The class numbered 109 hikers, hailing from 58 communities across Wisconsin, while 12 hikers came from other states: Illinois, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, and Vermont. Of this group, 96 section-hiked the Ice Age Trail, extending their adventure over several years. For example, one hiker began his journey on May 10, 2003, completing it 7,469 days later, on October 20, 2023.
Event details: Saturday, June 15th at 10:00 am
Location details: We will meet at the Robertson Trailhead; Watch for the yellow Tyke Hike signs.
Questions? For more information call Patti at 608-843-3924 or billpatti@charter.net
Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance and Rosemary Garfoot Library for a morning of adventure and family fun in Cross Plains! Come decorate walking sticks and set out on a short hike on the Ice Age Trail. Meet at the shelter next to the library and the pool.
In total, we’ll have a 6-7 mile moderate difficulty hike on the Lodi Marsh Segment of the Ice Age Trail. This scenic hike will go through woods and prairies with lovely views of the valleys and Baraboo Hills in the distance. We’ll start going East and can do out and back all the way to parking area at Hwy 113 or we can stop at County Line, return to our parking and then do the loop trail west of the parking which overlooks the marsh and crosses over and around a nice drumlin left behind by the last glaciers. Either option is about same distance. Or we can make shorter and just go to county line, turn around and skip the west loop.
Greetings Walkers and Hikers! Grab your jacket and get out of the house! Another Full Moon hike is coming up!
Join us for a hike to celebrate another glorious evening under our next full moon, Tuesday evening, May 21st.
Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and bring a light.
This month’s full moon is called the Flower Moon. In most areas, flowers are abundant everywhere during this time thus the name of this Moon. Other names include the Full Corn Planting Moon, or the Milk Moon.
This will be a low key, family appropriate walk. Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome.
Location details:
We will meet at the Slack Road Trailhead; Watch for the yellow Ice Age Trail Event signs.
Questions? Contact Bill at billpatti@charter.net or 608-843-3926.
Pencil in these upcoming events:
May 25th – Tyke Hike
June 1st – National Trails Day – Mammoth Fun Run/Walk
June 22nd – Trail Maintenance Day
June 19th – full moon hike
We will walk up to the prairie for a good look at the rising moon. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather. This walk will be more than a mile one-way, low key, and family friendly. Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
We will meet at the Trailhead; Watch for the yellow Ice Age Trail Event signs.
Questions? Contact Bill at billpatti@charter.net or 608-843-3926
This month’s full moon is called the Pink Moon, though it actually will not be pink in color. The name came from the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring.
Other names for this month’s celestial body include the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and among coastal tribes the Full Fish Moon, because this was the time that the shad swam upstream to spawn. Others refer to the reappearance of certain animals, including Moon When the Ducks Come Back (Lakota), Moon When the Geese Lay Eggs (Dakota), and Frog Moon (Cree). Along the same vein, Sucker Moon (Anishinaabe) notes the time to harvest sucker fish, which return to streams or lake shallows to spawn. According to legend, now is the time when this fish comes back from the spirit world to purify bodies of water and the creatures living in them. (This name may also be applied to the February Moon, to honor the sacrifice of the sucker fish in order to feed the Anishinaabe peoples, traditionally helping them to survive the winter.)
Pencil in these upcoming Full Moon Hikes:
May 21
June 19
July 18
August 17 …the untraditional birthday hike!
The Ice Age Trail Alliance – Lodi Valley Chapter invites you to join us for our next Tyke Hike! These short walks are designed for young children accompanied by an adult, with a focus on noticing things in nature.
We hope to see you at the Tyke Hike!
Event details: Saturday, April 20th at 10:00 am
Location details: We will meet at the Slack Hill Road Trailhead; Watch for the yellow Tyke Hike signs.
