Sparta is a bedroom community with lots of local charm
A bedroom community of La Crosse and the Fort McCoy military base, Sparta attracts new residents with relatively low housing costs and small-town charm. “Sparta is close to the La Crosse area, where there are lots of restaurants and shopping,” says Tara Campbell, a Sparta native and top-producing Realtor with Coulee Real Estate & Property Management. “A lot of military people want to live in Sparta because it’s close to the Fort McCoy base and their spouse can still work in La Crosse.” The community is connected to surrounding towns by the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and centered on a small downtown district, which transforms into a festive holiday market in the winter. On the neighborhood’s east side, vast fields host the annual Butterfest, adjacent to the sprawling Memorial Park on the banks of Perch Lake.
Fort McCoy is a US Army Reserve site between Sparta and Tomah, with several US armed forces branches operating within.
Sparta had a population of 10,025 as of the 2020 census.
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Expanding housing inventory with a wide range of home styles
Most of the homes in Sparta were developed in the early- to mid-20th century, though more homes were added on the north side in the late 20th century, and suburban-style developments have been popping up on the south side in the last few decades. Ranch-style, bi-levels and multistory new traditional homes are the most common housing styles across the board. However, older areas near downtown are also home to many well-maintained American Foursquare and Victorian homes, some of which have been converted into multifamily apartment buildings with between two and five units. Depending on size and condition, most homes and multifamily properties range from $100,00 to $550,000. Fixer-uppers and investment properties might sell for under $100,000.
Bi-level houses are some of the most common found in Sparta, with a variety of entries and porch styles.
You can find American Foursquare houses scattered throughout Sparta, many of which have been converted into multifamily homes.
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Traditional and charter schools in the Sparta Area School District
The Sparta Area School District earns a B-minus from Niche, educating over 2,800 students across eight schools. There are several tuition-free public charter options like the Innovations STEM Academy, which serves sixth through eighth grade students while prioritizing individualized education. Due to budgeting issues, the district had to close several schools at the end of the 2020-21 school year, with the additional closure of Cataract Elementary at the end of the 2021-22 school year. In November 2024, residents voted to pass a Facilities Referendum, increasing the district’s operating budget. The additional revenue will be used to renovate parts of Sparta High School and complete several other projects across the district, though these efforts are in the early stages as of spring 2025.
Innovations STEM Academy in Sparta has a student-to-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
Sparta High School's football team is called The Spartans.
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Bike trails, a fishing lake and lots of public sports facilities
Sparta was the first community in America to institute a Rails to Trails program, converting old railroad tracks into the over 30-mile Elroy-Sparta State Trail. More trails wind through the center of town, with a small pedestrian bridge over Beaver Creek where couples leave engraved padlocks as a symbol of their love. Memorial Park, the largest of several city-owned parks, spans 60 acres on the banks of Perch Lake, where locals go boating and fishing in the summer. The park also has many athletic facilities, including an indoor hockey and skating rink hosting youth sports leagues. The public River Run Golf Course offers 18 holes over 150 acres.
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail, a 32.5-mile long rail-to-trail, is considered the first in the United States and is popular for bicycling.
The Sparta Love Lock Bridge in Sparta, WI is a pedestrian bridge where couples are encouraged to leave padlocks, symbolizing their commitment to each other.
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Mom and pop shops downtown and a small selection of larger chains
Sparta’s downtown district, centered on Water Street, houses bars, small businesses and coffee shops. Local staples include Matsumoto Ramen House and Ginny’s Cupboard, a small counter-service sandwich shop. Near downtown is the Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bike Museum, which has small exhibits telling the story of the museum’s namesake, a Sparta native and one of America’s earliest astronauts. More dining spots and fast-food options line Wisconsin Street, including Rudy’s Drive In Restaurant, a 1950s-style eatery serving American fare. Sparta has a Walmart and an Aldi; locals drive to La Crosse for other large retailers.
