Discover the West Bend Segment: A Journey Along the Ice Age Trail

With the Mammoth Hike Challenge starting in October, it will pass right through West Bend! Make sure to spot these West Bend Parks when adventuring on the Ice Age Trail.

About the West Bend Segment

The 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs through West Bend. This trail is one of the country’s notable paths, following the path of Wisconsin’s last glacier. Created by Congress, it protects a large area for public use. It’s mainly used for hiking, walking, and running, and visitors can see glacial features like kettles, potholes, and eskers.

Ridge Run Park

The segment of the trail leads into Ridge Run Park, winding around an artesian well and a small pond near a picnic area. It crosses a water-filled kettle/wetland via a boardwalk, then heads north along the scenic Silver Creek and its series of lily-covered ponds and lakes. Continuing on, the trail partially circles a ridge before ascending it, turning east, and exiting Ridge Run Park.

Glacial Blue Hills Park

The next part of the Ice Age Trail goes through the beautiful Glacial Blue Hills Recreation Area, navigating rugged terrain along a moraine and dipping between ridges. The trail skirts by a kettle and climbs up to the top of an esker.

A map of the Ice Age Trail West Bend segment can be found here.

Want to explore more recreation around West Bend? Click here to learn more!