Stower Seven Lakes State Trail: Wanderoos to Lotus Lake County Park

The Stower Seven Lakes State Trail travels west 6.5 miles from the trailhead in Wanderoos to its end in the Township of Osceola at 90^th Avenue. There is no parking lot at the trail’s end. A trailhead is 0.3 mile further on 90^th Avenue at Lotus Lake County Park. This scenic route travels through forests, marshes, and farmland. It passes by Round (Dwight), Horse, and Lotus Lakes. The path also crosses Horse Creek twice and traverses a large tamarack bog.

This section of the path sees fewer visitors than the segment near Amery, so a bike ride here is often quiet and secluded. The grade is fairly level, ascending slightly over the last 3.5 miles. The screened limestone surface is in very good condition. Cyclists should keep an eye out for occasional gopher holes, however.

The community of Wanderoos features a trailhead. It is reached by car from Wisconsin State Highway 65 by turning east on Wanderoos Road 6.5 miles south of U.S. Highway 8. The trailhead is 350 yards down the road. The trailhead has a parking area, pit toilets, picnic table, garbage/recycling bins, bike rake, information kiosk, and self-service pay station.

Trail-goers looking for a bite to eat may want to visit UW Wanderoos, the only dining establishment in the little hamlet. The bar and grill, known for burgers, chicken, and ribs, is housed in an old schoolhouse. Wanderoos developed with the coming of the Soo Line Railroad in 1887. Its name “Dwight” was changed to “Wanderoos” in 1917 to honor I.K. Wanderoos, a Norwegian immigrant who moved there and established a cheese factory.

Departing from the trailhead in Wanderoos, the path crosses 68^th Avenue and goes under Wisconsin State Highway 65. Over the next 350 yards, it runs over a marshy area. Because of past flooding, the path was resurfaced with larger crushed stone and this short section is a rather bumpy ride. After the elevation rises slightly, the surface becomes smooth again.

The trail continues through remarkable terrain for another mile, as it passes over floating bogs and tamarack swamps. Sphagnum moss and deciduous pines grow abundantly. Two interpretive markers describe wetland features, plants, and animals frequently found here. Wildlife, such as white-tailed deer or turtles are commonly seen in this area.

The trail slowly climbs out of the lowlands and passes through a dense forest over the next mile to Big Lake Drive. It also bridges a creek flowing south to Big Lake. After crossing Big Lake Drive, the forest scenery continues for over a mile. Another interpretive marker presents the history of the Soo Line Railroad in Polk County.

At mile marker 10, where the trail crosses Dwight Lane, trail-goers may want to veer north and follow the signs to beautiful Round Lake. Known locally as Dwight Lake, a small but peaceful swimming beach- a hidden gem- is located at a lakeside park.

The Stower Seven Lakes State Trail continues west, to the bridge over Horse Creek. The view of Horse Lake to the north is beautiful, as is the view of the creek to the south. The vista of Horse Lake continues as the path skirts its south shore. In this section, the trail crosses County Highway Y and 200^th Street.

This is the community of Nye, a seemingly quiet hamlet that is renowned to archeologists and cultural anthropologists. The Nye archeology site was discovered by scientists in 1934, revealing extinct bison remains and artifacts associated with early man from the post-Folsom era. The archeological site is in the vicinity of Round (Dwight) Lake.

Back on the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail, the Nye trailhead is 0.3 mile west of 200^th Street. It has a parking area, pit toilets, picnic table, drinking water, garbage/recycling bins, bike rack, information kiosk, and self-service pay station. The Brothers Country Mart convenience store is nearby.

The trailhead may be accessed by car from Wisconsin State Highway 65. Turn west on County Highway K (60^th Avenue) 7.3 miles south of U.S. Highway 8. Drive on the county road 3.8 miles to 200^th Street. Turn right (north) and go  1.6 miles to the trailhead. It’s on the right (north) side of the road next to the convenience store.

From the Nye trailhead, it is 1.5 miles to Lotus Lake. In this segment, the path travels through forests and marshes. Horse Creek meanders by the trail before crossing it. Arriving along the south shore of Lotus Lake, a final interpretive marker describes the lake characteristics, plants and animals. Private property and no trespassing signs remind trail-goers to enjoy lake views from the path.

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

The Stower Seven Lakes State Trail ends at 90^th Avenue. No trailhead is located here, and signs direct trail-goers to nearby Lotus Lake County Park. This park is 0.3 mile to the north, off 90^th Avenue. The route to the park turns right (north) and proceeds on a country road with no bike lane. The park offers fishing, a picnic area with grills, playground, boat landing, hiking, shelter with electricity, vault toilets, and water fountain pump.

Trail last ridden and documented in June, 2024.