Explore the City of West Bend Through Its Stunning Nature Trails

Historic buildings surrounded by flourishing flora. Miles of picturesque parks and trails perfect for exploring with your favorite people. A city that’s truly alive.

Welcome to West Bend. Here, a well-kept trail system connects the area in a walkable and bikeable way that puts nature in the spotlight. Read on to learn more about all the wonders waiting to be discovered in this eastern Wisconsin city.

Trails That Connect You to Something Bigger

One of the best ways to experience West Bend is by cruising or walking part of the Eisenbahn State Trail, a 25-mile path with a 5-mile paved section that runs right through the heart of the city. If you’re wondering what “Eisenbahn” means, here’s a hint: the route passes a train depot originally built in 1900. Any guesses? In a nod to the heritage of early settlers, the name of this rail-turned-trail is German for "iron road,” or railway. All aboard!

You and your crew will glimpse other reminders of the area's rich history on this scenic route, both manmade and natural. A charming mill still stands tall at Barton Pond next to a gently flowing damn. A bit further out of town, you’ll cross the Ice Age National Scenic Trail along a landscape carved out by glaciers long ago. Uncover even more history with a visit to the Tower Heritage Center, where you can explore the old jailhouse and soak up the stories that made West Bend what it is today.

Outdoor Adventures with City Perks

Mountain bikers take note—the trails outside of West Bend are legendary for being some of the best in the region. Northwest of the city is Glacial Blue Hills Recreation Area, where you and your fellow adrenaline-seekers will follow single-track trails through hardwood forest with plenty of switchbacks, rocks and roots to keep things exciting.

Hikers can hop on the Ice Age Trail or take their pick of the many other trails in and around West Bend. At the west end, Ridge Run Park features miles of pathways through hills and valleys with plenty of scenic spots overlooking Lucas Lake, a popular fishing spot.

Closer to downtown, explore the Lac Lawrann Conservancy—a 137-acre nature preserve home to over 300 species of plants and 200 species of birds. To cool off on hot summer days, jump into the swimming pond at Regner Park right in the city’s center, where kids can play at the splash pad and perfect picnic spots are abundant.

Searching for a different kind of thrill? An unexpected way to enjoy West Bend is by going geocaching—a treasure hunt where the map is your smart phone. With over 1,600 caches carefully hidden all over the city, it’s no wonder that West Bend is the official Geocaching Capital of the Midwest. Every summer, the West Bend $1,000 Cache Ba$h attracts more than 700 teams from around the world! Time your visit right and you might go home with some real-life treasure.

Discover Downtown Fun & Food

Even in the heart of the city, you and your crew are never far from natural beauty. Wander along the Milwaukee River on the downtown riverwalk where you’ll encounter larger-than-life sculptures from local artists perfect for photo-ops, as well as charming boutiques brimming with unique finds.

To explore West Bend from a different angle, rent kayaks together from Orenda Outdoors on Main Street to paddle through Riverside Park and out to peaceful Quaas Creek, where staff will be waiting to pick you up and bring you back downtown for more fun.

After all that adventure, refuel by sharing some tapas at The Norbert or grab some homemade treats to go at the family-owned Laughing Mountain Popcorn. For beer, take your pick from the selection of craft brews made in-house at the Riverside Brewery. Whatever your tastes, everyone is sure to find something delicious.

Wander Through Amazing Art & Culture

In addition to the stunning scenery of West Bend, the city is also home to an abundance of art and cultural attractions that draw visitors from near and far. A ticket to the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) gets you access to more than 60 years of pieces made by artists with a deep connection to the state—a special way to experience Wisconsin's cultural history you can’t find anywhere else.

Nearby, you can easily spot The Bend, a restored Vaudeville theater that still displays the original iconic “West Bend” sign that lights up the whole block like a vintage movie. After its recent restoration, the theater has gained a spot on the State and National Register of Historic Places, and you and your friends can grab a show and a drink there to be entertained and transported back in time.

With all there is to experience in West Bend, you and your favorite people are sure to make lasting memories in this one-of-a-kind Wisconsin city. For more must-see spots, check out visitwestbend.com and plan your next perfect getaway.