Ice Age Trail Travel Guide - Free Web & App

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Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin follows glacial ridges, kettles, forests and prairies, linking state parks, small towns and long-distance hiking adventures.

A Trail Shaped by Ice

The Ice Age Trail is a long-distance footpath extending for roughly 1,200 miles across Wisconsin, following landscapes formed or reshaped by the last continental glaciation. Designated a National Scenic Trail, it runs between Interstate State Park near St Croix Falls on the Minnesota border and Potawatomi State Park near Sturgeon Bay, although its route is divided into many sections rather than experienced as one continuous walk by most visitors. The trail crosses wooded moraines, open prairies, kettle ponds, wetlands, drumlins, eskers and rolling farm country, revealing the variety of Wisconsin’s glacial terrain.

Communities and Conservation

Rather than passing through one settled centre, the Ice Age Trail connects a chain of rural communities, state parks, county forests and protected natural areas. Trail towns such as St Croix Falls, Cross Plains, Devil’s Lake area communities, Manitowoc, Merrill and Sturgeon Bay can provide accommodation, food, supplies or transport for different sections, though services vary considerably. Some stretches are remote, and road crossings, seasonal conditions and private-land boundaries make route planning important. The Ice Age Trail Alliance, volunteers and public land managers support stewardship, route development and maintenance, while the trail’s protected status reflects its national importance as a story of glacial geology and living landscape.

Walking Through Wisconsin

The trail appeals to day walkers, section hikers, backpackers, birdwatchers and anyone interested in geology, forests and rural Wisconsin. Standout landscapes include the exposed quartzite surroundings of Devil’s Lake, the forested Kettle Moraine country, the rolling Baraboo Hills and the northern woods near the trail’s western and eastern ends. Wildlife sightings are possible but never guaranteed, and the experience changes markedly between spring mud, summer greenery, autumn colour and snow-bound winter conditions. The Ice Age Trail is best understood as a network of distinct journeys, each with its own terrain, access points and relationship with nearby communities.

When is the best time to visit Ice Age Trail?

Best: June–August · 25–27°C

-4° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: -13°C, High: -4°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 20 mm, High: 40 mm J

-1° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: -11.7°C, High: -1.2°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 20 mm, High: 30 mm F

6° Temperature Range for MarchLow: -4.5°C, High: 5.5°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 30 mm, High: 40 mm M

13° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 2°C, High: 13°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 40 mm, High: 60 mm A

21° Temperature Range for MayLow: 8.5°C, High: 20.5°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 50 mm, High: 70 mm M

Best 26° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 13.5°C, High: 25.5°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 60 mm, High: 80 mm J

Best 27° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 16°C, High: 27°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 70 mm, High: 90 mm J

Best 25° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 15°C, High: 25°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 60 mm, High: 80 mm A

21° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 10.5°C, High: 20.5°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 50 mm, High: 70 mm S

14° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 4°C, High: 14°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 40 mm, High: 60 mm O

6° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: -2°C, High: 6°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 30 mm, High: 50 mm N

-1° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: -9°C, High: -1°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 20 mm, High: 40 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	-4	30
February	-1	25
March	6	35
April	13	50
May	21	60
June (best)	26	70
July (best)	27	80
August (best)	25	70
September	21	60
October	14	50
November	6	40
December	-1	30

Getting to and around Ice Age Trail

How to get there

The Ice Age Trail has no single arrival point. Visitors normally choose a section and travel to a nearby community, state park or road-access trailhead. Regional gateways include St Croix Falls and the Twin Cities area for the western end, Madison and Baraboo for central sections, and Manitowoc, Green Bay or Sturgeon Bay for eastern sections. Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton and Minneapolis–Saint Paul provide the most useful larger air connections, depending on the chosen segment. Driving is often the simplest way to reach dispersed trailheads, while intercity bus and local transport options vary sharply between communities; verify the final approach before travelling.

