Ice Age Trail

Trail Uses: Hiking, Snowshoeing, Cross-country Skiing

Directions: Northern Chippewa County. The Interpretive Center and trail entrance are approximately two miles east of the intersections of State Highway 40 and County Road M.

Fees: None.

Trail Description: The Chippewa Moraine segment of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve Includes 23 miles of well-marked trails. Begin your visit at the Interpretive Center where you are encouraged to experience hands-on activities. No motorized vehicles, horses or mountain bikes are allowed off public roads in the Reserve. Primitive camping is available at designated areas.

Along with nature, natural history, and cultural displays, the Center's glacial displays well help you understand the area's geological history. You can also select one of the may interesting films offered for you viewing. Nature activity books are available for a small charge for the younger visitors.

View the PDF version of the map. The staff will be happy to answer your questions.

Trails within the Reserve are muddy when wet and erode quickly. No motorized vehicles, horses, or mountain bikes are allowed off public roads in the Reserve. Primitive camping is available at designated areas shown on the map.

The Chippewa Moraine Interpretive Center is located 7 miles east of New Auburn on County Highway M and 1.9 miles east of State Highway 40 on M.

For more information about the Chippewa Moraine, please contact the Interpretive Center at:

13394 County Highway M
New Auburn, WI 54757
Phone: 715-967-2800

The Chippewa Moraine is open year-round.

Safety Messages

Hikers - be aware that trails may vary in difficulty and are not surfaced. Moderate climbs or descents may be encountered. Trail surfaces can become slippery when wet, leaf covered, and loose gravel can be encountered. Roots and small stumpage may also be present in some areas.

Fires - Open fires are not allowed on the reserve except at designated camping areas. If camping, contact park staff for fire ban information first. Please respect this rule to insure our forests future. When using your own grill, take used coals home with you; there are no trash receptacles for disposal. Do not throw coals into the forest.

Boats and Canoes - All crafts must be equipped with a Coast Guard Approved life saving device for each person aboard. Wearing these devices is recommended. Don't overload your craft. Boaters should be aware of their wake and stay well away from swimmers, docks, and fishing boats.

Designated Areas - Designated use areas are these areas such as trails, picnic areas, backpack campsites, or other developed areas which are inspected and maintained by the Department and shown on the official property map. All other areas are considered undesignated, but may be used by hunters, anglers, and trappers. Keep in mid that only foot travel is permitted. There may also be poison ivy off the trail, and wood ticks along with bear ticks which are more common in grassy areas. Please use designated areas whenever possible.

Emergency Information - In case of an emergency, contact park personnel, or the Chippewa County Sheriffs Department at 715-726-7700. A telephone is located at the Interpretive Center and at the Corner gas station at the intersection of highway M and highway 40.

Hospital Directions - Bloomer Community Hospital is located at:

1501 Thompson Street
Bloomer, WI 54724
Phone: 715-568-2000

If leaving the Center, turn right at the park entrance onto County M. Turn left onto highway 40 until you enter Bloomer. At the three way stop on Main Street, turn right over the bridge onto 17th Avenue for several blocks. Turn right onto Smith Street, and left onto 16th Avenue.