Eisenbahn State Trail:
Wisconsin
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Description:
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 was recently opened. It 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 Route 45 for 4.5 miles.
Approaching the city of West Bend, the trail veers southwest through some green 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. Inthe city, the trail intersects with several major roads, and all crossings are well marked. At the 7.5mile point of this southern section, you'll enjoy some nice views as the trail runs along the Milwaukee River. Here the trail passes the LacLawrann Conservancy to the east. The conservancy, a 136-acre nature preserve at 300 Schmidt Road, is worth a visit. At the southern end of West Bend after crossing Decorah Rd, Ziegler Park is off a path to the right,with picnic tables, restrooms and drinking fountains available. 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. The 6 mile section of trail north of Lighthouse Lane to the Fond du Lac County line is open only to snowmobiles during winter; cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking are allowed in the 5-mile stretch of trail south of Lighthouse Lane.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the northern trailhead, take County Road V south from Eden for 1.5 miles. Turn left on Tracks Road (note that the street sign is very difficult to read; it is 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 Route 45 south to West Bend. Take Exit 7 on US Route 33/144 and follow Route33 east to County Road G. Take County Road G south for 2 miles; through one traffic circle; 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.
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Reviews: [3 trail ratings]
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A bit rough but decent trail
By Mczet in November, 2011
The West Bend section is paved, but often crowded. Once you get past keewaskum you will have the trail mostly to yourself. (nice coffee shop in keewaskum). The trail is a bit coarse for the most part with the gravel creating significant resistance in many areas. You sort of get used it until you cross a road and realize how much harder you were working on the trail.

Riding is mostly through rural farm country. Pleasant scenery and enough canopy areas to find cool rest spots on hot days. Long slow grades as on many rail to trail paths. This is kettle moraine country the terrain off the trail is often like a roller coaster to if your looking for some interval hill work this is a good area.
Eisenbahn trail from Eden to West Bend and back, May 22, 2011.
By mahy mike in May, 2011
Trail was real smooth, tires on 9-speed bike are slick 32mm and they worked just fine. Lots of bridges along the route, and crossings of the Milwaukee River. The train depot in West Bend is newly restored, with rest rooms and drinking fountain. The park in Kewaskum is also nice with a Dam, fishing pond, playground, and rest rooms.
Liked it.
By dandee2talk2 in July, 2010
My husband and I biked from Campbellsport through West Bend to the trail end and then back. Beautiful day, beautiful scenery...nice long bike ride.
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