Kendall Depot

08/15/2024

This weekend, Aug. 17 – 18, our partners at the Wisconsin Bicycle Federation are once again hosting the Ride Across Wisconsin (RAW) on several iconic state trails in its route across the state from La Crosse to Milwaukee.

The annual Ride Across Wisconsin was created to promote the great riding opportunities across the state while raising funds for the Wisconsin Bicycle Federation.

Both mixed-surface and all-paved route options will be offered. The mixed-surface route will include sections of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, 400 State Trail, Glacial Drumlin State Trail and Hank Aaron State Trail.

There are several route options to provide riders of many abilities to join in on the fun. A state trail pass is required for all riders age 16 or older. Visit the RAW website to sign up today: https://www.rideacrosswisconsin.com/

Interested in spectating or prefer to avoid the crowds? Here are the approximate dates and times riders will be on the trails:

– Elroy-Sparta State Trail – Saturday, Aug. 17, from about 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (As a safety precaution, trail users should avoid the trail from 6 to 10 a.m. when it will be very crowded with riders.)

– 400 State Trail – Saturday, Aug. 17, from about 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

– Glacial Drumlin State Trail (Lake Mills to Waukesha) – Sunday, Aug. 18 from about 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

– Hank Aaron State Trail – Sunday, Aug. 18 from about noon to 8 p.m.

Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin

08/15/2024

The Ride Across Wisconsin (RAW) is a family-friendly event!

On Saturday, Aug. 17, we are teaming up with Ride Across Wisconsin and the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce to host a slow roll for riders of all ages on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail. Kids under 12 ride free with an adult registration for this event. Remember, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Meet fellow riders at the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce by 9 a.m. on Saturday to be ready to hit the trail for the 9:30 a.m. start time. The group will travel 12 miles to the Norwalk rest stop where participants can catch a shuttle back to Sparta or make the return trip along the trail.

The Elroy-Sparta will be closed to traffic and riders will get to experience the iconic tunnels of the state’s first rail trail that stay dark and cool even on the hottest August day.

Grab your bike and your helmet, check out www.rideacrosswisconsin.com to get the whole family involved in this epic biking experience!

Photo Credit: Wisconsin Bike Federation

08/08/2024

Hello, Trail Friends,

Contractors have been working hard to repair storm damage/washouts at Tunnel #3. They've completed their work. It looks like it'll be a great weekend to ride the trail. There isn't any rain in the forecast, and temps are projected in the low to mid 70's range.

I spotted two flocks of geese, this morning on my trail walk. I enjoyed watching/listening to them as they flew by. It's always a treat. But, it also means Fall is not far away.

This is a great time to be out on the trail. Hope to see you there.

07/16/2024

Heads up – a section of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail is closed due to storm damage.

The trail is currently closed from Kendall to Elroy due to washouts and damage from being underwater.

There are some minor washouts and rough areas around the three tunnels, along with some debris, so please be careful if you're out on the trail. The trail is open from Sparta to Kendall.

Thanks for your understanding and patience while we work to get the trail cleaned up and fully reopened.

More severe weather is expected this evening, so if you're exploring Wisconsin this week, please be aware there may be damage from these storms. We’ll work as quickly as possible to address the damage, but please stay safe and aware.

07/15/2024

Tunnel fog this morning at the east end of tunnel #1.

07/15/2024

Hello all, just wanted to check in with an update. Both the 400 State Trail and La Crosse River State Trail have been entirely cleared and are completely open.



On the Elroy-Sparta Trail, there are quite a few washouts and a few sections we haven’t cleared of downed trees yet. Closed sections include Elroy to Kendall, and Wilton west to Tunnel 2. Additionally we have not yet cleared from the west side of Tunnel 3 to Sparta. Sections that are passable include Kendall to Wilton (with some rough spots around tunnel 1), Norwalk west to Tunnel 3 and Norwalk East to Tunnel 2.

07/14/2024

07/14/2024

07/10/2024

Found on the Elroy-Sparta trail between Kendall and Tunnel #1.

07/03/2024

Although the Kendall area had high water last night, there is no damage to the trail. There are a few damp spots but nothing to impede your ride. Have a great weekend! Photo: A family of Sandhill Cranes near Nutmeg Ave. this morning.

06/24/2024

📣 Public Announcement 📣

The Refuge Entrance Road has been closed to all public entry due to flooding on the Trempealeau River. Visitors may enter the refuge via Marshlands Access. Visitor may access the refuge via walking or biking all days of the week, however, please be aware that vehicle traffic through Marshland Access is only allowed, Monday through Friday 7:30am-3:30pm. The Marshland Access is located 2 miles west on Hwy 35. The refuge grounds and trails are open from dawn to dusk.

We will be monitoring the flooding. When flood waters recede and the road is safe for travel, we will reopen the refuge entrance road. Please check out our page or website for the latest updates. Thank you for your patience.

Photo: View of barricades at Refuge entrance road by Mark Fugina/USFWS

04/30/2024

I will again be available for shuttle service on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail. This year I have upgraded my bike rack so that I am now able to haul up to two eBikes. I work from the Kendall/Elroy end of the trail and can take you to the LaCrosse River trail, The Great River trail, or the 400 trail. Call me at 608-487-3271 for rates or appointments. Dave Heilman

04/12/2024

Tomorrow night!

01/26/2024

It’s funny sometimes the research trails and rabbit holes we find ourselves on when an unexpected artifact or photograph is brought into the Monroe County Local History Room & Museum (MCLHR). Most are very straightforward.

11/13/2023

Monroe Crimestoppers is an organization that provides a means by which the general public, young or old, can get useful information involving a crime into the hands of law enforcement personnel. This system works for several reasons. First of all, when citizens like you call the Monroe County Crimes...

07/27/2023

Cool off with a free Culver's Sundae!