Sparta, Wisconsin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sparta, Wisconsin
Nickname(s):  Bicycling Capital of America
Location of Sparta in Monroe County, Wisconsin.
Sparta, Wisconsin Location in the United States
Country	United States
State	Wisconsin
County	Monroe
Area
• Total	8.06 sq mi (20.88 km2)
• Land	8.01 sq mi (20.74 km2)
• Water	0.06 sq mi (0.15 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	10,025
• Density	1,252.0/sq mi (483.4/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP Code	54656
FIPS code	55-75325

Sparta is a city in Wisconsin, United States. It is the main city, or county seat, of Monroe County. Sparta is located along the La Crosse River. In 2020, about 10,025 people lived there.

Sparta is known as the "Bicycling Capital of America." This is because it is home to the first "rail trail" in the country. A rail trail is a path made from an old railroad line, perfect for biking!

A Look at Sparta's Past

How Sparta Got Started

Sparta is built on land that once belonged to the Ho-Chunk people. The United States government took over this land in 1837. White settlers started arriving after 1849.

The first recorded settlers were brothers Frank and William Petit. They opened a tavern in 1851. Their mother, Mrs. Petit, gave the settlement its name. She named it after the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta. A post office has been open in Sparta since 1852.

Growth and Development

In 1854, Sparta became the county seat for the new Monroe County. This meant it was the main city for government. The city grew even more when railroads arrived in 1858 and 1873.

The La Crosse River helped power early sawmills and gristmills. These mills used water to cut wood and grind grain. People also thought Sparta was a good place for health. They drilled artesian wells in the 1860s to get mineral water. The current Monroe County Courthouse was built in 1895.

Fort McCoy and the Rail Trail

The United States Army started buying land near Sparta in the early 1900s. This land became Fort McCoy, a big training camp. Fort McCoy has been very important for Sparta's economy.

In 1967, an old railroad track was turned into the Elroy-Sparta State Trail. This was the first "rail trail" in the nation. It helped Sparta become famous for bicycling.

Where is Sparta Located?

According to the United States Census Bureau, Sparta covers about 8.06 square miles (20.88 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.

Sparta, Wisconsin with interstate 90 in the foreground, looking North.

Looking south of Interstate 90.

What is Sparta's Climate Like?

Sparta is in the Upper Midwest of the United States. This means it has a temperate, continental climate. Summers are warm, and winters are cold.

July is the warmest month, with average high temperatures around 85°F (29°C). January is the coldest month, with average high temperatures around 26°F (-4°C).

Getting Around Sparta

Roads, Rails, and Air

Sparta has bus service to nearby cities like La Crosse and Tomah. There is also a daily bus that travels between Minneapolis and Milwaukee, stopping in Sparta.

The Sparta/Fort McCoy Airport is used for general aviation. This means it's for private planes, not big passenger jets. Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) train tracks also run through Sparta, carrying freight.

Several major highways serve the city. These include Interstate 90, Wisconsin State Highway 16, Wisconsin State Highway 21, Wisconsin State Highway 27, and Wisconsin State Highway 71.

The Bicycling Capital of America

Sparta is at one end of the famous Elroy-Sparta State Trail. This trail opened in 1967 and was the first "rail trail" ever made. It's a 32-mile (51 km) bike path that goes through pretty countryside and three tunnels. It's part of Wisconsin's larger bike trail system.

Because of this trail, Sparta calls itself the "Bicycling Capital of America." You'll see a huge statue of a bicyclist on an old-fashioned high-wheel bike at the entrance to town. This statue is named Ben Bikin', and it's known as the "World's Largest Bicyclist." Every October, there's a bike ride called "Will to Ben." It goes between the Ben Bikin statue and another similar statue in Port Byron, Illinois.

Who Lives in Sparta?

Sparta's Population in 2020

In 2020, Sparta had a population of 10,025 people. The city is home to a diverse group of people. Most residents are White, with smaller groups of Black, Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander people. About 11.1% of the population is of Hispanic or Latino background.

The average age in Sparta in 2010 was 36.5 years old. About a quarter of the residents were under 18.

What Businesses are in Sparta?

Sparta frac sand mine

Century Foods in Sparta

Sparta is home to many different businesses. Some of the companies based here include Century Foods International, Northern Engraving Corp., Spartek, Mathews Inc., F.A.S.T. Corp., Sparta Brush Company, McPherson Guitars, Multistack, Lake States Lumber, and Wesco Home Furnishings.

South Pointe Business Park in Sparta

Fun Events in Sparta

Sparta has several annual events that bring the community together.

• Butterfest: This is a big yearly festival that started in 1984. It helps raise money for the city's well-being.
• Concerts in the Park: Enjoy music outdoors!
• Sound Taps Wisconsin July 4 Celebration: A special event for Independence Day.
• Sparta Area Cancer Support Walk: A walk to support those affected by cancer.
• Leon Gatorfest: Another local festival.
• Crazy Dayz: A fun event with special activities.
• Women's softball tournament: A sports event for women's softball teams.

Famous People from Sparta

See also

In Spanish: Sparta (Wisconsin) para niños