Badger State Trail

The Badger State Trail is a 40-mile, crushed gravel trail running from Madison to the Illinois State line. It is a popular Wisconsin trail being a mere 30 minute ride south of Madison, about a 2 hour ride from Milwaukee, and just 2 and a half hours from Chicago. It follows the former Illinois Central Railroad corridor and is intended for bicycles and hikers during warm months and snowmobiles and limited ATV use during the winter.

A day-use trail pass cost $4 in 2010.

A highlight of the trail is the historic and restored 1200 foot long Stewart Train Tunnel that was finished in 1887 and is located south of Belleville.


A powerful flashlight is recommended because a slight bend in the tunnel puts you in total darkness. This tunnel, though not the longest trail tunnel in Wisconsin, is considered by many to be the darkest in Wisconsin.




A number of lovely creek crossings spice up the ride. Though the trail is often tree-shrouded, you do get numerous expansive views as you peer over corn and soybean fields, observe pleasant farmsteads, and admire green hills rising up in the distance.



The trail crosses the Sugar River State Trail in Monticello...



...and is well-signed, giving the towns and distances in each of the four directions...


I parked in Monticello at the lot located at the end of East Lake Avenue, just a few blocks from Main Street. Head north if you want to get to the tunnel.

Wisconsin DNR web page for this trail

Badger Trail website

Map of trail