Transportation

Travel along the Ice Age Trail is usually organised section by section rather than by a single public transport system. A private car, pre-arranged shuttle or two-vehicle arrangement may be needed for point-to-point walks, since trailheads can be widely separated and local bus services are limited outside larger towns. Walking surfaces range from maintained footpaths to rough, muddy or seasonally wet ground, and some connecting portions use roads. Cycling is not automatically appropriate on every hiking section, so follow local signs and trail rules. Carry detailed maps and confirm parking, access and any temporary reroutes before setting out.

Best attractions in Ice Age Trail

The Ice Age Trail’s principal attractions are the landscapes it links rather than a single visitor complex. Devil’s Lake State Park is one of the best-known sections, with quartzite bluffs, wooded slopes and glacial scenery around the lake, while the Kettle Moraine region contains kettle depressions, moraines and forested hiking country. In the west, the route approaches Interstate State Park and the St Croix River landscape; in the east, it reaches Potawatomi State Park near Sturgeon Bay and the Door County peninsula. Central and northern sections pass through prairies, wetlands, working farmland, county forests and quiet glacial ridges. The Ice Age National Scientific Reserve sites, including preserved examples of moraines, kettles and other landforms, add geological context. Small towns and rural communities along the route provide access points, local history and practical services, but the distance between them makes detailed section planning essential.

Tourist attraction 4.8 (325 reviews)

Ledge View Nature Center

Explore Ledge View Nature Center: A tranquil escape in Wisconsin with scenic trails, wildlife encounters, and educational experiences for all ages.
Hiking area 4.8 (13 reviews)

Ice Age Trail-Mecan River Segment north

Explore the stunning landscapes of the Ice Age Trail-Mecan River Segment, a hiker's paradise in Wisconsin that reveals the beauty of nature shaped by glaciers.

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Best landmarks in Ice Age Trail

The Ice Age Trail’s defining landmarks are glacial landforms preserved across Wisconsin. The quartzite bluffs and lake basin at Devil’s Lake are among its most recognisable scenes, while the Kettle Moraine landscape is marked by ridges, kettle holes and other deposits left by retreating ice. The trail also crosses drumlin country, eskers, wetlands and broad outwash areas, each revealing a different phase of glacial movement. Interstate State Park at the western end adds the steep St Croix River gorge and exposed rock scenery, while Potawatomi State Park marks the eastern terminus in Door County. Individual trail segments pass historic farms, rural roads, forests and communities whose character reflects settlement and land use, but the route’s principal significance lies in how these natural and human landmarks are connected into one geological narrative.

Nature preserve 4.6 (128 reviews)

Observatory Hill State Natural Area

Explore breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems at Observatory Hill State Natural Area, a nature preserve perfect for outdoor enthusiasts in Wisconsin.
Hiking area 4.8 (13 reviews)

Ice Age Trail-Mecan River Segment north

Discover the stunning Ice Age Trail - Mecan River Segment, a captivating hiking destination in Wisconsin with breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Hiking area 5.0 (3 reviews)

Ice Age Trail Parking - Waupaca River Segment

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Ice Age Trail Parking - Waupaca River Segment, where nature and history intertwine in a scenic hiking paradise.
Hiking area 5.0 (1 reviews)

Ice Age Trail-Wedde Creek Segment south

Discover the enchanting Ice Age Trail-Wedde Creek Segment in Coloma, Wisconsin—a hiker's paradise showcasing glacial landscapes and stunning natural beauty.

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Explore Ice Age Trail on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best nightclubs in Ice Age Trail

Evening entertainment along the Ice Age Trail is generally low-key and community-based rather than concentrated in nightlife districts. Village taverns, traditional supper-club bars, breweries and casual restaurants in gateway towns provide places for a meal or drink after walking, while larger nearby centres such as Madison, Green Bay and the Twin Cities offer a broader choice of music, theatre and late-evening venues outside the trail itself. In smaller communities, opening patterns and entertainment options can be limited, particularly away from the main towns or outside the summer season. Some state parks and rural areas are quiet after dark, with visitors spending the evening at accommodation or campsites where permitted. Check local arrangements in advance and plan transport responsibly after drinking.

