Trailtessa* Retreats 2022

*Trailtessa [treyl-tes-sah], noun: a woman or girl who gets out on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to experience adventure, freedom and a new way to be.

Re-discover YOU with plenty of permission.

BE YOU: Bold. Audacious. Strong. Adventurous.

You get to choose.

Be any way you want to BE.

February 19, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hartman Creek Segment, Portage and Waupaca Counties

Pure bliss: A snowshoe hike through a blanket of sparkling snow. Come for an introduction to snowshoeing by local experts and enjoy a guided 2-mile hike along the Hartman Creek Segment. If needed, snowshoes will be provided by REI (for free). Make new friends, warm your hands at a post-hike bonfire, and enjoy homemade, locally-sourced treats.

Hartman Creek State Park
Registration limit: 50 women and girls
Cost: $15/attendee. Girls under 18, free.

April and May, an On-Your-Own Hike
Wildflowers push through matted leaves and grass, often enduring one last snowy blast. Heralds of spring, their sun-seeking determination and hardiness encourage. Stroll through woods and prairies as you plan a fresh start, search for inspiration and these tiny ephemerals.

Please share your delight on social media by using these hashtags:
#Trailtessa #IceAgeTrail #OptOutside #ForceOfNature #BeResilient

Registration: Unlimited
Cost: Free

June 4, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. 
Dunes Segment, Manitowoc County

Nature princesses use dip nets to catch snails, dragonfly larva, and other pond creatures. They meet frogs, toads and salamanders and learn what they sound like. Princesses stomp through puddles and follow yellow blazes. They will also enjoy a healthy snack and make a nature crown.

Woodland Dunes Nature Center, Two Rivers
Cost: $5/child

Register directly with Woodland Dunes: Email Jessica Johnsrud, [email protected], or call the Nature Center at 920-793-4007. 

June 21, an On-Your-Own Hike

Celebrate the Summer Solstice, June 21, with an on-your-own-hike on the Ice Age Trail. Head out solo or gather friends and family. Take advantage of the extended daylight and watch the sunrise or set from a favorite spot along the Trail.

Please share your delight on social media by using these hashtags:
#Trailtessa #IceAgeTrail #OptOutside #ForceOfNature #SummerSolsticeHike

Registration: unlimited
Cost: Free

July 16, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Pike Lake Segment, Washington County

Let your heart be bright, delighting in a classic summer night: a late-setting sun, cricket songs, and pulsing fire flies. Enjoy a hike among the kettles, kames, and by the lake at the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit. Multiple hike distances will be available. It’s magical under the light of the moon and around a bonfire. Light refreshments will be available.

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit, Hartford
Registration limit: 50 women and girls
Cost: $15/attendee. Girls under 18, free

September 17, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Rib Lake Segment, Taylor County

If you’ve wondered how the Ice Age Trail is built, join us for a trailbuilding event. Learn the basics of tread construction from female, volunteer crew leaders. You may also help clear Trail corridor, build a boardwalk, or paint blazes. You’ll certainly come away with a new appreciation for the Trail you hike. Camping is available at Wood Lake County Park.

Registration limit: 20 women, ages 14 and up
Cost: $15/attendee

October 21-23
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit

Backpacking 101 requires strength and self-sufficiency as you carry your gear-filled pack on this multi-day trip. You’ll be immersed in rugged beauty, hiking along glittering kettle lakes, through mesic forests, and across winding boardwalks. No previous backpacking experience necessary but expect to hike a total of approximately 25 miles during the trip. Open to women who have NOT participated previous Trailtessa backpacking trips.

Registration limit: 24 women, ages 21 and up
Cost: $150/attendee

December 3, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Straight Lake Segment, Polk County

Welcome December gently, taking time to slow down and reflect on what’s most important to you. A mid-morning, casual 2-mile hike through beautiful Straight Lake State Park is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. A body-positive yoga session will follow. So, will a bonfire and light refreshments.

Straight Lake State Park, Luck, WI
Registration limit: 50 women and girls
Cost: $15/attendee. Girls under 18, free