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CHRISTOPHER TALLScenic vistas await visitors to the North Country National Scenic Trail.

Anne Sayers

Nothing beats a sunny afternoon hike with my human and furry companions.

Meandering through restored prairie where native blooms dot the greenscape fills us all with joy. When the trail leads us into town, we enjoy the boardwalk along the rambling creek where trout run.

We also enjoy the quaint coffee shop where I can get my caffeine fix and Dotty gets her doggie treat. Or sometimes we’ll enjoy a beer and a meal by the water’s edge and marvel at all the smiling people passing by.

This little community near the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a happy happening place because of the valued outdoor spaces and public access to them. The trail attracts visitors who spend their day exploring the area’s natural beauty and looking to build out their itineraries with stops at coffee shops, breweries, gift stores or playgrounds.

But the creation of public trails is no small feat. The small segment of the Ice Age Trail I just described took the cooperation of both public and private partners to bring it to life.

The Ice Age Trail Alliance manages over 80 easements and 120 handshake agreements with private entities granting trail access. To fully complete the development of the thousand-mile footpath, it will take an estimated 1,200 private landowner transactions.

“The Ice Age Trail would not be the treasure it is today without the generosity of private landowners who are willing to share one of their greatest assets — their land,” said Kevin Thusius, director of land conservation for the Ice Age Trail Alliance.

Wisconsin is fortunate to be home to not one, but two National Scenic Trails that draw visitors from near and far.

The Ice Age Trail runs entirely in Wisconsin, and the North Country Trail spans 200 miles across the northern reaches of the state. Beyond Wisconsin, it continues in both directions for a total of 4,600 miles, stretching from Vermont to North Dakota.

Like the Ice Age Trail Alliance, the North Country Trail Association manages hundreds of easements and handshake agreements to ensure trail access. They estimate 20 to 25 more partnerships are needed to complete the route in Wisconsin.

GENEROUS FAMILY GIFT

Thanks to the Thewis family in Mellen, the North Country Trail is gaining an approximately 3- to 4-mile critical link. Steve Thewis, a third-generation landowner, recalled his fondest memories on the family’s property.

“My grandfather settled this land and was a trapper,” he said. “His route was along the Tyler Forks River that passes through the property, and as a kid, I used to ride along in the 55-gallon barrel strapped to the tractor as he drove.

‘“Now, my daughter and I walk it barefoot looking for fish, just like we used to when she was little. We’ve gained so much from it, and we want others to be able to enjoy it, too.”

With the help of the North Country Trail Association and the DNR, Thewis brought his four siblings to the table. The five of them each owned a parcel of their grandfather’s original property, all in one contiguous line where the trail could pass through and connect to public land in Iron County.

It was a process, but everyone had the same end goal in mind.

“Some people are so proud of their land. Why wouldn’t you want to share it with others?” Thewis said.

Bill Menke, retired Wisconsin regional coordinator for the trail association, said the situation with the Thewis family presented a rare opportunity.

“It was a unique scenario to be able to traverse such an expanse of territory with five to seven easements that all lined up simultaneously. It’s almost unheard of,” he said. “The Thewis family has just been great to work with.”

COURTESY OF ANNE SAYERSAnne Sayers, acting secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, enjoys hiking the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and elsewhere in the state.

FOR ENJOYMENT BY EVERYONE

As we hike Wisconsin’s trails and soak up all the scenic beauty we can, it is worth appreciating the generosity of private landowners like the Thewis family who share these special places with us.

Outdoor recreation is a leading reason why travelers visit Wisconsin every year, and it’s these selfless gifts, the efforts of volunteer trail builders and the management by organizations and agencies that bring many of our outdoor recreation assets to fruition.

These public-private partnerships help drive the economic activity supporting the livelihoods of Wisconsin residents, when recreationists drawn to protected places purchase gear or plan a full itinerary.

The outdoor recreation industry is multi-faceted, and this robust offering benefits Wisconsin. The Department of Tourism’s Office of Outdoor Recreation is working to ensure the industry has all the support it needs.

So, the next time the trail leads me to a favorite watering hole, I’ll raise my glass to all of the generous people who make these treasured outdoor destinations available to be enjoyed by many.

Anne Sayers is the acting secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, where she combines her love for marketing, organizational management and all things Wisconsin. Find more travel inspiration for your next adventure at Travel Wisconsin.