Glacial Drumlin State Trail: Lake Mills to Jefferson

The route from Lake Mills to Jefferson on the Glacial Drumlin Trail traverses scenic farmland amidst the rolling hills of a glaciated landscape. At Lake Mills, there are several places that serve as trailhead. One is Korth County Park, which has north and south sections. A spur trail leads 0.3 mile downhill from the Elm Point Road parking area (south unit) to join the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. This southern unit of the park has pit toilets, a covered picnic shelter, an information kiosk, and hiking trails.

From the southern unit of the park, bikers may take a spur trail 0.6 mile to the north unit. It is larger and sits atop a glacial feature called a drumlin. It has expansive views of Rock Lake, a covered picnic shelter, a playground, benches and grills, and interpretive signs.

Korth County Park is accessed by taking County Highway S to Korth Lane (north unit) or Elm Point Road (south unit). From Interstate Highway 94, take exit 259 and go south on Wisconsin State Highway 89 into Lake Mills. Turn right (west) on County Highway V, right (north) on County Highway B, and left (south) on County Road S. It is 4.4 miles from the interstate to the park entrance.

From U.S. Highways 12-18, it is also 4.4 miles to the park entrance. Head north on County Highway A, turn left on County Highway S, and drive north.

A second option for starting a ride is the old depot trailhead in Lake Mills. This cream brick Italianate structure was built in 1895 by the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad and added on to in 1900. In the 1980s, the depot was purchased and renovated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The former ticket office was converted to a DNR office, the women’s waiting room now contains an interpretive display area, and the baggage and freight areas were reconfigured to house restrooms and showers for trail-users. Historic features that still can be seen include wood flooring and trim, wainscoting, the ticket windows, and some furniture.

The trailhead has a parking area, picnic shelter, information kiosk, and self-registration station. It is located at 1213 S. Main Street (WI State Highway 89). It runs through Lake Mills and is reached from Interstate Highway 94 (exit 259), or U.S. Highway 18.

Lake Mills is situated on the east shore of Rock Lake. First settled by a man named Captain Megan, it was named “Lake Mills,” after the nearby sawmills. Lake Mills was chartered in 1836, and the first building was built in 1837. It was incorporated in 1852. In 1866, the village changed its name to “Tyranena”, but changed it back again to “Lake Mills” the next year. Tyranena is supposedly an indigenous name meaning “sparkling waters.”

There are many attractions in Lake Mills. Parks on Rock Lake offer boating and picnic amenities, including a few with sandy beaches. The downtown features a quaint square called Commons Park. It has a gazebo, benches, and picnic tables under the shade of trees.

Craft beers are sold at Tyranena Brewing Company. Light ales and flavorful porters may be relished in an outdoor beer garden. Located downtown, Lewis Station is known for low sulfite wines made with minimal additives. The Grist Mill Red wine is highly recommended.

Back on the Glacial Drumlin State Trail, head to the left (east) after descending the spur trail from Korth Park. The path traverses a forest, before houses appear on the opposite side of a canal. After 0.5 mile, the trail crosses a bridge that offers fantastic views of Rock Lake. The bridge is a popular stop due to the beautiful vistas, and is lined with several benches.

The shaded trail continues east, past homes lining the lake. The old depot trailhead is one mile from the bridge. After 0.5 mile, a spur trail leading north/south intersects the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. The path south leads to St. Paul Lutheran Church and School. The route north leads 0.8 miles to another Lake Mills trailhead on South C. P. Avenue. It has a parking lot, information kiosk, and self-registration station.

The level trail makes for comfortable riding, as the path heads southeast in a corridor of trees. Farms dot the countryside. During late spring, Hesperis matronalis bloom along the sides of the trail. These flowers are also known as dame’s-violet, mother-of-the-evening, or sweet rocket. They are purple, magenta, or white.

County Highway Q crosses the path 3 miles east of the Main Street trailhead. Bicyclists who turn left (north) on the county road may bike 1.5 miles to Aztalan State Park. This National Historic Landmark is home to an important archaeological site. An ancient Middle-Mississippian village thrived here along the Crawfish River between 1000-1300 A.D. The substantial settlement included large, flat-topped pyramidal mounds and a stockade around the village. Portions of the stockade and two mounds have been reconstructed in the park.

Back on the Glacial Drumlin State Trail, cyclists next cross the Crawfish River on a long wooden bridge. Another picturesque scene occurs just 2.4 miles down the trail, when crossing the Rock River. It is worth pausing to enjoy these broad rivers as they flow south.

It is a short distance from the Rock River bridge to Jefferson Junction. The trailhead here has a parking lot, park bench, information kiosk, and self-registration station. It is located on Schreiber Road. By car, exit Wisconsin State Highway 26 at the by-pass north of Jefferson to Business Highway 26 (Indianhead Drive), and go north. Then drive 0.4 mile to the intersection with Schreiber Road/Valero Way. Turn left (west) onto Schreiber Road and drive 0.2 mile to the trailhead.

Turning right (east) onto Business Highway 26 leads to a travel center with hotel, fast food, and gas station. This location also serves as a potential trailhead. From the Jefferson Junction trailhead, the path passes under Indianhead Drive and over the 4-lane state highway. Then it runs south to the travel center. One mile from the trailhead and at the travel plaza, the Glacial Drumlin State Trail begins to follow W. Junction Road to the east.

Cyclists going into Jefferson should turn right (south) onto Schreiber Road where it intersects the trail. Then turn left (south) at Watertown Road, and bike 0.2 mile to the road’s end. Follow the bike path for 0.6 mile until it ends on Masters Drive by a car dealership. Continue biking south on N. Watertown Avenue for 2 miles to downtown Jefferson.

Several cafes and restaurants are found in Jefferson’s historic downtown. Consider visiting Wedl’s Hamburger Stand and Ice Cream Parlor. This local establishment has been serving hamburgers and other comfort food since 1916. Stable Rock Winery and Distillery is another popular stop. Located in an old livery and stable, Stable Rock offers a variety of wines and spirits. The rum barrel-aged Cabarbet Sauvignon named the “Jefferson” is highly acclaimed.

Jefferson’s Rotary Park is located downtown along the Rock River and offers scenic veiws of the area. It is not difficult to bike ride from the Glacial Drumlin State Trail to downtown Jefferson using bike routes and city trails. Rotary Park is an enjoyable place to pause, or end a ride. It contains restrooms, a band shelter, park benches, and picnic tables. The park offers a splendid view of the Rock River as it tumbles over the dam.

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

The city of Jefferson was originally settled due to its water-power potential. This location was the furthest up the Rock River that a steamboat could travel in 1839. Settlement began in the 1830s with an influx of settlers from New England. During World War II, Camp Jefferson, a prison camp for German POWs, was built at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Today, Jefferson is the county seat for Jefferson County.

Trail last ridden and documented in May, 2021.