Eisenbahn State Trail: Eden to Campbellsport
The Eisenbahn State Trail travels from Eden to Campbellsport for 7.5 miles through Fond du Lac County. In this distance, the elevation rises and falls about 40 feet. The crushed limestone surface is in good condition and allows for easy peddling. The route journeys through the countryside, providing views of farm fields, pastures, forests, and marshes.
The trailhead in Eden is at the southern end of the village’s community park. A covered picnic shelter with restrooms, playground, and several softball diamonds are found there. A parking lot is available, but many trail-goers simply park on Regan Drive by the start of the trail. A sign and information kiosk mark the trailhead.
To reach Eden Community Park by car from Interstate Highway 41, take exit 92 east on County Highway B and drive 3.6 miles. Turn right (south) on County Highway V on the edge of Eden. Drive 0.6 mile and turn left (east) on Shady Lane. After 350 yards, turn left (north) on Reagan Drive. The trailhead is 175 yards down Reagan Drive.
A post office was established in Eden in 1850. The village was named after John Eden (an early settler) or after the Biblical Garden of Eden. There are several places to eat there, and it has a large convenience store with gas station. This town is locally known for Eden Meat Market, whose meat counter includes fresh-cut steaks, poultry, and pizza. The nearby Eden Café serves home-cooked meals and other fare throughout the day.
A few miles east of Eden is Kelley’s Country Creamery. It is a favorite attraction for people of all ages. Sustainable agriculture is practiced on the 150-year-old Kelley farm, and delicious ice cream is made in their own creamery. Visitors may watch production through the store’s viewing windows, enjoy a treat, and sit inside or outside on a wide front porch.
Back at Eden Community Park, the trail leads downhill from Reagan Drive past softball fields for 175 yards. It then turns right (south) onto the old railroad route. The path next travels 2.5 miles to County Highway F. Throughout this section and the whole route, the trail passes through a thick corridor of bushes and trees. Aspen and cottonwoods grow nearby, but much of the trail vegetation is thick bushes and vines that conceal the view. In some places, the low bushes permit an expansive view of the countryside.
It is 2.3 miles from County Highway F to County Highway V. Despite the bordering vegetation, the trail is exposed to direct midday sun. A shady rest stop with a park bench overlooks a trailside pond. It is found next to a large marsh. Further south, the Milwaukee River crosses the trail for the first time.
At the trail’s junction with County Highway V, the moraines, kames, and drumlins of the glaciated landscape become apparent. The trail remains level, even while passing by rolling hills. It is 2.2 miles from County V to Wisconsin State Highway 67. Before crossing the highway, the trail passes the large campus of Campbellsport High School.
Cyclists wanting to reach Fireman’s Park trailhead in Campbellsport should exit the trail to the right (south) on Barton Road, and proceed 175 yards to its parking lot. The park has picnic shelters, restrooms, a playground, and softball diamond. By car, it may be reached from Wisconsin State Highway 67 in Campbellsport by turning south onto Barton Road.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
Campbellsport was named for an early community member named Stuart Campbell, and incorporated in 1902. The small community has several restaurants and taverns. It also has a gas station, grocery store, and other visitor amenities.
Trail last ridden and documented in June, 2022.