Ice Age Trail History in Wisconsin
The Ice Age Trail was the dream of Ray Zillmer, a Milwaukee attorney, outdoorsman and hiker. He first envisioned a great national park 800 miles long, which would preserve the evidence of the Great Wisconsin Glacier, and how our land was formed. He would never live to see his dream fulfilled. Zillmer died in 1961.

The legislation which authorized establishment of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve in Wisconsin, became law in October 1964, a monument to Ray Zillmer. Since a park 800 miles long would be difficult to administer, it was decided that the reserve would be divided into 9 widely separated units, of which the Chippewa Moraine Unit is one. Today the Ice Age Trail, designed to link together the nine units of the Reserve, is taking shape.

The Chippewa Moraine Unit
In the heart of Northwest Wisconsin is the eighth reserve unit, the Chippewa Moraine. This unit was formed by the advancing Chippewa lobe of the Wisconsin glacial epoch. It stands above the surrounding cultivated plains, with lakes and ponds set in a forest of jumbled hills. Unlike the higher hills of the interlobe "Kettle Moraine" in the southeast, the features of the Chippewa Moraine are characterized by the gentler hills of "dead-ice" moraine. As the ice ceased to move, fissures criss-crossed its surface. Debris, carried along in melt-water, filled many of the cracks, forming a wide variety of sharp ridges. Blocks of ice were covered with debris. When the ice melted, many small, shallow kettles were formed, producing the area's curious knob and swale landscape. Ice-walled lake plains, flat topped areas formed by interglacial lakebeds, are also peculiar to the area. Much of the Chippewa Moraine Unit is presently county forest, with opportunities for hiking and other recreational activities. Some portions of the trail may be used by cross-country skiers, although none of the trail portions are groomed or developed for this purpose specifically.

A new 6 mile segment of Ice Age Trail, probably the most scenic in the state, was opened in the spring of 1988. It begins at Plummer Lake and extends westward to Shattuck Lake and County Highway M. This new section is located entirely within the Chippewa Moraine Unit of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve and Chippewa County Forest lands. It is very winding and scenic, passing through forested, hilly glacial moraine. Twenty-one lakes and ponds are visible along this 6 mile stretch of trail, alone.

The Chippewa County segment of the Ice Age Trail provides a unique trip through Wisconsin's glacial past, as well as, a great deal of scenic beauty. Enjoy the trail and, better yet, share it with a friend.

If you are interested in helping to build or maintain portions of the trail in Chippewa County, please contact: Vicki Christianson at chippewamorainechapter@iceagetrail.org

We hope you will enjoy your hike, tell your friends about the Trail, and please help keep it litter-free!

Access
East: From the City of Cornell, head west across the Chippewa River Bridge on Highway 64, turn right on County Highway CC, just across the bridge, and proceed north for 2.3 miles to the Trail head parking area. Another access to the Trail is on county E, about 6 miles north of Highway 64. Watch for signs.

West: To reach the Plummer Lake Trailhead, proceed 6 miles east on county Highway M, from the junction of "M" and Highway 40, 6 miles east of New Auburn. Turn right on 167th Street, it leads to Plummer Lake Trailhead, found one mile south. A small parking area is available at the boat landing. Watch for signs.

General Description
This scenic 14-mile Trail segment begins at Brunet Island State Park, near Cornell, and winds its way west through the Chippewa County Forest, and private lands, to the eastern boundary of the Chippewa Moraine Unit of the Ice Age Reserve at Plummer Lake. Along its meandering route, the Trail crosses glacial ridges, rushing creeks, three beaver ponds and passes by several undeveloped lakes. Most of the Trail is suitable for ski-touring or snowshoeing during the winter months.

Whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, beaver and waterfowl are the most common wildlife encountered on the Trail. Some fine stands of red pine, white pine and mixed hardwoods shade the route.

An excellent campground is found at Brunet Island State Park at the eastern terminus of the segment, and primitive camping is allowed along the Trail in the Chippewa County Forest. Yellow point blazes mark this segment of the Trail.

Land Use Agreement Between Chippewa County and the Ice Age Trail Alliance

Chippewa County and the Ice Age Trail Alliance cooperate pursuant to a Land Use Agreement.  The 2006-2020 Chippewa County Forest Comprehensive Land Use Plan establishes the County's policy to host the trail and cooperate with the Ice Age Trail Alliance.  Please CLICK HERE [PDF] to view a copy of the current Land Use Agreement.

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