Nicolet State Trail trailhead lifted into place in Gillett

The weather was perfect Aug. 27 when the new trailhead facility for Nicolet State Trail was delivered to its permanent home at Zippel Park in Gillett.

Built for the city with the help of a pair of federal and state grants, the trailhead was constructed at Huffcutt Concrete Inc. in Chippewa Falls and trucked to Gillett by River City Transport. Ideal Crane Rental provided the final boost to lift the 70,000-pound building onto its foundation.

The structure features two unisex restrooms, each with two stalls and two showers for use by people using the trail, as well as a mechanical room.

The county-operated state trail meanders for more than 89 miles through the Nicolet National Forest from Gillett in Oconto County to the Michigan state line. The trail follows the same corridor built by railroad companies in the late 19th century to open up Wisconsin's pine and hardwood forests for the timber industry.

All-terrain vehicle use is allowed on the trail during the summer months through Oct. 31 in Oconto County. ATVs are permitted year-round in Forest and Florence counties.

To see a video of the trailhead being lifted into place, clickbelow.