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.
Incorporated in 1883, Sparta is part of rural Sparta Township (population roughly 9,500). The Township includes a stretch of The Fruit Ridge, a topographical feature that is uniquely suited for growing apples, cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums, pumpkins, and other fruits and vegetables. The logos for both the village and the township incorporate apples, signifying the importance of agriculture and agritourism to the area.
Art & Culture
Back to Top of ListMyers School Museum
Step back through time and experience the good old days of yesteryear first-hand at Myers School Museum, an authentic one-room schoolhouse built more than a century ago. The Museum is open the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, and hosts open houses and other special events throughout the year. 16 West 13 Mile Rd.
Shorty’s Monument
Located in Lamoreaux Brothers Veterans Memorial Park, Shorty’s Monument was originally built to honor the seven Sparta residents who died while serving in World War I. The name was an homage to T. C. “Shorty” Hodgins, the Village constable who in the 1930s directed traffic around the shrine, which cited as a road hazard and taken down a few years later. The seven brass plaques from the original monument were incorporated into a new monument in 2023. 256 Park St.
Sparta Township Carnegie Library
Serving the community since 1917, the Sparta Township Carnegie Library was originally built with one of the last library grants from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, a philanthropic organization established by the billionaire industrialist. Today, it offers a wide variety of books and other media, programming for adults and children, free Internet service and more. 80 N Union St.
Sparta Veteran’s Museum
Honoring and memorializing the lives and sacrifices of community members who served in the United States military, the Sparta Veteran’s Museum includes exhibitions and displays of uniforms, memorabilia and more. Open select days throughout the year. 75 N Union St.
spARTaWorks Gallery
spARTaWorks Gallery displays and sells personal artwork and handmade creations from West Michigan artists. The gallery also hosts various art classes throughout the year. 201 E Division Ste A.
TS&M Railroad Depot
Built by the Toledo, Saginaw and Muskegon Railway in 1888, the TS&M Railroad Depot is a prime example of a country “combination-type” depot that sheltered passengers, the station agent/telegrapher and freight. Open select days throughout the year and by appointment, but you can take a photo of the exterior and its historical marker anytime. 398 N Union St.
Family Fun
Back to Top of ListStop by Klenk Orchard for fresh, locally grown cherries you can pick yourself this June and July.
Photo by Courtesy of Klenk Orchards
Abandoned Acres Escape Adventures
Solve puzzles to escape themed rooms – including Jurassic Island, Raiders of the Lost Temple, Shipwreck Island and Trapped Mineshaft – at family-friendly Abandoned Acres Escape Adventures. 450 State St.
Apple Valley U-Pick Orchards
Apple Valley donates a portion of the purchase price for each bushel you pick to local charities. Enjoy the fun of picking your own apples while making a difference in the community. 7737 Fruit Ridge Ave NW.
Buth Field Dog Park
Six acres in size, Buth Field Dog Park includes two separate enclosed areas for large and small dogs, summer water fountains and year-round benches for owners to relax while watching their dogs play. 440 E Division St.
Goodfellow Orchards
Pick your own sweet and tart cherries or shop for just-picked varieties at Goodfellow Orchards in June and July. 2565 12 Mile Rd NW.
Klenk Orchards
Klenk is a family-owned centennial apple and cherry orchard offering u-pick sweet cherries in June and July. 3888 10 Mile Rd NW.
Schwallier’s Country Basket
Serving up fresh food, family and fun since 1989, Schwallier’s Country Basket is a farm market with seasonal attractions including a giant corn maze, petting farm, pumpkin patch, cow train, wagon rides and more. Fresh produce includes u-pick and fresh-picked apples and pumpkins, in season. Open August -October. 1185 9 Mile Rd NW.
Sparta Lanes
Featuring 16 lanes of fun, Sparta Lanes takes pride in providing excellent food, top-notch service and a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy delicious meals and drinks at The Garden Patch on-site restaurant and sports bar. 125 N State St.
Sparta Town Square
Lined with shops and restaurants, Sparta Town Square hosts many events and unique shopping adventures throughout the year, from live entertainment to open-air markets and pop-up vendors. 156 E Division St.
Steffens Orchard Market
Steffens Orchard Market offers a variety of u-pick and fresh-picked apples in September and October, along with frozen fruit pies, jams, fruit butters, soaps and other gift items. Get snacks and beverages from the market and enjoy a picnic, play on the swing set and wooden tractor, visit the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkins and more. 4344 13 Mile Rd NW.
Food & Drink
Back to Top of ListHead to Koffee Haus for a delicious breakfast, fresh-baked goods, and a seasonal drink menu.
Photo by Aly Zuiderveen for Experience GR.
Angela’s Italian Restaurant
Italian fare at Angela’s includes hand-tossed pizzas, pasta dishes and strombolis but there also Mexican and American selections on the menu, so there’s something for everyone. Serving Sparta since 1983. 240 E Division St.
