Ice Age Trail – Kewaunee River Segment
The Kewaunee River Segment of the Ice Age Trail follows along with the Ahnapee State Trail. The Ice Age Trail portion of the Ahnapee State trail is 12.5 miles. The trail is crushed stone and is relatively flat. The Ahnapee State Trail was an old railroad, that was converted to the current rail- trail.
Kewaunee River Segment Trail 
History of the Trail
The history of this rail-trail is unique. The Ahnapee and Western Railroad was incorporated in 1890. The railroad transported goods such as dairy, lumber and cherry products. During World War II, the railroad company even transported German prisoners of war to work during the fruit harvest in Door County.
Artifacts of the old railroad can be found throughout the trail. Along the route you can find boiler culverts, steel bridges, concrete bridges and some buildings. The railway ceased use. The railway was then converted to the current rail-trail that is in use today.
The Trail
The trail is multi-use. The trail is open to biking, walking, running and horseback riding. The Ice Age Trail section runs from Casco Junction to Kewaunee. There are parking lots to access the trail. The parking lots are at Casco Junction, County Road C, Bruemmer County Park and at the trailhead in Kewaunee where the world’s tallest grandfather clock is located.
The trail follows Little Scarboro Creek and the Kewaunee River. The Kewaunee River views along the trail are stunning. There are several bridges that cross the river offering views of the river. Need to take a break? There are benches along the trail to sit for a bit, if needed.
Looking for a diversion while you run or bike? Wildlife abounds on the trail, and it is not uncommon to see deer crossing the trail right in front of you while you run. In addition, if you enjoy bird watching the trail is full of beautiful birds. Because of an abundance of amazing wildflowers, butterflies can also be found everywhere along the trail during summer.
Trail Running
This section of the Ice Age Trail is perfect for a flat and easy trail run. For a beginning trail trail runner, this would be a perfect trail to try out. No trail shoes necessary on this trail. Unsure about trail running check out Trail Running for Beginners for more information.
Biking
The Kewaunee River Segment is the perfect trail to get come cross training in. The segment is a great trail for biking. There are many reasons why this is one of my favorite local trails to ride. One reason that I enjoy the trail is that I can ride different sections each time I go out, as there are multiple parking options. Second it is easy to accidentally ride that extra mile, as you get lost in the natural beauty of the river right next to you as you ride.
If you are looking for a longer distance ride, you can ride other sections of the Ahnapee State trail. The Ahnapee State Trail is 48 miles long. I have biked all of it.
This summer my eight year old daughter and I decided to bike the entire Kewaunee River Segment of the Ice Age Trail. An out and back on the trail would be 25 miles, which is a bit to long for an eight year old. We broke it up into three different bike rides. We decided to celebrate finishing the section with ice cream at Kewaunee Custard. Of the three bike rides; we rode 10 miles, 12 miles and finally a 6 mile ride to finish. The custard was the perfect ending to an evening ride!
Summary
The Ice Age Trail Kewaunee River Segment is the perfect trail to get out and run and or ride your bike on. It is easy to start your run or bike ride at multiple points along the trail. The scenery along the trail will keep calling you back for more. One ride or run just isn’t enough. Plan your trip today, and let me know how far you went!
Interested in other sections of the Ice Age Trail? Look no further check out the Trails here.
That tunnel looks so cool, and I need to see that clock. Custard is definitely the perfect way to end!
I love ice cream on a hot day! Its the perfect way to end a long ride with a treat!