Omaha Trail

The Omaha Trail is 12.5 miles – an offshoot from a 100-mile continuous trail corridor that includes the Great River State Trail, La Crosse River State Trail, Elroy-Sparta State Trail and the 400 State Trail.  The Trail is a former Chicago & North Western Railway line with the traditional “rails-to-trails” advantage of relatively small grades as it cuts its way across big hills and through marshy areas. The Trail features a tunnel, something visitors will find on only two other Wisconsin bike trails. The county-maintained path has other unique feature – its surface. The limestone is sealed, making for a smoother ride than the connecting state trails.

Beginning at the northern end in Camp Douglas, the Trail takes visitors past farms and though pastures for four miles before reaching the town of Hustler. This tiny community has a public park right near the Trail that provides a good spot to rest. Leaving Hustler the Trail gently rises through scenic bluffs.

At almost exactly the halfway point, visitors will reach the apex of their climb. This is also the entrance to a 300-foot-long tunnel. This historic railroad tunnel is one of the highlights of the trip. A small park just before the tunnel’s domed entrance provides restrooms and water.

After exiting the tunnel it’s downhill to the town of Elroy. The final seven miles passes through sections of dense forest with habitat for whitetail deer, small mammals and many species of birds. The Trail also passes Wisconsin farms, with their quintessential red barns and grain silos. A note of caution however – there are many country roads intersecting the Trail as you make your way into Elroy. Ride safely! The town of Elroy is the endpoint for the Omaha trail, but an easy connection to both the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and the 400 State Trail.

The fee is $1 daily or $5 annually, and passes are available at various outlets in all three towns on the trail: Camp Douglas, Hustler and Elroy.

Source: Juneau County Economic Development Corporation Official website