Sparta has a long, storied history dating back to the first settlers in 1849. Sparta was named the seat of Monroe County in 1854 and incorporated as a village in 1857. In 1883, Sparta was incorporated as a city. In the mid-nineteenth century, Sparta was well known for the healing powers of its Magnetic Mineral Waters. At one point, 39 artesian wells, from 100 to 500 feet deep, were located throughout the city. Many people suffering from chronic diseases drank the water daily and found themselves cured of their illnesses. Physicians and chemists investigated the waters, determining that the water contained valuable healing elements.

Every year people from all parts of the country, especially the South, would come to visit the springs and Turkish baths that were built around them. Sparta soon became known as the "Saratoga of the West." Promotion of the mineral waters lasted until the turn of the century but eventually faded.

The development of the Chicago Northwestern Railroad is also an important part of the city's history. In 1873, the railroad built a line from Sparta to La Crosse, boosting Sparta's prosperity as a growing agricultural center and a mineral resort center. This was the main route from western Wisconsin to the western United States for many years. From 1873 to 1911 railroad traffic consisted of six daily passenger trains and 40 to 50 freight trains between Sparta and Elroy. By 1948, the passenger trains were reduced to two and, sadly, in 1953, the passenger train operation was discontinued. The last trains ran on the line in 1954. The railroad removed the tracks and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) acquired the property in 1962.

In 1972, the first rails-to-trails Bike Trail was created on the old railroad bed. Today, the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail is frequented by over 60,000 tourists each year. Sparta is known as "The Bicycling Capital of America", whose small town charms and quiet beauty entice visitors to return year after year.

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