Ice Age Trail Alliance Headquarters | Madison WI

The Ice Age Trail Alliance headquarters is located in the village of Cross Plains, Wisconsin, serving as the central hub for the organization that manages and promotes the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Situated at 2110 Main Street, this facility is strategically positioned along the Cross Plains segment of the trail, allowing staff, volunteers, and visitors direct access to one of the trail’s most geologically significant and scenic areas.

Location and Setting

Cross Plains is a small community roughly 15 miles northwest of Madison, Wisconsin’s state capital. The headquarters building stands adjacent to the trail itself, nestled in a landscape shaped by glacial activity, which the trail highlights. This proximity enables the Alliance to maintain a hands-on approach to stewardship, trail construction, and public engagement.

Role and Functions

The headquarters functions as the operational and administrative center for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Its core responsibilities include coordinating volunteer efforts, planning trail development and maintenance, managing conservation initiatives, and conducting educational outreach. The Alliance relies heavily on a network of volunteers, and the headquarters serves as a meeting place and training site for those dedicated to preserving the trail.

It also acts as a resource center for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking information about trail segments, maps, permits, and local regulations. Staff at the headquarters assist with trip planning and provide educational materials about the trail’s unique geological history, ecology, and cultural significance.

Facilities and Visitor Experience

Visitors to the headquarters can expect a welcoming environment where they can learn about the trail’s mission and ongoing projects. The building houses offices, meeting rooms, and educational exhibits that showcase the trail’s formation by glacial forces and the ecosystems it supports.

Because the headquarters sits directly on the trail, visitors can step outside to immediately explore portions of the Cross Plains segment, which features varied terrain including forests, prairies, and glacial landforms such as kettles and moraines. This hands-on access reinforces the Alliance’s commitment to connecting people with the natural and geological heritage of Wisconsin.

Community and Volunteer Engagement

The Ice Age Trail Alliance headquarters plays a vital role in fostering community involvement. It organizes events such as trail workdays, guided hikes, educational programs, and fundraising efforts. The Alliance encourages local residents and visitors alike to participate in trail stewardship to help preserve the corridor for future generations.

The location in Cross Plains also symbolizes the strong partnership between the Alliance and the village, which is recognized as an official Ice Age Trail Community. This designation highlights the community’s commitment to supporting and promoting the trail as a valuable natural and recreational resource.

Practical Information

Address: 2110 Main Street, Cross Plains, WI 53528

Contact: Phone (800) 227-0046 or (608) 798-4453

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Access: Easily reachable from Madison and other nearby cities; parking is available for visitors.

Services: Information desk, maps and brochures, volunteer coordination, educational resources.

The Ice Age Trail Alliance headquarters serves as the heart of the effort to protect and promote one of Wisconsin’s most treasured natural assets. Its location in Cross Plains provides a unique blend of administrative functionality, public outreach, and direct trail access, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.