• Cattail State Trail

Just an hour’s drive from the Twin Cities, the Cattail State Trail is one of the most popular ATV destinations in northwestern Wisconsin. Developed on a former railroad grade, the 18-mile Cattail State Trail meanders through some of Wisconsin’s most picturesque forests and farmlands. The trail passes through Turtle Lake as it connects Amery in Polk County with Almena in Barron County.

The Cattail is a prime example of a multi-use trail that’s enjoyed by many outdoor recreational enthusiasts. Open year round for ATVing, other trail uses include hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding and snowmobiling. Offroad motorcycles are allowed on the trail year-round in Polk County only. As a multi-use trail, the Cattail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. Consequently, it’s important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.

ATV riders can access the trail in Amery, Turtle Lake or Almena. The ride is relatively short and can be easily completed in a single day. Lodging is available in each town. Whether it’s a one-day trip or a full weekend, the easy round trip ride allows plenty of time to take in as much as possible.

In Amery, the trailhead is situated near Hwy 46 and the ever-popular Apple River. Heading east, you ride through some remnant forest before encountering farmland and prairie. Just east of Amery, the trail follows Beaver Brook northwest toward the hamlet of Joel, about six miles from Amery. East of Joel, the trail dives into a thick wooded section and cruises past rich wetlands with an abundance of wildlife.

As you cross Hwy 63 and the Polk/Barron County line, the village of Turtle Lake welcomes you with fuel, food, lodging and gambling action. For food and fuel, head into town using Western Boulevard. Roads are posted for ATV use, but it’s always best to call ahead to make sure where ATVs are permitted, (Turtle Lake Police Department, 715/986-2942).

The trail cuts right through the heart of Turtle Lake with access at Railway Park just a block off the trail. The park includes a picnic shelter and a loading area on the north side of the trail. For those who plan to stay in Turtle Lake, Country Lodge (www.tlcountrylodge.com; 866/986-2070) provides access to the trail. It is located on the south side of U.S. Highway 8 directly across from the St. Croix Casino & Hotel (www.stcroixcasino.com; 800/782-9987). The casino offers slots, blackjack, roulette, craps and poker. It has three restaurants to choose from and a 153-room hotel.

Turtle Lake is also home to Lake Country Dairy (www.lumberjackcheese.com, 715/986-2893), a 60,000 square-foot cheese factory that can turn 2 million pounds of milk into 80,000 pounds of cheese in a day. Visitors can see the cheese-making process and buy a variety of cheeses in their retail outlet.

After sampling these diversions in Turtle Lake, saddle up and continue heading east on the Cattail Trail. Just out of town, the tree-lined trail skirts Mud Lake, then bridges the creek between Upper and Lower Turtle Lakes before crossing Hwy 8 on the final leg of the trail to the Barron County Picnic Area in Almena. You’ll find fuel and food and a chance to rest before the return trip on the Cattail Trail. For those with a continual need for speed, motorsports abound in nearby towns. The Kopellah Speedway (www.kopellahspeedway.net; 715/566-0646) in nearby St. Croix Falls hosts automobile  racing on its one-quarter mile, semi-banked clay oval race track every Friday night from early April through early September. Or, head north to Rice Lake for Saturday night racing action at the Rice Lake Speedway (www.rlspeedway.com; 715/236-2002) where racing begins in April and ends in September.



DISTANCE: Nearly 18 miles one-way from Amery to Almena.

DIFFICULTY: Easy.

TRAILHEAD LOCATION(S): The trailhead in Amery is near Hwy 46 and the Apple River. Trail access also is available in Turtle Lake at Railway Park, and in Almena at the Barron County Picnic Area.

SEASON: Open year round.

OTHER TRAILS IN THIS REGION: Gandy Dancer State Trail, Wild Rivers State Trail, Tuscobia State Trail.
NOTE: The trail crosses several roads, including major highways. Use caution when crossing roadways.

CAUTION: Trail is open to other outdoor enthusiasts. Please use caution and good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.

FEES: None.

AREA ATTRACTIONS: St. Croix Casino and Hotel, and the Lake Country Dairy in Turtle Lake.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Barron County Forestry Department
715/537-6295
www.co.barron.wi.us
Polk County Parks & Recreation
Department
715/485-9272
www.co.polk.wi.us

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