Wisconsin is home to serene, rolling hills, remnant prairies, sparkling lakes, cathedral pines, and rugged terrain. Sculpted in part by the receding glaciers of the last Ice Age, the state is home to diverse and unique landscapes. Wisconsin is home to several picturesque rail trails constructed from abandoned railroad corridors. One of my favorite rail trails in southern Wisconsin is the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. A ride along this scenic trail allows an up close look at these unique landscapes in detail you might not fully take in traveling by car.
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Glacial History of Wisconsin
First, a bit of history…..
The Pleistocene Epoch (also known as the last Ice Age) occurred between 2.6 million and 11,700 years ago. During this period, continental ice sheets covered a large portion of North America. As ice sheets advanced and retreated, melting glaciers receded northward, sculpting unique landforms and resultant landscapes throughout the state.
The last glaciers moved through the state during the Wisconsin Glacial Stage. This occurred between 75,000 and 12,000 years ago. The movement glacial ice across the landscape left behind the topography we enjoy today. Wisconsin borders two of our Great Lakes, and is home to rolling hills, agricultural land, forests, and hundreds of lakes.
Driftless Region Topography
The Driftless Region includes the northwest part of Illinois, southwest part of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the northeastern part of Iowa. What makes this region unique is its topography.  Landforms common in the Driftless Region include bluffs, deep river valleys and steep canyon walls. Other unique landscape features include sinkholes, springs, and the occasional waterfall.
Check out this map of the Driftless Region from the Mississippi Valley Conservancy.
What Shaped the Driftless Region?
Downcutting of the Mighty Missisippi River shaped the Driftless terrain. Downcutting is a geological process that cuts down the river valley, removing sediment from the river bed. Check out Driftless Wisconsin to learn more about Driftless geography and rivers within the region.
Driftless Region Adventures
Today, the Driftless Regions is one of the most beautiful regions in the state of Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin-Extension maintains a great Driftless Getaways Roadmap. In this roadmap, you can explore different activities, from drives and beautiful viewpoints to scenic hikes. Restaurants, breweries, and supper clubs can be found throughout the region.
Are you interested in biking another picturesque rail trail in the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region? Consider Biking Wisconsin’s Driftless Region – Sugar River State Trail, from Brodhead to New Glarus, Wisconsin.
Glacial Drumlin State Trail | Glacial Landscapes of Wisconsin
Outside of the Driftless Region, the topography of Wisconsin is equally fascinating. Landforms sculpted by the receding glaciers are a treat to see from the air, by car, by bike, or on foot. It is easier to observe these landforms by car. In my opinion, the best way to see this terrain is by bike. Wisconsin is home to over 100 rail trails spanning over 1,900 miles throughout the state. There is much to see!
The Rails to Trails Conservancy website has a wealth of information on trails across the nation.  Wisconsin trails can be searched using Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Trail Finder App. One of my favorite rail trails is the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. This trail showcases many of these features, feeding my love of geology.
For detailed maps on the go, check out the All Trails app. Search 450,000 trails – with photos, maps, and detailed reviews. Sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE.Â
Glacial Drumlin State Trail | Cottage Grove to Waukesha, Wisconsin
Between Cottage Grove and Waukesha Wisconsin, the Glacial Drumlin State Trail covers 52 miles of rolling glacial landscapes. The trail is paved from Waukesha to Dousman, while the rest of the trail is crushed limestone. There are no interruptions in the trail, with the exception of a brief 1.5 mile section NE of Jefferson between State Highway 26 and County Highway H.
The trail crosses the Koshkonong Creek 5 times. In addition, you’ll cross the larger Crawfish River once as well. West of Lake Mills, you will cross the Glacial Drumlin Trail Trestle at Rock Lake.
Glacial Drumlin State Trail | Permitted Uses and Trail Fees
Glacial Drumlin State Trail – Permitted Uses for this trail include biking, hiking, in-line skating, skiing and snowmobiling. Uses not permitted on the trail include motorized vehicles, ATVs, hunting and horses.
You can find parking, restrooms, and picnic areas along the trail. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed. See the Wisconsin DNR Map of the Glacial Drumlin State Trail.
Glacial Drumlin State Trail – Trail Fees Bikers and in-line skaters (age 16 or older) are required to have an annual or daily state trail pass. You can purchase passes online from the Wisconsin DNR or at state park offices. Self-registration is available when offices are closed. In addition, some local businesses along the trails sell trail passes. If you start your ride in Dousman, be sure to pop into the Bicycle Doctor for a snack or to chat with the owners. This amazing bike shop has a large selection of bikes, clothing, gear, and healthy snacks for the trail.
Glacial Drumlin State Trail | Landforms
Unique landforms found throughout the region paint a vivid picture of Wisconsin’s glacial past. As such, the Glacial Drumlin State Trail is aptly named. These landforms are prevalent along the western half of the trail. Some of these features are difficult to discern on foot or by bike. However, when you know what to look for, they are easy to spot.
Wisconsin’s Glacial Landforms
Moraine: A moraine is unnconsolidated debris (sediment and rock) left behind by a moving glacier. Moraines form on the sides or the foot of moving glacial ice. From a distance, moraines appear as large, broadly shaped, elongated ridges.
Drumlin: Drumlins are teardrop-shaped, elongated hills of glacial sediment formed by the movement of an ice sheet. Drumlins are oriented north-south in the direction of ice flow. The teardrop-shaped features you see dotting the landscape near Helenville in the USGS topographic map below are glacial drumlins. Drumlins often occur in clusters, also known as swarms.
