Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance at Winter Break Milwaukee 2025!
Winter Break Milwaukee offers activities during deep winter that foster community connections, mental well-being, and outdoor enjoyment! Winter Break is a free outdoor event for all ages, experience levels, bodies and genders. It promotes gentle outdoor recreation in an approachable way.
The Ice Age Trail Alliance will be on-hand hosting a decorate your own walking stick activity inside and will have snowshoes to borrow (pending snow) outside.
To see a full list of activities being offered, visit Winter Break Milwaukee.
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!
Event Details
- Thursday, October 17, 2024
- 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location
- Downtown Madison along State Street
- Ice Age Trail Alliance booth location coming soon!
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
Save the Date – Wednesday, August 28, 2024
To celebrate Trail Community Designation, Rice Lake will have a short ceremony complete with a ribbon-cutting. The event will feature family-friendly activities, a chance to meet Monty the Mammoth (official mascot of the Ice Age Trail), light snacks, and refreshments.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, August 28 Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park – 20 E Stout Street, Rice Lake
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.
Get scenic Mammoth Hike Challenge miles along the St. Croix River valley—formed as glacial meltwater carved through billion-year-old volcanic basalt bedrock. Experience glacial remnants as you climb inside a pothole, enjoy views from basalt cliffs, and traverse an esker!
Two distances offered:
- A 2.4-mile hike (one way with shuttle back to start)
- A 4.8-mile hike (out-and-back)
Date: Sunday, October 6, 2024
Time: Meet at 1:00 PM.
Parking/Hike Start: Pothole Trail parking area. Hike to E. State Street.
Recommendations:
- Know your activity tolerance and respect that.
- Dress for the weather: wear layers, a hat, etc.
- Bring bug repellant, water, and a snack.
Note: Inclement weather will cancel the hike.
Questions? Please call hike leaders, Cheryl (715-371-0048) or Barb (715-410-8069)
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.
Photo credit: Stacy Musch
Explore the Pike Lake Segment & the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest!
Pike Lake Hike:
Join us as we travel to Washington County to explore the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest! This loop hike will begin on the Ice Age Trail’s Pike Lake Segment and utilize the Pike Lake Unit’s color-coded trail system to return to our starting point.
Details:
We will begin near the south end of the Pike Lake Unit, and hike north on the Ice Age Trail. Near the family campground, we will loop back around to the south, heading towards the shore of Pike Lake before returning to our starting point. The planned hike is easy to moderate in difficulty, suitable for hikers of most ability levels, and will cover slightly more than 3 miles.
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please be sure to bring water, and consider bringing a lunch for post-hike socializing. If the weather is warm, you may also want to bring your bathing suit!
Location:
The main entrance to the Pike Lake Unit is located off of Highway 60, in Hartford. We will meet at the large parking area off of Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, toward the south end of the Pike Lake Unit, near the picnic shelters and beaches.
Contact:
Contact your leader, Mike with any questions or concerns.
Photo by The Spruce/Evgeniya Vlasova
The Workday:
Join us for a Seed Collection Outing at the Hartland Marsh with the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Land Restoration Specialist, Steve Pence! We will be collecting shooting star seeds that will go into the Ice Age Trail Alliance Seed Bank for future restoration projects. This ephemeral spring wildflower once was found growing abundantly throughout open, moist woods and rocky slopes. Unfortunately, shooting stars have suffered declines in both their numbers and natural habitats. The Alliance’s seed collection program is part of their land restoration efforts to re-establish and increase native plants found along the trail.
Work Details:
All tools and training will be provided. Wear long pants and sleeves, work gloves, and sturdy shoes. You will be healthier and happier by bringing a water bottle and insect repellent. If time allows we will continue clearing invasives from the area. Please complete a National Park Service Volunteer Agreement. Download Agreement.
Location Details:
Meet at the Hartland Marsh’s Cottonwood Wayside parking lot.
Contact Details:
Questions? Contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com
Photo by Stu Brandel
This hike was originally scheduled for Saturday, January 20, 2024.
The Hike:
Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance – Waukesha/ Milwaukee County Chapter and the Waukesha County Land Conservancy for a peaceful outing in nature with a guided hike at the stunning Hartland Marsh Preserve and the IAT’s John Muir Overlook loop trail. We’ll enjoy the winter wonderland and discover what makes this place so unique with IAT Hike Leader, Jeff Romagna, and Wisconsin Master Naturalist and Land Management Director, Helen Holtz.
Details:
This is an easy hike suitable for hikers of all ability levels. There is very little elevation gain on this route and the biggest challenge may be navigating snowy and/or icy conditions. All ages are welcome but ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Leashed dogs are welcome. Dress for the weather. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel. This event is free to the public and family friendly.
