Glacial Drumlin State Trail: Wales to Waukesha

Biking from Wales to Waukesha on the Glacial Drumlin State Trail is a popular weekend activity. The trail is busy at times, but still generates a sense of seclusion in certain places. This is due to the route traveling through a thick corridor of trees and bushes. This screen of vegetation obscures the trail from the surrounding environment and reduces the view the countryside. But, it creates a quiet experience amidst a busy, nearby world.

This section of the Glacial Drumlin State Trail runs travels 7.2 miles. Over the first five miles, the elevation drops 200 feet. The last 2.2 miles is level. The downhill ride and paved asphalt surface (in excellent condition) make a bike ride on this leg of the trail effortless and enjoyable. However, an excursion west may be strenuous for some novice bicyclists.

^{It is 7.2 miles from Wales to Waukesha on the Glacial Drumlin State Trail.}

The trailhead in Wales is a customary place for bicyclists and trail-goers to congregate. It is well-equipped with a parking lot, restrooms with flush toilets, drinking water, and self-service bicycle repair station. Shade is provided by a covered shelter and several trees. The trailhead also has park benches, picnic shelter, playground, and a historical marker. Due to the trail’s popularity, the parking lot may fill up during peak use times. Trail-goers also use a nearby two-hour parking lot. It is west of the trailhead by the Wales Village Hall.

The primary trailhead in Wales is located on James Street. To reach it by car from the U.S. Highway 18-Wisconsin State Highway 83 roundabout in Wales, drive south 0.4 mile on Wisconsin State Highway 83 to W. Main Street. Turn left (east) and drive 0.2 mile to James Street. Turn right (south) and proceed 0.3 mile to the trailhead entrance.

^{It’s a pleasant excursion on the Glacial Drumlin State Trail from Wales to Waukesha.}

Wales caters to visiting trail-goers with several restaurants. Mama D’s Coffee is popular stop by the trailhead. It is housed in a historic bank building and offers breakfast all day. The shop also sells sandwiches, smoothies, pastries, and specialty coffees. The outdoor patio is popular in good weather. Mama D’s uses sustainable, environmentally friendly practices. About half a mile north of the trail on U.S. Highway 18, LeDuc’s Frozen Custard is a favorite take-out stand. They serve frozen custard treats, malts, burgers and other comfort food.

The village of 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 approximately 100. Wales grew substantially after the advent of the railroad in 1882, and the village was incorporated in 1922. 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.

^{The trailhead in Wales is well-equipped and a popular spot.}

Returning to the Glacial Drumlin State Trail, the route advances east from the Wales trailhead into a small forest and begins descending in elevation. It travels 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 County Highway DT. The corridor of trees and bushes continue to surround the trail. Occasionally the vegetation breaks, revealing farm fields or residential neighborhoods. One view from the trail is east of County Highway DT. Looking to the left (north) across the valley of Peeble Creek and Brandy Brook, trail-goers see low marshes in the forefront. Over a mile further in the distance, moraines and drumlins emerge from the low-lying landscape. These wooded hills were created by glaciers centuries ago.

^{There are a few stunning views from the Glacial Drumlin State Trail of the rolling landscape.}

The Glacial Drumlin State Trail moves to the east, but also bends southwardly. One mile after County Highway DT, a spur trail on the right (south) leads to Sunset Park. Located on County Highway DE (Sunset Drive) in the town of Genesee, the park features a lot of amenities. It has a large pavilion with restrooms, playground, and several athletic fields. It is a perfect place to stop for a rest, but may serve as a trailhead also. For the remaining 3.5 miles of the trail, it journeys in a slight northeasterly direction.

Less than a mile beyond Sunset Park, Pebble Creek appears near the trail to the left (north). The stream meanders next to the path for 0.7 mile before turning south and crossing it. In this section, the trail goes through a tunnel under the four-lanes of County Highway TT (Les Paul Parkway). Spur trails on each side of the tunnel lead up to the level of the road. In late summer, Black-Eyed Susan flowers bloom along the trail on both sides of the tunnel.

^{Much of the Glacial Drumlin State Trail is surrounded by a corridor of vegetation.}

Railroad tracks to the right (south) move closer to the trail at the tunnel over County Highway TT. The railway line runs parallel to the path for the next two miles. From the county road, it is 1.4 miles to Mac Arthur Road. Along the way, the trail crosses Grandview Boulevard. A small trailhead at MacArthur Road has a park bench, picnic table, bike rack, and covered drinking fountain. Street parking is available there.

It is 0.3 mile from Mac Arthur Road to the St. Paul Avenue overpass. After advancing under the bridge, the trail enters the Fox River sanctuary. This river appears to the right (south). It is known as the southern Fox River, not to be confused with the one that flows north through Wisconsin and drains into Green Bay. This Fox River flows 200 miles south through Wisconsin and Illinois. It empties into the Illinois River at Ottawa, Illinois.

^{The Glacial Drumlin State Trail crosses Peeble Creek.}

The Glacial Drumlin State Trail continues another 0.2 mile from the St. Paul Avenue overpass through the preserve and next to the Fox River. Then, it turns suddenly to the right (south), and crosses the railroad tracks and river. The path turns back to the left, continuing east to its junction with Waukesha’s Fox River Trail. To reach the Waukesha trailhead, bicyclists turn left (east), traveling along 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 their ride on the Waukesha’s Fox River Trail, or use city streets to access the New Berlin Trail that begins on the east side of the city.

^The ^{E.B. Shurts Bulding in the Fox River Sanctuary serves as the Waukesha trailhead.}

To reach the Waukesha trailhead by car from Interstate 94, take Exit 293 south on County Highway 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 is a prosperous city on the Fox River about 15 miles west of Milwaukee. It serves as the county seat of Waukesha County. The name “Waukesha” has an interesting etymology. It may be derived from the Ojibwe word Waagoshag, which is the plural form of the word “fox.” But in the language of the Potawatomi, Waukesha refers to Wau-tsha, a leader of a local tribe at the time of the first European settlement of the area.

^{Despite its suburban environment, the trail journeys through a natural landscape.}

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 Prairieville. In 1847, the name was changed to Waukesha. It became a village in 1852 and a city in 1896.

Waukesha caters to visiting cyclists. It’s historic downtown offers plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. 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 operated since 1937. Their home-made root beer is served in an icy glass, in ice cream float, or as a frosty. American staples such as hot dogs, burgers, fries, and malts are also available.

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

It is a delightful and effortless ride east on the Glacial Drumlin State Trail from Wales to Waukesha. The seven-mile route descends in elevation almost the entire way. The remaining distance is level. Traveling west uphill is more challenging, especially for unconditioned bicyclists. Nonetheless, the paved path is in excellent condition. The route is well-marked and easy to navigate. All this makes for an enjoyable ride. Despite advancing through a suburban environment, there is still a sense of the natural world surrounding the trail.

Trail last ridden and documented in September, 2026.