Fox River State Trail: Greenleaf to De Pere
It is 9.5 miles from the trailhead in Greenleaf to Voyageur Park in De Pere on the Fox River State Trail. The trailhead in Greenleaf is on the corner of Follett and Klaus Streets. By car, it is reached by going east on Wisconsin State Highway 96 through the roundabout with Wisconsin State Highways 32-57. Turn left (north) onto Follett Street, and drive 350 yards past the grain elevator to the trailhead. It has a parking lot, portable toilet, sheltered picnic table, information kiosk, self-registration station, and bicycle self-service station.
A family restaurant and gas station with convenience store are located near the trailhead. Before venturing north on the trail, bicyclists may want to head south a short distance to see the historic Greenleaf Fire Department building. Greenleaf was named for Emery B. Greenleaf, the general manager of the Milwaukee & Northern Railroad. The rail line came through the area in 1873, but now it serves as a recreational trail.
After traveling 1.6 miles north on the trail, bicyclists may want to visit LedgeStone Vineyards and Winery. It is located right off the Fox River State Trail. The winery offers a lengthy list of traditional wines. The Marquette, a barrel-aged, dry red wine is recommended. Housed at the winery is Gnarly Cedar Brewing Company. Named after Wisconsin’s oldest tree, a red cedar over 100 years old, the brewery’s tap room offers a dozen different beer selections. Their specialty food menu includes appetizers, flatbreads, and gourmet grilled cheese. An expansive outdoor area is dotted with chair groupings, and firepits for cool summer nights.
The Fox River State Trail continues north through farmland. The tall limestone ridge of the Niagara Escarpment towers over the trail less than a mile to the east. A corridor of trees and bushes aside the trail provides occasional shade. Trail-goers are reminded to use caution at intersections with roads. Large blue gates are placed on the trail at these crossings, and bicyclists must navigate between the gates if they are closed.
After 3.4 miles of crushed limestone, the trail’s surface turns to pavement at Lassee Road. The asphalt path is divided into two lanes by a center line. A rest area is located on the trail where it crosses Midway Road. Additional rest areas, some which serve as trailheads, are located at Heritage Road, Bomier Boat Launch, and Voyageur Park in De Pere.
The facilities at each rest area vary. The stops at Midway and Heritage Roads are next to the trail and have an information kiosk, sheltered picnic tables, portable toilet, self-registration station, and bicycle self-service station. There is no parking for vehicles. Bomier Boat Launch is on the Fox River in De Pere. It has a parking lot, covered picnic area, and restrooms. Voyageur Park is the ideal place to begin or end a ride. This sizeable city park is located along the Fox River and boat canal. It has ample parking, picnic tables, restrooms, a playground, information kiosk, self-registration station, and bicycle self-service station.
Continuing north on the trail past Midway Road, a sign directs trail-goers east on Old Martin Road to Scray’s Cheese. From the trail, it is only 0.3 mile to the right (west) on Old Martin Road to the historic Scray Cheese Factory & Shoppe. This cheese factory has been operating since 1924 and specializes in Gouda, Cheddar, and butter. Their fresh cheese curds and Gouda are highly recommended. Trail-goers may also enjoy coffee drinks or ice cream.
After crossing Old Martin Road, the trail leaves farm country and enters the city of De Pere. A mixture of residential subdivisions and light industrial businesses pop up along the trail. From the Wisconsin State Highways 32-57 overpass, it is less than a mile to Bomier Boat Launch. This is a potential trailhead location. By car, the boat launch is accessed by turning east from Wisconsin State Highways 32-57 onto Bomier Street in De Pere. Then turn right (north) onto Fox River Drive to reach the parking lot.
There’s an amazing view of the Fox River at the boat launch. The scenic buildings of St. Norbert College are visible across the river. At this location, the Fox River makes a bend and falls 10 feet over a dam. The Claude Allouez Bridge spans the broadening river by the dam. Beyond the bridge on the west bank is a large paper mill. The Fox River has been called “the hardest working river in America” due to the number of mills and factories on its banks.
The trail continues north past Bomier Landing and runs close to the river. After the Claude Allouez Bridge, the dam, lock, and boat canal come into view on the left. After passing several apartments and condominiums, the trail arrives at Voyageur Park. By car, the park is accessed by turning east onto William Street from Wisconsin State Highway 57 (N. Broadway). Drive east on William Street into the park.
Trail-goers may want to digress from the Fox River Trail to hike on the De Pere Riverwalk. This path begins at Voyageur Park and crosses a bridge over the Army Corps of Engineers Lock and Canal. Then it winds past historic lockkeeper buildings. The path ends on a long pier extending into the Fox River. The pier offers views of eagles, cormorants, American White Pelicans, and other birds. The vistas of the city, river, and wildlife are spectacular.
The grounds of Voyageur Park are filled with history. For centuries, Native Americans lived and gathered food along the plentiful banks of the Fox River. In 1668, French fur trade Nicholas Perrot set up warehouses here to store trade goods and furs. The area was a base from which he headed west into the wilderness to barter with Native Americans, or return back east to Montreal with the valuable packs of furs he had acquired.
In 1671, French Jesuit missionary Claude Allouez established St. Francis Xavier Mission here. The mission’s objective was to convert Native Americans to Christianity. Since the missionary fathers (or Peres) lived by the waterfall on the Fox River, the area became known as the “Rapides de Peres.” The city’s name (“De Pere”) is derived from that early French expression. In 1673, explorers Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet stayed at the mission before heading upriver on their famous journey to explore the Mississippi River.
A historical marker in the park conveys this history and more. With amazing views, a historical past, and ample facilities, Voyageur Park is a special trailhead on the Fox River State Trail. It’s worth taking time to discover.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
The city of De Pere has many downtown businesses catering to tourists. Seroogy’s Chocolates offers decadent treats. The historic Union Hotel and Restaurant is a popular place to eat. The Ennis Inn Hotel and Pub caters to tourists looking for a unique Irish experience in downtown De Pere. Caliente La Fiesta Mexicana restaurant and Great Harvest Bread Company bakery are two other well-liked eateries there. History lovers may want to tour White Pillars Museum, a tiny historic building adjacent to Voyageur Park.
Trail ridden and documented in September, 2020.