Sam Landes has been snowmobiling since 1973.He makes good use of the thousands of miles of trails across Wisconsin.
But there’s a gap he’s eager to see bridged. Literally.
In early 2025, Dane and Sauk counties are beginning construction on a recreational bridge over the Wisconsin River, near Sauk City. It will spit out at the entrance to the Great Sauk State Trail. The idea is to ultimately connect Dane County to Devil’s Lake State Park, and beyond.
Stay informed on the latest news
Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.
“Oh, it’s huge for the snowmobilers,” Landes said.
He has been championing this bridge project for about two decades. It will make crossing near Sauk City safer and more accessible, compared to the nearby Highway 60 route he uses now.
“There really isn’t a safe recreational crossing for the Wisconsin River,” said Landes, who is now Dane County Director for the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs. “I mean, for the snowmobilers, you go as far south as Spring Green and as far north as Wisconsin Dells to cross the river.”
Bikers, hikers and snowshoers will use it, too.
County representatives have been planning the bridge for years. They estimate it will cost about $10 million and be completed in spring 2026.
The bridge will be a key link in a growing trail system. Dane and Sauk counties have plans to expand recreational access on either side.
“The hope is that at some point, someday, we can [ride] a bicycle or walk from Dane County, actually, all the way to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and beyond,” said Sauk County parks manager Matt Stieve, who is involved in the project.
To do this, the trail system will have to be built out to connect the Great Sauk State Trail to Devil’s Lake State Park, then the 400 State Trail and continuing on to the Elroy-Sparta Trail.
“I think that this bridge is integral in getting this whole project completed,” Stieve said.
A 2021 University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension case study said a proposed trail system connecting Middleton to Reedsburg via the new bridge could be the busiest trail in the state.
“The bridge is going to be an incredible asset to both Dane County and Sauk County,” said Stieve.
Once completed, snowmobiler Landes expects the bridge will bring tourism, too.
“You’re taking an undesirable situation and making it a real desirable situation for trail travel,” he said.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
