Wisconsin is a state of diverse landscapes. Home to rolling hills, remnant prairies, sparkling lakes, cathedral pines, agricultural land, bluffs and rugged terrain, and shorelines of two of our beautiful Great Lakes, Wisconsin has scenic views in every corner of the state. One of the best ways to enjoy Wisconsin’s scenic landscapes is through biking one of the state’s 1,700 miles of bike trails. One of my favorite trails in the state is the Ozaukee Interurban Trail. along Wisconsin’s Southern Lake Michigan shore.
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All Trails Maps/App
The Ozaukee trail can be found on the All Trails website and app. Search 500,000+ trails by state and trail type – includes photos, maps, and detailed trail reviews. Sign up for a FREE 7-day Trial HERE.
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Passing through six charming Wisconsin communities, you’ll enjoy scenic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding shoreline, observe native wildflowers and migrating butterflies, and plenty of stops along the way for food and drink. Between Milwaukee and Sheboyban, WI, the beautiful Ozaukee Interurban Trail is a beautiful way to explore Ozaukee County and Lake Michigan’s beautiful southern shore.
Ozaukee Interurban Trail | Permitted Uses and Trail Fees
Permitted Uses for this trail include biking, hiking, in-line skating, running, and cross-country skiing.
Non-permitted uses include motorized vehicles, ATVs, and horseback riding. You can find parking, restrooms, and trail heads in each of the 6 trail communities detailed above. Leashed pets are welcome on the trail. See the Interactive Map of the Ozaukee Interurban Trail.
Ozaukee Interurban Trail Fees: There is no fee to ride the Ozaukee Interurban Trail.
Ozaukee Interurban Trail Communities
From north to south, the 30-mile paved Ozaukee Interurban Trail passes through the communities of Belgium, Port Washington, Grafton, Cedarburg, Theinsville, and Mequon. Each of these communities offer views of Lake Michigan, scenic viewpoints, wildflowers, coffeeshops, art galleries and boutiques, and restaurants to stop for a snack or a meal along your ride.
Check out the Interactive Trail Map for the Ozaukee Interurban Trail.
Ozaukee County Trail Community | Cedarburg, Wisconsin
My favorite trail community along the Ozaukee Interurban trail is Cedarburg. This picturesque community along the Cedar Creek is a beautiful spot to stop along the trail, grab a meal or a snack, and visit the many shops.
The Ozaukee trail passes through downtown Cedarburg between Pioneer Rd. and Bobolink Ave. where the Interurban Bridge crosses the Cedar River.
Ozaukee Interurban Trail Communities | Mequon
Mequon is a charming city south of Cedarburg with a population of just over 25,000. Named for the Indian word, “Miguan”, for the ladle-like shape of the Milwaukee River, which flows through the community. In Mequon, you’ll find several great coffee shops (Fiddleheads is my favorite!) Two other coffee options are Colectivo in the Mequon Town Center, and Interurban Coffeehouse, Bakery & Juicery.
For bike service, bike rentals, or other bike gear, be sure to check out Trailside Recreation, located at 11090 N. Weston Drive, Suite 3, just a block from the trail.
Ozaukee Interurban Trail Communities | Port Washington
Port Washington is a charming Lake Michigan town offering unique shops, and great options for a meal. If you’re riding through town on a Saturday, check out the beautiful farmer’s market – from June through October on Main Street. You can’t miss it!
As you ride through town, be sure to look for the historic light station, built in 1860! The light station includes a keeper’s house and lantern room. The breakwater light is located at the entrance to the harbor at Coal Dock Park.
A couple of years ago I rode through Coal Dock Park in early September and witnessed hundreds of migrating monarch butterflies on native wildflowers along the shore. It was quite a sight!
Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary
The Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary encompasses 962 square miles of Lake Michigan including a portion of Kewaunee County, and all of Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and Ozaukee Counties. The marine sanctuary encompasses 36 known shipwreck sites. Researchers believe that up to 60 additional shipwrecks are yet to be discovered! The waters east of Port Washington are part of this unique marine sanctuary.
Connecting Trails
The Ozaukee Interurban Trail connects with the Sheboygan Interurban Trail to the north, and with the Brown Deer Recreational Trail to the south.
Nearby Biking Trails
Opportunities for biking in this region are limitless. The Ozaukee Interurban Trail is central to several other scenic bike trails in surrounding Ozaukee County, Milwaukee County, and Washington County.
- Milwaukee County’s Oak Leaf Trail – 125 mile multi-use trail
- Sheboygan’s Old Plank Road Trail – 21 mile multi-use trail
- Eisenbahn State Trail, Washington County – 25 mile multi-use trail
Donate to Ozaukee Interurban Trail
To help maintain this beautiful trail for all to enjoy, consider a small donation to help maintain the trail for years to come. Donate HERE.
Other Scenic Wisconsin Bike Trails to Check Out…
Read more about two of my favorite rail trails in Wisconsin! The Glacial Drumlin State Trail gives riders a view into the state’s geologic past. Glacial landforms color the landscape between Waukesha and Cottage Grove, WI.
A second picturesque rail trail in the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region is the Sugar River State Trail, from Brodhead to New Glarus, WI.
Interurban Biking
Biking the Ozaukee Interurban Trail, you will discover scenic views, native plants, (and even monarchs!) birds and wildlife, beautiful Lake Michigan, and enjoy a great workout! Enjoy your ride on this beautiful Wisconsin trail.
Happy Trails!
-Erin
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