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Join the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation at the International Trails Summit this April in Madison! You’re invited to connect with trail professionals and enthusiasts from around the world for a week of learning, networking, demos and more.

As a conference sponsor, the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation is providing even more opportunities to help you take advantage of this international conference in our backyard.

• Wisconsin Meetings: Join other Wisconsin outdoor recreation leaders involved in trail building, maintenance and stewardship to discuss challenges, projects and visions for the future. See the schedule of user group allied meetings below.
• Wisconsin Welcome Reception: Celebrate Wisconsin’s diverse community of trail enthusiasts, meet new friends and hear about what is happening on Wisconsin’s trails at a reception hosted by the Office of Outdoor Recreation for Wisconsin attendees. More details are below.
• Registration Discount: Receive a special discount rate for Wisconsin residents, a savings of 20% or more ($500 full conference / $200 single day). Register today!

Join the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation and recreation leaders from across the state for free gatherings on Monday, April 14. Recreation leaders will host “allied meetings” at Monona Terrace Convention Center, and the Office will host a welcome reception for summit attendees.

1-2:30 p.m.

Navigating Nordic Skiing in Wisconsin

Facilitated by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation

1-2:30 p.m.

Hiking Trails: Best Practices for Engaging Volunteers

Facilitated by the Ice Age Trail Alliance

1-2:30 p.m.

Maintaining 25,000 Miles: Learn About Wisconsin's Association of Snowmobile Clubs

Facilitated by Wisconsin Association of Snowmobile Clubs

3-5 p.m.

Developing Wisconsin’s Trail Network: Lessons from the Route of the Badger

Facilitated by Rails to Trails Conservancy

3-5 p.m.

National Scenic Trails Allied Meeting 

Facilitated by the Ice Age Trail Alliance and North Country Trail Association

Also, from 3-5 p.m., attendees are invited to join one of the national trail caucuses on water trails, motorized trails or equestrian trails for additional networking and learning.

4:30-5:30 p.m.

Wisconsin Mountain Bike Enthusiasts and Professionals Meet and Greet

Discuss statewide opportunities and constraints related to mountain biking in Wisconsin

Facilitated by Mike Repyak

5-6:30 p.m.

Wisconsin Welcome Reception

Brief program, hors d'oeuvres and cash bar

Hosted by the Office of Outdoor Recreation

Please RSVP to let us know you’re coming!

The Summit is organized and hosted by American Trails and the Professional Trail Builders Association (PTBA). Held at exemplary trail communities around the country, the biannual gathering coalesces 700+ people from over 10 countries. With breakout sessions, roundtable discussions, demos, plenaries, field trips and hands-on learning opportunities, there is something for everyone who works with trails.

Pre- and Post-Summit Workshops: April 12 – 14 and April 18

Various locations in La Crosse and the Madison area

Learn from the experts in these hands-on workshops. Tackle technical skills from stonework, mechanized construction and trail planning to terrain considerations, trail design and visitor use management. Classroom and fieldwork are required, and workshops have an additional fee. Learn more here.

Allied Meetings and Wisconsin Reception: April 14

Monona Terrace, Madison

Don’t miss the chance to meet and learn from other trail groups in Wisconsin. These meetings are free, and we invite you to join us even if you can’t attend the full summit. RSVP here.

Field trips: April 14

Various locations within an hour's drive of Madison

Field trips are half to full-day, educational on-trail activities. Rates range from $25- $129 and include transportation. Activities include paved bike path exploration, mountain biking, walking tours, canoe trips and more! View the options here.

Core Summit: April 15 – 17

Monona Terrace Convention Center, Madison

The core Summit includes concurrent sessions, roundtable discussions and plenary sessions covering the following topics: career pathways and trail training, access to trails, interpretation and storytelling, partnerships and collaboration, research and technology, technical trail skills, trails and community resiliency, and trail funding. There will also be lots of networking opportunities, an exhibit hall and an off-site day at Babcock County Park. The full agenda will be posted here soon!

Find a full schedule of Summit events here.