Glacial Drumlin State Trail: Wales to Waukesha

Biking from Wales to Waukesha on the Glacial Drumlin State Trail is a popular summer weekend activity. The trail is well-used and busy at times, but the serene ride still generates a sense of seclusion. The paved path drops 200 feet in elevation over 7 miles, making a relaxing ride. However, an excursion from Waukesha to Wales may be strenuous for some cyclists. The trail is enclosed in a forested corridor, and biking downhill is a peaceful experience despite the busy, nearby world.

The Wales trailhead is well-resourced with a parking lot, restrooms, self-registration station, and bicycle self-service station. Covered picnic tables, park benches, playground, and historical marker are also found there. Due to the popularity of this trailhead, the parking lot may fill up during peak use times. Trail-goers also use a nearby 2-hour parking lot. Located just to the west and right off the trial, the other lot is next to the Wales Village Hall.

The Wales trailhead is on James Street. From the U.S. Highway 18-Wisconsin State Highway 83 roundabout in Wales, drive south 0.4 mile on Wisconsin State Highway 83 and turn left (east) on W. Main Street. Drive 0.2 mile and turn right (south) onto James Street. The trailhead parking lot is 0.3 mile down James Street.

Wales caters to cyclists with several restaurants, gas stations, and convenience stores. Mama D’s Coffee is popular stop. Located off the trail by the Wales Village Hall, the coffeehouse is housed in a historic bank building. It offers breakfast all day as well as sandwiches, smoothies, baked goods, and coffee. The outdoor patio is popular in good weather. Mama D’s supports the community and uses sustainable, environmentally friendly practices. About half a mile north of the trail, LeDuc’s Frozen Custard is a favorite local take-out stand serving frozen custard treats, malts, burgers and comfort food.

Wales was settled by John Hughes and his family in 1840. The Welsh emigrant nurtured the community’s growth and by 1842, the Welsh population had grown to 100. Wales grew substantially after the advent of the railroad in 1882, and the village of Wales was incorporated. Welsh heritage is still embraced and celebrated there. Road signs and other markers display the red dragon, a Welsh heraldic symbol more than 1,000 years old which appears today on the national flag of Wales.

Heading east on the paved Glacial Drumlin State Trail, the route advances into a small forest and begins descending in elevation. It heads under a tall wooden footbridge and makes its way out of Wales. After one mile, the trail crosses Boettcher Road. A half mile after that, it passes The Legend at Brandybrook Golf Course. It is difficult to see the links through the thick vegetation lining the trail.

It is 1.7 miles from Boettcher Road to the junction with County Highway DT. In this section, a corridor of trees and bushes lines the trail. Occasionally, the vegetation breaks and farm fields or neighborhoods may be seen in the distance.

The trail bends south before returning eastward. One mile after the path’s intersection with County Highway DT is a spur trail to the right (south). It leads to Sunset Park in the Town of Genesee. Located on County Highway DE (Sunset Drive), the park has a large pavilion with restrooms, playground, and athletic fields. It is a perfect place to stop for a rest.

Less than a mile further, Pebble Creek appears north of the trail. It wanders away, but meanders back again and crosses the trail after 1.5 miles. In the midst of this section, the trail goes through a tunnel under the four-lane County Highway TT (Les Paul Parkway). In late summer, Black-Eyed Susan flowers bloom along the trail on both sides of the tunnel.

An adjacent railroad track (mostly unseen due to vegetation around the trail), runs from the county road to near the trail’s terminus. The corridor of trees and bushes also continues to the trail’s end. The next intersection is with S. Grandview Boulevard, then MacArthur Road. A small trailhead at MacArthur Road has a park bench, picnic table, bike rack, self-registration station, and covered drinking fountain.

The trail next goes under W. St. Paul Avenue. After a short distance, the Fox River appears to the south. The route turns suddenly to the south, crossing the railroad tracks and river. It turns east again and winds up a small hill to join Waukesha’s Fox River Trail. To reach the trailhead, head east on the trail along W. College Avenue to the E.B. Shurts building. 

Located in the Fox River Sanctuary, the E.B Shurts building serves as trailhead for the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. It has a parking lot, and the building has restrooms accessible from outside. It also is the environmental education center for the Waukesha School District. From this location, cyclists may continue north or south on Waukesha’s Fox River Trail, or use city streets to access the New Berlin Trail that begins on the east side of Waukesha.

To reach the trailhead in Waukesha from Interstate 94, take Exit 293 south on County Road T (Grandview Blvd). Go 1.6 miles, and turn left (east) onto Business U.S Highway 18 (Summit Ave). Drive 0.3 mile, and turn right (south) onto Moreland Blvd. Drive 1.3 miles, and turn left (east) onto St. Paul Ave. Go 0.5 mile, and turn right (south) at Prairie Ave. Go 0.3 mile, and turn right (west) onto College Ave. The parking lot is off College Avenue.

“Waukesha” may be derived from the Ojibwe word Waagoshag, which is the plural form of “fox.” But in the language of the Potawatomi, Wau-tsha was the leader of a local tribe at the time of the first European settlement of the area.

The area that is today the city of Waukesha was settled by European-Americans in 1834. Morris D. Cutler was the first, and other settlers soon came from New England and Wales. By 1846, the area was incorporated as the Town of Prairieville. In 1847, the name was changed to Waukesha. Waukesha became a village in 1852 and a city in 1896.

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

A moderately-sized city, Waukesha has many resources for visiting cyclists. Hotels and restaurants are available, and Waukesha’s historic downtown on the scenic Fox River offers shopping and dining.

A favorite downtown restaurant is the Rochester Deli. It is known for outstanding Rueben sandwiches and rich lemon bars, and offers a variety of sandwiches and baked goods. Another local favorite is John’s Drive-in, which has been operating since 1937. Enjoy their home-made root beer in an icy glass, ice cream float, or as a frosty. American staples such as hot dogs, burgers, fries, and malts are also available.

Trail last ridden and documented in July, 2021.