On the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
There’s lots to celebrate at this family-friendly event.
You’re Invited!
In honor of National Trails Day®, the Ice Age Trail Alliance and the National Park Service are hosting a celebration at the National Park Service headquarters in Cross Plains.
There’s lots to celebrate this year:
- The Ice Age Trail’s Unit Status designation
- The partnerships that make the Trail a reality
- Nearly three new yellow-blazed miles along the Cross Plains Segment (plus a white-blazed loop trail!)
Be there as the ribbon is cut and the new portion of the Cross Plains Segment is officially opened. Then, hike it! (Choose the distance right for you.)
Jaunt across a cool-grass prairie and saunter through oak woodlands, enjoying the surrounding landscape’s story; the tension between the Wisconsin Glaciation’s massive ice sheets and the unburied Driftless area. (Plus, the Trail travels across land owned by Alliance partners, the National Park Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.)
Meet the Trailbuilders who crafted the tread, built the boardwalk, and moved boulders on this portion of Trail as you hike! Hear their stories, get inside information.
Enjoy light, post-hike refreshments at the National Park Service office, and get your National Park Service stamp from the park office (which will be open).
Make plans to attend!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 1:00 p.m. Ribbon-cutting ceremony
Where:
National Park Service-Cross Plains Interpretive Site
8075 Old Sauk Pass Rd, Cross Plains, Wis.
About National Trails Day®: Each year, people all across the country unite on the first Saturday of June to recognize the importance of America’s trails and the value they add to our lives.
Graphic by: American Hiking Society
Event Description
Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance, Lussier Family Heritage Center and Dane County Parks at the Winter Fun Extravaganza! The event will be a great opportunity to get outside this winter. Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteers will be at the snowshoe area to help attendees with gear and questions. Alliance members will also have maps, stickers and bandanas for everyone who comes by to say hello.
Here is a list of fun things that will be going on that you can participate in.
- Sledding – A few sleds will be available at first come, first serve basis.
- Warming Shelter Fire – We will light up the fire in the warming shelter and be providing s’mores with a donation to our environmental education programs.
- Snowshoeing – Snowshoe rentals will be $5 a pair to use during the event on a first come, first serve basis.
- Permit Free Weekend for Cross County Skiing!
- Bonfire – We will have a bonfire going at the shelter and be providing s’mores and hot chocolate with a donation to our environmental education programs.
- Snow free play! Use our igloo bricks to build an igloo, make snow people and more!
This is a free event open to the public, no registration is required. This event is weather dependent, check Dane County Parks’ Facebook event page and other social media platforms for cancelations.
Location
Indian Lake County Park
8183 State Highway 19
Cross Plains, WI 53528
Get Directions
*Image credit: Lussier Family Heritage Center, Dane County Parks
The Hike: First Day Hike or Snowshoe
Hello, thrill-seekers! Let’s start the New Year with a bang and take on the frosty beauty of winter along the Thornapple Creek Segment of the Ice Age Trail.
Distance
An easygoing, 2-mile hike, so you can join even if you’re still recovering from your epic New Year’s Eve bash.
Event Details
But wait, there’s more! We’ve got an extra surprise for you – a Cardinal scavenger hunt with a super cool Scandinavian prize that’ll bring you good luck all year long so, hold onto your hats, folks, it’s time to hit the trail!
Our Chapter members are pumped to get to know you all, so let’s hnnke from Gold Dust Road to Thornapple Creek Road and exchange some stories. After that, we’ll shuttle you back to your cars.
Bonus Miles – Double the Fun!
Feeling extra adventurous? Double the fun and turn around and go for the golden 4 miles. We’ll have delicious treats and hot cocoa waiting to warm you up and keep our hikers energized.
What to Bring
Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle, hiking poles if you use them, and snowshoes or ice grippers if you can. (We’ll have a few extra pair of snowshoes available too – just in case.)
Where to Meet
Meet at the east end of Gold Dust Road. It’s a dead-end road, so there’s plenty of roadside parking available. GPS Coordinates: 44.95743,-89.34705
Join the fun on Thursday, December 21, 2023 to celebrate the Winter Solstice on the Ice Age Trail!
Details
Dress for the weather. Headlamps and/or flashlights will be needed. There are no bathroom facilities available at the Springfield Hill Segment.
After the hike, enjoy FREE hot cocoa provided by the Dane County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. All are welcome, including well-behaved and leashed dogs.
