Dorset Valley Schoolhouse Restaurant-26147 State HWY 71 Wilton

Outside of Tunnel 2 (East)

Kendall Depot-113 White St, Kendall

Elroy (at the bike trail)-303 Railroad St, Elroy,

🎒 What’s Provided
Don't worry about the gear—we've got you covered! At each location, we will provide:

✅ Trash bags

✅ Gloves

✅ Safety glasses

🧤 What to Bring
A Team: Grab your kids, your friends, your coworkers or go solo! (Teachers/Students: this is a fantastic way to log some volunteer hours! 🎓)

The Right Gear: Dress for the job! We might be climbing through some brush to catch that pesky winter debris, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Let's harness "Our Power" to protect "Our Planet." Let’s make this the best season yet for the trail! 🚲🍃

Call 608 269 4123 & Sign Up Today! *Please Leave a message if we are not in.