Fox River State Trail: The 25-mile bike path that’s full of Wisconsin history

The Fox River State Trail has a lengthy and fascinating history and spans 25 miles for biking, walking, and horseback riding. 

If you want to go for a scenic, lengthy bike ride, there’s no shortage of trails in Wisconsin. One that definitely shouldn’t be passed up in the Fox River State Trail. Spanning a portion of the Fox River between Green Bay and Hilbert, the state trail runs for 25 miles. The riverside trail is not only extraordinarily scenic, but it’s also jam-packed with Wisconsin history—it was first traveled by Native Americans and then by French explorers and traders. Now, it’s more popular with joggers and bicyclists. 

Plus, it’s got just enough mileage that you can finish the trail feeling exhilarated but potentially not too exhausted. Don’t feel bad if you do feel exhausted, though. That just leaves more of a reason to stop at some of the parks, coffee shops, and scenic overlooks along the route. 

From the trail’s lengthy history to the best places to currently stop along it, here’s your guide to the Fox River State Trail.

What is the Fox River State Trail?

There are plenty of trails in Wisconsin for bike riders to enjoy, but few are as history-packed as the Fox River State Trail. The trail, which runs for more than 25 miles, starts in downtown Green Bay and travels along the Fox River for five miles before continuing through cities like De Pere and smaller towns, as well as scenic farmland. The route, which was formerly a train corridor, also used to be traveled by Native Americans and French traders. 

The trail is open to walkers, joggers, horseback riders, in-line skaters, and cyclists from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. 

Photo courtesy of Friends of the Fox River Trail WI via Facebook.

What is the history of the trail?

For more than 20 years, the Fox River State Trail has been a popular corridor for walkers, joggers, cyclists, roller skaters and even horseback riders. The corridor was officially purchased by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in 1998, and the trail was formed in the early 2000s due to a collaboration between the Wisconsin DNR and the Brown County Parks Department—but its history goes back much farther than that.

The route along the Fox River was first traveled by Native Americans, who used footpaths to travel between villages. After Europeans arrived in the area, the area was traversed by French traders, who traveled along the Fox River. In 1873, the Milwaukee and Northern Railway Company installed a railway, which they operated for more than a century. Train service concluded along the corridor in 1989, and the route was purchased by the Wisconsin DNR after that.

What are some historical stops along the trail?

Some of the history along the Fox River State Trail goes back centuries. For a bit more modern history, make a stop at Green Bay’s Broadway-Walnut Historic District. The neighborhood, which lies near the Fox River and along the trail, was added to both the Wisconsin Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places in 1999 for its notable historic buildings. Some of the recognized buildings include the Tarlton Theatre, which was first constructed in 1925, and the U.S. Post Office, located at 111 N. Broadway, which was built in 1900. Beyond its history, the district is great for visitors because of its regular slate of events, including Fall Fest on Broadway and the annual Christkindlmarket that’s held every year in November and December.

The trail also passes by Heritage Hill State Historical Park, an open-air museum that showcases 24 historic buildings, including the Tank Cottage, which was built in 1776 and is the oldest standing house in Wisconsin. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and costs $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and military members with identification and $8 for children ages 6 to 12. Guided tram tours of the museum can be taken on Tuesdays for $20 per person.

Where is the trail?

As its name suggests, the Fox River State Trail follows along the Fox River in Wisconsin for approximately five of its 25 miles. The trail begins in downtown Green Bay, at the intersection of Adams St. and Portlier St. It ends at Ott Road, one mile north of Hilbert, Wisc.

Photo courtesy of Friends of the Fox River Trail WI via Facebook.

Is there parking nearby?

There’s parking available near both the northern and southern trailheads, as well as at the Fox Point Boat Launch facility, Voyageur Park, Bomier Boat Launch and at the corner of Klaus St. and Follett St. in Greenleaf.

How difficult is it to bike?

The trail is 25.8 miles point-to-point on both pavement and crushed rock surfaces. For more than 11 miles, it has an asphalt surface, and is composed of crushed rocks for the remaining 14 miles. According to AllTrails, there’s an elevation gain of 406 feet, and is generally considered a relatively easy route for cyclists.

How long is it?

The Fox River State Trail runs for 25 miles, starting in downtown Green Bay, running along the Fox River for a portion of the trail’s length, until it culminates at Ott Road, located approximately one mile north of the Village of Hilbert. 

Does it cost anything to go on the trail?

State trail passes are required for anyone who wants to bike, inline skate, or horseback ride along the Fox River State Trail. There are two options for passes: an annual pass or a daily pass. Annual passes cost $25, and are good for the duration of the calendar year. Daily passes cost $5. Passes are non-transferable, and can be purchased online, or in person at either a drive-up window, an electronic sales kiosk or at self-registration stations.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, if a pass is not purchased, bicyclists, horseback riders, and in-line skaters can be fined an additional $5. 

There’s no fee for anyone who chooses to walk along the trail.

Is it connected to any other trails?

Bicyclists looking for even more mileage can ride the Fox River State Trail and then travel along one of the other trails that are connected to it. In Forest Junction, the trail connects with the Friendship State Trail, a four-mile trail that passes through wooded areas and farmland. During the winter, the trail is also connected to several miles of county snowmobile trails. 

Where else can I stop along the trail?

While much of the Fox River State Trail passes through scenic farmland, several places along the route make for great stops, especially as the trail cuts through the cities of Green Bay and De Pere. 

• Voyageurs Bakehouse – As the trail kicks off in Green Bay’s downtown, it makes it a convenient place to fuel up before heading out for a 25-mile bike ride. Before you start, stop by Voyageurs Bakehouse, a nine-minute bike ride away from the northern trailhead, for coffee, pastries, sandwiches, or full loaves of sourdough bread. The bakery has a second location along the trail in De Pere.
• Voyageur Park – Located in the heart of De Pere, Voyageur Park spans 21 acres along the Fox River and the Fox River State Trail. The park, which features a picnic area, is a perfect place to stop for a snack. It also makes for a great stop if you’re traveling the trail with kids, as it features a large playground area, as well as restrooms to make a quick bathroom break before continuing a ride along the trail.
• St. Francis Park – The trail bisects St. Francis Park, a five-acre park in Allouez that is an ideal location for taking a rest stop. The park, which can’t be accessed by car, has a picnic area and year-round restrooms. It also has unbeatable access to wildlife: bald eagles have been spotted sitting in the park’s trees on multiple occasions.

• Cycling Brews – Not only is Cycling Brews a great spot to stop for a beer along the Fox River State Trail, and it’s also perfect for bike enthusiasts. The De Pere-based bar has an extensive tap list, with more than 36 craft brews available, and it is also home to a bike club. Members of Cycling Brews bike club can track their rides and miles, and also join group rides.

Photo courtesy of Voyageurs Bakehouse via Instagram.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.