Park Planning

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. Today about 660 miles of the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail have been built. To complete the trail, detailed public planning processes are being carried out in counties where significant gaps remain. A planning effort is currently underway in Barron County.

The following completed plans are available online or by request:

Rock County (2023)
Marquette County (2022)
Chippewa County (2021)
Langlade County (2014)
Marathon County (2014)
Ice Age Complex at Cross Plains (2012)
Lake Michigan (2006)
Waushara County (2007)
Waupaca and Portage Counties (1997)

In 2013 a Long Range Interpretive Plan (LRIP) was developed for a portion of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The LRIP covers parts of Dane, Columbia, and Sauk counties, from the Ice Age Complex at Cross Plains to the Aldo Leopold Shack in Sauk County.

In 2001, a Handbook for Trail Design, Construction and Maintenance was developed which includes more detailed guidance and a broad range of technical information regarding the methods and standards used to construct the trail. Copies of the handbook are available upon request.