Night club 4.6 (71 reviews)

The ReMixx, Your NightLife Destination

Unleash your energy at The ReMixx, Neenah's premier night club offering a vibrant atmosphere, great music, and an unforgettable nightlife experience.

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Ice Age Trail essentials

Currency and Payment

The currency is the United States dollar (USD). Card and contactless payments are common in larger towns, hotels, supermarkets and many established visitor businesses, but cash remains useful for smaller rural establishments, some campsites, parking facilities or unexpected transport needs. Cash machines are more readily found in trail communities than at remote trailheads. Do not assume that a phone signal or payment terminal will be available in forested or sparsely settled sections. Walkers should arrange supplies before entering remote stretches and keep a reserve for transport or emergencies.

Safety

Conditions vary greatly along the route, from managed park paths to isolated woodland and open countryside. Rain can produce mud and slippery ground, while summer heat, insects, storms and winter snow can affect progress; spring conditions may be particularly wet. Use navigation equipment, allow additional time for unfamiliar terrain and tell someone your intended section. Keep away from roads except at designated crossings, respect private property and do not approach wildlife. Mobile coverage is not guaranteed everywhere, and some sections have limited nearby services, so carry water, food and suitable clothing rather than relying on facilities along the way.

Emergency Situations

Call 911 in the United States for police, fire or medical emergencies. Give the dispatcher the trail name, section, nearest road or trailhead, visible landmarks and your direction of travel; map coordinates can be especially helpful in remote areas. If an incident is not immediately life-threatening, reach a safe location and contact the relevant park, forest or land manager for local assistance. Carry a charged phone, but do not depend on coverage. For serious medical problems, avoid moving an injured person unless remaining in place creates greater danger, and make your location as visible as possible.

Do's and Don'ts

Stay on established paths where possible, follow posted rules and close gates as directed when routes cross working land. Leave plants, rocks, historic features and wildlife undisturbed, pack out rubbish and keep dogs under control according to local regulations. Do not enter private property, camp informally, light fires or collect wood where these actions are prohibited. Yield appropriately on narrow paths, keep noise low near homes and respect hunting, forestry and agricultural activities. Check rules for each park, forest or campsite because regulations can differ between the many land managers along the trail.

Local Tips

Treat the trail as a collection of regional walks and choose a base that matches the landscape you want to explore: southern sections offer prominent glacial formations and easier access from Madison and Baraboo, while northern stretches bring quieter forests and longer distances between services. Devil’s Lake and the Kettle Moraine country are popular focal areas, so plan early for parking and accommodation without assuming availability. Autumn usually brings strong woodland colour, while spring can make unpaved sections wet. Download or carry reliable route information, and check the Ice Age Trail Alliance and land-manager updates before departure.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Howdy	[haw-dee]
Goodbye	See ya	[see yah]
Yes	Yah	[yah]
No	Nah	[nah]
Please/You're welcome	Please/No problem	[pleez/no prob-lem]
Thank you	Thanks a bunch	[thanks uh buhnch]
Excuse me/Sorry	Pardon me/My bad	[par-dn me/my bad]
How are you?	How's it goin'?	[hows it go-in]
Fine. And you?	Good. How 'bout you?	[good. how bout yoo]
Do you speak English?	Kin ya talk English?	[kin yuh talk ing-lish]
I don't understand	I'm lost	[im lost]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Lemme see the grub list, please	[lem-me see the gruhb list, please]
I don't eat meat	I'm veggie	[im veh-jee]
Cheers!	Bottoms up!	[bot-ums up]
I would like to pay, please	Check, please	[chek, please]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	SOS!	[ess-oh-ess]
Go away!	Scram!	[skram]
Call the Police!	Ring the cops!	[ring the cops]
Call a doctor!	Get a doc!	[get a doc]
I'm lost	I'm off the map	[im off the map]
I'm ill	I'm under the weather	[im un-der the weath-ur]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	I wanna get...	[i wanna get]
I'm just looking	Jus' browsin'	[jus brows-in]
How much is it?	How 'spensive?	[how spen-siv]
That's too expensive	Too pricy	[too prye-see]
Can you lower the price?	Can ya knock it down?	[can yuh nok it down]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	What's the time?	[whats the time]
It's one o'clock	It's one	[its one]
Half past (10)	Ten-thirty	[ten-thur-tee]
Morning	Mornin'	[morn-in]
Afternoon	Afternoon	[after-noon]
Evening	Evenin'	[even-in]
Yesterday	Yest'day	[yes-tuh-day]
Today	Today	[to-day]
Tomorrow	Tomorrer	[to-mor-ur]
1	One	[wun]
2	Two	[too]
3	Three	[three]
4	Four	[for]
5	Five	[fahyv]
6	Six	[siks]
7	Seven	[sev-un]
8	Eight	[ate]
9	Nine	[nine]
10	Ten	[ten]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Where's the...?	[wheres the]
What's the address?	Where's the addy?	[wheres the add-ee]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Show me	[show me]
When's the next (bus)?	When's the next bus?	[whens the next bus]
A ticket (to ....)	A ticket	[a ticket]

