Glacial Drumlin State Trail
Nearly fifty miles connect Waukesha and Cottage Grove through drumlins, wetlands, farmland, small towns, pavement, limestone, and one on-road gap.
Artwork inspired by Emily Groom
The trail’s namesake drumlins are elongated hills molded beneath moving glacial ice, often aligned in the direction of flow. From a former railroad grade, their shape becomes visible as repeated low backs rising beyond wetlands and fields, while towns preserve depots and service points along the corridor.
Surface and continuity matter: the eastern miles are paved, much of the route is crushed limestone, and a short public-road connection near Jefferson interrupts the separated trail. Plan tire choice, water, wind, and a return shuttle; winter uses and trail conditions change by county and segment.
- Length
- About 52 miles
- Surface
- Asphalt and limestone
- Endpoints
- Waukesha and Cottage Grove
Quick guide
- Identify a drumlin profile
- Look for long, low, similarly aligned hills rather than isolated round knobs
- Map the Jefferson gap
- The on-road connector requires traffic awareness and should not surprise families mid-ride
Use a straight trail to see curved glacial land
- Identify a drumlin profile
- Look for long, low, similarly aligned hills rather than isolated round knobs.
- Check the surface split
- Pavement and crushed limestone produce different speed, comfort, and accessibility.
- Map the Jefferson gap
- The on-road connector requires traffic awareness and should not surprise families mid-ride.
- Build around a town stop
- Depots and small communities make food, water, history, and turnaround points practical.
Good to know
Do not assume the whole route is paved or completely separated from traffic.
Notice these
- Glacial hills
- Wetland causeways
- Lake Mills depot area