Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Eisenbahn State Trail

Trail Uses
How to Get There
More Information

This 25-mile county-operated trail extends from the historic city of West Bend into the scenic countryside of eastern Wisconsin past the glacial landscape of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Built on a former railroad corridor, the history of the trail is remembered in the title "Eisenbahn," a German word for railroad.

Old railroad bridge
A stream trickles under the stonework of a historic railroad bridge.
Photo © Fond du Lac County

The trail passes through the communities of West Bend, Kewaskum and Campbellsport, ending in Eden at the village park.

Eisenbahn State Trail Map [PDF 360KB]
Washington County Segment Map [PDF, exit DNR]
Fond du Lac County Segment Map [PDF 1MB] Courtesy Fond du Lac County

The trail is surfaced with limestone screenings for about 20 miles from Eden to Northwestern Avenue in West Bend. In West Bend the trail is paved with asphalt for about 5 miles from Northwestern Avenue to the southern trailhead at Rusco Drive. Washington and Fond du Lac counties maintain and manage the Eisenbahn State Trail.

Trail Uses

Trail uses vary by county, but different sections of the Eisenbahn State Trail are open for walking, bicycling, in-line skating, snowmobiling and winter ATV use.

Walking and Bicycling

The smooth surfaces and level grade make the trail accessible for users of all abilities. The entire length of the trail is open for walking, running and bicycling and for walking dogs. Pets must be kept on a leash and owners should pick up after their pet.

In-Line Skating

The 5-mile section of paved trail in West Bend is suitable for in-line skating.

Washington County has posted trail use identification signs along the trail.
DNR Photo

Snowmobiling

In Washington County, snowmobiles are permitted on the trail for about 7 miles from Lighthouse Lane to the Washington/Fond du Lac county line. Snowmobiles are not permitted in West Bend. In Fond du Lac County, snowmobiles are permitted on the entire 12-mile length of the trail from the county line to Eden.

To protect the trail from damage, the trail is closed to snowmobiling when snow conditions are poor. Snowmobile operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws, including traveling no more than 15 miles per hour within any of the village limits.

All-Terrain Vehicles

During the 2007-2008 Winter, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are permitted on the trail in Fond du Lac County only when the temperature is 28 degrees Fahrenheit or less, when the ground is frozen, and only from December 8 to March 15. ATVs are not permitted in Washington County.

The Eisenbahn trail runs adjacent to many local parks.
DNR Photo by Joseph Warren

The Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest provides many additional recreation opportunities. Camping, hiking, hunting and fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling and cross-country ski trails can all be found within the 300,000-acre forest.

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds through the Kettle Moraine Forest. There is access to the Ice Age Trail near the Eisenbahn trail just south of Kewaskum along County Highway H.

How to Get There

Eden—State Highway 45 travels through Eden. Parking is available at the Eden Community Park at the trailhead.

Milwaukee River south of Campbellsport
The trail parallels several sections of the Milwaukee River.
Photo © Fond du Lac County

Campbellsport—State Highway 67 and County Highway V travel through Campbellsport. The trail is adjacent to Fireman's Park where parking is available.

Kewaskum—State Highways 28 and 45 pass through Kewaskum. Parking is available next to the trail in downtown Kewaskum between Highway 28 and Second Street. The trail also runs adjacent to River Hills Park where parking is available.

West Bend—State Highways 45 and 33 pass through West Bend. Parking is available in lots near Water and Washington streets and is also allowed along city side streets.