Make it a Great Day on the Glacial Drumlin Trail
One of the greatest natural resource and recreation gems in Cottage Grove is easy access to the western trailhead of the Glacial Drumlin Trail. The trail stretches 52 miles to the east – through farmlands and glacial topography – all the way to Waukesha. With the exception of a 1.5-mile section near Jefferson that utilizes public roads, the entire length of the popular trail, which includes 13 miles of asphalt and 39 miles of crushed stone, runs along an abandoned rail corridor.
Late summer and fall are the perfect time to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of Cottage Grove and its surrounding communities. Here are three ideas to help you get motivated to make a move to the trailhead!
If you have an hour: A short hike on the Glacial Drumlin Trail is the perfect way to take a break from work on a sunny afternoon, or a great opportunity to pack up a picnic and take a short stroll with little ones. If you can extend your adventure, grab a bite to eat at Olde Town Coffee House, Outpost Bar & Grill or 1855 Saloon & Grill – all near the trailhead. Check hours and menus ahead depending on your timing.
If you have an afternoon: Hop on your bike for a scenic ride. Round trip to and from Deerfield is about 13.5 miles; a more ambitious trek to Lake Mills and back will log more than 30 miles; and you can tack on another 10 miles for a total of 40+ by pedaling all the way to Jefferson and back.
If you have all day: If you want to cover more ground, create your own mini road trip itinerary to check out a variety of small towns and landmarks along the trail. Between Cottage Grove and Waukesha, the trail passes through Deerfield, London, Lake Mills, Jefferson, Helenville, Sullivan, Dousman and Wales.
If you have a weekend: Set up camp at one of the parks near the Glacial Drumlin Trail, including Sandhill Station State Campground in Lake Mills, Aztalan State Park near Jefferson, or the Kettle Moraine State Forest – with the Southern Unit near Dousman and the Lapham Peak Unit north of the trail near Delafield. Depending on where you home base, the opportunities to enjoy the trail are endless. And, if you need a home base to stay and play in Cottage Grove, Comfort Suites has you covered.
The Glacial Drumlin Trail is open to use and enjoy all year round. At the access point at 200 S. Main Street in Cottage Grove, visitors will find parking, picnic areas, restrooms, maps, drinking water, a self-pay station and more. Keep in mind that a state trail pass is required for bicycling and in-line skating. For detailed maps as well as complete information about trail admission, nearby camping, connecting trails and other activities, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Glacial Drumlin Trail website.
We’d love to hear from you about your Glacial Drumlin Trail adventures and see your favorite pictures, too!