Old Plank Road Trail
The Old Plank Road Trail journeys for 35 miles across Fond du Lac and Sheboygan Counties. The entire path runs alongside Wisconsin State Highway 23. The route connects Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, also passing through Greenbush, Plymouth, Sheboygan Falls, and Kohler. The path is asphalt-paved, and open to pedestrians, bicyclists, and horseback riders. There is no fee to use the Old Plank Road Trail.
Managed by Fond du Lac and Sheboygan Counties, the Old Plank Road Trail was one of the first paths in the nation to share the right-of-way with a 4-lane divided highway. There are 6 trailheads along the route. They are located at County Highway UU near Fond du Lac, County Highway G near St. Cloud, Plank Road in Greenbush, County Highway C in Plymouth, Meadowlark Road in Sheboygan Falls, and Erie Avenue in Sheboygan.
The terrain along the trail is rolling hills with a few large climbs and descents. The trail ascends 400 feet as it scales the Niagara Escarpment in Fond du Lac. Another long climb and descent is east of Greenbush. The path moves through Wisconsin’s undulating glacial landscape. Unique glacial features such as drumlins and moraines are noticeable from the trail. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail intersects the Old Plank Road Trail near Greenbush, where they both pass through the Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit.
Trail rules are posted along the path and on county trail websites. Bicyclists are advised to wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear. Travel on the right, preferably single file. Stop at all road intersections, and watch for wet or slippery surfaces. Due to several large descents, maintain a reasonable speed (20 mph maximum). When overtaking other trail-users, offer a warning signal. When meeting horseback riders, stop or walk bicycles past them. All dogs should be tethered on a short leash.
These primitive wagon trails, such as the one between Sheboygan and Fond du Lac, often were heavily impacted or made impassable by inclement weather. Construction of wooden plank roads was thought to be a solution. Beginning in 1848, several planked roads were planned and two were built. One was the Sheboygan to Fond du Lac road.
An interesting history is behind the trail’s name. The route had been used for years as a footpath by Native Americans. An extensive trail network connected villages of indigenous people throughout the area. With the advent of white American settlers in the early 19th century, many of these trails were transformed into dirt roads for horse and wagon traffic.
In 1851, the Sheboygan and Fond du Lac Plank Road Company incorporated and began construction of a wooden plank road with a budget of $150,000. However, the plank road didn’t stand up under Wisconsin’s extreme weather conditions. Over time the planks rotted, warped, twisted, and broke. The iron shoes of oxen and horses also wore them down. The constant cost of repair eventually bankrupted the company.
The railroad also hastened the demise of the Sheboygan and Fond du Lac Plank Road Company. The coming of the Sheboygan and Mississippi Railroad in 1860 meant less traffic for the wooden road. Just a year later, the state legislature passed an act declaring the road to be a public highway. In 1863, another law maintained that if any part of a plank road was abandoned by a failed road company, it would then become a public state highway. The old plank road later was designated as part of Wisconsin State Highway 23.
A noteworthy stop along the Old Plank Road Trail is Wade House Historical Site in Greenbush. Managed by the Wisconsin Historical Society, the site is named for the stagecoach inn built by Sylvanus and Betsey Wade. The inn was built between 1847-1851 along the Sheboygan to Fond du Lac road, when the route was still a stagecoach trail.
Wade House Historical Site has nine structures open to tour. Three buildings erected in the mid-19th century are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The site is also home to the Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum, which has a large collection of horse-drawn vehicles. Tours and specials programs are conducted at the site throughout the year.
The Old Plank Road Trail may pose a challenge for some cyclists due to its significant hills, especially on its western section. Also, trail-goers should not expect a lot of shade along the way or a trek through lush forests However, the trail still offers a pleasant ride through east central Wisconsin’s rural countryside. The entire surface is paved, which makes for a smooth ride. And it is in close proximity to cities and villages with plenty of amenities.
Route Descriptions