The Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Committee has a special free full moon hike!
Beginning at Nixon Park’s Warming Shed, hikers will head south for 1-2 miles on the Ice Age Trail – hopefully by the light of the full moon. Complimentary hot chocolate will be provided. Bring flashlights and dress appropriately for the weather. Dogs are welcome.
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leaders, Jeff and Mark.
Photo by Natasha Steenburgen
Bring in the New Year with a fun-filled hike! Afterwards, enjoy a bonfire, hot chocolate and cookies!
Our chapter has organized three guided loop hikes:
Each hike will be guided by knowledgeable leaders who will share information on various points of interest. Dress for the weather. Ice cleats may be helpful. These hikes are free, although a park sticker or day pass is required for entrance to Lapham Peak. Save time and purchase your sticker early. It can be ordered online here.
Follow Ice Age Trail Event signs to Trecker Lodge at Lapham Peak in the Homestead Hollow area.
Send questions or comments to our Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page or to our chapter email.
Save the date!
More information coming soon!
Join the fun on Saturday, December 21, 2024 to celebrate the Winter Solstice on the Ice Age Trail!
Dress for the weather. There are no bathroom facilities available at the Springfield Hill Segment.
After the hike, enjoy FREE hot cocoa provided by the Dane County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. All are welcome, including well-behaved and leashed dogs.
Springfield Hill Segment
This segment, a short loop that can be hiked in either direction, highlights the 198-acre Springfield Hill Natural Resource Area. This property consists of steep wooded valleys, glacial kettle ponds, and open meadow. The stunning prairie changes with the seasons and demonstrates what’s possible through extensive and ongoing restoration efforts. The Trail’s route provides outstanding views from atop Springfield Hill, one of the highest points in the area.
Photo by Joe Ulmer.
Photo by Sherri Ritz
Join the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance to prep for a new boardwalk at the Hartland Marsh. All hands on deck will be needed for this critical phase of the project. We will be carrying the materials into the boardwalk site and hauling the old boardwalk out for disposal. No experience needed, everyone is welcome!
As always, our Trail Improvement Day will provide tools and training.
Participants should dress in layers for the weather. The boardwalk site will be a little wet so wear appropriate work footwear. Bring work gloves and a water bottle. Please meet at 8:00 am sharp so we can organize into crews. Participants should have a current National Park Service Volunteer Agreement on file. If not, complete the form and bring it with you. Download Agreement.
We will meet at the Cottonwood Wayside parking lot. Overflow parking is available next door at Dorner Manufacturing.
Watch for last minute weather related information and contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com or 262-490-3515.
The Cross Plains Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to the fourth annual Light Up Cross Plains event on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance for a “long” guided hike at 3:30 pm, or a “short” guided hike at 4:00 p.m.
Both hikes will start and end at Esser Square (the green space next to Crossroads Coffeehouse – 2020 Main Street, Cross Plains, WI 53528).
The long hike will be approximately a 3-mile loop. Hikers will explore part of the Cross Plains Segment to the north of Highway 14/Main Street. Enjoy woodlands, the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Andersen Preserve, a savanna restoration area, and the Hickory Hill Conservation Park and of course
The short hike will be approximately a 1.5 mile out and back (with a steep elevation up Hickory Hills Conservancy).
Both hikes will go to the location of the tree lighting 4:45 pm before returning to Esser Square.
Dress appropriately for the weather. We recommend bringing a headlamp and/or flashlight for the way back.
After the hike, head back to Esser Square to enjoy hot cocoa, fire pits, and s’mores available from 3:00 – 8:00 pm.
We are now gearing up for planning the 2025 Dane County Hike-A-Thon, tentatively planned for Summer 2025! We had a record turnout in 2024, raising over $10,000 for the Dane County Land Fund. In order to continue the success for the event next year, we are looking for volunteers to help plan the 2025 Hike-A-Thon! The Dane County Hike-A-Thon is the flagship fundraising event for the Dane County Chapter, with funds going to purchase and protect land to build more trail in Dane County! If you are interested in helping with next years event, please join us at the 2025 Dane County Hike-A-Thon kick-off meeting!
Photo by Brad Guhr
Explore the Lapham Peak Prairie Saturday, December 14th @ 3PM
Meet at the Evergreen Shelter parking lot.
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Mike.
Join the Dane County Chapter for some brush clearing at the Brooklyn Wildlife Segment!
Explore the National Ice Age Trail with us! This month we will be hiking the Blue Spring Lake Segment from the Horseriders’ Campground to the Emma Carlin Trailhead. You’ll pass by many bike riding and horseback bridle trails including the popular Emma Carlin Trails. Enjoy long views of the surrounding landscape now that most trees have lost their leaves!
