It’s not Complex: It’s the Glacial Passage Area

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The Cross Plains Complex gets a new name in honor of the area’s glacial significance: Glacial Passage Area.

A group of seven people holding a sign that reads "Glacial Passage Area".
On June 1, National Trails Day®, the new name for what was previously known as the Cross Plains Complex, was unveiled: Glacial Passage Area. Photo by Billy Flynn.

Just outside of Cross Plains lies an area of such glacial significance that it has been identified as a Scientific Reserve Unit; one of nine such designated places in the state (and country).

This particular Scientific Reserve Unit sits on the border of glaciated and unglaciated terrain and contains glacial landforms, including a gorge carved by glacial meltwater. What’s especially interesting is that the Reserve Unit includes property owned by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Dane County, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The one thing that connects these properties (or will eventually connect them) is the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

A photograph of a person wearing a black jacket and cap speaking at a podium under a tent. The background shows an outdoor, rainy scene.
Bill Quackenbush, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) and Cultural Resources Division Manager for the Ho-Chunk Nation, speaks at the 2024 National Trails Day® event. Photo by Billy Flynn.
A photograph of a group of people walking along a path through a large grassy field on an overcast day.
Despite the rain, hikers enjoyed a hike along the Cross Plains Segment on the newly renamed Glacial Passage Area. Photo by Billy Flynn.

For many years, this area of properties has been referred to as the Cross Plains Complex. Although an appropriate tongue-in-cheek name, given the complexity of property type and owners, it wasn’t the most descriptive name for an area of such glacial significance. And besides, who wants to go hiking at a Complex? It sounds hard.

In an effort to better describe the area—and draw attention to its glacial past—representatives from the various property owners got together to select a new name. They pondered, they debated, and they brainstormed.

Three people unveil a "Glacial Passage Area" sign under a tent, with several people seated and watching.
Wisconsin’s Lt. Governor Sarah Rodriguez had the honor of unveiling the area’s new name: Glacial Passage Area. Photo by Billy Flynn.

On June 1, National Trails Day®, Wisconsin’s Lt. Governor Sarah Rodriguez, had the honor of unveiling the area’s new name: Glacial Passage Area.

The first new sign for the area was mounted at the Cross Plains Segment of the Ice Age Trail trailhead on Birch Ln. In the coming weeks and months, additional signage will be installed and/or updated.

A photograph of seven people standing behind a sign reading "Glacial Passage Area" under a white tent.
Thank you to all the local dignitaries who attended the unveiling of the Glacial Passage Area! Back row (left to right): Luke Kloberdanz, Executive Director and CEO of Ice Age Trail Alliance; Bert Frost, Midwest Regional Director, National Park Service; Mike Bare, Wisconsin Representative; Alex Joers, Wisconsin Representative; Steve Schmelzer, Parks Director, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Front row (l-r): Jamie Kuhn, Dane County Executive; Dianne Hesselbein, Wisconsin State Senator; Sara Rodriguez, Lt. Governor.

For now, get out and enjoy the blazed Ice Age Trail that runs through the Glacial Passage Area. It’s one of the newer portions of Trail. If you’re up for an adventure, visit the trails at Cross Plains State Park, which is across the street from the National Park Service building on Old Sauk Pass Rd. The Park’s trails are established, but not marked. Look for maps of the area at the kiosk on the National Park Service and in the County parking lot on Old Sauk Pass Rd.