If you would like to join us afterwards, we’ll head to the Culver’s for some free custard – after all, we’re Wisconsinites and frozen custard (and maybe some cheese curds) is the perfect way to warm up!
Location:
We will meet at the Cottonwood Wayside.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to Jeff, one of your hike leaders.
Photo by Stu Brandel
THIS HIKE HAS BEEN POSTPONED AND RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2024.
The Hike:
Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance – Waukesha/ Milwaukee County Chapter and the Waukesha County Land Conservancy for a peaceful outing in nature with a guided hike at the stunning Hartland Marsh Preserve and the IAT’s John Muir Overlook loop trail. We’ll enjoy the winter wonderland and discover what makes this place so unique with IAT Hike Leader, Jeff Romagna, and Wisconsin Master Naturalist and Land Management Director, Helen Holtz.
Details:
This is an easy hike suitable for hikers of all ability levels. There is very little elevation gain on this route and the biggest challenge may be navigating snowy and/or icy conditions. All ages are welcome but ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Leashed dogs are welcome. Dress for the weather. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel. This event is free to the public and family friendly.
If you would like to join us afterwards, we’ll head to the Culver’s for some free custard – after all, we’re Wisconsinites and frozen custard (and maybe some cheese curds) is the perfect way to warm up!
Location:
We will meet at the Cottonwood Wayside.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to Jeff, one of your hike leaders.
Photo by Pat Witkowski
About:
The Waukesha/Milwaukee County County IATA Chapter is offering a series of Weekender Hikes. These hikes take place on one Saturday morning a month for the remainder of the year meeting at 10:00 a.m. Hike details will be available on the Chapter Calendar and on the Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page. Notice! There is a topic/theme for each hike. All are welcome to bring information, stories, and trivia to share before, during, and/or after the hike.
The Hike:
Join us for a celebratory weekend hike on the Waterville Segment! We will do an out and back hike heading south to the brand new addition to the trail recently finished by volunteers. Our theme is the history of the Waterville Community.
Details:
This easy hike will be about 4 miles. Bring water and dress appropriately for the weather. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after.
Location:
This final 2023 Weekender Hike will start at The UWM at Waukesha Field Station overflow parking area. Look for the IAT event sign as you approach the hike event.
Contact Information:
Questions or comments about our Weekender Hikes can be made through our Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page or through our chapter email.
Photo by Tim Hahn
About:
The Waukesha/Milwaukee County County IATA Chapter is offering a series of Weekender Hikes. These hikes take place on one Saturday morning a month for the remainder of the year meeting at 10:00 a.m. Hike details will be available on the IATA Calendar and on the Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page. Notice! There is a topic/theme for each hike. All are welcome to bring information, stories, and trivia to share before, during, and/or after the hike.
The Hike:
Join us for a weekend walk on the
Blue Spring Lake Segment in Jefferson County. We will hike a loop using the Bald Bluff Nature Trail to the Blue Springs Lake Segment to the Stone Elephant, then take the trail behind the Stone Elephant to the horse/snowmobile trail to reconnect with the Blue Springs and Bald Bluff trails to return to the parking lot. Our discussion theme is the History of Blue Spring Lake.
Details:
The hike will be about 4 miles, and of medium difficulty. There are some moderate hills so hiking poles will be helpful. Bring water and dress appropriately for the weather. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. For your safety during hunting season, wear blaze orange or other bright colors. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after.
Location:
Look for the IAT event sign as you approach each hike event and park at the Bald Bluff Scenic Overlook parking lot. This parking lot will fit 12-15 cars parked smartly; roadside parking is available south of the lot (north of the lot says private property).
Contact Information:
Questions or comments can be made through our Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page or through our chapter email.
The Tyke Hike:
Join us on a family-friendly stroll along Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail! We will explore a tyke-sized portion of the Delafield Segment which is adjacent to Cushing Memorial Park. This year, we will focus on Wisconsin-based picture book authors and Ice Age Trail Segments. Our tyke hike will begin after this month’s featured picture book, Boom! Boom! Boom! by Jamie Swenson. Families with children of all ages should attend!
These hikes give kids the opportunity to explore, discover and participate in natural play. They last approximately 1-2 hours and can cover up to 1.5 miles. Tyke Hikes are led by Peter Dargatz, a forest kindergarten teacher and Ice Age Trail volunteer.
Tyke Hike Details:
We will hike for approximately 30 minutes and then return. There will be occasional stops for play and exploration along the way. Hikers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes/hiking boots. Most importantly, bring water.
Location:
This hike will start out at Cushing Memorial Park. Watch for yellow Tyke Hike signs to guide you the the meeting point.
Contact Information:
Questions? Peter will answer them for you.
“Get lost in the right direction” with us!
