March may seem an unlikely time to announce my latest travel poster, but here in Wisconsin spring is on its way. Oh, I know this is the Midwest and we’ll have cold yet to come, but nonetheless, now’s a good time to motivate yourself for warmer days ahead. My latest poster may be just the ticket.
So, what do you know about Wisconsin’s Elroy-Sparta State Trail?
Let me help you out, in case you’re wondering.
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail was originally a segment of Chicago & North Western Railway’s (C&NW) 400 Line connecting Chicago with the Twin Cities. The segment ran 32 miles and included three hand-bored tunnels through unglaciated, limestone ridges—typical topography in this southwestern part of the state. In its heyday, the Elroy-Sparta line was “quite busy, hosting six passenger trains and an incredible 40 to 50 freights daily.” However, by the mid-20th century, like many lines in the railroad industry, the Elroy-Sparta’s popularity dwindled and C&NW chose to abandon it. In 1966, the Wisconsin Conservation Department bought the line and a year later opened it to the public as the country’s first rail-to-trail.
Today, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail is described as a “trek through time.” It runs along rolling hills, past family farms and cropland, and through small towns. Its three historic tunnels are a hallmark—bring your headlamps because their cool, dark, water-dripping passages create an adventure all their own. If you’re looking for more mileage, the Elroy-Sparta is part the Bike 4 Trails, a 101-mile connection between Reedsville and Marshland.
Presenting My Latest Travel Poster…
It’s my Elroy-Sparta State Trail poster and, of course, it’s a tunnel! I chose the look of watercolor because that’s how the tunnels feel when going through them. It seems we always visit on the hottest days of summer and the contrasting tunnel temperatures—welcomed as they are—create a hazy, mysterious entrance to the unknown. Once inside, it’s wet, slippery, and very, very dark. Coming to the end is like, whoa, an immediate sensory shift, with vibrant colors and warm air rushing us back to reality.
I decided to have this poster printed with giclée (pronounced “zhee-clay”). It’s a high-quality, archival pigment-based ink offering superior color—choose between a white or black border, and on premium art paper or stretched canvas on a wood frame. I’m also printing on demand rather than in bulk. This may take a bit longer to deliver, but printing when your order is placed offers you more options. It also helps reduce overproduction and wasted paper. Sweet!
If you haven’t explored the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, put it on your calendar for this summer. It’s such a beautiful part of the state and definitely worth touring. In the meantime, check out my poster here or here. What a great way to showcase your adventures!