Biggby Coffee
East Lansing, Michigan-based Biggby Coffee features a variety of coffee and tea drinks, “bragel” sandwiches, muffins and to-go selections. 275 S State St.
Brick Haus Brews
Sparta’s only brewery, Brick Haus offers their own handcrafted beers plus a selection of local and regional craft brews, a full bar and a food menu focused on wood-fired pizzas, burgers and casual food with a twist. 133 E Division.
Downtown Trini’s & Margarita Joe’s
Serving Mexican food and margaritas since 1994, Downtown Trini’s is a full-service Tex-Mex family restaurant with both indoor and outdoor bars. A broad array of tacos, burritos and combo Tex-Mex dinners share space on the menu with burgers, wraps and hot dogs. Spacious outdoor patio for warm-weather dining. 148 E Division St.
Envision Nutrition
Envision Nutrition specializes in healthy protein shakes, protein smoothie bowls and energizing herbal teas, with new flavors and menu items introduced each month, season and holiday. 544 S State St.
The Garden Patch
The onsite restaurant and bar at Sparta Lanes bowling center, The Garden Patch offers an extensive menu of munchies, pizzas, handhelds, salads, Mexican dishes and comfort foods, plus full bar service. Stop by for breakfast Thursday-Sunday. 125 N State St.
Koffee Haus
Koffee Haus is a welcoming coffee shop offering breakfasts, baked goods and seasonal treats along with a selection of delicious beverages. 201 E Division St Suite F.
Maria’s Pizzeria
Authentic family recipes distinguish Marie’s pizzas, pastas and strombolis from the rest. This casual restaurant also offers sandwiches, salads, desserts and more. 500 S State St.
Maxine’s Family Restaurant
Homestyle breakfasts and lunches and fast, friendly service are the order of the day at Maxine’s, which has been serving loyal customers for more than 25 years. 370 N State St.
New Dragon Chinese Restaurant
New Dragon offers an incredible variety of Chinese fare, from egg rolls and hot-and-sour soup to special combination plates and chef’s specialties, all prepared fast and fresh. 54 S State St Suite G.
Palermo Pizza
Informal, family-owned Palermo Pizza offers sizable pies – including a mammoth 24” version –plus salads, wings, subs & Italian entrees. is one of four local Palermo Pizza locations. 466 E Division St.
Rositas Taqueria
Rositas Taqueria is a Mexican restaurant offering a selection of burritos, enchiladas, huaraches, gorditas, tacos, tostados, quesadillas and more. 410 S State St.
Sparta Hot Spot
Located in Cannon Plaza, Sparta Hot Spot is a cozy café serving bagel sandwiches and wraps for takeout or dine-in, surrounded by an artisan market full of diverse items. 94 N Union St.
Sparta Pub
A neighborhood hangout with good grub, great drinks, daily specials, karaoke, pool tables and darts, Sparta Pub makes everyone feel at home. 270 S State St.
Sparta Social District
The Sparta Social District is a designated downtown area where alcoholic beverages can be purchased in a special cup from participating establishments and enjoyed while strolling outdoors. Hours are Monday-Saturday from 11am-11pm.
Sparta Tasty Treat
Open April-September, Sparta Tasty Treat offers a variety of soft serve and hard-packed ice cream flavors plus specialty sundaes, smoothies, glaciers and more. 400 S State St.
Sundaes at the Park
Open April-September, Sundaes at the Park serves a variety of ice cream, frozen yogurt and other sweet treats. It’s adjacent to William Rogers Village Park in the heart of downtown Sparta. 182 N State St.
Tom’s Hometown Bakery
Known for its freshly baked breads, donuts, cupcakes and other goodies, Tom’s Hometown Bakery has been a Sparta fixture for many years. 476 E Division St.
Wing World
Wings, wraps, crispitos, meal bundles, heat-and-eat dishes and more grace the menu at Wing World. It’s fresh food fast, packaged for takeout – though there are a few outdoor picnic tables on site if you can’t wait to dig in. 460 S State St.
Also in Sparta: Little Caesars, McDonald’s, Starbucks and Subway.
Outdoor Adventure
Back to Top of ListHead to Long Lake Park for a day of outdoor recreation, from fishing and swimming to exploring the park’s scenic forest and wetlands.
Photo by Paul Jendrasiak for Experience GR.
Balyeat Field
Named after a longtime superintendent of Sparta Schools, Balyeat Field features two soccer fields and a pedestrian bridge over Nash Creek. 190 Olmstead St.
Lamoreaux Brothers Veterans Memorial Park
Named for three brothers from Sparta killed in action during World II, Lamoreaux Brothers Veterans Memorial Park contains a bust of the brothers and a World War I memorial in addition to playground, T-ball baseball diamond, picnic shelter and open lawn area. 256 Park St.