This hike is approximately 3 miles long. Bring water. Dress for the weather. Hiking sticks are helpful. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are are free, and all ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Follow us at Hartland Walking Club on Facebook for more details and to stay updated on what’s happening. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Dept. organized this hike.
Meet at the Emma Carlin Trail Head parking lot. We will carpool from there to the Horseriders’ Campground and hike back to Emma Carlin.
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
Friends,
While the weather stays warm and dry, I’d like to tackle another much-needed trail improvement project, with your help.
What: We will begin rehabilitating the side trail leading from the chapter shed to the Ice Age Trail. See the attached map below. This heavily-used blue-blazed trail provides access to the IAT for the many trail users who park near the chapter shed.
When: Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Where: We will meet at the chapter shed, 400 ft. southwest of the Highway PD-S. High Point Rd. intersection. See map below.
Parking: There is plenty of parking on the west side of the chapter shed.
What to wear/what to bring: Please dress appropriately for the weather. Leather gloves are a must. Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. Hand tools will be provided. We will be constructing drainage dips–digging the drainage structures and moving lots of dirt.
Plus—there is a porta-toilet located behind the chapter shed.
Volunteers in Parks (VIP) program: The National Park Service asks that all volunteers file, on a yearly basis, a Volunteer Service Agreement form. In the unlikely event of an injury, a VIP’s medical expenses are covered by the federal government. Go to: https://www.iceagetrail.org/wp-content/uploads/packet-individual-301a-exp-10_2024.pdf
Courtesy: If you are going to arrive late or cannot come as planned, I understand. Please afford me and your fellow volunteers the courtesy of a phone call, text or email to me as early as possible. Thank you.
If you can help, please email me at edspoon@charter.net. This is very important so I can plan for enough tools and supplies. It also allows me to communicate with you, should plans change due to weather, etc.
Questions? Call, email or text me. I hope to work with you on this project!
Happy Trails—
Ed Spoon
Help celebrate the Greater Wausau Area becoming a new Ice Age Trail Community. Join Visit Wausau and the Ice Age Trail Alliance Central Moraines Chapter for a casual hiker meet-up and ribbon cutting. Meet Monty, the Ice Age Trail mammoth mascot too!
This event is open to community members and the general public. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the Ice Age Trail and Ice Age Trail Alliance.
This is a Mammoth Hike Challenge event! Earn 5 bonus miles by attending.
Join the Dane County Chapter for a group hike on the Verona Segment of the Ice Age Trail! We will meet at the Badger Prairie County Park shelter and hike about three miles total (out and back). Come enjoy a fun hike and add to your Mammoth Hike Challenge milage total!
Fresh popcorn will be provided by Visit Verona and non-alcoholic beer will be provided for hikers 21+ courtesy of Athletic Brewing!
Thanks to Ice Age Trail Alliance partner Athletic Brewing Co., we’re excited to offer non-alcoholic Athletic Brews to 21+ attendees as a part of this event. Athletic Brewing Co. has supported boardwalk construction on several segments of Trail, funded habitat improvement along the Trail, and even filmed a short video that highlights the work of Alliance volunteers.
Help build a new DNR hiking trail connecting to Ice Age Trail in Cross Plains State Park. This 1000 ft. connector trail will be part of the awesome new trail system in the NPS/DNR/Dane Co. Parks/USFWS “Glacial Passage Area” around Old Sauk Pass, at Middleton/Cross Plains border.
The trail corridor clearing has been done – we will now build the actual trail tread using standard Ice Age Trail building methods. Refine your trail construction skills on this lumpy terrain. Many hands are needed – please do join in!
Wear work clothes and tough shoes, bring your own leather work gloves (or we will have some to lend). Dress in layers – good to also bring water bottle, and a lunch if staying for the 90-minute post-lunch shift (we will have extra water). Feel free to bring or share a small daypack, sunscreen, hat. We will supply all needed hand tools. If there is threat of rain we will still work – but bring a rain jacket. If it is really raining then we will end early.
Meet in cul-de-sac at south end of North Birch Trail. This is 0.4 mile south of intersection with Old Sauk Pass Rd. There is not a parking lot – park along side of this very quiet road. (Note: site cannot be accessed from S Birch Trail.) From Hwy 14, turn onto Stagecoach Rd., then immediately go south on N. Birch Trail for 1.2 miles. Work site is a flat 0.3 mile walk in from parking site. Signs will be in place to direct late-comers if you want to join us after the greatly preferred arrival time of a bit prior to 9:00am.
RSVP to afbent@wisc.edu is requested but not required.