Questions? For more information call Patti at 608-843-3924 or billpatti@charter.net
Celebrate National Trails Day – Saturday, June 1 – with a family-friendly, great-for-all-ages Mammoth Fun Run & Hike hosted by the Lodi Valley Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. This year, the 6K trail run will be a fun and timed challenge. Enjoy the beautiful Lodi Marsh Segment as you run or hike to the Finish Line in Lodi, an Ice Age Trail Community!
Events: 6K hike and a timed 6K trail run (distances are approximate). VIEW and DOWNLOAD COURSE MAP HERE.
Location: The event will START and END at Doctor’s Park (220 S. Main Street). A shuttle will take participants to the race start along the Lodi Marsh Segment of the Ice Age Trail. Participants will run or hike their way back into Trail Community, Lodi, Wis.
Event Check-In: All participants need to check in with event volunteers at Doctor’s Park prior to boarding the shuttle. Registration and Check-In begins at 8:00 a.m. The last shuttle to the trailhead will leave from the registration site at 8:40 a.m. (Please leave Fido at home. Dogs are not allowed on the shuttle bus. Thank you for understanding.)
Race start: The Fun Run & Hike will begin at 9 a.m.
Registration: Register online now. Day-of event registrations will also be accepted.
Expect:
Come for the event and stay for the Lodi Sausage Company brat stand on Main Street.
Donations: Donations to the Lodi Valley Chapter are encouraged to further corridor protection, trailbuilding, and trail maintenance.
Join fellow young adults and outdoor enthusiasts for a day of hiking, socializing, and learning about the Ice Age Trail!
The Alliance’s Trailblazers* and staff members are hosting a day for young adults to experience the Alliance’s Annual Conference.
Get an exclusive guided hike from geologist Rudy Molinek at Devils’ Lake State Park. Learn about the unique geologic landforms of this area during a 3-mile morning hike.
Then, in the afternoon, join other Conference attendees and attend two sessions (of your choice). Topics range from a Trail signage workshop, a hiker forum with Thousand-Milers, learning about the many physical and mental benefits of hiking, and more!
Whether you are interested in finding a hiking buddy, volunteer opportunities, or gaining insider knowledge about the Ice Age Trail, you will leave this event with a newfound appreciation for Wisconsin’s landscapes.
NOTE: The Trailblazers Day is intended for people ages 18-35 years old.
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Welcome
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Morning hike at the Devil’s Lake Segment
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Afternoon Sessions
*Trailblazers: A group of young adults committed to furthering the mission of the Ice Age Trail Alliance and engaging the next generation of trail stewards.
Featured image by: IATA Staff
There’s lots to celebrate at this family-friendly event.
You’re Invited!
In honor of National Trails Day®, the Ice Age Trail Alliance and the National Park Service are hosting a celebration at the National Park Service headquarters in Cross Plains.
There’s lots to celebrate this year:
Be there as the ribbon is cut and the new portion of the Cross Plains Segment is officially opened. Then, hike it! (Choose the distance right for you.)
Jaunt across a cool-grass prairie and saunter through oak woodlands, enjoying the surrounding landscape’s story; the tension between the Wisconsin Glaciation’s massive ice sheets and the unburied Driftless area. (Plus, the Trail travels across land owned by Alliance partners, the National Park Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.)
Meet the Trailbuilders who crafted the tread, built the boardwalk, and moved boulders on this portion of Trail as you hike! Hear their stories, get inside information.
Enjoy light, post-hike refreshments at the National Park Service office, and get your National Park Service stamp from the park office (which will be open).
Make plans to attend!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 1:00 p.m. Ribbon-cutting ceremony
Where:
National Park Service-Cross Plains Interpretive Site
8075 Old Sauk Pass Rd, Cross Plains, Wis.
About National Trails Day®: Each year, people all across the country unite on the first Saturday of June to recognize the importance of America’s trails and the value they add to our lives.
Graphic by: American Hiking Society
This is a family friendly hike along the scenic Plover River. The trail winds through a mature upland forest, drops down to follow a pristine path along the gurgling Plover River, and returns to higher ground. We’ll pass large erratics and walk the bridge across crystal clear Aniwa Creek. The section then passes through a savanna that’s been reforested with young Oak trees.
