Three Eagle Trail: Sundstein Road to Eagle River
The northern section of the Three Eagle Trail offers tremendous views of Wisconsin’s northern forests. When biking this section, there are two trailhead options. Cyclists wanting a longer ride may begin at the Sundstein Road trailhead. It has a parking lot, portable toilet, information kiosk, and donation station. Water, shelter, and a bicycle self-service station are nearby. By car, this trailhead is reached from Eagle River by turning south onto Sundstein Road from Wisconsin State Highway 70 (Pine Street). Drive 3.7 miles to the trailhead.
The bike route heads north on Sundstein Road for 1.2 miles. At the junction of Section 9 Road, the path heads to the right (east). The route continues 0.3 miles east on Section 9 Road, with signs marking the route to another trailhead. Cyclists wanting a shorter ride can begin at this Section 9 Road trailhead, which has information kiosks, a parking lot, and donation station. By car, it is reached using the same route as the other trailhead, but instead of continuing on Sunstein Road, turn left (east) onto Section 9 Road after 2.5 miles.
The two trailheads are 1.5 miles apart. From the Section 9 Road trailhead, it’s 3 miles to Eagle River. The crushed stone surface of the trail is in excellent condition, with a wider path than many trails. The grade is mostly level with a few small rolling hills.
About 400 feet down the path from Section 9 Road trailhead is a rest area. A shelter, water, bicycle self-service station, and outhouse toilet are found there. Continuing along the path brings riders through an impressive forest. A mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees enclose the meandering trail. The forest smells of pine, and wildlife sightings are not uncommon. Mosquitoes and biting flies may plague trail-goers who stop along the way; insect repellent and long clothes may be beneficial.
A half a mile from the trailhead, the forest opens up and an extensive boardwalk appears. This 660-foot boardwalk crosses Mud Creek and the bordering marsh. The trail crosses the curvy creek in its southern segment, and again at this spot. The Four Women Boardwalk offers a beautiful view of the creek, and it’s worth stopping to observe the scenery.
It’s less than a mile from the boardwalk to Dyer Road. While the wooded landscape persists, signs of urbanization appear as the trail heads north to Eagle River. The last 1.5 miles runs straight toward Eagle River, along the old route of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad.
The Three Eagle Trail arrives in Eagle River at the intersection of Wisconsin State Highway 70 (Pine Street). A Dairy Queen here serves as a possible trailhead. The DQ has a bike rack and picnic table next to a trail information kiosk and donation station.
More parking is found across the street at the trail’s end, near the somewhat touristy downtown. Trail-goers who continue north across the highway find a parking area with designated bike lane. The historic railroad depot is close by the trail’s end. This building houses the Eagle River Historical Society and Museum. The trail ends in this parking lot by the old depot. This spot may be used as a trailhead.
Eagle River is near the site of an old Native American settlement, which was located to the west on Watersmeet Lake and the Wisconsin River. These ancient Native Americans were probably the ancestors of the area’s current tribes of Chippewa, Potawatomi, and Menominee. Eagle River’s name comes from the abundance of eagles, who nest along the Wisconsin River. Bethuel and “Dutch Pete” Cramer camped in the area, naming it in 1853. A community grew throughout the 1850s, and the coming of the railroad increased expansion.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
Many places in Eagle River cater to visitors, and there’s no shortage of restaurants, pubs, and shops. One popular spot in Eagle River is The Craftsman American Tavern. Their menu features a range of fare, including specialty burgers and flatbread pizzas. The bar serves a large selection of Wisconsin craft beer, signature cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Trail last ridden and documented in July, 2022.