Eisenbahn State Trail

The Eisenbahn State Trail (a.k.a the Eden to West Bend Trail) occupies a former Chicago and North Western Railroad corridor that was originally called the "Air Line" because of its direct route passenger service between Chicago and Green Bay. The trail name pays tribute to this region's heritage: Eisenbahn is German for "iron road."

The northern section of the trail starts in the town of Eden in Fond du Lac County and runs for 11.5 miles to the Washington County line, passing through the community of Campbellsport. This section of the trail is remote and surrounded by beautiful farmland. It is a peaceful, flat ride and the corridor is slightly elevated from the surrounding landscape for nice views.

The southern section in Washington County begins at the county line and runs 12.4 miles to Rusco Road in West Bend. This section is considerably less rustic, passing through the village of Kewaskum and then running right along US 45 for 4.5 miles. Approaching the city of West Bend, the trail veers southwest through some countryside before passing by a short stretch of industrial and residential development. The first major intersection is at Barton Avenue marking the entry to downtown.

In the city the trail intersects with several major roads, and all crossings are well marked. At the 7.5-mile point of this southern section, you'll enjoy some nice views, since the trail runs along the Milwaukee River. Here the trail passes the LacLawrann Conservancy to the east, a 136-acre nature preserve (300 Schmidt Road) worth a visit.

At the southern end of West Bend, after crossing Decorah Road, Ziegler Park is off a path to the right and has picnic tables, restrooms and drinking fountains. The trail again becomes rural in its last mile from Paradise Road to Rusco Road.

Expect to share the trail with bicyclists, hikers, dog walkers (leashes required) and other non-motorized uses in summer and ATVs and snowmobiles in the winter. In Washington County, snowmobiles are permitted on the trail for about 7 miles between Lighthouse Lane and the Washington–Fond du Lac county line. Snowmobiles are not permitted in West Bend. The section south of Lighthouse Lane is open in winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as long as conditions permit.

In Fond du Lac County, snowmobiles are permitted on the entire 12 miles of trail from the county line to Eden. The ungroomed trail is open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers but they must share the trail with snowmobiles. The trail is open to ATVs between December 15 and March 15 (Fond du Lac County only) AND when the ground is frozen and the temperature is 28 degrees F or lower.

To reach the northern trailhead, take County Road V south from Eden for 1.5 miles. Turn left on Tracks Road (the first left turn coming south from Eden that isn't private property). The road dead-ends at the trailhead.

To reach the southern endpoint, take US 45 south to West Bend and take Exit 7 on US 33/144. Follow US 33 east to County Road G then turn south and go for 2 miles. Pass through one traffic circle and turn left on Rusco Road. Trail starts on the right at the unused railroad tracks.

There is no public parking at the north and south trailheads but multiple access points where the road crosses the trail may provide on-street parking.