Wisconsin recognizes 250-mile Mississippi River Trail

Gov. Tony Evers signed into law bipartisan legislation that officially designates a 250-mile bike trail along the western border of the state. The Mississippi River Trail runs through 10 states, from the headwaters of the river at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Cyclists can follow a 3,000-mile route of existing roads and trails from Minnesota to Louisiana, winding through forested canopies, past farms and through cities big and small. In Wisconsin, it primarily follows Highway 35, also known as the Great River Road.

The designation of the Wisconsin portion connects the multi-state trail together, years after most other states along the route completed local sections. The legislation includes funding for signs marking the trail. And, the designation means the Department of Transportation will likely expand the paved shoulder of Highway 35 to at least 5 feet for bicycle safety when the road is resurfaced.

Sen. Marklein and Rep. Tranel worked closely with the Mississippi River Parkway Commission

and its chairperson, Sherry Quamme on this legislation. “This bipartisan bill has the support of all 67 municipalities along the All-American Great River Road. The Mississippi River Trail is a jewel, a true gem. This is huge for all eight counties and 250 miles of the route. It is enjoyed by responsible riders who love to ‘buy local,’” said Sherry Quamme. Act 158 received bipartisan support in both houses of the legislature before being signed by the Governor.