Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Glacial Drumlin State Trail follows an abandoned railway corridor from Waukesha to Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, traversing an area shaped by the last glaciation. The trail’s path crosses through a landscape characterized by glacial drumlins—elongated hills formed by glacial ice—that provide a distinct rolling topography uncommon in much of southeastern Wisconsin. This flat-to-gently rolling rail-trail passes through farmland, woodlands, wetlands, small towns, and several parks, offering a diverse natural and cultural experience. Ecologically, the trail corridor includes patches of prairie, deciduous forest, and riparian habitats featuring native wildlife species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, various songbirds, and amphibians. Visitors enjoy year-round recreational opportunities including biking, hiking, jogging, horseback riding, in-line skating during warmer months, and snowmobiling or cross-country skiing in the winter. The trail connects multiple communities and facilitates eco-tourism local to southern Wisconsin. Along the route are historic railroad landmarks, scenic bridges over rivers and streams, and serene natural settings ideal for birdwatching and photography. Its accessibility and gentle grades make it popular with families, casual riders, and fitness enthusiasts alike. The Glacial Drumlin State Trail is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and remains one of the state’s premier rail-trail conversions, celebrated for showcasing Wisconsin’s glacial landscape and cultural heritage.
