In 1983, the National Park Service completed a Comprehensive Management Plan for the Ice Age Trail. This plan provides overall guidance for its development and management. In 2001, a Handbook for Trail Design, Construction and Maintenance was developed which includes more detailed guidance and a broad range of technical information.

Today about 600 miles of the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail have been built.  To complete the trail, more detailed public planning processes are being carried out in counties where significant gaps remain. These individual plans identify a corridor through which the remaining trail segments will be developed according to the standards set forth in the 2001 Handbook for Trail Design, Construction and Maintenance.

The most recently completed plans are available on-line.

Lake Michigan (2006)
Waushara County (2007)