Last updated May 13, 2025
The 2026 has not been confirmed yet... The Ice Age Trail 50 2026 is one of the oldest continuously-running ultras in the country and is rated by Strambecco as one of the Best Trail Running Race Events in the Midwest. Experience a truly unique course as you traverse the Wisconsin landscape. The Ice Age Trail 50 2026 route will take you through dense deciduous forests under the shade of tall pine trees, over rugged rocky ridges, and across sprawling open prairies. Along the way, you'll be able to observe a range of natural features and ice age geological and glacial formations, such as picturesque lakes, distinctive kettles, and towering kames. There are 3-course options for participants: 50 miles, 50K, and Half Marathon. Registration includes race entry, timing chip, commemorative t-shirt, finisher's award, catered lunch, and post-race party, including live music and awards ceremony. Awards are given to the top 3 men and women in each category, 13 categories, including overall winners. Registration opens in mid-December each year and sells out within hours.
Below, you will find information on course details, lodging, dining, and other outdoor activities while in town for the Ice Age Trail 50 2026.
Event & Course Info
The Ice Age Trail 50 offers a dynamic experience for those who appreciate varied landscapes. You'll encounter changing sceneries, trail directions, elevations, grades, and diverse vegetation. Prepare for rocky paths and roots during steep ascents and descents as you navigate over the eskers. There are also delightfully runnable sections through pine forests, meadows, and alongside wetlands.
50-mile - This course is mainly single-track dirt, tree-rooted, and rocky, winding through forests and prairies with incessant hills. There are 13 aid stations, not including the start and finish line, with a mix of hydration and nutrition. A full schedule includes course details so runners can plan when to fuel up with snacks during the long race. The 50-mile is marked with yellow rectangles painted on trails and rocks.
50K - This 31-mile trail run has two basic sections. The part cruises along many known horse trails in the area. There is a narrow, single track winding up and over many hills with few flats. The second section has two loops of the Nordic Trail, a cross-country ski trail popular in Wisconsin's winter months. During summer, they are wide, scenic, and runnable and provide every type of terrain possible in a gravel race. There are nine aid stations between start and finish, and 7 include fluids and food. See the full schedule to plan your breaks. The 50K is marked with orange ground flags.
Half-Marathon - This course is two loops on the Nordic Trail, which are wide, scenic, and a good representation of the glacial topography of the Kettle Moraine. There are three aid stations for each loop that you will hit twice along the course. The Tamarack Aid Station on your second time through the course is a marker that there are only 4.5 miles to go and all courses merge join together for the finish line. Blue ground flags mark this course.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Where to Stay in La Grange
An otherwise quiet, comfortable town, La Grange becomes the center of the universe for the ultra community each May for the Ice Age Trail 50. Participants of The Ice Age Trail have multiple options for lodging, including a list of recommended hotels, vacation rentals, and popular Ottawa Lake Campground, as well as other unique camping locations in the vicinity. Nearby towns include Whitewater and East Troy. Use the remainder of the weekend to enjoy this beautiful part of the Midwest, whether that's exploring more of the Ice Age Trail, fishing, or visiting other nearby towns of Whitewater and Lake Geneva.
Dining in La Grange
La Grange, Wisconsin, offers a cozy culinary scene that features a blend of local diners, family-run eateries, and unique cafes. Visitors can enjoy everything from classic American comfort foods to freshly made bakery treats in a welcoming, small-town atmosphere. Local favorites include Fanatico, Bingg's Farmstead Restaurant, and Lulabell's Dockside.
Outdoor Activities around La Grange
La Grange, Wisconsin, a picturesque locale nestled in the heart of nature, offers a myriad of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, especially as the landscape awakens in the vibrant bloom of May. While the well-known Ice Age Trail 50 might be the first thing that comes to mind, there are plenty of other adventures that await athletes and outdoor lovers. May is an ideal time to take to the waters of Whitewater Lake, a serene body of water that promises both relaxation and adventure. The lake's calm waters are perfect for kayaking and canoeing, offering a peaceful escape with scenic views of lush, green shores, and abundant wildlife. Paddlers of all skill levels can enjoy exploring hidden coves and the expansive beauty of this pristine lake, making it a perfect day trip for water sports aficionados.
Just a stone’s throw from La Grange, the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit is renowned for its challenging and exhilarating mountain biking trails. The forest's Northern Unit features a range of trails that cater to different skill levels, from winding beginner paths to technical routes filled with obstacles. The undulating terrain, formed by glaciers thousands of years ago, provides a thrilling ride through a landscape dotted with kettle lakes and moraine hills. The lush surroundings are particularly stunning in May, when the forest floor is carpeted with wildflowers. If you prefer a smoother ride, check out some of the great road biking routes in the area.
Finally, if you're looking for some peaceful time in nature to balance out the soul-crushing trail run, a short drive from La Grange, Horicon Marsh offers outdoor enthusiasts a spectacular bird-watching experience. As one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States, it hosts hundreds of bird species, including the majestic bald eagle and colorful warblers. The marsh also offers guided nature walks where visitors can learn about the diverse ecosystems and wildlife conservation efforts in the area. It’s an educational and relaxing way to spend a day amidst some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
Related Events
For trail runners looking for other premier races and events in Wisconsin, be sure to check out the Kettle Moraine 100 Endurance Trail Races, which is a Midwest Grand Slam of Ultrarunning event and a Western States qualifier, as well as the team at Ironbull produces the Ironbull Ultra Trail, as well as one of the Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in the Midwest, the Ironbull Red Granite Grinder.
The multi-sport athletes will appreciate these best-in-class events held in Wisconsin throughout the year - the Horribly Hilly Hundreds one of the Best Road Cycling Race Events in the Midwest, and the infamous Chequamegon MTB Festival, produced by Life Time Events, which is part of the Life Time Grand Prix Series and is considered by our team to be one of the Best Mountain Bike Race Events in the Midwest.
Be sure to check out our complete guides to plan your next event:
