The waters of Green Lake attracted the first settlers to this East Central Wisconsin area. Green Lake has 27 miles of shoreline. With a depth of approximately 237 feet, the lake is the deepest inland lake in Wisconsin. By the 1860’s visitors from around the Midwest discovered the area as a refreshing resort community. By the 1890’s fishing, golfing and sailing were already well established in this small community, and continue today.

The route circumnavigates the entire lake, for 23 miles, passing by farms, historic log cabins, downtown Green Lake, and tons of wildlife.

The Illinois River Trail is arguably one of the best hikes in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest! Spectacular wildflowers, old-growth trees, rugged and steep river canyons and a wide variety of wildlife are just a few of the natural treasures you'll find on the Illinois River Trail. Fishing can be quite good at times, especially in late fall or early winter.