Omaha Trail
The 12-mile Omaha Trail contains outstanding scenery as it passes 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 and steep rocky formations, some nearly 200 feet high, are commonly seen from the trail. Sandstone outcroppings pop out amidst deciduous and coniferous forests on looming buttes, mesas, and conical pinnacles. Prominences include Lookout Tower, Castle Rock, and Twin Bluffs. The Omaha Trail is managed by Juneau County, and runs between Elroy and Camp Douglas.
The Omaha Trail follows the route of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway (known as the Omaha Road). In 1876, an 875-foot tunnel was cut through Steep Hill. Six years later, the Chicago and Northwestern Railway acquired the route. They employed a watchman from 1910 to 1947 to open the tunnel doors when trains were scheduled to pass through. When railroad operations ended in 1987, plans were made to transform the route into a recreational trail. Named for the original railroad company, it opened in 1992.
In the city of Elroy, the Omaha Trail joins a network of other bike trails. This 100-mile trail system spans from Reedsburg to Trempealeau on six trails. The Elroy-Sparta State Trail, “400” State Trail, and Omaha Trail all converge in Elroy.
The surface of the Omaha Trail is an oil-based asphalt emulsion. It is in fair condition with some cracks and holes. The trail is 12 miles long, not including 1.2 miles of biking on city streets when starting from Elroy Commons. This popular trailhead in Elroy is located on the “400” State Trail. It is well-outfitted with a parking lot, public showers, flush toilets, self-service bicycle repair station, covered picnic shelters, and bike shop. Indoor facilities are open seasonally. The Elroy Commons Trail Shop sells trail passes, bicycle supplies, repairs bicycles, and rents them to the public.
Elroy Commons is located at 303 Railroad Street. To reach Elroy Commons by car, enter the parking lot from Wisconsin State Highways 80-82 in Elroy. It is located between Franklin and Prospect Streets by the U.S. Post Office.
A trailhead is also located in the village of 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. There is street parking available in the village on County Road A (Main Street).
A parking lot, picnic shelter, and restrooms are found in Camp Douglas where the trail ends. To reach the trailhead in Camp Douglas from Interstate 90-94, take Exit 55 west toward Camp Douglas onto County Road C. Travel a short distance and turn right onto U.S. Highway 12. Turn left onto Castle Street, and left again onto Douglas Street. Drive 0.1 mile, and turn right onto N. Washington Street. The trailhead is at the intersection of Washington and Washburn Streets with Eddy Avenue.
A county trail pass is required for cyclists over 18 to use the Omaha Trail. Day passes are $2.00 per person or $10.00 for a seasonal pass. They may be purchased at Elroy Commons Trail Shop or the local grocery store. They may also be purchased at Hustler Inn in Hustler, and the Travel Mart in Camp Douglas. Pedestrian trail use is free. Horseback riding on the trail is prohibited.
Incorporated in 1858, Elroy is the city “Where the Trails Meet.” It is also the home of former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson. When departing from Elroy Commons, travel north on the “400” State Trail to Cedar Street. Head left in the bike lane for a short distance, then turn right onto 2nd Main Street. Trail signs indicate which direction to go. After 0.2 mile, bikers 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 North Limits Road.
After crossing Wisconsin State Highways 80-82, the Omaha Trail moves into the countryside of Sherman Valley. It is a delightfully scenic portion of the trail. The route parallels Fountain Creek, crossing it three times before County Highway H. Where the creek crosses this county road, signs of beaver are evident. Freshly gnawed fallen poplar are found throughout the creek bottoms and adjacent hills. Sherman Valley’s marshes and farm fields surround the trail. Rising bluffs lined with forests enclose this remarkable valley.
For 3 miles between County Roads H and S, the trail slowly climbs up the ravine of a Fountain Creek tributary. The elevation increases about 200 feet. Tunnel Hill Road parallels the trail on the other side of the ravine. Beyond County Road S the ravine narrows, and the trail ascends to 1155 feet above sea level. Coming around a bend, bikers are greeted by the tunnel through Steep Hill. Posted signs recommend walking bicycles through the 875-foot tunnel. A light jacket and flashlight come in handy when traveling through the tunnel.
A rest area with picnic tables, drinking water, and restrooms is located on the south side of the tunnel. This is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape. After the tunnel, cycling becomes easier, as the trail drops 200 feet in elevation over the next 4 miles. For the first 2 miles of descent, the trail snakes closely along the side of a long ridge. Tunnel Hill Road and the bottom of the ravine are far below to the right. To the left, the trail follows along rocky outcroppings and bridges span occasional draws. Care should be taken in this section, as washouts and erosion have slightly compromised the trail in at least one section.
The Omaha Trail arrives at the bottom of the ridge after crossing County Road H again, this time over a high bridge. The trail continues on through flat farmland, proceeding 2 miles from County Road H to the community of Hustler. There is a park in Hustler by the town hall that may serve as a potential trailhead. It has parking on Main Street (County Road A), a playground, restrooms, and covered picnic shelter.
After Hustler, the trail runs through agricultural country. It crosses Little Lemonweir Creek, and makes its way past a lofty set of ridges far to the left. It circumvents the closest ridge as it arrives at Camp Douglas. Target Bluff is clearly visible to the right. From Hustler, it is 2.7 miles to Camp Douglas.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
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. A few miles north of Camp Douglas is Mill Bluff State Park, featuring its tall sandstone bluffs. The park also offers swimming, camping, hiking, and other recreational opportunities.
Trail ridden and documented in November, 2020.