Reedsburg: River Landscapes, Art, and History

Reedsburg brings together experiences along the Baraboo River, distinctive public art, and stories from the city’s and region’s history. The 400 State Trail runs through the river valley, while discoveries range from a historic commercial building to works of art made from unusual materials. This lets you explore Reedsburg according to different interests rather than centering your trip on a single activity.

The Trail and River as the Focus of Your Trip

The 400 State Trail is a 22-mile former railway line used as a bike, horseback riding, and snowmobile trail from Reedsburg to Elroy. Its route along the Baraboo River Valley gives the trail its distinctive connection to the landscape. Sections of the former railway line run parallel to the river, and the trail also lends itself to combining biking and paddling. If you like to plan your days around these activities, the trail gives you a specific point of reference for planning your trip. Its length of 22 miles is a useful measure to consider when planning your route.

There are also various ways to spend time outdoors within Reedsburg. South Park is on the south side of the city and offers access to the Baraboo River for activities such as fishing and canoeing. Popple Nature Area, west of Webb Park and the swimming pool, is Reedsburg’s outstanding natural area and has a walking trail. If you’d rather focus on nature and exercise during a walk than take a longer trip, you’ll find a different emphasis here than on the trail.

Natural Areas and Distinctive City Sights

Smith Conservancy is a wooded wetland on the Baraboo River on the southwest side of Reedsburg. It supports numerous wildlife species, adding another natural dimension to the city. Along with the walking trail at Popple Nature Area and river activities at South Park, this offers a range of ideas for days outdoors: a path through a natural area, a trip to the water, or a longer route on the former railway line. This variety can help you decide whether Reedsburg suits a trip that combines nature experiences with city history.

Art and History in Reedsburg

One especially unusual landmark is Ruminant (The Grand Masticator), located in Harvest Park. The artwork consists of a retired John Deere combine harvester with 34 backlit stained-glass panels depicting agricultural scenes. Ruminant was publicly presented to the City of Reedsburg in October 2014 and is a permanent public artwork. Another distinctive work is the Woolen Mill / Baraboo River Mural, which recalls the history of the Reedsburg Woolen Mill and its significance to the city’s early economic development.

Architecture and city history can also be discovered at specific locations. The former Stolte Hotel, now Cornerstone, is a restored Queen Anne-style commercial building erected by the Stolte family in 1896. The 90th Meridian Marker, made of pink quartzite, stands on the East Main Street boulevard near Laurel Street. It was dedicated on October 14, 1963, and marks Reedsburg as the only city in Wisconsin located directly on the 90th meridian. The 45-foot-tall Bicentennial Monument also stands on the north side of the Main Street Bridge. Its top represents the logs used in the early construction of the village.

For a closer look at architectural history, brochures for the Historic & Architectural Walking Tour of Reedsburg are available at the Chamber of Commerce and the public library. Three miles east of Reedsburg on Highway 23/33 is the Reedsburg Historical Society’s 52-acre Pioneer Log Village. The site offers a glimpse into the lives of early families in and near a small Wisconsin town. A large collection of Norman Rockwell art is also on display at the Voyageur Inn and Conference Center. The CAL Center adds to the city’s cultural venues as a performing arts theater with 600 seats.

More Ideas for Active Days

If you’re looking for activities beyond walking and biking, Nishan Park has four dedicated pickleball courts. The Reedsburg Butterfest is held there every year in June during June Dairy Month. For golf, Reedsburg Country Club’s championship-quality 18-hole golf course is another point of reference for planning your trip. These different options make Reedsburg appealing if you’re considering nature, culture, or active recreation when choosing a vacation rental.

More destinations to explore: Baraboo, Spring Green, Prairie Du Sac, Plain.

For the broader travel overview: Sauk County.