Glacial Drumlin State Trail | Kettle and Kame Topography
Kettles: Kettles are round depressions formed by the melting of a block. As ice detached from (calved from) a receding glacier, depressions remained. These round depressions become kettle lakes. Where kettles are found, so too are kames. This is known as kettle and kame topography.
Kames: Kames are round hills of glacial sediment (sand and gravel) formed from meltwater streams from glaciers and arranged in layers. Kames often occur in clusters, and occur in the same regions with kettles. This is known as kettle and kame topography.
Eskers:  Eskers are long, sinuous ridges of glacial sediment (sand and gravel) formed from meltwater streams. Glaciers deposited sediment beneath them as they melted. These unique features appear snake-like from above, extending for hundreds of meters or even hundreds of kilometers. They vary in size and shape, with some with flat tops and others with sharp ridges.
Glacial Drumlin State Trail | Communities
Wisconsin’s rail trails offer numerous connections to communities along the trail. Are you looking for some hydration? A hot coffee or farm fresh fruit pie? A post-ride meal? Regardless of what you’re looking for, there are a few great options!
Jelli’s Market and Farm Store | Helenville, Wisconsin
If you’re up for a visit to a local farm, you can take a small diversion from the Glacial Drumlin State Trail to visit Jelli’s Market in Helenville, WI (about 2 miles off the trail). Jelli’s is a wonderful family-owned farm where you can pick apples, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries in season. In addition, Jelli’s has sunflowers and a pumpkin patch in the fall.
I encourage you to visit the farm store to purchase handmade soaps, jams, honey, or maple syrup. Fresh donuts and other pastries are availabe during the summer months, in addition to fruit pies and popsicles. You’ll often spot one of the family’s friendly cats or dogs on the farm. Jelli’s is open daily from 9am-5pm as of April 21, 2025.
To get to Jelli’s from the Glacial Drumlin State Trail, exit the trail at Farmington Rd. and travel north for about 2 miles; Jelli’s Market will be on your right.
Lake Mills, Wisconsin | Restaurants
If you make it to Lake Mills, there are few great options for a meal. El Mariachi, located at 102 East Madison Street, is a great place for some well-earned chips and salsa, tacos, fajitas, or a cold drink. Outdoor seating is available during the summer months.
Also located in downtown Lake Mills is The Grist Bar & Table, located at 103 South Main Street. The Grist Bar & Table serves traditional comfort food as well as burgers, sandwiches and salads with house-made dressings.
A third option for a casual meal just east of downtown at W6630 County Road B is Aztalan Inn Bar and Grill. Aztalan is a family-operated restaurant serving fresh fish, tacos, wraps, sandwiches, seafood, steak and chicken.
Cottage Grove, Wisconsin | Restaurants
If you make it to the Cottage Grove at the westernmost end of the Glacial Drumlin State Trail, (or begin there!) there are a couple of great options for food. 1855 Saloon & Grill, located at 227 County Highway N is located at the trail head for the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. Burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads are served, along with a selection of craft beers. The restaurant has a beautiful extended outdoor patio with several televisions for those checking game scores.
Another option is the Black Bear Inn, serving lunch and dinner. Black Bear Inn also serves breakfast on Saturday and Sunday from 8am-2pm. Located at 320 West Cottage Grove Road, Black Bear’s menu includes burgers, sandwiches, wings, soups and salads, and seafood.
If you’re looking for some delicious soul food, check out Moneecia’s Kitchen, located at 447 Cottage Grove Road. If you’re just looking for a coffee or a baked treat, consider the Olde Town Coffee House, located at 218 South Main Street. Older Town Coffee House is also near the Cottage Grove trailhead. It is open daily from 7am-2pm.
Biking Gear
Weather is ever-changing in Wisconsin! Mornings and evenings can be chilly, and midday sun can be intense, even into the fall months. For great layers for fall rides, explore Fall Gear & Apparel up to 60% Off. Jackets & Layers Up To 65% Off
Biking Packs
If you’re biking a long distance, make sure you have a comfortable pack for your gear. For a biking-specific hydration pack, consider Osprey’s Kitsuma or Katari hydration packs in 1.5 liter, 3 liter, and 7 liter sizes. I have used the Katari 3 pack for several years now. It is just large enough for extra water, snacks, and a light layer of clothing. The bright yellow color also adds extra visibility for road crossings. Osprey’s Packfinder tool will help you find the pack that best fits your frame and activity.
For a lumbar off-the-back pack, check out the Seral 7. This 1.5 liter hydration pack has enough room for a spare tube and patch kit. For something a tad larger, I recommend the Raptor 10, a 2.5 liter hydration pack including hipbelt pockets and shoulder harness.
Waterproof Packs for Rainy Rides
If you’re looking for a larger, waterproof pack for those potentially rainy summer rides, check out the Osprey Transporter Waterproof 18. With back-panel for ventilation and stable carry, roll-top closure, you can fit all your gear. The Transporter comes in 18, 25, and 30 liter sizes.
Biking the Glacial Drumlin State Trail is enjoyable in spring, summer, or fall. You will find scenic views, observe unique plants, birds and wildlife. In addition, you’ll find great food in local trail communities, and get a great workout!
Enjoy your ride on this beautiful Wisconsin trail!
Happy Trails!
-Erin
