Badger State Trail
The Badger State Trail travels 40 miles from Fitchburg to the Wisconsin-Illinois state line. It continues into Illinois for another 17 miles as the Jane Addams Trail, ending in the city of Freeport. The path offers picturesque views of the farm fields of southern Wisconsin. A highlight pf the trail is passing through the 1,200 foot Stewart Tunnel, between Belleville and Monticello. The tunnel is currently closed for repairs, and scheduled to reopen in 2027.
The trail follows the route of the former Chicago, Madison, and Northern Railroad. In 1888, the first train ran on this Freeport to Madison rail line. The CM&N railroad was chartered by the Illinois Central Railroad, and through a merger later became the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. The line was sold to the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad in 1980. It operated in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois from 1985 until 1997. The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad took control of the route in 1985, and ran it until 1993.
After a decade of work, the Badger State Trail opened to the public in 2007. At the Velo UnderRound in Fitchburg, cyclists may connect to the Southwest Commuter and Cannonball Paths, Capital City State Trail, and Military Ridge State Trail. From the Velo UnderRound to Purcell Road, the first six miles heading south are paved in asphalt and in excellent condition. The surface of the remaining trail is crushed limestone, in good condition. In some places, the path is simply two lanes with a grassy median.
When heading south on the Badger State Trail, cyclists enjoy a gradual decline in elevation. This is especially true from Monroe to Orangeville. However, the path rises in elevation from Monticello to Monroe. On its 40-mile journey to Illinois, the trail passes through Fitchburg, Belleville, Monticello, and Monroe. Two sections of the route are shared by the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. It is common to see hikers on these sections. South of Monticello, the Badger State Trail crosses the Sugar River State Trail.
The surface of the Badger State Trail from its start to a trailhead on Purcell Road is paved in asphalt. This 5.8-mile section sits exclusively within Fitchburg. The city has been designated a Bicycle-Friendly Community by the League of American Cyclists. Attention to the Badger State Trail within Fitchburg is demontrated in its signage, rest areas, interpretive markers, and surface condition. The trail is marked here with center dividing lines.
The surface of the rest of the Badger State Trail is composed of crushed limestone. The trail in this 34-mile section is in good condition. In forested segments, the surface is basically two lanes with a center median of grass, moss, and weeds. Cyclists should watch for debris on the trail while passing through forests, especially after stormy weather.
Between Belleville and Monticello, the trail passes through the 1,200-foot unlit Stewart Tunnel. Constructed in 1887, the tunnel was built on a slight curve. Light from the end of the tunnel cannot be seen from the entrance, and a light source is required. A light jacket is also recommended when venturing into the tunnel. Unfortunately the Stewart Tunnel is closed, and a detour on local roads currently directs cyclists around the tunnel.
A representative from the DNR shared this quote about the tunnel closure, “Sections of loose and falling rocks from the ceiling and side walls inside the Stewart Tunnel on the Badger State Trail caused the DNR to close the tunnel in 2019 for safety concerns. The tunnel remains closed today. Tunnel Road provides a temporary detour for users to go around the tunnel. $6.6 million is included in the Governor’s 2023-25 Biennial Budget for repairing and re-opening the Stewart Tunnel. The tentative schedule for the tunnel repair project is design in 2025 and construction to start in 2026 with an estimated completion in 2027.”
Despite the tunnel closure, there is still beautiful scenery to behold along the Badger State Trail. The trail offers stunning views of farmland, hardwood forests, rolling hills, meadows, and prairies. Many communities along the trail offer attractions including historic buildings, parks, and dining establishments. The section of trail that passes through Fitchburg sees a lot of traffic, but few trail-goers are encountered in rural areas.
Near its northern 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.
There is no trailhead where the path ends at the state line. At that place, the Badger State Trail becomes the Jane Addams Trail and continues to Freeport, Illinois. Roadside parking is an option at the trail’s end on Wuetrich/State Line Road, but this is not recommended. Many cyclists continue their ride for 2.5 miles on the Jane Addams Trail to Orangeville, Illinois. Other trailheads are found along the trail at different communities and crossroads.
The usage fee for the Badger State Trail is $5 daily, or $25 for an annual pass. Passes may be obtained at a DNR office, online, or at local businesses. Horses and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail. Trail-goers should obey all posted signs. The trail offers a pleasant experience through southern Wisconsin’s farmlands, forests, hills, and meadows.
Route Descriptions