Omaha Trail
The 12-mile Omaha Trail travels north through Juneau County from Elroy to Camp Douglas. The route has outstanding scenery, passing through the Driftless Area of west central Wisconsin. It meanders through low creek valleys, climbs and descends sandstone ridges, and cuts across flat farmland. Dramatic stone formations rise up 200 feet on buttes, mesas, and conical pinnacles. Rocky outcroppings emerge by the trail amidst lush forests. Prominences include Lookout Tower, Castle Rock, and Twin Bluffs.
The Omaha Trail follows the former route of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Omaha Railway (known as the Omaha Road). In 1871, an 875-foot tunnel was cut through Steep Hill. Six years later, the Chicago and Northwestern Railway acquired the line. From 1910 to 1947, they employed a watchman to open the tunnel doors when trains were scheduled to pass through. The doors were closed in winter to prevent massive ice formations that would block the passage and cause major delays.
In 1987, railroad operations ended. Plans were made to transform the line into a recreational trail. The path was named for the original railroad company and opened in 1992. The Omaha Trail is managed by Juneau County Land, Forestry, and Parks Department.
The surface of the Omaha Trail is an oil-based asphalt emulsion, in fair condition with some cracks and holes. Forest debris may be found on the trail. Cyclists ascend nearly 200 feet in the first part of the ride. The second half from Omaha-Hustler Tunnel to Camp Douglas is downhill. A trailside rest area is at the north side of the tunnel. It has pit toilets, drinking water from a pump well, garbage can, picnic tables, and self-service bicycle repair station.
In Elroy, the Omaha Trail begins at N. Limits Road and 2nd Main Street. Cyclists access the path from Elroy Commons and the “400” State Trail by biking north on city streets for a mile. Elroy Commons serves as trailhead. From there, cyclists may connect to a network of other trails. A 100-mile trail system spans Reedsburg to Trempealeau on six trails. The Elroy-Sparta State Trail, “400” State Trail, and Omaha Trail all converge in Elroy.
Elroy Commons is at 303 Railroad Street. To reach it by car, turn east into the parking lot from Wisconsin State Highways 80-82. Elroy Commons is well-outfitted with a parking lot, public showers, flush toilets, water bottle filling station, self-service bicycle repair station, covered picnic shelter, playground, and bike shop. The Elroy Commons Trail Shop sells trail passes and thoughtful bicycle supplies. It also repairs bicycles and rents them to the public.
Incorporated in 1858, Elroy is the city “Where the Trails Meet.” In its early days, Elroy was a railroad town. The Baraboo Air Line Railroad came in the 1870s. The line was later acquired by the Chicago and Northwestern Railway. The Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Omaha Railway also traveled through Elroy. Both companies maintained roundhouses and other operations there. Elroy is also the home of former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson.
Returning to the Omaha Trail, from Elroy Commons the route travels north on the “400” State Trail to Cedar Street, briefly heads left (west) in a bike lane, then turns right (north) onto 2nd Main Street. Trail signs mark the route. After 0.2 mile, cyclists cross the Baraboo River and continue north on 2nd Main Street for 0.7 mile. The Omaha Trail officially begins at the corner of 2nd Main Street and N. Limits Road.
After 0.3 mile, the Omaha Trail crosses Wisconsin State Highways 80-82. Caution should be used in traversing the highway. The trail next enters Sherman Valley, a delightfully scenic segment. The path parallels Sherman Creek, crossing it three times before reaching County Highway H. Sherman Valley’s marshes and low farm fields surround the trail. Forest-lined bluffs enclose the valley to the west. Rolling farm fields are seen to the east.
It is two miles from the state highway to County Highway H. In this distance, the trail crosses Tilmar Street and Jensen Road. It also passes under a wooden bridge carrying Hyer Road. Tunnel Hill Road begins at County Highway H. The country road then parallels the Omaha Trail for 4.6 miles. It is often seen from the path and crosses it three times. Tunnel Hill Road ends at another trail intersection with County Highway H.
The Omaha Trail also crosses Sherman Creek seven times over the next 1.5 miles. Many of the wooden trail bridges sit on original iron railroad girders. The railroad structures date to 1912, and are deck or pony plate girder bridges. Sherman Creek begins at 0.36 Reservoir, which nestles into a high bluff 35 feet above and 1100 feet away from the Omaha Trail.
Over the three miles between County Highway H and the Omaha-Hustler Tunnel, the path climbs nearly 175 feet. Tunnel Hill Road continues adjacent to the trail on the other side of a ravine. After crossing County Highway S, the road travels up and over the ridge. The Omaha Trail continues through the narrowing ravine.
