Friendship State Trail: Forest Junction to Brillion
The eastern section of the Friendship State Trail in Calumet County is 5 miles long. The path begins in the small community of Forest Junction and travels southeasterly slightly over 4 miles. It ends in Brillion, where cyclists bike on city streets for nearly a mile to reach the trailhead at Horn Park. The surface of the trail is crushed limestone and in fair condition. As the trail moves east to Brillion, the surface condition improves.
In Forest Junction, the Friendship State Trail begins by branching off to the east from the Fox River State Trail, which runs north-south. Roadside parking is available on Main Street or in a gravel lot next to the junction of the two trails. There are no facilities there.
To reach the trailhead by car, go east on U.S. Highway 10 from the roundabout with Wisconsin State Highways 32-57 in Forest Junction. Drive for a half mile and turn right (south) on Church Street. Go 0.1 mile south to Campground Road. Turn left (east) and continue around the corner to the south. The road becomes Main Street. Trailhead parking is located on the east side of Main Street across from houses and businesses.
The Friendship State Trail departs Forest Junction through a small grove of trees. In the first mile, the trail passes forests and farm fields. At Keuer Road, U.S. Highway 10 comes in from the north and travels adjacent to the trail for the remainder of the route.
It is 1.6 miles from Keuer Road to Hacker Drive. Along the way, the path crosses Harvestore Road and Bastian Road. The area is definitely agricultural, with large farms visible from the trail. Depending on the direction of the wind, the smell of liquid manure pits from nearby megafarms permeates the air.
The surface condition of the trail’s first 2.5 miles is fair. At the time this trail was ridden, it was evident tractors used the trail. Their large grooved tires indented the limestone surface, and made for a bumpy bicycle ride. In other places, excess limestone deposits caused bike tires to sink. Trail conditions improve closer to Brillion.
After crossing Hacker Drive, a spur trail leads south to Brillion High School. A park bench and self-service bicycle station are located in front of the high school. Nearby is a Brillion welcome sign on U.S. Highway 10. East of the high school is the sprawling headquarters for Ariens Company. The company is known for their snow blowers and lawn-mowing tractors.
A 250-acre conservancy is located on the grounds of Ariens Company. This designated green space supports wildlife habitat, recreation, and agriculture. From the Friendship State Trail, three spur trails lead south into the conservancy. Trail-goers looking to expand their ride and enjoy nature may want to take one of the side trails. It’s not uncommon to see white-tailed deer and other wildlife in the conservancy.
On the east side of the conservancy, the Friendship State Trail passes another Ariens Company factory. It is 1.4 miles from Hacker Drive to the trail’s end at the junction of Center Road and Glenview Avenue. The Brillion water tower marks the terminus. A park bench is located there aside the trail.
Nearby Horn Park in Brillion serves as an excellent trailhead. From the end of the trail, bike east on Center Street 0.3 mile to Main Street. Turn right (south ) and go for 0.2 mile. Then turn left (east) on Water Street. After another 0.2 mile, turn left (north) on Park Street. The road entering the park is on the east side of Park Street, 175 yards to the north.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
The amenities at 19-acre Horn Park include a parking lot, restrooms, covered picnic shelter, pavilion, playground, disc golf course, and open-air amphitheater. To reach the park by car from U.S. Highway 10, turn south in Brillion on Main Street and drive 0.4 mile. Then turn left (east) onto Water Street. Go 0.2 mile, and turn left again (north) on Park Street. Proceed to the park entrance on the east side of the road.
Brillion is named after the German town of Brilon. Settlement by German immigrants and white Americans began in 1855. The railroad spurred development, and the settlement soon incorporated as a village. It became a city in 1944. Brillion’s amenities for visiting trail-goers include a hotel, gas stations, a grocery store, and restaurants.
Two popular restaurants in Brillion are Marko’s Smokin’ BBQ and Rudy’s Café. Marko’s offers an assortment of smoked and barbequed meats. Their pulled pork tacos make a tasty snack. Rudy’s Café is a small-town diner, great for a meal or cup of coffee and piece of pie.
Trail last ridden and documented in June, 2022.