Photo: Wisconsin DNR
The southern segment of the Gandy Dancer State Trail travels for 47 miles in Wisconsin through the communities of Centuria, Milltown, Luck, Frederic, Siren and Webster, ending in the town of Danbury at the Minnesota border. Here a 520-foot trestle crosses the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway into Minnesota. Built on a former railroad corridor, the trail is named for the work crews who laid the railroad tracks. The crews used tools made by the Gandy Tool Company of Chicago and were known to work by keeping their voices, feet and tools in harmony, leading them to be called "Gandy Dancers."
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Gandy Dancer State Trail (Southern)?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in September–October; biking in May–June and September–October; ATV / UTV / off-road in January–February; and snowmobiling in January–February.
What can you do at Gandy Dancer State Trail (Southern) in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, ATV / UTV / off-road and snowmobiling. Spring (March–May): hiking and biking. Summer (June–August): hiking and biking. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color and biking.
Do you need a state park sticker at Gandy Dancer State Trail (Southern)?
Not for the trail itself: walking and hiking Gandy Dancer State Trail (Southern) are free. Riders 16 and older need a state trail pass for biking: $5 a day or $25 a year. If you park in a lot inside a state park, forest or recreation area, that lot still needs a vehicle sticker.
What state parks and trails are near Gandy Dancer State Trail (Southern)?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Straight Lake State Park (6 mi), Governor Knowles State Forest (17 mi) and Interstate State Park (22 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Hiking
- ATV / UTV / off-road
- Snowmobiling
Best months
January · February · May · June · September · October
Visiting
- Admission: A state trail pass is required for bicycling.
- Hours: The trail is open year-round.
- Phone: 715-485-9272
Nearby
- Straight Lake State Park (6 mi)
- Governor Knowles State Forest (17 mi)
- Interstate State Park (22 mi)
- Cattail State Trail (25 mi)
- Stower Seven Lakes State Trail (27 mi)
Closures and alerts for Gandy Dancer State Trail (Southern): updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.