Mascoutin Valley State Trail: Rosendale to Fond du Lac (East)
The eastern section of the Mascoutin Valley State Trail runs 9.7 miles through Fond du Lac County from Rosendale to Fond du Lac. It travels on the former line of the Chicago and North Western Railway. The branch line extended from Fond du Lac westward to Marshfield. Today, the trail passes through farm fields, prairies, and open wetlands. Picturesque views of the countryside are seen from the path, especially throughout the Eldorado State Wildlife Area. The trail offers a casual downhill ride, dropping 115 feet over its distance.
The Mascoutin Valley State Trail begins at Wisconsin State Highway 26 on the north side of Rosendale. There isn’t a designated parking area there, but a large gravel parking lot on the east side of the highway and next to the trail is used by trail-goers. The lot is part of the village’s yard waste site, and is located at 178 North Street in Rosendale.
Parking is also available at William N. Taylor Park, half a mile south of the trail. The park has restrooms, picnic shelter, and athletic fields. By car, it is accessed from Wisconsin State Highway 26 in Rosendale by turning west onto Taylor Park Street and driving to the parking lot, next to the baseball diamond. Visiting trail-goers wanting a snack or meal may consider stopping at Rosendale’s coffeehouse, diner, or two convenience stores.
From Taylor Park, it is a half mile north on Wisconsin State Highway 26 to reach the Mascoutin Valley State Trail. An information kiosk, park bench, and plaque are found at the start of the trail. In 1987, the local Lions Club purchased a three-mile section of the former Chicago and Northwestern Railway to develop as a recreational path. In 1996, the Wisconsin DNR purchased it to extend the Mascoutin Valley State Trail from Rosendale to Fond du Lac.
The surface of the Mascoutin Valley State Trail is crushed limestone, in very good condition. The first three miles are in excellent condition. Cyclists should watch for occasional gopher holes in the path. The trail is fairly wide, and bridges are well constructed. No public restrooms are located along the trail, but facilities are not too far away.
Less than a half mile from its start, the Mascoutin Valley State Trail crosses Willow Creek Road. In this section, it travels past residential neighborhoods. The path leaves the village after bridging a tributary of the Fond du Lac River’s West Branch. It then turns east to cut through farmland. For several miles, berms run along both sides of the trail. They likely were built during railroad days. Trees and bushes line the trail, creating a shady canopy. Further east, the trail crossess another tributary of the West Branch of the Fond du Lac River.
After 2.5 miles, the trail crosses County Highway C and travels through the community of Eldorado. First white settlement there began in 1846. The post office opened in 1856 as North Lamartine. The name changed to Eldorado Mills in 1870 and was shortened to Eldorado in 1883. Today, it mainly is a bedroom community for Oshkosh and Fond du Lac.
Returning to the Mascoutin Valley State Trail, it is less than a half mile from County Highway C to Rose-Eld Road. After this intersection, the route turns to the southwest and borders Eldorado Wildlife Area, which sits to the north. This vast area preserves nearly 6,400 acres. In addition to the wetlands around the West Branch of the Fond du Lac River, it has small oak openings, a variety of shrubs, and grasslands. For centuries, Native Americans used this land for hunting and gathering. Today the property is popular with waterfowl, pheasant, and deer hunters. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts also visit.
The trail turns east again 3.5 miles from County Highway C, still advancing next to the wildlife area. Along the way, it crosses Dike and Henrich Roads. They lead north to hunting dog training areas within the preserve. The trail also crosses several small streams. Where the path resumes its eastward course, a spur trail to the right (south) goes to Hagman Road and a trailhead parking lot. It is located 0.6 mile north of Wisconsin State Highway 23.
The forest surrounding the Mascoutin Valley State Trail then gives way to open marches and fields of cattails. Nearly a mile after the Henrich Road trailhead, the path crosses the West Branch of the Fond du Lac River. It flows southeast through the vast open wetlands of the Eldorado Wildlife Area. Tall reeds and cattails fill the large marsh. While no shade is provided in this section of the path, it is still a great place to pause and enjoy the view.
From the river crossing, the trail continues for 0.7 mile to County Highway I. Another gravel parking lot there serves as a trailhead. By car, the parking lot is easily accessed. Drive north for half a mile on the county road from Wisconsin State Highway 23.
The last 2.3 miles of the Mascoutin Valley State Trail run through a corridor of trees and bushes past farmland. The path ends on the western edge of Fond du Lac at Rolling Meadow Drive. A parking lot, information kiosk, and park bench are located there. There are no restrooms. Convenience stores, fast food shops, restaurants, and hotels are found nearby.
By car, the Fond du Lac trailhead is reached by going north on Rolling Meadows Drive 0.8 mile from Wisconsin State Highway 23 (W. Johnston Street). Parking is on the west side of the road. From Interstate Highway 41, take exit 99 west on Wisconsin State Highway 23.
Biking this section of the Mascoutin Valley State Trail offers delightful views of wetland landscapes and hardwood forests. Trail-goers may see wildlife and waterfowl, since the path borders state wildlife and habitat restoration areas. A variety of birds are often seen from the path. Grouse frequent the trail in autumn, and calls of sandhill cranes and Canadian geese may be heard across the expansive wetlands. The trail offers a scenic and pleasant ride.
Trail last ridden and documented in October, 2025.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.