Ginny's Cupboard in Sparta offers a variety of sandwiches and soups, plus a complete espresso drink menu.
The Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bicycle Museum serves as a memorial for the famed astronaut from Sparta.
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Community events, including carnival rides and holiday markets
One of the most popular community events in town, Sparta’s annual Butterfest takes place in June at the corner of Montgomery Street and Rusk Avenue. The four-day festival includes carnival rides, a petting zoo and a Sunday parade. Starting in November, the community hosts a European-style outdoor holiday market in the downtown district called Kriskindlemarkt every weekend for four weeks. “Kriskindlemarkt has been growing like crazy,” Campbell says. “They set up these little sheds with different small businesses, and the selection changes every weekend.” The market’s food vendors sell holiday comfort foods like roasted nuts, brats and warm glühwein.
Butterfest in Sparta's main attraction is its carnival, which boasts over a dozen rides.
Butterfest in Sparta was named after the city's history of award-winning butter makers.
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Commuting on Interstate 90
Located on Interstate 90, Sparta is about 10 miles from Fort McCoy and less than 30 miles from La Crosse. Mayo Clinic Health System Sparta is the only hospital in town, and La Crosse Regional Airport is about 30 miles away. There is no public transit in Sparta, but Greyhound buses provide some intercity transit.
Written By
Andi Sink
Photography Contributed By
Scott Mason Bittinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dean Taylor,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Sparta, WI sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Sparta, WI over the last 12 months is $410,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
2-3 bedroom, 1 bath home on a larger city lot. Many updates have been completed on this small modular home that sits on a foundation. There is a 2.5 heated garage that is great for working on cars year round. Behind the garage is another storage area that will fit another car. Plenty of property for parking the toys o n. The home fetures two bedrooms up and a non-conforming bedroom in the
Charming Cape Cod ready for new owners to make it shine! This 3 bed, 1 bath, 1.5-story home has just been cleaned out after years as a rental and is full of potential. Featuring beautiful hardwood floors, very new appliances, and a spacious 2-car detached garage. Enjoy the extra space on a huge double lotperfect for gardening, play, or expansion. A solid home with great bones, just waiting to be
Welcome to this wonderfully maintained 2 bed 1 bath home perfectly located close to Sparta and I-90. The property has nearly 3 acres with a massive 50x30 insulated & heated shop, established trees & scenic landscaping. Clean & bright, this move in ready home has hardwood floors and a low maintenance deck. The basement is partially finished & is stubbed-in for a bathroom. Another benefit is the 2
Robert SlatteryCoulee Real Estate & Property Management LLC
2-3 bedroom, 1 bath home on a larger city lot. Many updates have been completed on this small modular home that sits on a foundation. There is a 2.5 heated garage that is great for working on cars year round. Behind the garage is another storage area that will fit another car. Plenty of property for parking the toys o n. The home fetures two bedrooms up and a non-conforming bedroom in the
Charming Cape Cod ready for new owners to make it shine! This 3 bed, 1 bath, 1.5-story home has just been cleaned out after years as a rental and is full of potential. Featuring beautiful hardwood floors, very new appliances, and a spacious 2-car detached garage. Enjoy the extra space on a huge double lotperfect for gardening, play, or expansion. A solid home with great bones, just waiting to be
Welcome to this wonderfully maintained 2 bed 1 bath home perfectly located close to Sparta and I-90. The property has nearly 3 acres with a massive 50x30 insulated & heated shop, established trees & scenic landscaping. Clean & bright, this move in ready home has hardwood floors and a low maintenance deck. The basement is partially finished & is stubbed-in for a bathroom. Another benefit is the 2
Robert SlatteryCoulee Real Estate & Property Management LLC
Located in Sparta, the “Bicycling Capital of America,” these apartments provide easy access to local shops, restaurants, schools, and scenic bike trails!**The appearance of the unit may vary slightly. We strongly encourage viewing the unit in person before signing any lease agreement. Opting to skip a showing is entirely at the renter's discretion.**
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