Hiawatha Trail: Heafford Junction to Tomahawk
The Hiawatha Trail features several highlights. A spectacular view of Wisconsin River north of Tomahawk is provided along the route. On the banks of the river and directly off the trail is SARA Park. It offers plenty of recreational opportunities. An ice cream treat from Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe before or after a ride makes the trip even more enjoyable. The Hiawatha Trail runs for 6.5 miles through Lincoln County and promises a pleasant ride.
A trailhead is in Heafford Junction on County Highway L. It is next to Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe. This unique historic landmark has been in operation since 1993. The shop serves 28 flavors of Wisconsin-made ice cream. While lines can be long on summer weekends, the large servings of Kemps and Cedar Crest ice cream are delicious and worth the wait.
The Tilted Loon Saloon is a popular dining location in Heafford Junction. It is across the road from Windmill Ice cream Shoppe. This popular bar and grill serves traditional Northwoods favorites, including flavorful burgers, pizzas, and salads. Their fried chicken and barbequed ribs special along with a Bloody Mary cocktail makes a delicious meal. The restaurant is located directly on the lake, and their outdoor patio offers beautiful views.
Upon leaving the trailhead and biking south through Heafford Junction, the trail departs Oneida County and enters Lincoln County. This is where the Bearskin State Trail becomes the Hiawatha Trail. A sign on the 230-foot long Shaffer Trestle Bridge over Lake Nokomis marks this transition. During summer months, watch for children and families gathered on the bridge; it is a popular spot for jumping into the lake.
Continuing south away from the lake, the path runs next to County Highway L for a short distance. Nearly a mile from the trailhead, it arrives at an active railroad crossing. Use caution when biking over the tracks. Bicycle tires may catch on the railroad tracks.
After crossing the railroad tracks and County Highway N, the trail passes a park that has a picnic shelter and ball field. It continues for 0.6 mile through a wooded area to the fast-paced U.S. Highway 8. The are no yellow warning markers on the highway to alert drivers to this trail crossing; cyclists should use care traversing this very busy intersection.
From the intersection with U.S. Highway 8, it is 4.5 miles to SARA Park in Tomahawk. The trail passes through forests, then runs adjacent to County Highway A. It travels by summer homes and cottages along Clear Lake, then by the golf course of Inshalla Country Club. An obscure driveway off County Road A in this section may be used as a trailhead.
On the north side of Tomahawk, the Hiawatha Trail crosses the expansive Wisconsin River, offering a spectacular view of the waterway. Immediately after the bridge, the trail splits. Continuing straight on the paved path takes cyclists to the city library and downtown Tomahawk. Turning right (west) after the bridge leads to SARA Park. This park is an ideal trailhead. It has several parking lots, a campground, playground, athletic fields, boat ramp, sand volleyball field, picnic facilities, and swimming beach.
SARA Park is reached by car from U.S. Highway 51. Take the exit for Wisconsin State Highway 86 (Somo Avenue) west into Tomahawk. Drive 2.6 miles to the entrance to SARA Park. The park road curves back to the east. The trailhead is at the far east side of the park.
Tomahawk offers many amenities to meet the needs of visiting bicyclists. This area was first inhabited by people of the Ojibwe nation. Treaties with the U.S. Government in the early and mid-19th century opened up land for public sale. While fur traders had arrived before the 1800s, it was logging on the Wisconsin and Tomahawk Rivers that lead to urban growth. Logging began in the 1860s and surged after the Civil War. By the 1880s, a community had emerged that was known as Bouchard’s Station or the Forks of the Wisconsin.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
William H. Bradley is considered the founder of Tomahawk. His Tomahawk Land and Boom Company was instrumental in developing the city. Much of the land there was owned by the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad (The Milwaukee Road) and by Bradley’s company. The town was platted in 1887, and incorporated in 1891.
Trail last ridden and documented in September, 2021.