After Five Years, the Reimagined Ringle Segment is Complete

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Granite boulders are a common sight along the reimagined Ringle Segment. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
Granite boulders are a common sight along the reimagined Ringle Segment. Photo by Dave Caliebe.

Saying thank you feels insufficient compared to the accomplishment’s scale: opening the seven-mile section of the reimaginged Ringle Segment. Hewn from rocky ground, every hour you invested in this five-year project forged a world-class section of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

Right in our backyard, your selfless dedication created a lasting legacy. We spend our lives working toward achievements in which we take pride. If we’re fortunate, we may create something that lives beyond us. In this case, a signature segment contributing to the health and happiness of people we may never meet.

Be proud of the work you’ve done and what you’ve helped accomplish.

The final Ringle trailbuilding event took place in October!

Volunteers came together one last time to complete the reimagined Ringle Segment re-route.

View Project Outcomes and Photos from the October project:

View and Download Project Outcomes Map
View More Project Photos
Not merely decorative! Rock walls and stone steps aid in the durability and navigability of the trail. Photo by Justine Kapitzke.
Not merely decorative! Rock walls and stone steps aid in the durability and navigability of the trail. Photo by Justine Kapitzke.
Many, many rocks were moved to create smooth tread through this glacial terrain. Photo by Lisa Krueger.
Many, many rocks were moved to create smooth tread through this glacial terrain. Photo by Lisa Krueger.

For making the final project possible, special thanks to:

  • Eric Peterson for his time and the use of his tractors.
  • Gail Piotrowski and the Central Moraines Chapter for all of their hard work, and for providing meals.
  • Rachel Riehle for organizing live entertainment.
The work crew had a champagne toast to celebrate the completion of the final workday on the Ringle Segment re-route. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.
The work crew had a champagne toast to celebrate the completion of the final workday on the Ringle Segment re-route. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.

By the Numbers: The Reimagined Ringle Segment

  • 5 years
  • 11 Mobile Skills Crew Events
  • 1,161 Volunteers
  • 26,650 Service hours
  • 6.5 Miles of new Trail
  • 824 Feet of Boardwalk
  • 168 Feet of Bridges
  • 830 Feet of Rock Wall
  • 56 Stone Steps
  • Lots and lots of Rotten Granite

This five-year project garnered generous support from these foundations, businesses, and partners:

NEXT UP: 2022!

The 2022 MSC Calendar will be published in the next few months!

Mobile Skills Crew logo small

Generous Sponsors of the 2021 Mobile Skills Crew Trailbuilding Season include:

Duluth Trading Company REI