The Friends of the Mountain-Bay State Trail – Shawano County will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the trail with a series of special events throughout 2026 highlighting the trail’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, outdoor recreation opportunities and community connections.
One of Wisconsin’s first rail-trails, the Mountain-Bay State Trail stretches 83 miles across Brown, Shawano and Marathon counties, with more than half of the trail located in Shawano County. For three decades, the trail has provided opportunities for recreation, education, tourism and appreciation of the region’s natural resources.
The anniversary celebration begins with a series of nature bathing experiences in Bowler. Guided sessions will begin at the Snowmobile Pavilion (104 E. Railroad St., Bowler) at 10 a.m. on June 27, Aug. 27, Sept. 17 and Sept. 26. Participants will be encouraged to slow down, engage their senses and experience the restorative benefits of spending time in nature.
Educational programming continues June 30 from 6-7 p.m. with a Native American Plant Medicines Walk led by representatives of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians. Participants will learn about the identification, harvesting, preservation and traditional uses of medicinal plants found along the trail. A rain date is scheduled for July 1.
Throughout the summer, trail enthusiasts will also have opportunities to participate in organized group bike rides along various sections of the Mountain-Bay State Trail. The rides are designed to encourage exploration of the trail, promote healthy outdoor recreation and connect cyclists with fellow trail users. Dates, start times, meeting locations and registration information can be found on the Events Calendar at friendsofthemountainbaytrailshawano.org.
At 9 a.m. Aug. 15, members of Wolf River Wild Ones will present a Native Plant Talk at the native planting site along Eberlein Park Drive in Shawano. The program will focus on the importance of native plants and pollinator habitat while highlighting a collaborative planting project established along the trail. A rain date is scheduled for Aug. 29.
Visitors can also enjoy a self-guided Poetry Walk from Aug. 15 through Sept. 16 along about 6 miles of trail between Shawano and Thornton. The exhibit will combine poetry, photography and outdoor recreation while encouraging trail users to experience the landscape in a unique way.
Art and creativity will be featured through the Enchanted Trail Student Artwork Project, which will showcase artwork created by local students and displayed along sections of the trail. The outdoor exhibit will celebrate the connection between art and nature while highlighting the talents of area youths.
The 30th anniversary celebration will culminate on Sept. 26 with a Family Fun Walk, Run and Ride along the trail.
Additional anniversary events and activities may be announced throughout the year. The public is encouraged to visit the Events page at friendsofthemountainbaytrailshawano.org and follow the Friends of the Mountain-Bay State Trail – Shawano
County social media page for event updates, registration information, participation forms and additional programming announcements.
The Friends of the Mountain-Bay State Trail – Shawano County is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to preserving, promoting and enhancing the trail through education, volunteerism, partnerships and community engagement.
One of the access points for the Mountain-Bay. State Trail is in Bonduel. (Judith Jolly)
The Mountain-Bay State Trail stretches 83 miles across Brown, Shawano and Marathon counties, including this stretch near County Road E in Shawano County. (Judith Jolly)
