UPDATE (8/9) - A detour has been posted but we've heard multiple reports that it is lacking signage and is difficult to follow. We've posted the detour on our webpage at
https://www.hankaaronstatetrail.org/maps.
UPDATE (8/5) - FOHAST, the DNR, and Wisconsin State Fair leadership met this morning and the Wisconsin State Fair and DNR are working on detour signage and staffing the detour to help keep trail users safe. The proposed detour will not be on Greenfield. They are working as quickly as they can to secure approval from the local municipality, print signage, and mark the detour route. They will not reconsider the closure as they feel they need to secure the perimeter at such a large-scale, public event.
We are also disappointed the trail is closed as we understand hundreds of people rely on this route daily. Everyone acknowledges this was not done well. We appreciate Wisconsin State Fair's and DNR's efforts moving forward to ensure the safety of trail users.
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ORIGINAL POST (8/4) - The Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail learned the Wisconsin State Fair Police (WSFP), with approval from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, closed the Trail this morning from 76th Street to 84th Street from August 4 to 14 for the security and safety of fair patrons.
There is no detour marked, and neither the WSFP nor DNR intend to mark a detour. The WSFP have suggested traveling south to Greenfield Avenue between 76th and 94th Place (note there is no paved access to the Trail from 84th St to 94th Pl, however there is a dirt path at 89th St that connects south to Greenfield). Please exercise extreme caution as this route is busy with vehicles on a normal day, and the risk is only exacerbated by additional traffic of thousands of daily State Fair visitors.
We have called the leadership of the Wisconsin State Fair Police and the Wisconsin DNR to encourage a marked detour and requested they reconsider closure as it impacts thousands of commuters and other trail users. They do not intend to reopen the Trail during this time frame.
You are encouraged to share your concerns with Wisconsin State Wisconsin State Fair Board (
https://wistatefair.com/wsfp/board-of-directors/) and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary's Director Mike Thompson at 414-303-3408 or
[email protected].
Milwaukee County Trail Council Wisconsin Bike Fed