The “400” State Trail: Union Center to Elroy
The “400” State Trail is easily accessed by car from Union Center. The trail runs through a small park called Eagle Parkway which is located on High Street. Turn north on High Street off Wisconsin State Highway 33, and the parkway is immediately present. Parking is available along with flush toilets, a picnic shelter, and playground.
Union Center (originally called “Union”) was incorporated as a village in 1859. White settlers first came to the area in the 1850s. The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad arrived there in 1872 and helped the town grow. In 1902, Union Center was connected to Hillsboro to the the west by the opening of the Hillsboro & Northeastern Railroad.
The little community has a convenience store and a few taverns and eateries for trail-goers looking to stop there. From Union Center, bicyclists head straight north on the “400” State Trail to Elroy. For most of route, the trail travels alongside Wisconsin State Highways 80-82. Traffic can be heard along the 4.2 mile section of the trail, but beautiful views of the Baraboo River valley easily distract bikers from the highway noise.
The trail crosses the Baraboo River three times along this section. The river is surrounded by wetlands and marshes. Occasionally, the narrow stream widens out into a pond. The area surrounding the trail provides habitat for birds and waterfowl. In the distance, pine-covered bluffs and hills tower over the valley.
Arriving at the city of Elroy, Schulz City Park becomes visible from the trail across Wisconsin State Highways 80-82. It is home to the Elroy Fair. The annual fair hosts activities such as horse and tractor pulls, bull riding, musical entertainment, carnival rides, animal showings, and many food options. Schultz Park also has a swimming pool, playground, ball field, volleyball and tennis courts, and restrooms. There is also a campground with tent and electric. Camping fees are paid at the Elroy Commons Trail Shop.
Elroy was incorporated as a city in 1858. It has several claims to fame. It is the home of former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson, and boasts the slogan “Where the Trails Meet.” The “400” State Trail, Elroy-Sparta State Trail, and Omaha Trail converge in Elroy.
Elroy offers plenty of amenities for bicyclists. The trail runs through Elroy Commons, a main center for amenities along the trail. It features a parking lot, showers, flush toilets, self-service bicycle repair station, covered picnic shelters, and a bike shop. The Elroy Commons Trail Shop sells a variety of goods, including trail passes. It repairs bicycles and also rents them to the public. It is located at 303 Railroad Street. While the “400” State Trail continues another quarter mile north and ends at Cedar Street, Elroy Commons makes a great place to begin or end a ride. It is accessed by turning off Wisconsin State Highways 80-82 in the center of town into the Elroy Commons parking lot.
For bicyclists wanting to continue on to the Omaha Trail or the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, head west on Cedar Street in the bike lane for one block. Turn north on 2nd Main Street and travel almost one mile to the Omaha Trail. To access the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, continue on Cedar Street for one more block and cross Wisconsin State Highways 80-82.
Trail last ridden and documented in July, 2020.