Rail trail · Wisconsin
Eisenbahn State Trail
A 25-mile county-operated rail-trail from West Bend through the Kettle Moraine countryside to Eden, whose German name recalls its railroad heritage in a region shaped by German immigrant settlement.
Length
25 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
West Bend to Eden
Season
Year-round; best spring through fall; the Kettle Moraine area offers vibrant fall color from mid-October through early November
Plan your ride or walk
The Eisenbahn State Trail takes its name from the German word for railroad, a fitting nod both to the former rail corridor it follows and to the German immigrant communities that settled eastern Wisconsin in the 1800s. The 25-mile trail runs from the historic city of West Bend northeast through Kewaskum and Campbellsport to Eden, skirting the scenic countryside near the Kettle Moraine State Forest, whose glacial lakes, moraines, and kettle depressions make for remarkable scenery just off the corridor. Washington and Fond du Lac counties jointly maintain and manage the trail, and no state trail pass is required to use it. Crushed stone throughout keeps the surface accessible for hybrid bikes, gravel bikes, and walkers. The communities along the way offer food, water, and restrooms at various points.
Getting there
The southern trailhead in West Bend is about 35 miles north of Milwaukee via US 45 or Highway 144. The northern terminus is in Eden, a small village in Fond du Lac County. Parking is available in West Bend, Kewaskum, and Campbellsport. No trail pass is required.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: Eisenbahn State TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Eisenbahn State Trail?
The trail is 25 miles point to point from West Bend to Eden, passing through Kewaskum and Campbellsport.
Is a trail pass required for the Eisenbahn State Trail?
No. Unlike many Wisconsin state trails, no state trail pass is required for cyclists or walkers on the Eisenbahn State Trail. It is free to use.
What does the name Eisenbahn mean?
Eisenbahn is German for railroad. The name honors both the former railroad corridor the trail follows and the German immigrant heritage of the communities in Washington and Fond du Lac counties.
Is the Kettle Moraine State Forest nearby?
Yes. The Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit lies just west of the trail corridor. Its glacial lakes, moraines, and forest trails make it a natural complement for a longer visit, especially for fall foliage in mid to late October.
More Wisconsin trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.