Sparta

Experience a slice of Americana in the Village of Sparta, just 20 minutes north of Grand Rapids. It’s a quintessential Michigan small town, holding fast to tradition while embracing the future. The walkable downtown is lined with small businesses, the summer schedule is packed with family-friendly festivals and outdoor adventure is always a few steps away.

Where to Eat in Sparta

Small town, big global flavors. Try the Italian dishes at Angela’s or Maria’s, sample Mexican cuisine at Downtown Trini’s, and get your Chinese cravings fulfilled at Mandarin Wok or New Dragon. Have a sweet tooth? Stop in to Tom’s Hometown Bakery for freshly baked bread, donuts, cakes and pastries.

What to Do in Sparta

Bowl a few games at Sparta Lanes and grab a quick bite at the alley’s Garden Patch restaurant.

Pick your own cherries in season at Klein’s Sweet Cherries and Klenk Orchards.

Celebrate fall with horse-drawn carriage rides, a corn maze, and u-pick pumpkins and apples at Fruit Ride Hayrides.

What to See in Sparta

See movies in Rogers Park in summer – bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy films on a 20-ft. outdoor screen.

See giant snapping turtles and other wildlife on the trails at Howard Christensen Nature Center, just north of Sparta.

See a memorial to those who were lost in the September 11, 2011 attacks in Library Memorial park.

Local Sparta Favorites

Sparta Town & Country Days is a five-day celebration held in July, complete with a carnival midway, live music, kids’ activities, parade, fireworks and more.  

Free, family-friendly concerts take place in downtown’s Rogers Park on Wednesday evenings in June.

Sparta Hidden Gems

The Sparta Nature Trail is an undeveloped 103-acre park primarily comprised of wetland soils and plant material, with trails for sightseeing and nature walks.

Long Lake Park includes a mile of shoreline on a great fishing and swimming lake, plus forested picnic areas, wetlands, a public beach, boat launch and playground.