Sparland is in western Marshall County, on the west side of the Illinois River.

Illinois Route 29 runs through Sparland as Railroad Street, leading northeast up the Illinois River valley 7 miles (11 km) to Henry and southwest (downriver) 8 miles (13 km) to Chillicothe.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Sparland has a total area of 0.57 square miles (1.48 km2), all land.

[1] The west side of Sparland is located on a high bluff 175 feet (53 m) above the Illinois River.

From this vantage point there are beautiful views over the Illinois Valley looking east toward Lacon.