Have you ever wondered how many species exist in our environment? From the shores of Lake Michigan to the forests of the Northwoods or the soil in your backyard, Wisconsin is teeming with life – and the Wisconsin Science Festival is launching a statewide BioBlitz project to learn more! Meet Ms. Andrea in the lobby for a 30-minute hike 
and BioBlitz, where you observe and record different species.
The more you discover, the more fascinating your hike becomes! Learn, experience and enjoy Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail and the wildly popular October Mammoth Hike Challenge!
The trail is stroller accessible but does go over some gravel. We recommend that you download the iNaturalist app ahead of the hike if you would like to record your observations. No registration is necessary to join the hike. This activity is part of the Wisconsin Science Festival and Let’s Hike, Delafield!
Weather dependent; watch the Delafield Public Library’s Facebook page for updates regarding weather cancellation.
This activity will meet at the Delafield Public Library. Library programs, events, and activities are free and open to the public.
Have you ever wondered how many species exist in our environment? From the shores of Lake Michigan to the forests of the Northwoods or the soil in your backyard, Wisconsin is teeming with life – and the Wisconsin Science Festival is launching a statewide BioBlitz project to learn more! Meet Ms. Andrea in the lobby for a 30-minute hike and BioBlitz, where you observe and record different species.
The more you discover, the more fascinating your hike becomes! Learn, experience and enjoy Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail and the wildly popular October Mammoth Hike Challenge!
The trail is stroller accessible but does go over some gravel. We recommend that you download the iNaturalist app ahead of the hike if you would like to record your observations. No registration is necessary to join the hike. This activity is part of the Wisconsin Science Festival and Let’s Hike, Delafield! and will be repeated on October 16 at 10 am.
Weather dependent; watch the Delafield Public Library’s Facebook page for updates regarding weather cancellation.
This activity will meet at the Delafield Public Library. Library programs, events, and activities are free and open to the public.
Have you ever wanted to walk along the Ice Age Trail? Wondered how this trail came to be or who built it? Ever wonder about all the life that surrounds you while on the trail? The more you discover, the more fascinating your hike becomes! Learn, experience and enjoy Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail and the wildly popular October Mammoth Hike Challenge!
Join “Thousand-Miler” and active Chapter member, Mary Cieslewicz and learn how to be a curious hiker.
Practice your curious hiking skills by taking a short hike on the Ice Age Trail at 10:00. At 10:30 we’ll have pumpkins to paint and hot cocoa to drink, plus a raffle prize for one lucky hiker! Whether hiking or sauntering, be inspired for adventures on the Trail! This activity is part of Let’s Hike, Delafield!
This presentation will take place at the Delafield Public Library. Library programs, events, and activities are free and open to the public.
As part of the Mammoth Hike Challenge, join the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter for a hiker meet-up and happy hour on Thursday, October 3 at Delafield BrewHaus in Delafield, an Ice Age Trail Community.
No RSVP needed. Stop by and talk Trail with other outdoor enthusiasts. 
Meet our special guest, Andrea of Midwest Hikes and Hops! Enjoy the Delafield Brewhaus’ special beer, Hop Harvest IPA on tap. (During the month of Oct., they donate $1 for each pint of their Hop Harvest IPA to the IATA!) Purchase Mammoth Challenge and IAT merchandise. What’s not to love?
Come early and enjoy the Ice Age Trail segments in and around the Delafield area, along with local businesses and attractions.
This event is in partnership with the Mammoth Hike Challenge and Visit Delafield. Hike 44 miles on the Ice Age Trail during the month of October 2024 and support at least three Ice Age Trail Communities to earn a certificate and a limited-edition patch celebrating the Challenge. You may hike, walk, run, or backpack – whatever suits your lifestyle – and log your miles over days, weekends, weeks, or one big adventure. You have the entire month of October to do it!
More information about the Mammoth Hike Challenge, including free registration, can be found HERE.
Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance at the Science on the Square as part of the Wisconsin Science Festival! It will be a fantastic night that blends science with downtown Madison businesses.
Back for its seventh year, the ever-popular Science on the Square event is again fusing with the Madison Night Market to create a unique way to explore hands-on science activities while also supporting local businesses and vendors. The Wisconsin Science Festival and Madison’s Central Business Improvement District are proud to bring you an event you won’t want to miss.
Join us in downtown Madison between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, for fun for all ages!
At Science on the Square, outdoor STEM-themed activities will mix with Madison Night Market vendor tents throughout State Street. Indoor locations will showcase interesting exhibits, talks, or menu/product specials for you to check out as well. Learn more about the science that surrounds us every day while exploring downtown Madison.
