Bike and Camp Trails in Wilton, WI
Tunnel Trail Campground is a beautiful place to spend time with your family and friends. Nestled between Wilton and Kendall in the scenic natural lands of Wisconsin, we have been opening our property to people for over 52 years. Whether you are an adventurer who wants to hike and bike or someone who just wants to unplug and relax in a majestic place, you are sure to have a wonderful time at Tunnel Trail. One of the most popular attractions at our campground is the Elroy-Sparta Bicycle trail, a 32-mile-long path that people use daily. If you camp with us, we are happy to offer you bike rentals so you can enjoy this trail without having to worry about hauling bikes to and from the campgrounds! Learn more about the rich history of this trail, and make sure to reserve your camping spot with us soon by giving us a call!
More About the Elroy-Sparta Trail
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail isn’t just beautiful and fun but downright historic. Considered the first rail-to-trail conversion in the entire world, people visit from far and wide to enjoy this piece of American culture. All the way back in 1873, the section of railroad that would later become the trail was completed by the Chicago and Northwestern Railway Company, which was used for decades by freight trains. At its height, nearly 60 trains were passing between Elroy and Sparta, carrying agricultural items, passengers, and even soldiers during World War I and II! In 1948, President Truman did a whistle-stop tour at Sparta, furthering the infamy of this stretch of railway.
When the railroad became less popular and thus unprofitable to continue, the Elroy-Sparta line was discontinued, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources stepped in to convert it into a path by removing the tracks in 1965 but leaving the beautiful bridges, station buildings and fences, and tunnels. Today, you can bike along this historic track and enjoy all the sights for yourself!
26983 State Highway 71
Wilton, WI 54670-8724
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Seasonally May 1- Oct. 15