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Print Friendly MapThe Jefferson County Interurban Trail is a paved multi-use trail that follows a former interurban rail line for for eleven miles through Jefferson and Waukesha County. After the interurban railway that ran from Milwaukee to Watertown in the early 1900s was shuttered, the path became a utility corridor for We Energies. A licensing agreement with the company has allowed the county to renovate the existing We Energies right-of-way corridor in order to create this paved 10-foot-wide multi-use trail.
About the Route
In September 2026, 11 miles of paved trail opened for use between Watertown and Oconomowoc. The trail offers opportunities for alternative modes for commuting, as well as providing a beautiful setting for recreational activities. There is an abundance of wildlife and floral to observe. The route passes by marshes, woods, fields, ponds, and a river. The trail is flat, wide, and paved, thus making it more accessible for those using mobility aids.
Connections
The trail connects directly to the Lake Country Recreation Trail at the Jefferson County border, providing access to another 15 miles of trail that runs east towards Milwaukee.
Parking is available at the northern trailhead, on Humbolt Street. At the southern end of the trail, parking is available at the W 2nd St Trail Parking, after the trail connects to the Lake County Trail. Please see TrailLink for all options and detailed directions.
9/12/26 Rode the newly opened interconnecting portion linking Watertown to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. We started at the westerly trailhead of the Lake Country Trail in Oconomowoc, then rode west across the new portion all the way to the Watertown westerly Jefferson County Interurban Trailhead. This trail has one bench along the route and no facilities except at the trailhead in Watertown, which are very nice, and no parking points along the route except at the west and east trailheads. The route itself is nicely pave, wide and maintained; however straight as an arrow and the scenery is essentially all agriculture, which for the area is to be expected. Our round trip mileage was 27 miles on our odometers. One note for anyone bridging the gap between the easterly end of the Jefferson trail and the westerly trailhead of the Lake Country Trail; there's approximately a 1/2 mile road portion bridging the two locations which could be marked better. The other improvement might be mile markers, or a least road identification signs at crossings along the way. At the end of the ride though it was a pleasant trip, and an addition to the many trails we've traveled across Wisconsin.
This recently completed trail now runs all the way between Watertown and Oconomowoc! Eleven plus miles of really nice asphalt, passing thru farm fields and crossing the Rock River -- it is a treat. I rode a full round trip twice in the last weeks, and it was great. Check out the great Mexican dishes at Taqueria Maria's in Watertown, just a mile or two past the Watertown trailhead. Try it out!
Even though the sides of the trail were not mowed, the asphalt surface was in great condition. Beautiful views of the surrounding farmland. The trail is basically straight with slight grade changes between roads. Another 3 miles of asphalt trail have been added to the east past Ski Slide Road in Oconomowoc. A crushed gravel trail continues east to Second Street, but this looks like the base for the asphalt that should be added by fall.
Just kept riding. Gorgeous fall day. Started at northern trailhead. Passed a few walkers and one other biker the whole way to the end. As noted it has been extended well past 2.2 miles. Lovely scenery and immaculate trail surface with lots of peaceful farms. My new fave!
As noted by the previous reviewer in June, 2023, this trail is now complete from its trailhead in Watertown to its junction with County Road F, south of Ixonia. It has been paved and open since October, 2022. Please update map. The map's satellite view actually shows the asphalt surface.
Actual Mileage is now 7.2 miles from Watertown to Ixonia at Hwy F. The trail is all paved now.
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