Wisconsin Ice Age National Scenic Trail Travel Postcard

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail (Ice Age NST) is a unique long-distance hiking trail that winds through the state of Wisconsin, tracing the path of the last continental glacier that reshaped the landscape over 12,000 years ago. Spanning approximately 1,200 miles, the trail showcases dramatic glacial features such as moraines, eskers, drumlins, kettles, and outwash plains—all remnants of the last Ice Age. Managed by the National Park Service in partnership with local communities and volunteers, the trail is one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the U.S. and offers a fascinating blend of geology, ecology, and recreation. The trail is ideal for both serious thru-hikers and casual day hikers, as it passes through a diverse mix of state parks, forests, prairies, and farmlands, connecting cities and small towns across Wisconsin. Sections near places like Devil’s Lake State Park, Kettle Moraine State Forest, and Rib Mountain offer some of the most scenic and accessible hiking experiences in the Midwest. Along the way, hikers can enjoy wildflowers, wildlife, and quiet solitude, all while learning about the powerful glacial forces that shaped the land. The Ice Age Trail is not just a path through nature—it’s a living museum of Earth’s recent geological history, celebrated for both its natural beauty and educational value.