Fennimore to Woodman – Dinky Bike Route
The official Dinky Bike Route between Fennimore and Woodman WI opened on May 16, 2015. Historic markers are placed along the rural roadway to help riders better understand the terrain, settlements and the people that helped discover this beautiful part of the country. Please note the route is on rural roadway and is not an off road trail.
The 15-mile route begins at the marker located at the Fennimore Railroad Historical Society Museum, 610 Lincoln Avenue. From there you travel north on Hwy 61 to Green River Road, then west on County Hwy K to Hwy 133 to Woodman, WI. (See route on Google Maps.)
There are very few bike routes in the state of Wisconsin that carry as much history as the Dinky Trail route. Wisconsin’s longest running narrow gauge railroad ran from Fennimore Wisconsin to Woodman from 1878 to 1926. The rails were removed and the land was deeded back to the surrounding landowners. The Dinky Bike Route follows the public roads closest to the old railroad line.
To start your adventure, bring your own bike or rent a bike from the Fennimore Railroad Historical Society Museum or The Dinky General Store in Woodman. Ride the bike trail one way and leave the bike at either location or ride the full trail. For additional information on bike rental, please call 608-533-2267 or email roddydull@yahoo.com.
Download the Dinky Bike Trail map
The Dinky History
Fennimore’s narrow gauge train, affectionately known as the “Dinky” operated from 1878 to 1926, far longer than most 3-foot lines in Wisconsin. At a nearby depot, standard and narrow gauge trains exchanged their passengers and freight. Trains ran daily between Fennimore and Woodman by way of Werley, Anderson Mills and Conley Cut, meandering 16 miles through the Green River Valley and serving as a key link to other railroads. The line was famous for a horseshoe curve that made it possible to climb the steep slope from the valley to the ridge west of Fennimore.
The “Dinky” was noted for its versatility, carrying farmers, fishermen, salesmen and school children, as well as the U.S. mail, milk, livestock and other freight. The Fennimore Historical Railroad Society Museum displays a 1907 Davenport 2-6-0 locomotive similar to the “Dinky” on the grounds near a state historical marker and the southern start of the Dinky Trail marker.
The Fennimore Historical Railroad Society Museum, 610 Lincoln Avenue, Fennimore, WI, is open Memorial Day through Labor Day seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Miniature train rides are available weekends only. For additional museum information call 608-822-6144.
Also nearby, the Fennimore Doll and Toy Museum, 1135 6th Street, is open Memorial Day weekend through August from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment the months of May, September and October. 608-822-4100
