Red Cedar State Trail: Menomonie to Downsville

The Red Cedar State Trail travels for 7.9 from the trailhead in Menomonie to the small unincorporated community of Downsville. The surface of the trail is compacted screened limestone, in very good condition. The gradient along the route is level, as it follows the southwardly flowing Red Cedar River. At certain places, the path journeys next to the steep bluffs of the river valley. Along the way, the trail travels near Devil’s Punchbowl Preserve and through the community of Irvington. It is one of the most charming trails in Wisconsin.

The Red Cedar State Trail begins at the historic railroad depot in Menomonie. The depot serves as the city’s visitor center and the DNR’s trail headquarters. It has a small exhibit highlighting the area’s natural and historic features. Trail passes may be purchased there or at a self-registration station near the start of the trail. Ample parking, a large information kiosk, gazebo, bike rack, and stationary tire pump are at the trailhead too.

The trailhead is located off Wisconsin State Highway 29 on the west side of Menomonie. It is reached from Interstate Highway 94 by going south on Wisconsin State Highway 25 at exit 41. Travel 2.4 miles through Menonomie, and turn right (west) onto Wisconsin State Highway 29. It is 0.5 mile to the parking lot entrance on the left (south).

Riverside Park is situated next to the trailhead. It offers a sheltered picnic area, access to the Red Cedar River for boating and fishing, a playground, and an outdoor fitness area. On the north side of the highway is another parking area. This lot serves users of the Stokke Trail. This three-mile trail heads north through Menomonie to Lake Menomin.

While many establishments in Menomonie provide excellent food and beverage, Lucette Brewing Company is a popular place for trail-goers. This microbrewery is located next to the trailhead, and features handcrafted pizzas and tasty local brews. In such close proximity, trail-goers may walk from the trailhead parking lot next door to the brewery.

Menomonie has a colorful past. In 1788, fur trader Jean Baptiste Perrault established a trading post there on the Red Cedar River. But it was the lumber industry of the 1800s that brought more settlers and economic prosperity to Menomonie.

Lumbering efforts began in 1822. A mill at the confluence of Wilson Creek and Red Cedar River was backed by fur traders James H. Lockwood and Joseph Rolette from Prairie du Chien. The venture was hampered by spring floods and legal battles over the authority of local Native Americans to grant permission to use the land.

In 1830, permission from the federal government was finally granted to operate the mill. Lockwood and Rolette built a second mill, this time at the confluence of Gilbert Creek and the Red Cedar River. Despite being sold to other investors over the years, the mill continued to function. By 1849, the Gilbert Creek Mill became the site of the area’s first post office.

In 1846, William Wilson and John Holly Knapp purchased Lockwood and Rolette’s first mill and named it Black & Knapp Mill. Wilson settled in the area and is credited with founding the city of Menomonie. When the city was incorporated in 1882, he became the first mayor.

Captain Andrew Tainter and Henry L. Stout acquired part of Wilson and Knapp’s company in 1853 and formed Knapp, Stout, & Company. The company led directly to the city’s substantial growth. By 1873, it had grown into the largest lumber corporation in the world.

Back on the Red Cedar State Trail, the path leaves the trailhead and crosses Gilbert Creek. This is the approximate location of Lockwood and Rolette’s second mill. The trail travels adjacent to the Red Cedar River for most of the distance from Menomonie to Downsville. At certain places, the trail rises high above the bank. At other spots, the river is accessible from the path. Beautiful views of the river and valley are commonly seen.

From Menominee to Irvington, the Red Cedar State Trail passes close to the river along the bottom of sandstone cliffs. The grade of the crushed sandstone trail is level. Birds and small animals are frequently seen, and ferns grow in the moist river bottoms. Benches and picnic areas invite cyclists to pause and watch the river flow by. About two miles south, the trail passes near Devil’s Punchbowl Preserve. The three-acre natural area features hiking trails that lead to a rocky amphitheater, exposed rock walls, and waterfall of an unnamed creek.

From Menonomie, the community of Irvington is three miles down the trail. A trailhead is located there directly on the river and next to a bridge. Basic amenities include a small parking lot, picnic table, and information kiosk. By car, the trailhead is reached from County Highway D. Take it west 1.5 miles from Wisconsin State Highway 25. The trailhead is located directly after crossing the bridge at the intersection with Paradise Valley Road.

After Irvington, the trail moves away from the river for a mile to traverse marshes and farmland. It then rejoins the river for another three miles. Spectacular views of the Red Cedar River are presented alin this section. Before reaching the unincorporated community of Downsville, it crosses the Red Cedar River on a 200-foot bridge. The bridge structural type is a nine panel pin-connected Pratt through truss. It was built in 1882 by Rust and Coolidge of Chicago, Illinois for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad.

After crossing the bridge and traveling under Wisconsin State Highway 25, the Red Cedar State Trail arrives in Downsville. The trailhead is at the intersection of Wisconsin State Highway 25 and County Highway C. In addition to the parking lot, there are restrooms, stationary tire pump, information kiosk, picnic table, and self-registration station.

^{Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.}

Several businesses in Downsville on County Highway C cater to trail-goers. Several offer food, beverages, and ice cream. Scatterbrain Cafe serves organic coffee, freshly baked goods, and food made from scratch, and ice cream. Also, Downsville has a Pine Lumber Museum, which traces Dunn County’s history of lumbering. The museum gives visitors a look into the community’s past. Downsville was first settled in 1855.

The section of the Red Cedar State Trail from the trailhead in Menonomie to the community of Downsville does not disappoint trail-goers looking for an uplifting and scenic excursion. The views of the majestic Red Cedar River force bicyclists to stop and contemplate the scenery. The entire 7.9-mile route is remarkable, with amazing natural beauty throughout the river valley. It is a wonderful and eye-oping ride on this section of the trail.

Trail last ridden and document in September, 2020.