Springfield Hill Segment
This segment, a short loop that can be hiked in either direction, highlights the 198-acre Springfield Hill Natural Resource Area. This property consists of steep wooded valleys, glacial kettle ponds, and open meadow. The stunning prairie changes with the seasons and demonstrates what’s possible through extensive and ongoing restoration efforts. The Trail’s route provides outstanding views from atop Springfield Hill, one of the highest points in the area.
Photo by Joe Ulmer.
About:
Hartland became Wisconsin’s first Ice Age Trail Community in 2015, and this walking club was formed to bring people–both adults and “Wee Walkers”–together to enjoy the trail, community, and each other. Bring your kids onto the Ice Age Trail with the Hartland Walking Club’s “Wee Walkers” program–monthly hikes designed especially for tykes! They’d love to have you join them for a walk!
The Walk:
This month the Wee Walkers will complete a Connecter Route in their quest to complete the full Hartland Segment of the Ice Age Trail in 2023. We will hike south along the road connector route from Foxwood Drive to Fairway Court. It is a quiet, scenic, stroller-friendly road through a subdivision. Check their Facebook page for updates.
Details:
This hike is approximately 1 mile long. Costumes are encouraged and, while we’ll skip the tricks, Halloween treats will be provided! Bring water. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel.
Walks are led by 5-year-old Simon, 3-year-old Ophelia, 1-year-old Rhea, and their mom, Christina, an Ice Age Trail volunteer (and kid at heart). All ages are welcome; kids must be accompanied by an adult. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
Christina Callies and the Hartland Recreation Department organized this hike. Register in advance to ensure that you receive notification in the event this hike is postponed or canceled. You can also just show up at Elmbrook Church Lake Country, too. There is no fee for this activity.
Location:
In order to avoid an out and back on the road, hikers will meet at the northeast corner of the Elmbrook Church Lake Country parking lot for a bus shuttle to Foxwood Drive. We will then hike back to the church where our cars are parked.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to your hike leader, Christina.
Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance and Friends of Pike Lake for a family-friendly hike at Pike Lake.
Come anytime between 3:30 and 6:30 pm for an on-your-own scavenger hunt hike at the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit. There will be various hike options depending on how far you want to go. Start and end at the amphitheater. S’mores and apple cider around the campfire will be available until 6:30 p.m. Decorate your own walking stick. Meet Monty, the Ice Age Trail mammoth mascot, at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30.
Enter the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit at Kettle Moraine Drive. Follow the yellow Ice Age Trail Event yard signs to the North beach shelter area and amphitheater. Bathroom facilities available at the park.
This is a Mammoth Hike Challenge event!
Event Details:
- Thursday, October 19, 2023
- Arrive anytime between 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
- On-your-own hikes start and end at the amphitheater.
- Meet Monty, the Ice Age Trail mammoth mascot, at 3:30, 4:30 or 5:30.
- Campfire, s’mores and apple cider available until 6:30 p.m.
- Decorate your own walking stick (available while supplies last).
Registration is not required. A DNR park vehicle sticker is needed to enter.
Explore Slinger, an Ice Age Trail Community, before or after the hike!
Photo credit: Candy Grande
The Tyke Hike:
Join us on a Family-friendly stroll along Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail! This year our Tyke Hikes will focus on Wisconsin-based picture book authors and Ice Age Trail segments in Waukesha County. We will explore a tyke-sized portion of the Lapham Peak Segment in Waukesha County. Families with children of all ages should attend!
These hikes give kids the opportunity to explore, discover and participate in natural play. They last approximately 1-2 hours and can cover up to 1.5 miles. Tyke Hikes are led by Peter Dargatz, a forest kindergarten teacher and Ice Age Trail volunteer.
Tyke Hike Details:
This hike’s picture book is Sophie’s Squash by Pat Z. Miller. After reading this book, we will hike for approximately 30 minutes at a child-led pace and then return. There will be occasional stops for play and exploration along the way. Hikers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes/hiking boots. Bring water.
Location:
Watch for the yellow Tyke Hike signs to guide you to the Tower in Lapham Peak.
Contact Information:
Questions? Peter will answer them for you.
“Get lost in the right direction” with us!
About:
Hartland became Wisconsin’s first Ice Age Trail Community in 2015, and this walking club was formed to bring people — both adults and “Wee Walkers” — together to enjoy the trail, community, and each other.