We’ll start out, southbound, as a group. You get to choose your perfect hiking distance: The 2.5-mile one-way option is from Hatchery Road to Sportsmen Drive where you can grab a shuttle back to your vehicle. Or you can create a personalized round trip distance by reversing course at any point. Don’t forget to grab some cocoa (or other hot beverage) and cookies. Great camaraderie, a chance to unwind, and the ultimate energy boost! Dogs, on a leash, are welcome.
We’ll meet between 12:45 and 1 p.m. near the Ice Age Trail parking lot at Hatchery and Village Roads in Aniwa. GPS coordinates: 45.018803,-89.244431. There’s been logging in the area lately, so roadside parking is recommended.
Pick up a Trivia guide at the start of your hike. Look for questions posted along the trail. Answer them correctly and win a prize!
Enjoy one of Wisconsin’s best winter activities: snowshoeing and hiking!
Join the Superior Lobe Chapter for their 23rd Annual Snowshoe Hike on the Hemlock Creek Segment.
Grab your friends and family and explore the western edge of the Blue Hills, Hemlock Creek, and Barron County Forest. The forests and gentle rolling hills make for a scenic winter hike. Afterward, warm-up by a bonfire and enjoy light refreshments. Hiking will occur, wearing snowshoes is weather dependent.
Choose from 3 hiking distances:
Event Details:
Date and Time: Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at Murphy Flowage County Park
To RSVP and register, email Bob Held at heldharbor@gmail.com or call/text 715-761-1657
Featured image by: Lysianne Unruh
Choose between two hike options:
Due to trail restrictions, please leave your furry friend(s) at home (no dogs are allowed on the Hike-A-Thon). See below for hike details!
Either way, you’ll get a T-Shirt, shuttle, refreshments, some swag, and you’ll be contributing to the creation of more trail within Dane County. It is also a great way to celebrate National Trails Day!
Dane County Hike-A-Thon T-shirt
Registration for the Hike-A-Thon is $40/person (tax-deductible).
All proceeds from the Hike-A-Thon will go towards the Dane County Land Protection Fund. The Dane County Land Fund is a fund established to help us permanently protect and manage land for the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Dane County. Your donation helps with land acquisition to support the goal of “closing the gaps” between off-road sections of trail.
All participants will receive a shuttle from their car to the start of the hike, and refreshments during and after the hike.
14.5-Mile Hikers: Meet at Badger Prairie Park Shelter #1 at 7:30 am for check in.
3-Mile Hikers: Meet at the Badger Prairie Park Shelter #1 at 10:30 am for check in.
There will be two aid stations along the route with water refills and lots of snacks: Cross Plains State Park parking lot (Timber Lane) and the OJ Noer Turfgrass Facility.
Long hike route is highlighted in yellow+red, short hike is highlighted in red
LOCATION: Badger Prairie County Park, Link to Google map
PARKING: Badger Prairie Park Shelter #1, Link to location on Hiker Resource map
After your hike, join Dane County Chapter volunteers at the Badger Prairie Park Shelter #1 for grab and go sandwiches, soda, beer, other drinks, and snacks to refuel after a long hike.
Make plans to enjoy local businesses in the our Trail Community of Verona and Trail Community of Cross Plains
The Ice Age Trail Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your gift as part of this event is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Thank you sponsors for supporting the Dane County Hike-A-Thon:
Join us for a short walk in the light of the full moon. The March full moon is often called the Worm Moon to signify the warming earth as in preparation for spring. Meet at the Twin Pines trailhead of the Lodi Marsh Segment on Lodi Springfield Road.
Wear appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy shoes, and bring a light as well, and in case of slippery conditions, a walking stick is useful. Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome.