Library Memorial Park
Located adjacent to Sparta Township Carnegie Library, Library Memorial Park honors those who lost loved ones during the September 11, 2001 tragedy. It consists of a pathway along the south side of Nash Creek that connects to the pedestrian bridge spanning the creek. 80 N Union St.
Long Lake Park
Encompassing the northern two-thirds of its eponymous lake, Long Lake Park includes a mile of shoreline along with forested picnic areas, wetlands, and a public beach. A great destination for swimming, fishing and non-motorized boating. 13747 Krauskopf Rd NE.
Nash Park
Nash Park hosts a Little League baseball diamond along with undeveloped green space and a nature area for exploring. 350 N Aspen St.
Sparta Nature Trail
The 103-acre Sparta Nature Trail features nature paths for sightseeing and nature walks along the Rogue River. 660 E. Division St.
Spartan Park
Built specifically for skateboarders and roller bladers, Spartan Park also includes playground equipment and a basketball court. 164 E Gardner St.
Sparta Sports Park
Sparta Sports Park is a multi-use sports complex boasting fields for baseball, softball, t-ball, rugby, soccer, football and disc golf plus nature and pedestrian trails for hiking and sightseeing. 377 N State Street.
William Rogers Village Park
Located within the downtown business district, Rogers Park envelops both sides of Nash Creek and features paved pedestrian trails, playground equipment, a swing set, volleyball court and large bandshell with performance area. 152 N State St.
Shopping
Back to Top of ListExplore home décor, fashion, and kids' styles at Creekside Clover and Creekside Kids Boutique.
Photo by Aly Zuiderveen for Experience GR.
Clothing & Décor
Blondie Blossom Boutique curates quality, affordable clothing, shoes and accessories for women of all shapes and sizes. 25 Ida Red Ave.
Cannon Plaza hosts a wide variety of artisan and antique booths featuring a wide variety of goods. 94 Union St.
Creekside Clover is a home and lifestyle boutique offering on-trend fashions, home goods and more. 201 E Division St.
Mel Trotter Thrift Store sells a variety of gently used clothing, shoes, books, furniture, small appliances and household goods in support of a local mission. 538 S State St.
The Sassy Chicken is a home décor store blending new and old farmhouse, cottagecore, English garden, shabby chic and other styles. 77 E Division Ave.
Food & Drink
Family Fare is a Michigan chain stocking a wide range of grocery, bakery, deli, meat and produce, including organic and bulk selections. In-store pharmacy. 565 S State St.
Juanita’s Supermarket is a haven for authentic Mexican flavors, featuring a wonderful selection of traditional ingredients, from fresh produce to savory spices. 630 N State St Suite B.
Kindred Karma features freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, food preservation supplies, tallow creams, soaps, sourdough bread supplies and many other handcrafted items.
Klein Cider Mill & Market is a family-run market and cider mill selling fresh-pressed apple cider and locally grown fruit and produce inn season. 2151 10 Mile Rd NW.
Health
HomeTown Pharmacy is a full-service pharmacy and drugstore featuring personal care items, household goods and more. 11 S State St.
Outdoors
Jacobsen’s Floral & Greenhouse is both a flower shop and garden center, offering beautiful arrangements and gifts as well as a variety of plants in season. 271 N State St.
Outdoorsmen Pro Shop carries fishing, hunting and sporting goods gear along with DNR licenses. 169 N State St.
Saenz Farm & Greenhouse, open from April-September, is a family-owned garden center with plants, flowers and garden essentials as well as farm-fresh produce. 9800 Sparta Ave NW.
Also in Sparta: Ace Hardware, Dollar General and Family Farm & Home.
Events
Back to Top of ListThe Sparta Chamber of Commerce and Sparta Today work with local businesses and residents to create and host events that bring the community together, including:
- Town & Country Days (May 15-18, 2025), a family fun festival featuring a parade, carnival, entertainment and more.
- Beer & Brat Festival (June 13-14), an adult-focused celebration of local beers, delicious brats, live music and craft vendors.
- Michigan Apple Fest (Sept. 19-20), with live music, vendors, kid’s games, a hard cider tent and traditional fun apple contests.
- Scare on the Square (Oct. 25), a trunk-or-treating event in the city’s Town Square.
- Christmas in Sponsor (Nov. 21 through Dec.), which includes a shopping event, parade, tree lighting, Santa visits, fireworks and more.
Sparta Celtic Festival
Held annually on the second Saturday in August, the Sparta Celtic Festival is a free, family-friendly event focused on the expression of Celtic heritage. The festival features three stages filled with music and dancing, Highland Games, Scottish clans, historical encampments, food, vendors and more, all in downtown’s Rogers park.
Concerts in the Park
Concerts in the Park is a series of weekly music performances held in downtown’s Rogers Park every summer (June 11-Aug. 6, 2025). Get picnic dinners to-go from local restaurants and bring your own chairs and blankets for a lovely summer evening. 152 N State St