The Event:
Join the Waukesha/Milwaukee Co. Chapter for a celebration of National Trails Day®! We will meet at the Evergreen Shelter in Lapham Peak State Park. Register at the outreach table located in the picnic shelter near Evergreen Shelter which is located in the lower parking area. Admission to the park is free on June 3. All ages are welcome. 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. We hope to see you there to share one of our favorite trails with you!
Enter a free raffle for a stuffed Monty the Mammoth or an Ice Age Trail Mug! Enjoy a snack and possibly a cold can of non-alcoholic beer donated by the Athletic Brewing Company.
The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® dedicates a day for public events focused on advocacy and trail service. It’s the perfect opportunity to give back to and celebrate the trails that bring people together.
Contact info:
Questions? Email: waukmkectychapter@iceagetrail.org
Photo by Vicki Christianson
The Hike:
Please join us as we hike the western portion of the IAT’s Blue Spring Lake Segment. This up & down segment features panoramic views from the top of Bald Bluff, and the Stone Elephant, a massive granite erratic.
Details:
We will shuttle cars to the Bald Bluff Nature Trail parking lot where we will begin our hike. We will hike north and east ~3 ½ miles to the Horseriders Campground. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Hiking poles will be helpful. Bring water for the hike.
Note: We do not cancel hikes ahead of time due to weather predictions. If that morning we have a deluge, or lightning, Mark will send out an email canceling…if you are not sure, stay home.
Location:
We will meet at the Horseriders Campground, leave some cars there and drive to the Bald Bluff Nature Trail parking lot.
Contact Information:
Dick Haas and Jeff Romagna help Mark Miner organize these hikes. Email comments or questions to Mark, your hike leader, and he will answer them for you.
Photo by Diane Clauer-Hauser
This hike has been CANCELLED!
The Hike:
Please join us as we hike the Milwaukee River Segment in Fond du Lac County. Paralleling the Milwaukee River, this Ice Age Trail segment traverses the densely wooded hillsides of the Northern Kettle Moraine and follows an irregular hummocky sand and gravel ridge for most of its length.
Details:
We will shuttle cars to the New Fane Trailhead where we will begin our hike. We will hike approximately four miles from there to the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. Additional hiking can be added at Mauthe Lake. Bring a lunch if you wish to picnic after the hike at Mauthe Lake. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water for the hike.
Note: We do not cancel hikes ahead of time due to weather predictions. If that morning we have a deluge, or lightning, Mark will send out an email canceling… if you are not sure, stay home.
Location:
We will meet at the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area.
Contact Information:
Dick Haas and Jeff Romagna help Mark Miner organize these hikes. Email comments or questions to Mark, your hike leader, and he will answer them for you.
Photo by Christopher White
The Tyke Hike:
Join us on a family-friendly hike to explore Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail on a paved trek along the Bark River! We will explore a tyke-sized portion of Waukesha County’s Hartland Segment. Families with children of all ages are encouraged to attend!
Tyke Hikes give kids the opportunity to explore, discover and participate in natural play. Specifically, they can cover up to 1.5 miles over the course of 1-2 hours. They last approximately 1-2 hours and can cover up to 1.5 miles. Tyke Hikes are led by Peter Dargatz, a forest kindergarten teacher and Ice Age Trail volunteer.
Tyke Hike Details:
This hike’s picture book is A Fall Ball For All by Jamie Swenson. We will start our hike at the beginning of the Hartland Segment trailhead. After reading this book, we will hike for approximately 30 minutes at a child-led pace and then return. There will be occasional stops for play and exploration – stops at the playground are likely! Hikers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable footwear. Bring water.
Location:
The yellow Tyke Hike Signs will guide you to the meeting point at Hartland’s Centennial Park parking lot.
Contact Information:
Questions? Peter will answer them.
Get lost in the right direction with us!
The Hike:
Join us on a Tyke Hike to explore Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail! We will explore a tyke-sized portion of the Waterville Segment in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Families with children of all ages should attend!
These hikes give kids the opportunity to explore, discover and participate in natural play. Most hikes include a picture book story and educational materials as well as certificates for children. In addition, service opportunities may be included. They last approximately 1-2 hours and can cover up to 1.5 miles. Tyke Hikes are led by Peter Dargatz, a forest kindergarten teacher and Ice Age Trail volunteer.
Hike Details:
We will hike for approximately 45 minutes and then return. There will be occasional stops for play and exploration along the way. Hikers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes/hiking boots. Most importantly, bring water.
Location Details:
This hike will start out at the UW-Waukesha Fieldstation, W349 S1480 Waterville Rd, Oconomowoc, WI 53066.
Contact Information:
Questions? Peter will answer them for you.
“Get lost in the right direction” with us!
Help celebrate the Greater Wausau Area becoming a new Ice Age Trail Community. Join 
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 
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?