Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Glacial Drumlin State Trail

• In the Area
• How to Get There
• More Information

Running between Wisconsin's two largest urban areas, this trail stretches for 52 miles through farmlands and glacial topography. The trail travels through 10 small towns from Cottage Grove to Waukesha. The trail is on an abandoned rail corridor, except for a 1.5-mile section northeast of Jefferson, between State Highway 26 and County Highway Y, which uses public roads as the trail route.

Glacial Drumlin State Trail Map [PDF 462KB]

A view of the gently rolling terrain betweeen Wales and Waukesha.
DNR Photo by Bonnie Gruber

Most of the trail is surfaced with crushed limestone packed to a smooth surface. Thirteen miles of the trail from Waukesha through the town of Dousman are paved with asphalt.

The trail is open to bicyclists, walkers, joggers and in-line skaters for much of the year. During winter the trail is open for snowmobiles and cross-country skiers. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorized vehicles, horses, and hunting are prohibited on the trail. Camping near the trail is available throughout the year.

Walking and Bicycling

The fairly level grade and smooth limestone and asphalt surfaces make this 52-mile trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. Each bicyclist age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin State Trail Pass while using the trail.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiles are permitted on the 39-mile, limestone section of the tail but not the paved asphalt section between Waukesha and Dousman. West of Mickle Road, a snowmobile route parallels the paved section of trail to Dousman. Snowmobiling is prohibited east of Mickle Road in Waukesha County.

Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws, including traveling no more than 15 miles per hour within any of the village limits. The trail is closed to snowmobiling when snow conditions are poor, to protect the Glacial Drumlin and connecting trails from damage.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

The trail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed, and skiers and snowshoers must share the trail with snowmobiles. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.

In-line Skating

Thirteen miles of the trail between Waukesha and Dousman have been paved with asphalt suitable for in-line skating. Each skater age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin State Trail Pass while using the trail.

How to Get There

The Glacial Drumlin State Trail parallels State Highway 18 and Interstate 94 between Milwaukee and Madison. Access points and restrooms are available at several locations along the trail.

Glacial Drumlin State Trail Map [PDF 462KB]

The western half of the trail begins at County Highway N in Cottage Grove and travels to Junction Road east of State Highway 26 north of Jefferson. Parking is available in Cottage Grove, Deerfield, London and Lake Mills.

The eastern half of the trail begins in the Fox River Sanctuary at College and Prairie Avenues in Waukesha, and goes to County Highway Y, 3 miles northeast of Jefferson. Parking is available in Waukesha, Wales, Dousman, Sullivan and Helenville.

You must use public roads, Junction Road and County Highway Y, for a 1.5-mile section between the two halves of the trail.

Master Plan

Glacial Drumlin State Trail Master Plan

More Information

Dogs must be on a leash, no longer than 8 feet, at all times and are not allowed in picnic areas. Trail users should remember to practice carry in/carry out for the many picnic areas along the trail.

Anyone age 16 or older riding a bicycle or in-line skating must have a Wisconsin State Trail Pass. Trail passes must be purchased before using the trail and should be carried with you while using the trail. Passes are available from private vendors along the trail, at self-registration stations on the trail, at the Lake Mills Trail Headquarters, and at the Lapham Peak Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest Office near Delafield.

Friends of Glacial Drumlin State Trail [exit DNR]

For more information, ask:

Glacial Drumlin State Trail—West
1213 S. Mail Street
Lake Mills, WI 53551
(920) 648-8774

Glacial Drumlin State Trail—East
W329 N846, County Hwy. C
Delafield, WI 53018
(262) 646-3025