Wisconsin is home to a variety of picturesque landscapes including impressive glacial moraines, kettles, kames, drumlins and eskers sculpted by the receding glaciers of the last Ice Age, and a unique region of the state known as the Driftless Region, which remained untouched by glaciers. A ride along the Sugar River State Trail is an excellent way to observe the Driftless Region of Wisconsin up close – in detail you might not fully take in traveling by car.
Glacial History of Wisconsin – The Driftless Region
During the Pleistocene Epoch 250 million years ago, receding glaciers sculpted landforms throughout the state, and with the exception of an unglaciated region known as the Driftless Region, (the northwest part of Illinois, southwest part of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the northeastern part of Iowa) the rest of Wisconsin offers visitors a fascinating look into the state’s geologic past. What makes the Driftless Region unique is its topography; unglaciated areas possess more rugged terrain, which differs from the rest of Wisconsin. Landforms common in the Driftless Region include bluffs, deep river valleys and steep canyon walls, sinkholes, springs, and the occasional waterfall. The terrain is shaped by the downcutting of the upper Mississippi River (a geological process that cuts down the river valley, removing sediment from the river bed) and the absence of glacial deposits. If you’d like to learn more about this unique region, be sure to check out Driftless Wisconsin, to learn more about Driftless geography and rivers within the region.
Today, the Driftless Region is one of the most beautiful parts of the state of Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin-Extension has a great Driftless Getaways Roadmap where you can explore different activities, from drives and beautiful viewpoints, to hiking, to local bars, breweries, and even supper clubs within the Driftless Region, as well as a map of the Driftless Region, courtesy of the Mississippi Valley Conservancy.
Driftless Region Rail Trails
While these unique landscapes of Wisconsin are easily observed by car, in my opinion, the best way to see this unique landscape is by bike. Wisconsin is home to over 100 rail trails spanning over 1,900 miles – throughout the state, there is so much to see!
The Rails to Trails Conservancy website has a wealth of information on trails across the nation. You can also search Wisconsin trails using Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Trail Finder App. One of the most picturesque rail trails is the Sugar River State Trail, which showcases the stunning geography of the Driftless Region, feeding my love of geology and unique landscapes.
Sugar River State Trail: New Glarus to Brodhead, WI
Between New Glarus and Brodhead Wisconsin, the Sugar River State Trail is a crushed limestone trail covering 24 miles of rugged Driftless landscape along an abandoned railroad bed. New Glarus is the north end of the trail, and the southern trailhead is located at Brodhead, WI. Along the way, you’ll ride through the small towns of Monticello and Albany, and you’ll cross the Sugar River and Little Sugar River. The Sugar River State Trail crosses the Sugar River 14 times across trestles, and 5 times between Monticello and Albany, offering picturesque views of surrounding farmland. If you want to link up with the Badger State Trail, you can catch this just south of the town of Monticello.
Driftless Region – Sugar River State Trail
Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
The Sugar River Trail is part of the Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System, (named for conservationist Aldo Leopold) a collection of 42 state trails totaling over 1700 miles throughout Wisconsin. You can view the Department of Natural Resources Interactive Trails Network Plan Map which shows a statewide interconnected network of rail trails (trails constructed from abandoned railroad beds) and smaller, county and private trails.
Sugar River State Trail – Permitted Uses for this trail include biking, hiking, in-line skating, skiing and snowmobiling; however, the trail is not groomed for skiing, and is a shared use trail. The trail is closed to motorized and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), hunting, and horses. Parking, restrooms, and picnic areas can be found along the trail, and leashed pets are permitted. See the Wisconsin DNR Map of the Sugar River State Trail.
Sugar River State Trail – Trail Fees Bikers and in-line skaters age 16 or older are required to have a state trail pass (annual or daily). Trail passes can be purchased from the Wisconsin DNR online, at state park offices (self-registration stations when state park offices are closed); some local businesses along the trails sell trail passes as well.
Driftless Region & Sugar River State Trail Communities
Wisconsin’s rail trails offer numerous connections to communities along the trail for food and refreshments, culture entertainment, and seasonal events. Although there’s not much in the way of gourmet food in Monticello or Albany, these are great towns to stop for a rest and some hydration from the local store. If you’re looking for some hydration, a craft brew, authentic Swiss food or post-ride meal along the trail, there are a few great options for food and drink in downtown New Glarus, known as “Little Switzerland”, with Swiss-style chalet architecture and ethnic festivals throughout the summer and fall. Festivals include Polkafest, Beer, Bacon & Cheese Festival, Blues, Brews, & Food Trucks, Volksfest (Swiss Independence Day) Art in the Park, Wilhem Tell Festival, and the classic Oktoberfest, among others! Check out the New Glarus Event Calendar.
