Badger State TrailEdit
The Badger State Trail is a prominent multi-use rail-trail in south-central Wisconsin, running roughly from Madison, Wisconsin to the historic community of Baraboo, Wisconsin and connecting a string of small towns along a corridor once served by the region’s railroads. Spanning about 40 miles, the trail follows a gentle grade through the rolling countryside of Dane and Sauk counties, offering scenic views of farmland, woodlands, and the Wisconsin River valley. It is a stable artery for outdoor recreation, local tourism, and a tangible link to the state’s transportation and agricultural heritage.
The BST sits on a former rail corridor that was once part of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad network. Built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the line carried freight and passengers until mid-century when service declined. In the ensuing decades, communities and state agencies embraced the rails-to-trails concept, converting disused rights-of-way into enduring public amenities. Today, the trail is maintained through a cooperative framework involving Dane County, Wisconsin, Sauk County, Wisconsin, and the municipalities along the route, with support from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Wisconsin DNR), local volunteers, and sometimes private partners.
History and Route
The Badger State Trail reflects a broader pattern of rural American rail corridors repurposed for non-motorized recreation and regional development. The path’s beginnings as a transportation spine for the Milwaukee Road shaped nearby towns and landscapes, and the rail-bed’s gentle slopes make it accessible to a wide range of users. As the corridor was gradually transitioned to a trail, local governments invested in trailheads, parking, signage, and seasonal maintenance to accommodate hikers, cyclists, runners, and, in winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Along the way, the BST passes through Mazomanie, Wisconsin, Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, and Sauk City, Wisconsin before reaching Baraboo, Wisconsin and the Baraboo Hills region.
A steady process of expansion and improvements has characterized the BST’s development. In many segments, the trail runs adjacent to or through former rail yards, farmsteads, and public rights-of-way, preserving a linear corridor that preserves the region’s historical character while promoting contemporary mobility and tourism. The trail’s alignment reinforces Wisconsin’s emphasis on preserving transportation heritage while supporting local economies and outdoor recreation.
Geography, Scenery, and Access
The BST traverses a landscape that blends farmland with patches of woodland and riverine scenery. Users encounter views of prairie savannas, limestone outcrops, and the rolling contours that define the Wisconsin River valley. The proximity to natural areas such as Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo adds a complementary dimension to the trail experience, giving visitors a chance to pair a long ride with outdoor exploration in nearby state lands.
Facilities along the route typically include primitive and formal trailheads, parking areas, and wayfinding signage. The surface is designed for bicycles and pedestrians, with some segments accommodating horseback riding where local agreements permit. Because the corridor passes through multiple jurisdictions, maintenance standards, snow-clearing schedules, and access points reflect a cooperative approach that emphasizes local control and accountability.
Use, Recreation, and Economic Impact
The Badger State Trail is used year-round for exercise, recreation, and family outings. In addition to its core function as a non-motorized corridor, the trail supports seasonal tourism and small-business activity in nearby towns. Local shops, eateries, and lodging benefit from trail traffic, and the corridor’s presence can make nearby communities more attractive to residents and visitors alike. The BST also serves as an educational resource, highlighting the region’s rail and agricultural history and providing a physical link to the past for residents and tourists.
From a policy standpoint, supporters argue that the BST demonstrates prudent public investment: it leverages existing rights-of-way, concentrates economic activity in small communities, and promotes public health without extensive new infrastructure. Critics, however, cautions about ongoing funding needs for maintenance, potential conflicts with private landowners, and the allocation of public resources to recreational rather than essential services. Proponents contend that the long-term benefits—tourism revenue, property value stabilization, and enhanced quality of life—justify the upfront and ongoing costs.
Controversies and Debates
Controversies surrounding rail-trail projects like the BST typically center on land use, funding, and local autonomy. Notable points of debate include:
Private property and land use: While rails-to-trails projects often proceed with public access rights, adjacent landowners sometimes voice concerns about fencing, visibility, wildlife interactions, and potential liability. Supporters frame these concerns within the context of reasonable compromises and ongoing coordination with landowners, while critics emphasize the importance of protecting property rights and local control over land parcels.
Public funding vs. private investment: The BST’s development and maintenance rely on a mix of county, state, and local funds, sometimes supplemented by grants and private donations. Debates focus on the appropriate balance of public subsidies, user fees, and private sponsorship, with a common right-leaning argument favoring local accountability and restrained government spending while acknowledging the economic benefits such trails can bring to rural communities.
Environmental and cultural considerations: Proponents argue that the trail preserves a historical corridor and encourages non-motorized recreation with limited environmental impact. Critics may raise concerns about habitat fragmentation or the opportunity costs of dedicating land to recreation rather than agriculture or private use. Advocates respond by pointing to careful planning, trail design that minimizes disruption, and ongoing conservation partnerships.
Woke criticisms and responses: Critics from some quarters argue that public trail projects reflect broader cultural shifts or impose particular social narratives on rural areas. From a conservative-influenced perspective, these criticisms are often overstated or misplaced, since trails can be part of prudent land stewardship, public health benefits, and economic development without requiring cultural preening or ideological conformity. Proponents contend that well-designed trails respect property rights, local input, and the practical realities of rural governance, while skeptics who label such efforts as politically driven may overstate ideological motives or overlook tangible community gains.
Governance, Preservation, and the Future
The Badger State Trail is sustained through a mosaic of public stewardship and local initiative. Management responsibilities are distributed among county and municipal governments, with guidance and support from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and partnerships with citizen volunteers and local organizations. This governance model aims to balance accessibility, safety, historical preservation, and prudent fiscal management, ensuring that the trail remains a durable asset for residents and visitors alike.
Efforts to improve accessibility, safety at street crossings, and connections to other trails are ongoing. As with many rural rail-trails, the BST’s future depends on continuing collaboration among counties, towns, state agencies, and private landowners who share the corridor. The enduring appeal lies in its combination of historical memory, recreational opportunity, and economic potential for small Wisconsin communities.