Eisenbahn State Trail: Campbellsport to Kewaskum
When biking the Eisenbahn State Trail from Campbellsport to Kewaskum, the best starting place is at Fireman’s Park. The park has a pavilion, picnic shelter, restrooms, playground, and softball diamond. By car, it is reached from Wisconsin State Highway 67 by turning south on Barton Road in Campbellsport. The parking lot is 350 yards south of the highway.
Campbellsport’s amenities for visiting trail-goers include restaurants, taverns, a gas station, and grocery store. The village was named for Stuart Campbell, an early resident of the town. Campbellsport was incorporated in 1902.
It is 6.6 miles from Fireman’s Park to Kewaskum. The surface of the trail is crushed limestone trail, and in very good condition. Over it distance, the path descends nearly 100 feet. In some places, it rises high above the countryside. Signs warn of steep embankments in these places. While trees and brushes line the Eisenbahn State Trail, there are many open sections. Sunscreen will come in handy on sunny days. Cyclists should also watch for patches of poison ivy bordering the trail.
From Fireman’s Park in Campbellsport, the Eisenbahn State Trail is accessed by cycling east on Main Street for 175 yards, then turning right (south) onto the path. Continuing straight on Main Street leads downtown to local businesses. Heading out of town, the trail passes businesses and homes before crossing Campbellsport Drive.
The next intersection comes a mile later, at Century Drive. Over the ensuing 2 miles, the trail crosses Haven Drive, Auburn Ashford Drive, Maple Drive, and Rustic Drive. Throughout this whole span, the trail traverses farmland and low marshy areas.
A half mile south of Rustic Drive, the Milwaukee River meanders close to the trail. Eventually, the path crosses the river. The bridge is a great spot to take in the scenery. A short distance further, signs designates the border between Fond du Lac and Washington Counties. It is 4.5 miles from Campbellsport to this county line.
County Highway V then comes into view. It runs next to the trail for a mile. After going under U.S. Highway 45, the path proceeds 0.8 mile towards downtown Kewaskum. In this short span, it passes homes, businesses, and a large warehouse.
A potential trailhead is in downtown Kewaskum. Park benches, an information kiosk, and large parking lot are located just north of Main Street (Wisconsin State Highway 28). Downtown restaurants offer pizza, barbeque, hamburgers, and Caribbean food. The Coffee Corner Bistro is popular with cyclists. This cafe specializes in coffee drinks, sandwiches with local ingredients, and tasty bakery goods. Their outdoor patio is a perfect place to enjoy a meal or coffee. It’s one block west of the Eisenbahn State Trail.
Next to the trail is the Wisconsin 911 Memorial and Education Center. The center’s mission focuses on memorializing the victims of 9/11, honor people who responded, and provide education. Consult their website for hours of operation and programming.
Kewaskum was named after a Potawatomi chief who lived in the area in the 1840s. In the Potawatomi language, Kewaskum means retracing one’s steps. The Potawatomie nation in Wisconsin was forced by the U.S. government to cede land, and moved to a reservation in Kansas by 1838. A band led by Kewaskum remained. Long after Kewaskum’s death in the late 19th century, the band moved north to form the Forest County Potawatomi community.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
The first white American settlers in this area were the Barnes family, who arrived in 1844 to farm. In 1852, J. H. Myer built a sawmill and gristmill on a horseshoe bend in the Milwaukee River. Called “Myer’s Mill,” it was later renamed “Kewaskum Center.” The community grew in the 1860s with the arrival of German immigrants, and again in the 1870s with the coming of the railroad. The village was incorporated in 1895.
From downtown Kewaskum, cyclists may want to continue south on the trail across Main Street (Wisconsin State Highway 28) for 0.3 mile to another potential trailhead. A steep paved spur trail leads downhill to River Hill Park. Cyclists are advised to walk bikes down the steep path. The park encompasses both sides of the Milwaukee River. Near the trailhead is a parking lot, portable toilets, a playground, park benches, and picnic tables.
By car, the trailhead at River Hill Park in Kewaskum is reached from Main Street (Wisconsin State Highway 28). Turn south onto Parkview Drive. The intersection is east of downtown Kewaskum, and west of the bridge over the Milwaukee River. Drive to the end of the Parkview Drive. The trailhead is at the southern end of the park.
Trail last ridden and documented in June, 2022.