Wisconsin is home to over 1,700 miles of biking trails. This vast network of trails includes over 40 rail trails, crushed gravel, paved, mountain biking, and multi-use trails. Wisconsin is also home to diverse landscapes, shaped in large part by receding glaciers of the last Ice Age. Among the more notable rail trails in the southern half of the state, the Glacial River State Trail in Wisconsin’s Dodge and Rock Counties stands out. This scenic trail connects the communities of Janesville, Jefferson, Milton, and Watertown through 50+ miles of beautiful Wisconsin landscapes.
Glacial River State Trail Access
You can access the trail in five locations in Dodge and Rock Counties:
- In Fort Atkinson at Klement Park adjacent to 2 Rivers Bicycle Shop
- In Janesville at Milton Avenue
- 5322 Schrieber Road in Jefferson County
- At the intersection of the Glacial Drumlin State Trail near Highway 26 in Jefferson
- W6567 Wisconsin Route 60 near Watertown in Dodge County
My favorite place to begin my ride is at the parking area adjacent to the 2 Rivers Bicycle & Outdoor. Stop in to 2 Rivers to grab any biking accessories you need, or a healthy snack before you set out on your ride.
Glacial River Trail Bike Shop | 2 Rivers Bicycle & Outdoor
Across from the trailhead in downtown Fort Atkinson is 2 Rivers Bicycle & Outdoor located at 33 W. Sherman Avenue. This is a great shop for bike gear, apparel, accessories, and bike repairs. You can usually purchase trail passes here, but it is helpful to call ahead to be sure they are in stock.
Glacial River State Trail | Permitted Uses and Trail Fees
Glacial River State Trail – Permitted Uses for this trail include biking, hiking, in-line skating, skiing and snowmobiling. Uses not permitted on the trail include motorized vehicles, ATVs, hunting and horses.
You can find parking, restrooms, and picnic areas along the trail. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed. See the Trail Link Map of the Glacial River State Trail.
Glacial River State Trail – Trail Fees Bikers and in-line skaters (age 16 or older) are required to have an annual or daily state trail pass. You can purchase passes online from the Wisconsin DNR or at state park offices. Self-registration is available when offices are closed. In addition, some local businesses along the trails sell trail passes.
Glacial River State Trail | Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds
The indigenous history of the land along the Glacial River State Trail is fascinating. Located along the shore and ridges of Lake Koshkonong are ancient effigy mounds, which today are protected by law. These mounds were constructed between approximately 650 and 1200 AD by Native Americans for burial and ceremonial purposes. The mounds were constructed in conical or linear shapes. Additionally, some mounds are shaped like birds, bears, turtles, and panthers.
In the photos below, you’ll see an informational sign highlighting the history of the Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds, in addition to a portion of a linear mound. This is located on Effigy Mounds Road, just one mile west of Old Highway 26.
You can find additional mounds at the Koshkonong Mounds Country Club, located at W. 7670 Koshkonong Mounds Road in Fort Atkinson. You can take a self-guided walking tour of the mounds at the Country Club. The photo below shows a portion of the Tadpole Mound, with a view of Lake Koshkonong in the background.
Glacial River State Trail | Covered Bridge
A few miles north of downtown Fort Atkinson, you’ll pass through a beautiful red covered bridge (see below). This bridge was constructed around the year 2000 with wood from a 1906 barn. It serves as a nice shady stop and scenic point along the trail.
Wild Goose State Trail
The Glacial River Trail intersects with the Wild Goose State Trail in Dodge County. You can hop onto the Wild Goose State Trail south of Clyman Junction near the intersection of Highway 26 and County Highway CJ. See the Wild Goose State Trail Map for detailed information.
Jones Dairy Farm Market
Just north of downtown Fort Atkinson, you’ll find the Jones Market (Jones Dairy Farm) adjacent to the Glacial River Trail at 601 Jones Avenue. Stop in for a cup of coffee, breakfast sandwich, homemade soup, or ice cream cone. There’s even an ice cream window along the trail that is open year round!
Jones Market Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00am-5:30pm, and Saturday 9am-5pm.
Glacial River State Trail Communities | Local Eats
Fort Atkinson, WI | Paddy Coughlin’s Irish Pub
If you end your ride in Fort Atkinson and are looking for a delicious post-ride meal, be sure to stop in to Paddy Coughlin’s Irish Pub. This traditional Irish pub has a festive atmosphere, and delicious Irish food. If you visit on a Friday, be sure to try the fish fry. My personal favorites are the Shepherd’s Pie and the Scotch egg!
Paddy Coughlin’s Pub Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-11pm; Closed Sunday, Monday, and holidays, with the exception of St. Patrick’s Day!
Milton, WI
Located 15 miles south of Fort Atkinson is the quaint town of Milton. To access downtown Milton from the Glacial River State Trail, exit the trail at the intersection of Milton Avenue and Highway 26 and head west into town. Be sure to check out the historic Milton House Museum, a national historic landmark. This unique museum is the only Underground Railroad certified site in Wisconsin. The Milton House is open for guided tours, by appointment only.
Ice Age Trail | Storr’s Lake Segment
If you exit the Glacial River State Trail at Storr’s Lake Road and head east, you can access the trailhead for the Storr’s Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Bikes are not permitted on the Ice Age Trail, but this is a great access point if you are walking or running the Glacial River State Trail.
Glacial Drumlin State Trail
The Glacial River State Trail intersections another scenic Wisconsin rail trail. For information on similar rail trails in southern Wisconsin, read more in my recent article highlighting the Glacial Drumlin State Trail from Cottage Grove to Waukesha.
All Trails Maps/App
You can find detailed information on the Glacial River State Trail on AllTrails. Search 500,000+ trails by state and trail type – includes photos, maps, and detailed trail reviews. To explore the AllTrails app, sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE.
- 500K+ trails
- 90M+ members
- 1.8B+ miles logged
- 2.9B+ kilometers logged
- 14 languages supported
Outdoor Gear Recommendations
Need help choosing a hiking pack for a day hike or trail ride? Looking for an addition to your hiking wardrobe? Below I’ve shared my personal recommendations for clothing and gear that is comfortable, well made, durable, and functional. I only recommend gear I personally use, from companies that I support.
Enjoy this beautiful stretch of Southeastern Wisconsin!
-Erin
