Wild Goose State Trail
The Wild Goose State Trail travels north for 34 miles, running from Wisconsin State Highway 60 near Clyman to Fond du Lac. The route follows an abandoned Chicago and Northwestern Railroad line. The trail is maintained and operated by the Wisconsin DNR, Dodge County, and Fond du Lac County. This management venture makes the Wild Goose State Trail the first “cooperative” trail in the state.
The Wild Goose State Trail passes through the communities of Juneau, Minnesota Junction, Burnett, Oakfield, and Fond du Lac. Along the way, it crosses oak woodlots, farm fields, marshy lowlands, and prairie remnants. It follows the western edge of the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, a vast marsh and wetlands that is home to 250+ species of migratory birds.
In addition to its proximity to the wildlife refuge, the trail travels near other areas of natural interest. These include Memorial County Park, Nitschke Mounds County Park, Marsh Haven Nature Center, and three different waterfowl production areas. South of Wisconsin State Highway 49, the trail crosses the Rock River.
The trail’s surface is crushed limestone. Small segments in Juneau and Fond du Lac are paved. The ride is smooth, and when heading north toward Fond du Lac, the elevation slowly drops. A 14-mile pathway for horseback riding parallels the main trail in Dodge County, between Wisconsin State Highway 60 and Pautsch Road.
There are numerous trailheads along the Wild Goose Trail. In Dodge County, trailheads are on Wisconsin State Highway 60, at Wild Goose Park in Juneau, at the intersection of Wisconsin State Highways 26 and 33, and at Burnett Town Hall Park. In Fond du Lac County, trailheads are located on Wisconsin State Highway 49, Oak Center Road, and Elm Street in Oakfield. In Fond du Lac, trailside parking is found at a park and ride lot, and Loves Travel Stop. Both locations are on W. Rolling Meadows Drive. A Kwik Trip convenience store on S. Hickory Street is another place to access the trail in Fond du Lac. From the Kwik Trip store, bicyclists may continue their journey north to the Fond du Lac Loop.
The usage fee for the Wild Goose State Trail is $5 daily, or a $25 annual pass may be purchased. Passes may be obtained at a DNR office, or from self-registration stations at along the trail. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail. Users should obey all posted signs. Use cautions when meeting horseback riders on the trail in Dodge County.
Bicycling on the Wild Goose Trail offers a chance to explore lands surrounding the Horicon Marsh. A ride during spring and fall seasons provide unique opportunities for wildlife viewing, when large numbers of migratory birds make rest stops in the Horicon Marsh.
Route Descriptions