History of Ice Age Trail

The Glacial Foundation

The Ice Age Trail follows landforms created or modified during the Wisconsin Glaciation, the most recent major advance of the Laurentide Ice Sheet across the region. As ice moved, paused and melted, it left moraines, eskers, drumlins, kettles and outwash plains, while areas beyond the furthest advance retained older landscapes. The trail’s route was conceived to reveal this geological story on foot, linking some of the clearest surviving expressions of glacial topography in Wisconsin. Its name refers to the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve, a collection of protected sites established to preserve nationally significant glacial features.

Indigenous Homelands and Early Settlement

The landscapes crossed by the trail are Indigenous homelands with long histories of seasonal movement, hunting, fishing, cultivation and cultural connection. Menominee, Ho-Chunk, Ojibwe, Potawatomi and other Native nations have enduring relationships with Wisconsin’s forests, wetlands, rivers and prairies. European American settlement later brought farms, roads, mills and altered drainage patterns, while many communities developed around transport routes and local industries. The present trail passes through a lived-in landscape rather than an untouched wilderness, and responsible visitors should recognise both its Indigenous history and continuing Native presence.

Farms, Forests and Changing Land Use

During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, much of the region was transformed by agriculture, logging, settlement and expanding transport networks. Forest clearance created fields and pasture in southern Wisconsin, while timber harvesting shaped the northern sections. Abandoned farms, regenerating woodland, remnant prairie and managed wetlands now form part of the trail’s varied scenery. In places, conservation has restored or protected habitats that had become fragmented, allowing the route to function not only as a recreational corridor but also as a thread connecting public forests, parks and natural areas.

From Concept to National Scenic Trail

The idea for a continuous footpath tracing Wisconsin’s glacial features emerged in the mid-twentieth century through the work of conservationists and public agencies. Congress established the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in 1980, recognising it as part of the National Trails System. The route remains a work in progress: some sections are complete and permanently protected, while others rely on connecting roads or evolving alignments. The Ice Age Trail Alliance, volunteers, landowners and government agencies have played an important role in acquiring easements, improving route continuity and caring for the trail.

A Living Conservation Landscape

Today the Ice Age Trail represents both geological interpretation and active landscape stewardship. Its route crosses state parks, county forests, wildlife areas, private holdings and working countryside, so protection depends on cooperation between public bodies, local communities and landowners. Maintenance includes waymarking, erosion control, habitat care and adapting sections to changing access conditions. The trail’s modern history is therefore not simply the story of a completed path, but of an evolving effort to preserve Wisconsin’s glacial landforms while allowing low-impact recreation and continued community use.