Recreation
Military Ridge State Trail
The 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail, in Iowa and Dane counties, connects Dodgeville and Madison by way of an 1855 military route between Verona and Dodgeville. The trail runs along the southern borders of Governor Dodge and Blue Mound state parks passing by agricultural lands, woods, wetlands and prairies. There are several observation platforms adjacent to the trail for viewing wildlife and other natural features. In Ridgeway, the trail passes by a historic railroad depot.
The trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.
Camping
The Military Ridge State Trail runs along the southern borders of Governor Dodge and Blue Mound state parks. The access trail to Governor Dodge is about 2.3 miles east of Dodgeville. The access trail parallels County Highway Z and then leads walkers and bikers to the Cox Hollow beach and picnic area. The Blue Mound access trail is about 0.75 miles west of the village of Blue Mounds and enters the park near the campground. Both access trails have a steep grade and go uphill to the campgrounds.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
The Ice Age Trail crosses the Military Ridge State Trail corridor for a short distance near the Verona parking lot and continues north and south through Badger Prairie County Park.
Walking, bicycling and in-line skating
The fairly level grade and smooth limestone and asphalt surfaces make this 40-mile trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. The 2.5-mile section between Fitchburg and Verona has been paved with asphalt suitable for in-line skating. Each bicyclist or skater age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin state trail pass while using the trail.
Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.
Winter activities
Snowmobiles are permitted on the limestone section of the tail, but not the paved asphalt section between Fitchburg and Verona. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws. The Military Ridge State Trail also connects to numerous miles of county snowmobile trails.
The opening and closing of snowmobile trails are at the discretion of each county. Snowmobile trails that cross DNR lands are opened and closed consistent with the surrounding county (or counties). Whenever possible, the opening and closing of snowmobile trails are done on a county-wide basis, however, localized conditions may require localized trail opening and closing. It is the responsibility of the county to provide notification about the status of snowmobile trails.
The Travel Wisconsin Snow Conditions Report [exit DNR], and local club and county snowmobile webpages [exit DNR] and telephone hotlines will provide the most current information.
The trail is open to walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed and users must share the trail with snowmobiles. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.
No Hunting and trapping allowed on trail
Hunting and trapping are not allowed on the trail corridor. For more information, please see:
A portion of the trail property in the town of Ridgeway is more than 100 yards from the trail corridor. This portion is open to hunting and trapping during the Wisconsin state parks hunting time frame.