White River State Trail: Burlington to Vandenboom Road

The White River State Trail from Burlington to Vandenboom Road runs 8.4 miles through Racine County. The setting includes both a small city and rural countryside. In Burlington, the path crosses rivers, follows next to city streets, and passes through city parks. Departing town, it cuts straight across open farmland in a straight line to the trailhead. The trail gently climbs in elevation as it heads east, and is shaded by bordering trees and bushes.

While the two sections of the White River State Trail are not connected, cyclists may want to complete the whole trail in one ride. It is 2 miles from the western section to the eastern part of the trail. From the Spring Valley Road trailhead, go north in the bike lane for 0.6 mile. Take the trail to the right (east) up a hill to Sunset Park. Continue east on Garfield Street, Gardner Avenue, Kane Street, and Jefferson Street. At the intersection of Jefferson and Calumet Streets, the eastern section of the trail heads right (south) on a wide sidewalk.

Wehmhoff Jucker Park in downtown Burlington is an excellent place to begin a journey on the eastern portion of the White River State Trail. The park has a covered picnic shelter, restrooms, a playground, basketball court, and a bike rack. The parking lot is at the end of N. Spring Street. From downtown Burlington, take Jefferson Street east across the Fox River. Turn left (north) on Spring Street. The parking lot is at the end of the street.

Water surrounds most of Wehmhoff Jucker Park. It is located on the inside bend of the Fox River, where the White River joins it. Trail-goers cross several bridges when leaving the park. The first bridge heads over the Fox River to Fox Street. After turning left (south) from Fox Street onto a wide sidewalk next to Bridge Street, the trail crosses the White River.

After the bridge over the White River, two route options are available. A wide sidewalk follows Bridge Street and subsequently Calumet Street for 0.3 mile until intersecting with State Street. A more scenic and quieter route between the bridge and State Street runs adjacent to the scenic Fox River. A covered picnic shelter with restrooms and bike rack is located in this section, and may be accessed from either route.

South of State Street, the White River State Trail leaves Calumet Street for a short distance. An overpass takes the busy road over a set of railroad tracks. The paved trail continues along the overpass embankment, then rejoins the road and parallels it another 0.3 mile. East of the trail is a thick forest bordering the Fox River.

The trail then arcs north, passing the Burlington Dog Park and heading into forest along the river. A 230-foot bridge takes the trail across the Fox River and into Bushnell County Park. For nearly a half mile the path meanders through the park, past a playground and covered picnic shelter, restrooms, parking lots, and baseball diamond. The county park serves well as a trailhead and is accessed by vehicle from Wisconsin State Highway 142.

It is 1.6 miles from Wehmhoff Jucker Park to Bushnell County Park. This short route makes a great trail ride for families with young children. When biking with young children, caution should be exercised downtown at the trail’s intersection with Jefferson and State Streets. Crossing signals at this intersection support a safe crossing. Wearing brightly colored clothing and using lights can also help increase visibility.

Burlington has a long history. Ancient Native American mounds were built in the area. As late as 1830, a Potawatomi village was based in what is today the town of Burlington. In the fall of 1799, a group of French explorers and missionaries led by Francis Morgan de Vereceones passed through the area while traveling on the Fox River.

First European settlers in Burlington were Moses Smith and William Whiting, who came in 1835. Other settlers came a year later and named the settlement Foxville. They soon decided to rename it “Burlington,” after the Vermont city. Most of the new inhabitants came from New England. Burlington was incorporated as a village in 1886; in 1900 it became a city.

While biking through downtown Burlington, trail-goers may want to visit Adrian’s Frozen Custard. This old-fashioned stand serves fresh-made custard in cones, sundaes, and shakes. It is one block off the trail, near Wehmhoff Jucker Park. A regional chain, the Charcoal Grill & Rotisserie, is also near the trail and park. Their riverside patio overlooks the Fox River, and the restaurant serves BBQ ribs, burgers, and wood-fired pizzas.

Back on the White River State Trail, after passing through Bushnell County Park, the trail turns west. It navigates through a roundabout on Wisconsin State Highway 142, and goes by Gateway Technical College and Burlington High School. A spur trail to the left (north) leads to these schools. Here the paved section of the trail ends. The surface of the final 6.5 miles is crushed limestone, and in very good condition.

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

For the next 1.3 miles the trail runs straight. It traverses lowlands and fields, crossing tiny Hoosier Creek. The path then bends, passing through a tunnel under the four lanes of Wisconsin State Highway 83. It resumes its straight run through the rural countryside for another 5 miles. Bluebirds, robins, catbirds, and other songbirds may be seen from the trail.

The trail crosses English Settlement Avenue, Sheard Road, and Cunningham Road. The trailhead is off Vandenboom Road. It has a parking lot and garbage cans. To reach the trailhead by car, drive 4.6 miles east on Wisconsin State Highway 11 from the Burlington bypass. Turn right (south) on Vandenboom Road and drive 0.6 mile to the trailhead.

Biking the eastern section of the White River State Trail is a pleasant experience. The trail offers the resources and excitement of a small city, while the rural segments provide a quiet, relaxing ride. There are future plans to expand the trail further east toward Racine.

Trail last ridden and documented in June, 2022.