The Walk:
Join us for an out and back hike ahead of Hartland’s National Night Out festivities! We are crossing our fingers for a Monty the Mammoth sighting, and we’ll have you back in time to enjoy all the fun at Nixon Park, including a live performance by Fat Andy, a fun and family-friendly band featuring a frequent attendee of our Wee Walkers hikes! Check their Facebook page for updates.
Details:
We will head to Penbrook Park and back for a total of 1.5-2 miles on this stroller-friendly hike. Families may adjust the distance by turning back early or continuing on the Penbrook Park trails. Please dress for the weather and consider bringing water and snacks. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel. Walks are led by almost-6-year-old Simon, 4-year-old Ophelia, 1.5-year-old Rhea, and their mom, Christina, an Ice Age Trail volunteer (and kid at heart). All ages are welcome; kids must be accompanied by an adult. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are also welcome.
Christina Callies and the Hartland Recreation Department organized this hike. There is no fee for this activity.
Location:
If we arrive early, we will be playing at Nixon Park’s playground, but we will gather at the kiosk to start our hike.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to your hike leader, Christina.
The Tyke Hike:
Join us on a family-friendly stroll along Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail! We will explore a tyke-sized portion of the Delafield Segment which is adjacent to Cushing Memorial Park. This year, we will focus on Wisconsin-based picture book authors and Ice Age Trail Segments. Our tyke hike will begin after this month’s featured picture book, Boom! Boom! Boom! by Jamie Swenson. Families with children of all ages should attend!
These hikes give kids the opportunity to explore, discover and participate in natural play. They last approximately 1-2 hours and can cover up to 1.5 miles. Tyke Hikes are led by Peter Dargatz, a forest kindergarten teacher and Ice Age Trail volunteer.
Tyke Hike Details:
We will hike for approximately 30 minutes and then return. There will be occasional stops for play and exploration along the way. Hikers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes/hiking boots. Most importantly, bring water.
Location:
This hike will start out at Cushing Memorial Park. Watch for yellow Tyke Hike signs to guide you the the meeting point.
Contact Information:
Questions? Peter will answer them for you.
“Get lost in the right direction” with us!
The Tyke Hike:
Join us on a Family-friendly stroll along Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail! We will explore a tyke-sized portion of the Lapham Peak Segment. Families with children of all ages should attend!
This year, we will focus on Wisconsin-based picture book authors and Ice Age Trail Segments. Our hike will begin after this month’s featured book, Flip! Float! Fly! by Joann Early Macken. Families with children of all ages should attend!
These hikes give kids the opportunity to explore, discover and participate in natural play. They last approximately 1-2 hours and can cover up to 1.5 miles. Tyke Hikes are led by Peter Dargatz, a forest kindergarten teacher and Ice Age Trail volunteer.
Tyke Hike Details:
We will hike for approximately 30 minutes and then return. There will be occasional stops for play and exploration along the way. Hikers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes/hiking boots. Most importantly, bring water.
Location:
Please meet at Lapham Peak’s Evergreen Shelter.
Contact Information:
Questions? Peter will answer them for you.
“Get lost in the right direction” with us!
Hike the hummocky topography of the Superior Lobe’s St. Croix Moraine, following ski and snowshoe trails through the Timberland West Ski Area. Join members of the two most northern chapters – Indianhead and Superior Lobe – for a Sunday afternoon hike, starting at 1:00 p.m. Enjoy a sweet treat at the hike’s end. Cork Lundberg’s (longtime member and volunteer) famous brownies will be on hand.
Hike Details:
Date & Time: Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet: Parking lot at 30th Ave. and Lake 32 Rd. Hike a portion of the Timberland Hills Segment from the parking lot to County Road H.
Length: 2.5 miles; shuttles available.
What to Bring: Dress appropriately for the weather and conditions. Bring water and a snack if needed.
Contacts:
Cheryl Whitman – 715-371-0048
Barb Ceder – 715-410-8069
The Tyke Hike:
This year, we will focus on Wisconsin-based picture book authors and Ice Age Trail Segments. Our hike will begin after this month’s featured book, Mr. McGinty’s Monarchs by Linda Vander Heyden. Families with children of all ages should attend!
These hikes give kids the opportunity to explore, discover and participate in natural play. They last approximately 1-2 hours and can cover up to 1.5 miles. Tyke Hikes are led by Peter Dargatz, a forest kindergarten teacher and Ice Age Trail volunteer.
