Ahnapee State Trail: Reckelberg Park to Luxemburg

Trail-goers on the Ahnapee State Trail who arrive at Harold Reckelberg Park on the journey between Algoma and Kewaunee, may want to consider a side trip to Luxemburg. From the park it is only 4 miles to the small village, and the short route passes through Kewaunee County’s charming farm country. It ends near Luxemburg’s American Legion Park.

The trail surface of this segment is in good condition. It is of crushed limestone and in most places, consists of two bike lanes with grass infill. The elevation ascends 75 feet along the route, but there are no formidable hills.

Harold Reckelberg Park serves as an Ahnapee State Trail trailhead. It has a large parking lot, portable toilet, benches, information kiosk, and self-service bicycle repair station. Hitching posts serve the horseback riders who use the trail. Cyclists are required to dismount and walk their bikes past horses when encountering them on the path.

To reach the park by car from Wisconsin State Highway 54, turn south on Hillside Road. It crosses the highway 2.5 miles east of Luxemburg. After going south, Hillside Road veers to the southwest. Drive 0.3 mile to Hawthorne Rd. Turn left (south) and drive 1.5 miles. Turn left (east) onto County Highway A. After 0.2 mile, the county road turns south. There, take Sunset Road to the left (east). The park is 0.4 mile on the left (north) side of the road.

From Harold Reckelberg Park, the Ahnapee State Trail travels northwest through a small forest, before trees give way to open fields of corn and soybeans. Where trees and bushes grow alongside the trail, they provide shade.

For nearly 2 miles the path travels northeast through farmlands. Picturesque red barns are tucked into fields of corn, soybeans, and other crops. Along the way, the trail crosses Hawthorne, Rockledge, and Hillside roads.

At Heritage Road, the trail starts to make a half circle. It heads northeast and then turns southwest to intersect the same road a second time. As it travels 0.8 mile, it passes a hillside apple orchard, one of many in the area. Kewaunee and Door Counties are known for their fruit orchards, which produce abundantly due to the effect of Lake Michigan on the climate.

The trail skirts Hillside Road and Wisconsin State Highway 54 along this bend. It also intersects Valley Road. After crossing Heritage Road again, the trail runs southwest through wooded areas and next to farm fields. Along the way, it crosses Luxemburg Creek. It’s 0.6 mile from Heritage Road to Rockledge Road, where the path enters the village of Luxemburg.

The tree-lined trail then travels 0.7 mile behind houses and businesses until it ends on County Highway AB (Main Street). No facilities are located here. Legion Field is across the road, between Willow and Elm Streets. Street parking is available there, and the park has a ball diamond, portable toilet, restroom (open only during games), and playground.

To reach Legion Park by car from Wisconsin State Highway 54, turn south on County Road AB (Main Street) in Luxemburg. Drive a half mile to Willow Street. Turn right (west). Street parking is available, and trail begins just across Main Street.

Luxemburg has several food options- taverns serving food, fast food and restaurants. The town also supports two gas station and convenience stores. Luxemburg was incorporated in 1908, populated by immigrants from Belgium and Luxembourg. Today farming and cheese production continue to be its main industries.

^{Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.}

The ride from Reckelberg Park to Luxemburg on the Ahnapee State Trail is relatively short. Yet, it offers the opportunity to explore more of the beautiful countryside and visit another village along the trail. Trail-goers may want to consider taking the 4-mile trek to Luxemburg.

Trail last ridden and documented in September, 2023.