Trails at Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Richard Bong State Recreation Area has 41.1 miles of trails including:

• 16.3 miles of hiking trails
• 14.7 miles of ungroomed cross-country ski trails
• 13 miles of horse trails
• 10.3 miles of off-road bike trails
• 10.3 miles of trails for snowshoeing
• 7.1 miles of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails
• 1.6 miles of interpretive nature trails

Hiking and Interpretive Trails

There are two self-guided nature trails:

The Visitor Center Nature trail (0.7 mile) is a limestone-surfaced trail. It can be walked in 15-30 minutes. The trail is almost completely in the open grasslands and goes through a restored prairie. There is a small oak woodlot. This is a great place to see Bobolinks in summer. A boardwalk overlooks beautiful Wolf Lake where you can spot migrating and resident waterfowl.

The boardwalk enables people with disabilities to get a close-up view of the wildlife area.
DNR Photo

It has signs about the wildlife you're likely to see.
DNR Photo

The 1-mile Vista Nature Trail This trail is not heavily used; enjoy its peacefulness. It can be walked in 60-90 minutes. The trail is closed in winter. To get to the trail, park at the Vista parking lot off County Highway B.The trail enters a beautiful hardwood forest and goes past a small pond. This is an excellent birding area for woodland species, especially in May. The trail ends at a shelter where there are pit toilets and a hand pump.

Horse Trails

Richard Bong State Recreation Area has 13 miles of horse trails. You can get to those trails within the park from Parking lot J. You can print a map of the park from the Internet or pick one up when you enter.

You must possess a valid state trail pass, which you can purchase at the park. If you bring your horse in a trailer or truck, you also will need a state park vehicle admission sticker.

The horse trails are usually open all year round, but may be closed in the spring when it is very wet. It's best to call before coming at that time of the year.

Richard Bong Recreation Area and nearby stables do not rent horses, so you must bring your own horse.

ATV/Dirt Bike Trails

Availability of the ATV/dirt bike trails is determined on a daily basis. Always call (262) 878-5600 before you come to ride. The message is changed daily. If weather or trail conditions warrant, the trails may be closed during the day and the telephone message changed.

ATV/Dirtbike loops 1 and 2 trails open at 9 a.m. Loop 3 never opens before noon. All loops close at sunset. In March and April the ATV/dirt bike trails are closed.

Please call Richard Bong State Recreation Area, (262) 878-5600, for daily updates of open/closed trails and other information.