Discover the Longest Tunnel in Wisconsin

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail, the first rail-to-trail in the United States and home to Wisconsin‘s longest tunnel, was an old railway. Today, it is a multi-use trail for hiking, biking, and snowmobiling through diverse landscapes and charming towns. At some points, bikers can cycle through tunnels carved through the rock. Stretching over a 32.5-mile route, the trail connects five small towns and passes through three rock tunnels. This popular Wisconsin bicycling destination runs between Sparta and Elroy. It traverses wetlands, prairies, farmland, and unglaciated areas over the communities of Norwalk, Wilton, and Kendall.

Read on to discover more about the longest tunnel in Wisconsin!

Features of the Longest Tunnel in Wisconsin

Since its opening in 1967 as the first rail trail, the Elroy-Sparta Trail has been designed for bicycle, equestrian, and light motorized traffic. Over 2,000 rail trails now span more than 25,000 miles across the United States.

Three railroad tunnels, each over 140 years old, are the trail’s main attractions. Each of the three tunnels still features its original doors. The tunnels near Kendall and Wilton are each about 0.25 miles long. On the other hand, the one between Norwalk and Sparta is slightly longer at 0.75 miles. It is recommended to bring flashlights and jackets for the tunnels.

Even on hot summer days, the tunnels stay cool and dark, offering a refreshing break for bikers. Tunnel 3, the longest tunnel, features a spring trickling down its walls, which can help cool down riders on their journey. Most rail trails are relatively flat due to trains not handling steep hills well. However, the Elroy-Sparta Trail features steady climbs and descents between tunnels, with a total elevation gain of 1,162 feet.

Three unique rock tunnels along the trail offer a much-needed break for bicyclists tackling the entire route. Even with the slight grade, the trail is excellent for families, offering amenities such as bathrooms, water, and food at regular intervals. Bikers should walk their bikes through the tunnels to ensure everyone’s safety. Flashlights and headlamps are highly recommended, as the longest tunnel measures over 3,800 feet in length.

History of the Longest Tunnel in Wisconsin

This tunnel trail, once a section of the Chicago and North Western Railway, has an interesting history. Railroad workers in the 1870s carved the tunnels into the limestone hills using dynamite and hand tools. Consequently, from 1873 to 1964, steam locomotives transported grain, livestock, and passengers along this route. Since its conversion from a rail trail, it has become one of the country’s most popular recreational trails, attracting thousands of visitors each year. This conversion undoubtedly represented a new concept in recreational development.

The United States Department of Interior designed the first trial in the United States using the abandoned railbed. Initially, the Baraboo Air Line Railroad Company built the original railway from Madison, Wisconsin, to Winona, Minnesota, in 1870. Steam locomotives began hauling grain, livestock, and passengers in 1873. Later, in 1911, the Chicago and North Western Railway completed a new route from Adams to Sparta, bypassing the Adams to Sparta cut-off. Eventually, by 1964, the railroad route was abandoned entirely and sold to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for $12,000.

The Elroy-Sparta trail was established in 1967 as a biking and hiking path. Subsequently, in 1970, limestone surfacing was applied to the track for bicyclists, and new planking was added to the bridges. The trails meander through the unglaciated areas of Wisconsin, known as the Driftless Region. Along the route, bikers will encounter cozy establishments with charming atmospheres, perfect for relaxing, eating, and taking a well-deserved break.

Check Out These Places Along the Trail 

Dining

The Hidden Inn Bar & Grill in Kendall offers an extensive menu of sandwiches and appetizers. It is famous for its great charbroiled steaks and burgers. Picnic tables provide seating outside and are wheelchair accessible. 

Dorset Valley School Restaurant in Wilton is a restaurant and bakery that offers a wide variety of old-fashioned country cooking and is famous for its Friday night fish fry. 

Lodging

Elroy and Sparta Campgrounds have non-reservable sites with self-registration stations available to campers for a small fee. Each one offers campsites with a picnic table and a fire ring. 

Tunnel Trail Campground in Wilton offers miniature golf, camping cabins, heated swimming pools, a grocery store, a game room, and laundry. At the campground, you have easy access to the Elroy-Sparta Trail.

Directions 

Exit I-90/94 on State Highway 82 and go west for about 12 miles. Parking is at the Elroy trailhead, where the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and the 400 State Trail connects. 

Where is The Elroy-Sparta State Trail Located on a Map?

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail, a trail designed for pedestrians, bicycles, equestrians, and light motorized traffic, spans 32.5 miles and connects Elroy and Sparta in Wisconsin. It is recognized as the first rail trail and was established in 1967.

Here is The Elroy-Sparta State Trail on a map:

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons – License / Original