Badger State Trail
The Badger State Trail is a linear route that travels 40 miles from Madison to the Wisconsin-Illinois state line. It continues into Illinois as the Jane Addams Trail for another 17 miles, ending at the city of Freeport.
The trail follows the route of the former Chicago, Madison, and Northern Railroad. In 1888, the first train ran the Freeport to Madison line. The CM&N railroad was chartered by the Illinois Central Railroad, but later became the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad through a merger. The line was sold to the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad in 1980. Wisconsin and Southern Railroad gained control of the route in 1985, and ran it until its end in 1993.
After a decade of work, the Badger State Trail opened in 2007. It is paved for 6 miles from the Velo UnderRound in Madison to Purcell Road. The surface of the remaining trail is crushed limestone. At the Velo UnderRound, bicyclists connect to the Southwest Commuter Path, Capital City State Trail, Cannonball Path, or Military Ridge State Trail.
When heading south, bicyclists enjoy a slow decline in elevation. On its 40-mile journey south to Illinois, the trail passes through Fitchburg, Belleville, Monticello, and Monroe. A section of the trail is shared by the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. At Monticello, the Badger State Trail crosses the Sugar River State Trail.
Between Belleville and Monticello, the trail passes through the 1,200-foot long, unlit Stewart Tunnel. Constructed in 1887, the tunnel was built on a slight curve. The end of the tunnel cannot be seen from the entrance, so a light source is required. A light jacket is also recommended when venturing into the tunnel. Unfortunately, the Stewart Tunnel has been closed to the public since the summer of 2020. A detour on local roads directs cyclists around the tunnel to the other side.
A representative from the DNR shared this quote about the tunnel closure, “Sections of lose and falling rocks from the ceiling and side walls inside the Stewart Tunnel of the Badger State Trail have caused us to close Stewart Tunnel for safety concerns. The trail is currently closed at both intersections of Tunnel Road. The expected closure is anticipated to last a year or more as the Department of Natural Resources works with engineers and consultants to assess the situation and secure funding for possible solutions.”
Despite the tunnel closure, there is still beautiful scenery to behold along the Badger State Trail. The trail offers stunning views of farmland, forests, rolling hills, meadows, and prairies. Many communities along the trail feature attractions including historic buildings, recreational parks, and dining establishments.
At its north terminus, the Badger State Trail is accessed in Fitchburg at Dawley Conservancy Bike Hub on Seminole Highway. From the trailhead, take the Capital City State Trail west to the Badger State Trail junction at the Velo UnderRound. Also called the Dunn’s Marsh Bicycle Roundabout, this major intersection of trails is located in Madison.
Where the trail ends at the state border of Illinois, there is no parking lot. At that point, the Badger State Trail becomes the Jane Addams Trail and continues to Freeport, Illinois. Roadside parking is the only option at the trail’s end on Wuetrich/State Line Road. Other trailheads are found along the trail at different communities and crossroads.
Usage fee for the Badger State Trail is $5 daily, or a $25 annual pass may be purchased. Passes may be obtained at a DNR office, or from self-registration stations along the trail. Horses and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail. Obey all posted signs.
Route Descriptions