New Glarus Restaurants
Glarner Stube
Located at 518 1st Street in downtown New Glarus, there is no better place for an authentic Swiss meal than the Glarner Stube. From Swedish meatballs, classic Swiss Roesti (fried hashbrowns with aged Swiss cheese) and cheese fondue to bratwurst and wiener schnitzel, if you’re looking for a hearty meal, this is the place to be!
New Glarus Hotel Restaurant
Located at 100 Sixth Avenue, the New Glarus Hotel Restaurant is currently under renovation, with expected opening in late Fall of 2025. Although I’m not sure how the menu might change with the renovations, this has always been a favorite post-meal spot for authentic Swiss food.
Ticino Pizzeria
Located at 100 6th Avenue at the New Glarus Hotel Restaurant, Ticino Pizzeria offers a variety of pizzas, and of course, New Glarus brews. I have heard that Ticino’s is currently closed due to the ongoing renovations at the New Glarus Hotel Restaurant; I have not found information on if or when they may reopen.
Sugar River Pizza Company
Speaking of pizza, if you’re in the mood for a delicious pizza, check out the Sugar River Pizza Company, located at 700 Railroad Street, conveniently right along the Sugar River State Trail. Bike racks are offered for bikers stopping for a meal. Pizza choices are endless, and include gluten-free options. Don’t take it from me – check out the menu! If you’re into craft beers, there’s a menu for those as well!
Sugar River Pizza Company also has locations in Sun Prairie and Verona, Wisconsin.
Dirty Dog Taphaus
Located at 101 6th Avenue, Dirty Dog Taphaus is the place to be for great food, friendly folks (and dogs, permitted outside!) great food and a large selection of self-pour craft beers, seltzers and ciders. The outdoor patio often has live music, and the vibe is friendly and festive!
Brenda’s Blumenladen – New Glarus Garden Center
Also, while you’re in New Glarus, be sure to check out Brenda’s Blumenladen garden center at 17 6th Avenue for a wide variety of garden decor, landscape plants, home goods, seasonal items, and gifts – I could spend a good hour looking at both the indoor and outdoor selection. It’s definitely worth a visit!
Biking Gear for Trail Rides
Biking weather in the Midwest can be ever-changing, especially in the spring and summer. If you plan to bike a long distance on the Sugar River State Trail, make sure you have a comfortable backpack to carry any extra water, snacks, an extra tube, bike tools, or any other needed gear. If you’re looking for a bike-specific hydration pack, consider Osprey’s Kitsuma or Katari hydration packs; these biking-specific packs come in 1.5 liter, 3 liter, and 7 liter sizes. I have used the Katari 3 pack for several years now, and find it just large enough for extra water, snacks, and a light layer of clothing. The bright yellow color also adds extra visibility for road crossings.
For a medium-sized pack suitable for any activity, I recommend Osprey’s Talon 11 – I have worn this pack faithfully for hiking, biking, and exploration for 10 years and it has never let me down. I cannot say enough positive about the durability and fit of Osprey packs (I have four!) The Talon 11 has comfortable padded shoulder straps with safety whistle, curved back-panel for ventilation, continuous-wrap hip-belt, two water bottle compartments and plenty of storage space. You can use Osprey’s Packfinder to find the pack that will best fit your frame.
If you’re looking for a larger, waterproof pack for those potentially rainy summer rides, check out the Osprey Transporter Waterproof 18 with AirScape back-panel for ventilation and stable carry, and roll-top closure to fit all your gear. The Transporter comes in 18, 25, and 30 liter sizes. If you’re looking for a simple sling pack, consider the Daylite Sling. #ospreypacks @ospreypacks
Biking the Sugar River State Trail is always an adventure, regardless of the season. Whether you plan to ride the entire trail from end to end, or spend a bit of time exploring surrounding trail communities, you will find scenic views, observe unique plants, birds and wildlife, meet friendly folks, find great food and drinks in local trail communities, and get a great workout worthy of that delicious Swiss food!
Enjoy your ride on this beautiful Wisconsin trail!
As a side note……..if you’re interested in southern Wisconsin’s other rail trails, explore the Glacial Landscapes of Wisconsin – Glacial Drumlin State Trail.
-Erin
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.
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