About 4.7 miles of the 1,000-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail run through Hartland. Here, the trail follows a shaded, tree-lined stretch along the Bark River. The river and woods shape some of the town’s outdoor experiences, while parks and historic sites offer other focal points for your stay.

River Trails and Green Spaces

The Ice Age Trail reaches the northwest corner of Hartbrook Park, where a pedestrian bridge crosses the Bark River. The river borders the park to the west, making it a prominent feature of the park’s setting. Another pedestrian connection is at the southern end of the Bark River Greenway: the bridge there links Hartland’s central business district with the green space.

For a different kind of landscape, visit Hartland Marsh Preserve. About 1.3 miles of spur and loop trails wind through woodland and marshland. Wildlife viewing is another highlight: the preserve is a good place to observe sandhill cranes, ducks, herons, and songbirds. The nature areas described here each have a distinct focus—along the Bark River, the emphasis is on the river and shaded trail; at the preserve, it is on woodland, marsh, and birdlife.

Things to Do at Nixon Park

Nixon Park has a splash pad, an ice-skating rink, and a Fine Arts Center. Park facilities may operate seasonally, so check in advance which amenities will be open when you visit. This can help you plan your park visit around your intended activities.

A wheelchair-accessible trail along the riverbank and around the pond is also a useful way to get oriented in the park. The pond is fed by the Bark River and offers fishing opportunities. The trail, water, and facilities provide different ways to enjoy the park; the accessible trail is specifically a practical point of reference for visitors.

Local History and Architecture

Two distinct subjects come together at Hartland Public Library: the Local History Room houses a piece of the original Watertown Plank Road among its Hartland artifacts. The library also has an educational display about Ice Age geology. One points to a specific transportation route from the town’s history, while the other explores the geological development of the Ice Age.

Hartland’s railroad history also has an architectural landmark. The Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad Depot is the only surviving structure in Hartland associated with the railroad and is of architectural significance. The depot is vacant and boarded up. This qualification is part of how the building should be understood: its significance lies in its preserved architectural history, not in any guaranteed visitor access.

Explore more destinations: New Berlin, Mukwonago, Dousman, Waukesha, Delafield, Brookfield, Menomonee Falls, Oconomowoc.

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