Stop by the Ice Age Trail Alliance booth to meet Monty, the mammoth mascot of the Ice Age Trail, pick up Ice Age Trail maps, get a Mammoth Hike Challenge sticker, and ask questions on planning your next Ice Age Tail adventure!
Visit the Wisconsin Science Festival website to learn more: Science on the Square – Wisconsin Science Festival
Help celebrate the Village of Hatley as a new Ice Age Trail Community! There will be a meet and greet, along with a short ceremony complete with a ribbon-cutting at the Hatley Public Library. The event will feature family-friendly activities and a chance to meet Monty the Mammoth, official mascot of the Ice Age Trail. Cookies and refreshments available after the ribbon cutting.
Even Location
The celebration is open to the public and is a great opportunity to learn more about the Ice Age Trail and Ice Age Trail Alliance.
Earn bonus miles and visit TWO (yes, two) Trail Communities AND hike two segments by joining us for another special Mammoth Hike Challenge Event! We will hike 9.5 miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, including all of the Hartland Segment and much of the Delafield Segment. These two segments wind through not only natural and wooded areas, but also through the vibrant and charming downtown neighborhoods of both Trail Communities. Socialize after the hike at Revere’s Well Street Tavern for a raffle and photo opportunities with Monty!
You may find hiking poles helpful. Bring water and dress for the weather. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. All ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Meet at the Delafield Municipal Parking Lot. A bus will take our group to Centennial Park in Hartland. Enjoy a guided hike back to Delafield.
Questions or comments can be made through our Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page or through our chapter email.
This event is free and sponsored by The Delafield Promotion and Tourism Commission.
Earn 10 bonus miles for the Mammoth Challenge by joining the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for a Habitat Improvement Day! We will be clearing invasives, restoring habitat, and enhancing scenic views at the Hartland Marsh Loop of the Ice Age Trail near the Hartland Segment.
No experience necessary! All tools and training will be provided. Bring a water bottle and wear sturdy footwear and gloves. Please complete a National Park Service Volunteer Agreement if you do not have one on file. Download Agreement.
Meet at the Cottonwood Wayside parking lot. Watch for the yellow ICE AGE TRAIL EVENT signs.
Questions? Contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com
Photo by Dody Marriott
Explore the National Ice Age Trail with us! This month we will be hiking four miles of the Loew Lake Segment. This segment connects with the Holy Hill Segment to the north and the Monches Segment to the south. Located in Washington County, the Loew Lake Segment of the IAT meanders through a moderately hilly area. Highlights of the segment include a lovely corridor of pine trees, views from hilltops, plenty of glacial geology, and wonderful views of Holy Hill. The segment highlights the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Loew Lake Unit (KMSF-LLU), an area that offers a variety of habitats for wildlife and is extremely popular with hikers, hunters and fishermen in all seasons.
You may find hiking poles helpful. Bring water and dress for the weather. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are free. All ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well.
Meet at the Monches/Highway K parking lot. We will leave some vehicles there and carpool to the Kettle Moraine – Loew Lake Unit parking lot (off of Emerald Drive) where we will begin our hike.
Photo by Jeannine Guttermsson
Explore the National Ice Age Trail with us! This month we will be hiking four miles of the Loew Lake Segment. This segment connects with the Holy Hill Segment to the north and the Monches Segment to the south. Located in Washington County, the Loew Lake Segment of the IAT meanders through a moderately hilly area. Highlights of the segment include a lovely corridor of pine trees, views from hilltops, plenty of glacial geology, and wonderful views of Holy Hill. The segment highlights the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Loew Lake Unit (KMSF-LLU), an area that offers a variety of habitats for wildlife and is extremely popular with hikers, hunters and fishermen in all seasons.
You may find hiking poles helpful. Bring water and dress for the weather. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are free. All ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well. Follow us at Hartland Walking Club on Facebook for more details and to stay updated on what’s happening. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Dept. organized this hike.
Meet at the Monches/Highway K parking lot. We will leave some vehicles there and carpool to the Kettle Moraine – Loew Lake Unit parking lot (off of Emerald Drive) where we will begin our hike.
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
Use your Trail Magic at Culver’s in Hartland to give back to our Chapter! Your purchase will help raise funds to replace Hartland Marsh’s old “rollercoaster” boardwalks.
Treat yourself after your hike at Culver’s in Hartland. They will donate 10% of their proceeds to the “Back the Boardwalks” fundraising campaign from purchases made between 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Monty the Mammoth might even show up to deliver your meal!
Use this link for directions to the Culver’s in Hartland.
Questions or comments can be made through our Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page or through our chapter email.
