Our first spontaneous stop in Wisconsin (thanks to Autio) was to the World’s Largest Six Pack in La Crosse, WI. Wisconsin is not only known for cheese but also for beer and the town of La Crosse, the state’s top producer of beer in 1884, is home to this unique roadside attraction. These actual beer tanks were cleverly converted to a six-pack in 1969.

Brewers have been brewing beer in Wisconsin since the 1830’s prior to its becoming a state. German immigrants settled in the area bringing with them their love of beer and knowledge of beer making. La Crosse’s beer making history dates to 1854 when the Nicolai Brewery and John Gund Brewing Company opened. Since then more than 15 breweries have been established in La Crosse, including City Brewery whose tanks these are.

They used to look a LOT better!

Our next stop was in Sparta, WI as we were looking for a place to eat lunch in our van. Searching for a nearby park led us to Ben Bikin’ Park.

Sparta is known as the “Bicycling Capitol of America” as the nation’s first ever rail trail (conversion of an abandoned rail line to a biking and hiking trail) runs through town. The Elroy-Sparta State Trail is a popular bike trail with three rock tunnels and five small towns, including Sparta, along it’s 32.5 mile route.

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