Tomorrow River State Trail: Scandinavia to Manawa
The Tomorrow River State Trail from Scandinavia to Wolf Road is a picturesque journey through the rolling countryside of Waupaca County. The route is 10.5 miles long. The trail ends at Wolf Road, where there is no trailhead or parking lot. Many cyclists continue their ride on town roads for 1.8 miles to Veterans Freedom Park or Lindsay Park in Manawa.
The trail’s surface is crushed limestone, and in good condition. Horseback riding is permitted, but a separate path has not yet been constructed in Waupaca County. As a result, the trail surface is prone to wear from horse hoofs, generally in the center of the path. The elevation of the trail descends nearly 200 feet as it heads east from Scandinavia.
Scandinavia was settled in 1850, and incorporated in 1894. It offers cyclists several options for refreshment. Trout Bum Bakery is a great little stop near the trailhead, with tasty baked goods including quiche, coffeecake, and scones. Scandihus is another option with a fuller menu, just a block or two further. It’s a combination café and gift shop, offering homemade crepes, a range of coffee drinks, Cedar Crest ice cream, and baked treats. The shop sells Scandinavian gifts, books, kitchen items and artwork, and the store has a restroom.
The Scandinavia trailhead is located south of town on Wisconsin State Highway 49. By car, drive 7.5 miles north from Waupaca. The trailhead has a small parking lot and bicycle self-service station. A spur trail leads up a small hill to the trail, which crosses over the highway on an iron trestle bridge. Cyclists turn right (east) to bike toward Manawa.
Heading to Manawa, the trail travels 2.5 miles through hardwood forests and low marshland to Blueberry Road. It then runs adjacent to Silver Lake Road and County Road B. Along the way, it passes through a corridor of trees surrounded by farm fields. It’s 1.8 miles from Blueberry Road to Drath Road. After Drath Road, the path enters into a thick forest for another 1.5 miles. Wildlife is commonly seen in this section, especially white-tailed deer.
The trail then arrives at Ogdensburg, named after Caleb Smith Ogden. He was instrumental in building a dam across the creek there for his saw and grist mill. Today, the bike trail runs next to Ogdensburg Pond, created by a modern dam on Engibretson Creek. To reach the pond, turn right (south) onto County Road K, right (west) again onto Main Street, and take a third right (north) onto Spring Street. Bike under the trail bridge to the landing by the dam.
Back on the trail, a primitive trailhead is a short distance east of County Road K is. This Ogdensburg trailhead is accessed by car from Moore Street, off County Road K. It has basic amenities- a gravel parking lot and hitching post for horseback riders.
After Ogdensburg, the trail continues east through a mix of farms and small forests. A corridor of trees and bushes lines most of the trail. Sandhill cranes may be sighted on or near the trail, highlighted by their loud, distinctive call.
About a mile east of Ogdensburg, the path enters into a low forest and crosses the North Branch of the Little Wolf River. At this spot, it is merely a stream. 1.5 miles further down the trail, it crosses Murray Road. The trail then runs next to Rail Road for another 1.5 miles to Spring Road. From Spring Road, it is 0.8 miles to the end of the path at Wolf Road.
Since no trailhead or parking lot is located at the current trail’s end, cyclists may want to continue their bike to Manawa. The route heads north on Wolf Road for 0.8 mile, until the road turns right (east) and becomes Walnut Street. After 0.7 mile, it reaches Wisconsin State Highways 22 and 110. Turn right (south) onto the state highway and go 300 feet. Across the street to the east is the driveway leading to Veterans Freedom Park. This well-established park has a parking lot, restrooms, covered picnic area, playground, splash pad, and veterans memorial. It sits aside Manawa Mill Pond.
Another Manawa trailhead is a little further south on the state highway. The entrance to Lindsay Park is on the right (west) side of the road, after the bridge over the Little Wolf River. It has parking lots, restrooms, picnic shelters, a playground, and athletic fields.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
Manawa grew up around a sawmill on the Little Wolf River, built in 1871. After a post office opened in 1872, the community was called Elberton. The name Manawa was adopted in 1874. According to local folklore, “Manawa” means “long bow,” and was the name of a Native American killed nearby in a duel. Today, Manawa is known for its annual Midwestern Rodeo in July, and has a variety of businesses to serve the needs of visiting trail-goers.
Trail last ridden and documented in September, 2022.