Location: Sparta
Top Things to do in Sparta
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What to do and see in Sparta, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Sparta is a city in and the county seat of Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States, along the La Crosse River. The population was 9,522 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Sparta
1. World's Largest Bicyclist
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By C K - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
A nice thing to do if you're passing through...especially if you're on bicycles on the Elroy-Sparta Trail which is the real star of the show.
Stop by the visitor's center & grab a trail map, ask about local bike rentals/shuttles if you don't have you're own. If you're in the area, it's worth venturing out on this trail--stunning railroad tunnels make for an unusual adventure.
2. The Vault
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By C K - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This large small town pub/eatery is all things to all people--get this: eat in (or outside on the patio), carry out, and drive-thru. Yep. Drive-thru. Call that order in, drive through and away you go. Handy for anyone passing through with a cell phone--cyclists on the Elroy-Sparta Trail, campers, vacationers. Sorry truckers and RVs, you'll have to get carry out. There is a height limit on the drive thru.
The Vault is styled like an 80s sports bar--TVs are placed around the room--enough so you can see the game but not so many it interferes with a conversation. All sorts came through the day we were there--couples, singles, groups of friends ate in & a few families hit the drive thru. It's a large, dark space with a few windows, so if it's cozy you're after, try the patio. We crossed shifts & had 2 server/bartenders: one couldn't be bothered...luckily the 2nd came & was on top of things. She joked, got people chatting & greeted locals.
Reasonable selection of beer and cider for a small town; full bar. Pub food--deep fried appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and pizza. It's a smaller kitchen so peak hours may get busy or 'backed up.' Be sure to ask if you're on a schedule.
We ate lunch here on a weekday and the place wasn't real busy. The burger was hearty & meaty like old fashioned burgers are supposed to be. This alone was a find. But the pizza...I could wax eloquent about the pizza...
She makes pizza right: ingredients evenly dispersed right to the edge, golden brown bubbly cheese on top, a balanced crisp/tender crust. Yum. Ordered the garlic bacon ranch and added green olives. I'd return in a heartbeat if it weren't on the other side of the state. We learned they're known for their pizza. Doesn't surprise us one bit.
** Gluten Free Crust Available (not celiac friendly tho).
Leftovers were good cold, too.
3. Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
We have over 100 unique bikes on display, artifacts on loan from NASA, and a real piece of moon rock- only one in Wisconsin! We also have a great kid's area with a loft, a space capsule, and astronaut costumes! Come visit today!
Reviewed By Bob C - Janesville, Wisconsin
Well worth the $5 admission. Extensive collection from life and career of Deke Slayton. Also includes other astronauts with Wisconsin connections. Would have liked to see more on the history and development of bicycles as the bike display is not organized chronologically. Located on the second floor. Unsure if there is an elevator. Expect to spend about an hour. The Monroe County museum on the first floor is worth a look. Allow 20 minutes.
4. LaCrosse River Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Karen Y - WI
We always use the La Crosse River Trail for biking and walking. Anyone new to the area or locals if you haven't tried it you should. You need a bike pass which is $20 for the year but well worth it to be away from traffic and in to the nature of the river, woods, or even see golfers from Welsh Coulee coming from or going to West Salem.
You can go a long distance or just a short distance if you like. Either way it's well worth the trip.
5. Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Sparta is a choice destination nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of western Wisconsin. Known as the “Bicycling Capital of America” with multiple trails and paved rides to choose from. Over 200 miles of routes that include tunnels, wildlife and back to nature experiences. Our downtown offers a rich history, with a diverse blend of merchants that offer a bit of everything. Our Deke Slayton Memo
Reviewed By thatwoman60 - Sparta
The Chamber of Commerce sends out e-mails to all interested persons. I like the fact that they keep me informed of all the events going on in the Sparta community. Their news letter is very informative. I have discovered many events that I would have otherwise missed.
6. Speed's Bicycle Shop
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By mkobrin - Newbury Park, California
We used Speed's Bicycle shop to transfer us from Sparta to Elroy to ride the Elroy-Sparta trail. The shop employees were great at making sure we were equipped and putting air in our tires. The gentleman that transported us was the perfect tour guide. He pointed out attractions and trail areas along the way. We had a great day and a large part was due to the hospitality of this shop.
7. Sparta American Legion
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Darlene055 - Sparta, Wisconsin
We like their food weather sandwiches, pizza but the Fish on Friday night is the best ever. We have eaten fish in several places in and around Sparta which many places has good fish, but the fish here is cod thick pieces done the way you like it. You can order 1-2-3-or 4 pieces along with potato - salad-rolls-beverage. Tables have white linens, chief in whites, volunteer waitresses who know how to do it. The legion is open at noon every day.
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