Johnson Moraine and Steinke Basin Trail

Parking for the Johnson Moraine and Steinke Basin Trails is available within Devil's Lake State Park. Specific trailhead access points are typically well-marked within the park.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on trails within Devil's Lake State Park, including the Johnson Moraine and Steinke Basin Trails. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them.

The trail is suitable for year-round use. The Steinke Basin Trail is particularly beautiful in autumn and offers excellent cross-country skiing opportunities in winter. Spring brings the 'deafening din of frog songs' from the kettle ponds on the Johnson Moraine Trail.

Yes, as the trails are located within Devil's Lake State Park, a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required. You can find more information on fees and permits on the Wisconsin DNR website.

The Johnson Moraine Trail features a wide, mowed grass path atop a terminal moraine, with woodlands, open prairie, glacial 'kettles,' and marsh areas. The Steinke Basin Trail traverses open prairie, hardwood forest, and a pine plantation, on generally level and easy paths that were once an ancient shallow glacial lake bed.

You'll encounter distinct glacial moraines and kettle ponds on the Johnson Moraine Trail, offering insight into the area's geological past. The Steinke Basin Trail features small streams, sometimes with evidence of beavers, and serene meadows.

Yes, a significant portion of the Johnson Moraine Trail is also a segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT - Devil's Lake Segment). The route also incorporates sections of the Johnson Moraine Loop Trail and the Steinke Basin Loop.

Both the Johnson Moraine and Steinke Basin Trails are rated as 'easy' and are considered very family-friendly. The Steinke Basin Trail is particularly level, while the Johnson Moraine Trail has a few short but steep hills.

Absolutely! Both trails are multi-use and popular year-round with mountain bikers and cross-country skiers, in addition to hikers.

While generally easy, the Steinke Basin Trail can become extremely muddy in certain sections during spring and other wet periods. In winter, both trails are popular for cross-country skiing, with Steinke Basin being particularly sublime.

The Johnson Moraine Trail offers the 'sometimes deafening din of frog songs' from the kettle ponds in spring. The Steinke Basin is noted as a good spot for birdwatching, and you might see evidence of beavers near the streams.