Tyke Hike Details:
Join us on a family-friendly stroll along the Waterville Segment! We will hike for approximately 30 minutes at a child-led pace and then return. There will be occasional stops for play and exploration along the way. Hikers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes/hiking boots. Most importantly, bring water.
Location:
Please meet at Lapham Peak’s Evergreen Shelter.
Contact Information:
Questions? Peter will answer them for you.
“Get lost in the right direction” with us!
This event has been canceled.
The Tyke Hike:
Join us on a Family-friendly stroll along Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail! This year our Tyke Hikes will focus on Wisconsin-based picture book authors and Ice Age Trail segments in Waukesha County. We will explore a tyke-sized portion of the Hartland Segment in Waukesha County. Families with children of all ages should attend!
These hikes give kids the opportunity to explore, discover and participate in natural play. They last approximately 1-2 hours and can cover up to 1.5 miles. Tyke Hikes are led by Peter Dargatz, a forest kindergarten teacher and Ice Age Trail volunteer.
Tyke Hike Details:
This hike’s picture book is What Can You Do With a Rock? by Pat Z. Miller. After reading this book, we will hike for approximately 30 minutes at a child-led pace and then return. There will be occasional stops for play and exploration along the way. Hikers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes/hiking boots. Bring water.
Location:
Watch for the yellow Tyke Hike signs to guide you to the Hartland Library.
Contact Information:
Questions? Peter will answer them for you.
“Get lost in the right direction” with us!
In a an ironic turn of events, today’s Tyke Hike featuring Jamie Swenson’s book,
WE WANT SNOW, is unfortunately canceled.
Have a safe, snowy Saturday!
The Tyke Hike:
Join us on a Family-friendly stroll along Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail! This year our Tyke Hikes will focus on Wisconsin-based picture book authors and Ice Age Trail segments in Waukesha County. We will explore a tyke-sized portion of the Lapham Peak Segment in Waukesha County. Families with children of all ages should attend!
These hikes give kids the opportunity to explore, discover and participate in natural play. They last approximately 1-2 hours and can cover up to 1.5 miles. Tyke Hikes are led by Peter Dargatz, a forest kindergarten teacher and Ice Age Trail volunteer.
Tyke Hike Details:
This hike’s picture book is We Want Snow by Jamie Swenson. After reading this book, we will hike for approximately 30 minutes at a child-led pace and then return. There will be occasional stops for play and exploration along the way. Hikers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes/hiking boots. Bring water.
Location:
Watch for the yellow Tyke Hike signs to guide you to the Tower in Lapham Peak.
Contact Information:
Questions? Peter will answer them for you.
“Get lost in the right direction” with us!
Enjoy some winter fun at the 6th Annual DelaFREEZE event in Delafield! The Delafield Chamber of Commerce and its business members have come together to provide live ice carvings and fun activities throughout the Delafield Area.
Stroll through Delafield and view the amazing art of Ice Carving (and watch live sculpture carvings). Better yet, check out our Ice Age Trail Alliance display and get Trail information from our Chapter Volunteers from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Clear Water Outdoor. Look for Monty the Mammoth outside of Clear Water Outdoor at Clocktower Square and take a selfie with him! He’ll be there starting at 12:00 p.m.. This event is family-friendly and free for all ages.
Click here for a Walking Map, Schedule of Events, and Activities to enjoy.
Featured graphic by: The Delafield Chamber of Commerce
The Event:
Join the Waukesha/Milwaukee Co. Chapter for a celebration of National Trails Day®! We will meet at the Evergreen Shelter in Lapham Peak State Park. Register at the outreach table located in the picnic shelter near Evergreen Shelter which is located in the lower parking area. Admission to the park is free on June 3. All ages are welcome. 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. We hope to see you there to share one of our favorite trails with you!
Enter a free raffle for a stuffed Monty the Mammoth or an Ice Age Trail Mug! Enjoy a snack and possibly a cold can of non-alcoholic beer donated by the Athletic Brewing Company.
The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® dedicates a day for public events focused on advocacy and trail service. It’s the perfect opportunity to give back to and celebrate the trails that bring people together.
Contact info:
Questions? Email: waukmkectychapter@iceagetrail.org
Join the Wee Walkers for a hike at Penbrook Park. More details to come!
The Hike:
Details:
Meet at the Maple Wayside parking area. We will head south for an out and back hike, plus climb to the top of a scenic overlook, all while exploring and enjoying our surroundings as we walk. Hikes last 1-2 hours. All ages are welcome (kids must be accompanied by an adult).
