Red Cedar State Trail: Downsville to Chippewa River State Trail
Because it is halfway along the Red Cedar State Trail, the trailhead in Downsville is a popular place to start or end a ride. The small community has several businesses where trail-goers may enjoy a meal or snack. At Scatterbrain Cafe, freshly baked desserts and roasted organic coffee tempt visitors. Their food is made from scratch, and they also serve ice cream. A museum in Dunnville offers visitors a glimpse into the area’s lumbering history.
The trailhead in Downsville includes a parking lot, restrooms, stationary tire pump, information kiosk, picnic table, and self-registration station. It is located at the intersection of Wisconsin State Highway 25 and County Highway C.
The route from Downsville to the trail’s end offers a tranquil ride along the beautiful Red Cedar River. After leaving Downsville, the Red Cedar State Trail follows a bend in the river before heading into farmland. The trail remains in the shade due to a corridor of trees and bushes that line it. Hills and bluffs are visible on the perimeter of the river valley.
After about two miles, the trail returns to the twisting Red Cedar River. Actually, the river meanders in and out of view, as it bends away into the distance and then returns once again. It slithers along like a snake in this manner for well over a mile. At several places where the trail is close to the river, there are rest stops with picnic tables or benches. These spots offer an excellent chance to enjoy scenery and wildlife.
The history of this area is shared through an information kiosk at a large boulder formation. It reveals the river valley’s sandstone quarrying history. Valuable sandstone was discovered along the bluffs of the Red Cedar River when the railroad line was built in the 1880s. At least three quarries, including the Ulmer Quarry, operated north of Dunnville. Stones were shipped as far as New York City to build St. Thomas Church, and may be seen locally in Menomonie in the striking Mabel Tainter Memorial building.
The area north of Dunnville is also the old stomping grounds of the young pioneer girl, Caddie Woodlawn. Carol Ryrie Brink, author of this children’s historical fiction novel, recounts the events of her grandmother’s frontier life in Wisconsin during the 1860s. The homestead was located about a half mile west of the trail. The novel tells of the many times Caddie ventured across the river to visit a band of Santee Dakota Native Americans.
The family’s house has since been moved and may be viewed at Caddie Woodlawn County Park. In addition to the Woodlawn house, the park has other historic buildings, markers, restrooms, and picnic shelter. One marker tells the story of Caddie Woodlawn, and another conveys the sandstone quarrying history. The park makes a great place to picnic. To reach this delightful park, drive 3.5 miles south of Downsville on Wisconsin State Highway 25.
The Red Cedar State Trail continues along the bank of the river before crossing County Highway Y. In this section, the trail runs along high cliffs that emerge above the riverbank. During the spring and after times of rain, streams of water may be heard trickling over the cliffs. There is a rest stop along this section where trail-goers may relax on park benches and see little waterfalls flowing down over the rocky ledge.
Cyclists wanting to begin or end their ride in this part of the trail may park at the lot by the trail’s junction with County Highway Y in Dunnville. A boat launch and parking lot is on the west side of the river. Take the bridge on County Highway Y across the river to the trail.
After passing the county highway, the scenery changes drastically. Moving into the Dunnville State Nature and Wildlife Area, the land broadens out onto the floodplain of the Red Cedar and Chippewa Rivers. The sandy river bottoms are dotted with scrub oaks, jack pines, and red pines. Backwater sloughs appear between the prairie and savanna vegetation. The trail is now in the open sunlight as it progresses toward the Chippewa River.
While biking across the open lowlands, a large railroad trestle bridge appears. This iron structure carries trail-goers over the Chippewa River. The broad river below is surrounded by sandbars. On summer days, these sandbar beaches are filled with people sunbathing, fishing, and picnicking. 350 yards after crossing the bridge, the Red Cedar State Trail ends at its junction with the Chippewa River State Trail. This surface of this small section of the trail is paved with asphalt. It is 7 miles from Downsville to the Chippewa River State Trail.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
There is a parking lot at the Dunnville State Recreation Area and Sandbar. This gravel parking lot is used by trail-goers and sandbar visitors alike. By car, turn left onto County Highway Y from Wisconsin State Highway 25. Drive east 2 miles. After crossing the Red Cedar River, turn right onto Dunnville Road. Dunnville Road goes about 2 miles and crosses the trail twice, ending at the parking area before the trestle bridge over the Chippewa River.
Trail last ridden and documented in September, 2020.