Around a slight bend, bikers are greeted by the sight of a tunnel through Steep Hill. This tunnel sits at 1100 feet above sea level. Posted signs recommend walking bicycles through the 875-foot tunnel. A light jacket and flashlight come in handy, and caution is required to navigate the sandy washouts that fill the trail on both sides of the tunnel.
A grassy rest area with picnic tables, a hand pumped well, garbage can, and pit toilet restrooms is on the north side of the tunnel. This is a relaxing place to enjoy the cool microclimate and beautiful landscape. West of the rest area sits asmall pond. The pond is the start of a tributary of Fountain Creek, that flows north to the Little Lemonweir River.
The Omaha Trail descends through a ravine created by this tributary. Cycling becomes easier, as the trail drops 150 feet over the next two miles to Olsen Road. For most of the descent, the path journeys next to a long ridge. This railroad route was cut into the side of the ridge, creating rocky cliffs to the left (west). The trail follows rocky outcroppings and spans occasional draws. To the right (east), the ridge drops to the bottom of the ravine where Tunnel Hill Road passes. Care should be taken here, as washouts may compromise the trail. A sign recommends not exceeding 10 miles per hour.
The Omaha Trail arrives near the bottom of the ridge after crossing County Highway H again, this time over a high bridge. This 54-foot long deck plate girder bridge was built in 1892, and has a stunning view of Little Lemonweir River Valley. The trail continues downhill, crosses the county highway once more, and moves through flat farmland to Olsen Road. The trail crosses Fountain Creek before intersecting Olsen Road. From the bridge, there is a great view of Fountain Creek valley and its surrounding bluffs.
It is 1.5 miles from Olsen Road to Hustler. Here the trail passes through low countryside of marshes and farm fields. In this section and through the rest of the Omaha Trail, a corridor of trees and thick bushes surrounds the trail as it cuts through generally open farmland.
In Hustler, a park by the trail may serve as trailhead. It has a playground, restrooms, and covered picnic shelter. Parking is available on Main Street (County Highway A). To reach Hustler from Interstate Highway 94, take exit 61 west on Wisconsin State Highway 80. In New Lisbon, continue west on County Highway A for 5.2 miles to Hustler.
Known for its unusual name, the post office opened in Hustler in 1891 and closed in 1985. Settlement began after the arrival of the Omaha Railroad in the 1870’s. The village was incorporated in 1913. Today, it has a restaurant, tavern, and bed and breakfast inn.
After Hustler, the trail continues north through farmland. It crosses Little Lemonweir Creek, making its way past a lofty set of ridges to the left (west). Omaha Trail crosses Bell Road, Orange Mill Road, and circumvents a tall ridge before arriving in Camp Douglas. Target Bluff is clearly visible to the right (east). From Hustler it is 2.7 miles to Camp Douglas, where the Omaha Trail ends on Murray Street.
Camp Douglas is named after a late 19th century lumber camp. Today it is home to Volk Field Air National Guard Base, and the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s Camp Williams. Mill Bluff State Park is just a few miles north. The park features tall sandstone bluffs and swimming, camping, hiking, and other recreational opportunities.
The Camp Douglas trailhead has a parking lot, picnic shelter, and pit toilet restrooms. To reach it from Interstate Highway 90-94, take exit 55 west onto County Highway C. Travel a short distance and turn right on U.S. Highway 12. Turn left on Castle Street, and left again on Douglas Street. Drive 0.1 mile, and turn right on N. Washington Street. The trailhead is at the intersection of Washington and Washburn Streets with Eddy Avenue.
There are several taverns and convenience stores in Camp Douglas. One of the best places to eat is Double Nickel Deli and Coffee. It’s located inside the BP Travel Center on U.S. Highway 12. In addition to delicious coffee drinks, Double Nickel Deli serves tasty hand-made panini sandwiches and wraps. Patrons may eat in or take meals to go.
The Omaha Trail is one of the best-kept bike trail secrets in Wisconsin. It rarely sees a lot of traffic, yet the scenery is spectacular. A county trail pass is required for cyclists over 18. Day passes are $2.00 per person, or $10.00 for a seasonal pass. They may be purchased at Elroy Commons Trail Shop, Hustler Inn, or Camp Douglas Travel Mart. Pedestrian trail use is free. Horseback riding on the trail is prohibited.
Trail last ridden and documented in September, 2025.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.