Walks are led by 5-year-old Simon, 3-year-old Ophelia, 11-month-old Rhea, and their mom, Christina, an Ice Age Trail volunteer (and kid at heart). Please dress for the weather. If weather conditions are unsafe we will cancel.
Location:
Park in the small lot on the west side of Maple Avenue. (If the lot is full, you can park on the north side of Hartwood Lane.) We will meet at the big Ice Age Wetland sign.
Join Hartland Walking Club’s “Wee Walkers” as we explore the beautiful Hartland Segment of the Ice Age Trail as it winds through Hartbrook Park.
Meet at the Hartbrook Park playground. We will complete a stroller-friendly out and back hike, exploring and enjoying our surroundings as we walk. Hikes last 1-2 hours. All ages are welcome (kids must be accompanied by an adult).
Walks are led by 5-year-old Simon, 3-year-old Ophelia, 10-month-old Rhea, and their mom, Christina, an Ice Age Trail volunteer (and kid at heart). Please dress for the weather. If weather conditions are unsafe we will cancel.
How to find us: We’ll be by the pavilion.
Photo by Christina Callies.
Come out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather along this easy, family-friendly, two-mile guided hike through Roznos Meadow just south of Devil’s Lake State Park.
Learn about the glacial effects that created the landscape surrounding this lovely winding meadow trail. Great views of the bluffs, guaranteed.
And you might just find some Halloween treats along the way!
We welcome all ages and encourage light costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
Plan for approximately a 1-hour hike
It will be an out-and-back hike, so no shuttling needed. We will hike back to our vehicles.
Date & Time: Saturday, October 22, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Parking Lot: View on Hiker Resource map.
View on Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/8C7RhVTEBgqz4amz6
Contact Jenny Jahnke at jljahnke@live.com or 608-495-1052 to sign up.
The Tyke Hike:
Join us on a Family-friendly stroll at the UWM at Waukesha Fieldstation! We will explore a tyke-sized portion of the 3.5 miles of mowed paths there. Families with children of all ages should attend!
These hikes give kids the opportunity to explore, discover and participate in natural play. Most hikes include a picture book story and educational materials as well as certificates for children. In addition, service opportunities may be included. They last approximately 1-2 hours and can cover up to 1.5 miles. Tyke Hikes are led by Peter Dargatz, a forest kindergarten teacher and Ice Age Trail volunteer.
Tyke Hike Details:
We will hike for approximately 45 minutes and then return. There will be occasional stops for play and exploration along the way. Hikers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes/hiking boots. Most importantly, bring water.
Location:
Please meet in Waterville at the UWM at Waukesha Fieldstation.
Contact Information:
Questions? Peter will answer them for you.
“Get lost in the right direction” with us!
The Tyke Hike:
Join us on a Family-friendly stroll along Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail! We will explore a tyke-sized portion of the prairie portion of the Lapham Peak Segment in Waukesha County. Families with children of all ages should attend!
These hikes give kids the opportunity to explore, discover and participate in natural play. Most hikes include a picture book story and educational materials as well as certificates for children. In addition, service opportunities may be included. They last approximately 1-2 hours and can cover up to 1.5 miles. Tyke Hikes are led by Peter Dargatz, a forest kindergarten teacher and Ice Age Trail volunteer.
Tyke Hike Details:
We will hike for approximately 45 minutes and then return. There will be occasional stops for play and exploration along the way. Hikers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes/hiking boots. Most importantly, bring water.
Location:
Please meet at the Evergreen Shelter in Lapham Peak.
Contact Information:
Questions? Peter will answer them for you.
“Get lost in the right direction” with us!
Photo of Nixon Park by Abby Schopen
Join us as we celebrate National Trails Day for a guided hike in Hartland! All ages are welcome. 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
The Hike:
This hike will formally introduce the IAT’s new (white-blazed) Loop Trail that has been added to Penbrook Park.
Details:
This three to four mile hike (see above map for shortcut) will follow the yellow blazes of the Hartland Segment on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. As we hike along Maplewood Ave., we will connect to the new Loop Trail. This hike will take place on both pavement and wood-chipped trail so choose your footwear accordingly. After completing the looped trail, we will hike back to Nixon Park. Bring water.
Location:
We will depart from Nixon Park’s Bandshell.
Contact info:
Questions? Kelli will be happy to answer them for you!
This event is generously sponsored by:
