Bugline Trail
The Bugline Trail is a popular path in Waukesha County. The paved route begins in North Lake and travels east through rural forests, marshes, and fields. The southeast Wisconsin landscape becomes increasingly suburban as it passes through several villages on its way to Menominee Falls. This trail journeys through Merton, Sussex, Lannon, and Lisbon.
Each community has businesses catering to trail-goers, and some host trailheads. Additionally, the Bugline Trail passes several parks. They offer many amenities including camping, and are destinations for many trail-goers. The Bugline Trail runs near Merton Fireman’s Park, Lisbon Community Park, Sussex Village Park, Madeline Park, Menomonee Park, Lannon Village Park, and Mill Pond Park.
While the landscape moves from rural to suburban as the trail heads east, it regularly passes through forests throughout the entire route. It navigates a few open marshes, but in most places a corridor of trees and bushes lines the path and provides shade. In fact, vegetation growing alongside the trail often obscures the view.
The Bugline Trail follows a historic railroad route, built in 1890 by the Milwaukee, Menomonee Falls, and Western Railway. A year later, it was taken over by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad, better known as “The Milwaukee Road.” A variety of freight cargoes were hauled on the line, but it primarily transported Lannon stone. Today this buff-colored, dolomite limestone is still quarried near the village of Lannon.
Part of the Niagara Escarpment geological feature, the stone is durable and has been used to construct buildings. This limestone is named after William Lannon, an early settler in this area. In 1855, a dozen quarries in Lannon shipped the dolomite to Milwaukee by wagon. By the time of the railroads, 14 quarries were in operation. Business declined after World War II, and today Lannon stone is often used as landscaping rock or a stone veneer façade.
The specific railway line that today supports the Bugline Trail received its name from a female passenger, who said its curvy route was similar to a caterpillar following the tendrils of a grapevine. The name “Bugline” stuck, becoming the moniker of the railway line. The Bugline made its last railway run in 1978, and the route was abandoned soon after.
The concept of a rail-to-trail path then emerged. In 1980, the new recreational trail was opened by the Waukesha County Parks. The trail was improved in 2012 and 2013. Sections of crushed limestone were paved with asphalt, and the entire route was widened to 10 feet.
Today, trail-goers experience a pleasant, picturesque ride on this 16-mile paved path. The route presents diverse scenery. Trail-goers may expect to see hardwood forests, cattail-filled marshes, four different rivers, tranquil suburban neighborhoods, active and abandoned quarries, and bustling downtown villages. The gradient is fairly level, descending slightly from North Lake eastward to Menomonee Falls.
The Bugline Trail includes numerous road crossings, several with heavy traffic. Many of the intersections include crosswalks with flashing lights, either deployed by trail-goers or activated by sensors. However, flashing crosswalk lights are not present at every intersection. Cyclists are encouraged to exercise caution at all crossings, wear fluorescent clothing, and turn on their bicycle head and taillights.
Some sections of the Bugline Trail are shared by hikers and equestrians. From Menominee Park, a separate bridle trail adjacent to the paved trail extends nearly three miles to The Promised Land Ranch and Preserve in Menominee Falls. And the Ice Age National Scenic Trail shares the path for 1.5 miles from the Oconomowoc River to Dorn Road. Bicyclists should always yield, giving ample room to horseback riders and hikers.
The route includes mileage markers and ample park benches. There is no fee to use the path. Cyclists should obey all trail rules, which are posted at each road crossing. The Bugline Trail is quite popular, and sees high traffic on weekends in good weather. A ride on the “Bugline” is a delightful, memorable experience.
Route Descriptions