For more information, call Bill @ 608-843-3926 or email at billpatti@charter.net
Featured image by: Rachel Roberts
Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance Lodi Valley Chapter for our next Tyke Hike at the Lodi Marsh Segment. These short walks are designed for young children accompanied by an adult, with a focus on noticing things in nature. During this hike we’ll look for what’s going on in early spring.
Meet at the Twin Pines trailhead of the Lodi Marsh Segment on Lodi Springfield Road.
Wear appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy shoes, and in case of slippery conditions, a walking stick is useful. Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome.
For more information, call Bill @ 608-843-3926 or email at billpatti@charter.net
Featured image by: Karen Smith
Join us for a special candlelight hike at the Gibraltar Rock Segment on February 24. Hike along an illuminated path up the hillside to watch the full moon. February’s moon is called the snow moon.
Meet at the Ferry Landing Parking Lot, Hwy 113 Lodi at 7:30 p.m.
Wear appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy shoes, and bring a light as well, and in case of slippery conditions, a walking stick is useful. Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome.
For more information, call Bill @ 608-843-3926 or email at billpatti@charter.net
Featured image by: Rachel Roberts
Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance Lodi Valley Chapter for our next Tyke Hike. These short walks are designed for young children accompanied by an adult, with a focus on noticing things in nature. During this hike we’ll look for what’s going on in winter.
Meet at the Gibraltar Rock Segment parking lot at Gibraltar Rock Road.
Wear appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy shoes, and in case of slippery conditions, a walking stick is useful. Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome.
For more information, call Bill @ 608-843-3926 or email at billpatti@charter.net
Featured image by: Lisa Jones
Wolves have howled at the Moon for centuries, yet it is still there…
Join us on Thursday evening, January 25th, for a short walk (perhaps to howl?) in the light of the full moon at the Lodi Marsh Segment. The January full moon is often called the Wolf Moon or sometimes the “stay at home” moon…but come out and howl!
We will meet at the Robertson Trailhead on Lodi/Springfield Road at 7:30 pm. Watch for the yellow “Ice Age Trail Event” signs. For directions visit:https://goo.gl/maps/RE2C5
Wear appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy shoes, and bring a light as well, and in case of slippery conditions, a walking stick is useful. Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome.
For more information, call Bill @ 608-843-3926 or email at billpatti@charter.net
Featured image by: Cameron Gillie
Be MINDFUL: An All-Senses, Summer Solstice Sunset Hike
Friday, June 21, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Hartland Marsh, Hartland Segment (Waukesha County)
Cost: $20/attendee; women & girls 16 and older
Be Mindful. Focus on the present moment, letting the light in. Breathe. Expand. Relax. Take advantage of the extended daylight and experience a slow, relaxing hike.
Enjoy a guided hike through the Hartland Marsh, an Alliance-owned preserve, tuning into all five senses as you explore this diverse habitat. See vivid colors. Listen for bird calls. Savor woodland scents. Feel plant textures (safely!). Taste summer. Light snacks and refreshments will be available as well.
BONUS: For those who you can stay a little longer, we’ll take a stroll and enjoy the sunset atop the Aldo Leopold Overlook.
Registration closes at midnight on Sunday, June 16, 2024 or when the event reaches capacity. An event email with final details and logistics will be emailed to all registered attendees on Monday, June 17.
Registration fee is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, we will consider it a donation to the Alliance.
We love dogs, but we ask that you not bring them to Trailtessa events.
Trailtessa [treyl-tes-sah], noun: a woman or girl who gets out on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to experience adventure, freedom and a new way to be. Trailtessa Retreats are events designed by women for women. Re-discover YOU with plenty of permission. Be any way you want to Be. Trailtessa events were created in conjunction with the REI Force of Nature initiative.
THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED!!!
The Ice Age Trail Alliance – Lodi Valley Chapter invites you to join us for our next Tyke Hike! During this hike we’ll enjoy whatever winter weather we happen to have! These short walks are designed for young children accompanied by an adult, with a focus on noticing things in nature.
We hope to see you at the Tyke Hike!
