The “400” State Trail: Reedsburg to La Valle

A ride on the “400” State Trail from Reedsburg to La Valle offers scenic views of forested lowlands and the meandering Baraboo River. The trail crosses the river twice in this section, and travels close to its many oxbow bends. It also passes various sloughs near the river. Hardwood forests and a few pine stands sometimes shade the path. In other places, the trail runs through open meadows and parallels pastures.

The crushed limestone surface of this trail section is in good condition. The path is two lanes of compacted stone and earth, with a grassy median. Twigs, branches, and leaves accumulate on the trail in forested places. Benches are found along the trail. From Reedsburg to La Valle, the path rises 30 feet over the 7.8-mile journey.

The “400” State Trail begins at the historic railroad depot in Reedsburg, at 240 Railroad Street. To reach the depot by car from Wisconsin State Highways 23-33 in Reedsburg, turn south on Walnut Street and drive 2 blocks to the depot and trail parking lot. Restrooms and the DNR office are in the depot. An information kiosk, self-registration station, and bicycle self-service station are found here.

The Reedsburg train depot was built in 1906 and used by the Chicago and Northwestern Railway until 1963. It is a beautiful, historic building with original woodwork, floors, and iconic ticket window. The depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it is owned by the Wisconsin DNR and serves as trail headquarters. It also houses the Reedsburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

Trail-goers visiting the depot may note an interpretive marker near the entrance. It recounts the plight of the Ho-Chunk Nation at the hands of the U.S. Army and Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1873-1874. Ho-Chunk tribal members had lived in the area for years. Through treaties with the U.S. Government, they were removed from their land and placed on reservations. Some refused to go, evaded capture, or later returned home. The marker describes unscrupulous efforts by the military to remove remaining Ho-Chunk members- efforts which were protested by the local community.

Reedsburg’s history dates to the late 1840s, when a community sprung up where “Babb’s Ford” crossed the Baraboo River. Reedsburg was mapped in 1852, incorporated as a village in 1868, and became a city in 1887. The Chicago and Northwestern Railway arrived in 1872, driving growth. In the 1860s, Reedsburg became known for its hops production. Hops grown here were used by local and national breweries.

Today Reedsburg is a thriving small city. Many of its businesses cater to visitors. The downtown area has several coffeehouses, cafés, and restaurants. Greenwood Café is a good place to grab a sandwich. Deli Bean and Buck Wild Kitchen and Coffee both serve tasty coffee and treats. Double Dip Ice Cream Shoppe is another popular stop, featuring features Chocolate Shoppe ice cream from Madison.

Returning to the “400” State Trail, the crushed limestone path leaves Reedsburg’s historic depot and heads northwest out of the city. It traverses two streets and bridges the Baraboo River. Caution is required when crossing Wisconsin State Highways 23-33. Self-employed flashing lights support a safer crossing.

After passing a few industries, the trail enters the forest. Crossing Babb Creek, Baraboo River’s lowland forest emerges. In wetland areas, the echoing calls of frogs and birds fill the air in warm weather. Sandhill cranes may be heard in spring and fall. Cyclists should watch for turtles crossing the path, and beware occasional patches of poison ivy on the trail edge.

Along the 7.8 mile route, interpretive signs detail the Baraboo River valley’s natural and human history. Various benches invite trail-goers to pause and relax. In two spots, plaques on stone markers honor the memory of local residents who frequented the trail.

From Babb Creek, it’s nearly 2 miles until the curving Baraboo River reappears. Farm fields surround this area, but are hardly noticeable due to a  thick border of trees and bushes around the trail. Wisconsin State Highway 33 travels nearby to the south. Vehicles are not easily seen, but the traffic noise is heard.

It is almost 3 miles from the first bend in the Baraboo River to County Highway V. The trail moves away from the state highway, and the landscape becomes more forested, crossing Silver Creek. The serpentine Baraboo River comes into view, curves off into the distance, then returns to the path. Water-filled swamps indicate  that the river is never far away.

After crossing County Highway V, the trail curves west. Redstone County Park is not far off the path to the north, but is on the other side of the Baraboo River. The “400” State Trail bridges the Baraboo River a second time. It’s amazing to see log snags and other debris pinned up against the bridge, signs of highwater flooding.

It is 1.2 miles from County Highway V to a tunnel under Wisconsin State Highway 33. A narrow tunnel signals the upcoming village of La Valle. Over the last mile, a natural landscape slowly gives way to the town.

Caution is needed to cross Main Street in La Valle. This busy road carries Wisconsin State Highways 33 and 58. After crossing North Street, the path arrives at the La Valle trailhead. A weathered sign there attempts to convey LaValle’s history. A modern sign, easier to read, is near the restrooms. Amenities include a parking lot, drinking water, self-registration station, self-service bicycle repair station, and picnic table.

Gas and food may be purchased in La Valle, and Trail Break Cafe Pizzeria and Patio Bar is known for delicious sandwiches. LaValle’s trailhead is located on Trail Street in La Valle. It is accessed from North Street off Wisconsin State Highway 58 in the center of the village.

Members of the Ho Chunk tribe were the first to live in this area, at the confluence of the Big and Little Baraboo Rivers. Many tribal members were removed from their homeland after ceding territory to the U.S. Government in the 1830s-1840s. The land was then surveyed, plotted, and opened for sale. An acre of land sold for as little as $1.25.

“The Valley” as it is called in French, was settled in 1849 by white American entrepreneurs looking to use the Baraboo River’s waterpower. A post office was established in 1856 under the name “Marsten.” It changed to La Valle in 1861. The community grew in the late 19th-century from lumber and milling industries. The arrival of the railroad in 1872 also contributed to the village’s prosperity.

Today, cyclists using the “400” State Trail may expect an enjoyable ride from Reedsburg and La Valle. Mosquitos may be a nuisance in warm months in low-lying areas when stopping on the trail. Cyclists also may need to dodge natural debris on the path, in forested sections. Despite this, the “400 State Trail offers a beautiful, peaceful bike ride.

Trail last ridden and documented in September, 2025

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