West Bend Trails

Explore the trails and recreation West Bend has to offer during any season of the year. From nature preserves to state trails, there are endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Eisenbahn State Trail

This extensive trail spans 25 miles across the countryside, featuring a 5-mile paved segment traversing the heart of West Bend. Repurposed from a former railroad corridor, its name “Eisenbahn” comes from the German word for railroad. Beginning in West Bend, the trail extends northward through Kewaskum and Campbellsport, culminating in the Fond du Lac County community of Eden.

The Eisenbahn State Trail intersects with the Ice Age Trail and meanders close to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, catering to a diverse range of users including cyclists, walkers, joggers, and inline skaters. Additionally, the Eisenbahn State Trail serves as the venue for various events such as the Adrenaline Marathon.

During winter months, the trail transforms into a haven for cross-country skiers and snowshoers, with approximately 19 miles open to snowmobilers north of Lighthouse Lane. In Fond du Lac County, winter ATVing is permitted along designated segments of the trail.

Convenient parking options are available in West Bend. For further information and detailed maps, click here.

Ice Age Trail

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail, spanning 1,200 miles, passes through the heart of West Bend, Wisconsin. This renowned footpath, established by congressional decree, follows the path of Wisconsin’s final glacier, offering a remarkable journey through diverse landscapes throughout the state. Catering primarily to hikers, walkers, and runners, the trail showcases various glacial formations, including kettles and eskers.

While traversing the route through West Bend Ridge Run Park and Glacial Blue Hills Recreation Area, hikers are treated to captivating land formations. Heading north of West Bend, adventurers will find themselves journeying through the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Convenient parking facilities abound near the trail in West Bend, detailed on a map of the city’s trail segment can be found here.

Lac Lawrann Conservancy

The 145-acre nature preserve offers diverse landscapes, including water features, wetlands, forests, and prairies. There’s 4 miles of scenic trails that wind through woodlands, passing kettles, kames, and ponds, while an additional 1.5 miles of trails in Royal Oaks Park extend through the conservancy. Popular hiking trails include Lake Loop, Railroad Spur, Esker, Northern Wetland, Pine Plantation, and Prairie Trails. Lac Lawrann Conservancy hosts over 300 plant species, 200 bird species, and various mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. It serves as an outdoor classroom with over 5,000 annual visitors, including 1,200 school children, offering self-guided hikes, guided tours, and public programs for all ages.

In winter, 2.8 miles of trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing is allowed on designated routes. Please note that bicycles and pets are prohibited on conservancy trails to maintain a peaceful environment and minimize disturbance to wildlife.

Riverwalk

Right along the Milwaukee River, the Riverwalk winds through historic Downtown West Bend, forming an essential part of the expansive West Bend Milwaukee Riverfront Parkway. Extending over 3 miles, this beloved trail attracts walkers, joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers during the warmer months, and snowshoers and skiers during the cold snowy months.

The Riverwalk connects to Regner Park and offers easy access points at strategic locations around West Bend. Additionally, visitors can begin their journey at scenic spots like the North Main Street Overlook and the Historic Train Depot, inviting exploration of Downtown West Bend’s charm and natural beauty.

West Bend is filled with many outdoor recreation! Explore parks, trails and outdoor recreation opportunities that West Bend has to offer.