Event details: Saturday, January 20th at 10:00 am
Location details: We will meet at the Robertson Trailhead on Riddle Road; Watch for the yellow Tyke Hike signs.
Questions? For more information call Patti at 608-843-3924 or billpatti@charter.net
Be WILD: A Bird Watching Experience from Land and Water
Saturday, July 13, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail – St. Croix Falls Segment and St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (Polk County)
Cost: $50/attendee; women & girls 16 and older
Be Wild. Experience the land and water habitats of our feathered friends. Kayak along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in the morning. Hike along a section of the St. Croix Segment, in the afternoon. Learn about native birds in northwest Wisconsin and see lots of them (hopefully!) from the water and from the Trail.
This casual birding experience, offered in partnership with the Wild Rivers Conservancy, includes guided kayaking and hiking. All abilities and experiences welcome.
Included:
What to Expect
Meet and check-in at Lions Park in St. Croix Falls. Attendees will be shuttled north and paddle the St. Croix River south back to the park. The paddle will be approximately 2.5 hours. Lunch will be provided at Lions Park, along with information about habitat management practices from the Ice Age Trail Alliance and Wild Rivers Conservancy. Enjoy an out and back hike along the Ice Age Trail – St. Croix Falls segment for approximately 2-miles or 1.5 hours.
Location
Lions Park
809 North Hamilton
St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
Cancellation policy: If you are unable to attend this event, you can receive a refund (minus $10 administration fee) if cancellation is received in writing before June 13. If you cancel after June 13, we will consider your registration fee a donation.
We love dogs, but we ask that you not bring them to Trailtessa events.
Trailtessa [treyl-tes-sah], noun: a woman or girl who gets out on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to experience adventure, freedom and a new way to be. Trailtessa Retreats are events designed by women for women. Re-discover YOU with plenty of permission. Be any way you want to Be. Trailtessa events were created in conjunction with the REI Force of Nature initiative.
Friday, April 26
7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Dunes Segment, Manitowoc County
Woodland Dunes Nature Center, Two Rivers
Be brave! Explore the magical time of twilight with a group of other women and girls.
Be curious! Learn about evening spring sounds, then explore part of the Dunes Segment of the Ice Age Trail for a short, guided twilight walk. Watch the timberdoodles perform their courtship display and listen for frogs and other critters.
If the sky is clear, scope out the night sky with an astronomer. Bring a headlamp/small flashlight and be prepared for some areas of mud on the trail. Trail length will be about ½ mile and is on fairly even ground.
Open to all ages. Registration required, space is limited.
Contact Jessica Johnsrud, jessicaj@woodlanddunes.org, or call the Nature Center at 920-793-4007 to register.
Trailtessa [treyl-tes-sah], noun: a woman or girl who gets out on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to experience adventure, freedom and a new way to be. Trailtessa Retreats are events designed by women for women. Re-discover YOU with plenty of permission. Be any way you want to Be. Trailtessa events were created in conjunction with the REI Force of Nature initiative.
Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance, Lussier Family Heritage Center and Dane County Parks at the Winter Fun Extravaganza! The event will be a great opportunity to get outside this winter. Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteers will be at the snowshoe area to help attendees with gear and questions. Alliance members will also have maps, stickers and bandanas for everyone who comes by to say hello.
Here is a list of fun things that will be going on that you can participate in.
This is a free event open to the public, no registration is required. This event is weather dependent, check Dane County Parks’ Facebook event page and other social media platforms for cancelations.
Indian Lake County Park
8183 State Highway 19
Cross Plains, WI 53528
Get Directions
*Image credit: Lussier Family Heritage Center, Dane County Parks
Enjoy a nice wintertime hike! There is not quite enough snow to use snowshoes, but that won’t stop us from having lots of fun. Come out for a nice time!
This event is cancelled due to weather. Please check back for more group hike opportunities!
Enjoy a nice wintertime hike, and if there is enough snow (fingers-crossed) we will be using snowshoes. Come out for a nice time!
