Friendship Trail 2025 11

This week we were accompanied by our eldest daughter to Brillion WI. So we packed into our car and took the 15 minute drive out to the trail.

Key Features

• Rail Trail Segment: The trail follows a former railroad corridor (Chicago and North Western Railway/Brillion and Forest Junction Railroad), providing a relatively flat and easy grade for users.
• Length (Brillion Section): This specific segment is approximately 4 to 5 miles long, connecting the city of Brillion to Forest Junction.
• Surface Type: The main surface is crushed stone or packed gravel, which is suitable for multiple uses.
• Multi-Use Recreation: It accommodates a variety of activities, including walking, hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding (in permitted sections).
• Winter Use: The trail is open year-round, allowing for snowmobiling during the winter months (though it is not snow-cleared).
• Scenic Views: It passes through woodland and scenic farmland, offering a pleasant rural experience in Calumet County.
• Connection to Fox River State Trail: Its western end in Forest Junction connects directly to the Fox River State Trail, allowing users to extend their journey towards Green Bay or Hilbert.
• Brillion Trailhead/Amenities: The eastern terminus is near Horn Park in Brillion, which is a key trailhead providing amenities like parking, restrooms, and a picnic shelter.
• Proximity to US Highway 10: Much of this segment runs adjacent or close to U.S. Highway 10.
• Ariens Company Conservancy Access: The trail passes near the Ariens Company headquarters and offers spur trails that lead into the adjacent Ariens Company conservancy, a designated green space with opportunities for wildlife viewing and extended nature walks.

Review

While looking at this section of the trail I found a place to park called the Silo Pavilion. Reaching that lot I found this much more than what I expected.

In Brillion there is a company called AriensCo. The Silo Pavilion is a public park sponsored by AriensCo. Trails through this park connect to the Friendship Trail.

There is also a group of other pavilions just west of the Silo Pavilion. This is called Stone Prairie, and is marked as private property. This collection of pavilions look to be used by AriensCo for private occasions.

Getting a quick picture of the silo as we start our hike. A group of pigeons gather on the silo as if waiting for my picture. My wife and daughter check out an old gnarly willow tree near by.

Some quick pictures before we start our hike. Then we begin walking down a blacktop path toward the Stone Prairie.

We cross a drainage ditch on a wooden bridge. Just after crossing we encounter a gate and the sign indicating that Stone Prairie is private property so we walk back across the bridge. There is a trail around the Stone Prairie area but my research did not indicate how extensive that part of the trail is.

Small song birds fly around us as we walk. The trail winds back and forth through the fields and forests of this park like natural area.

My wife and daughter started talking about what birds each of our family resembles. The conversation that happens while we walk is entertainment that keeps our minds busy during our hikes.

Finally after wrapping around the retention pond near AriensCo we reached the Friendship trail. From here its a mile hike till we get back to the Silo Pavilion trails.

Running from Forest Junction to Brillion this section of the trail is a straight line. Built on an old train track following Hwy 10.

A pair of crows posed for individual pictures as we pass. My daughter, being a photographer herself, points out a unique photo opportunity.

Eventually we reach the final trail back toward Silo Pavilion. We turn back and start the final push to our car.

Reaching our car we pack up and start home. But I notice the pigeons are gone from the top of the silo. Just as we pull out of the parking lot we see why.

A Sharp-shinned Hawk has perched on one of the lights. Quickly I stop the car on the edge of the road. I quietly move to the back of the car and open the back hatch. The entire time the hawk keeps an eye on me but stays put long enough for me to get a dozen or so pictures.

Though this trail was a short one it was good hike. We opted not to hike the trail from Forest Junction to Brillion. Sticking to the trails between AriensCo and the trail’s end our hike was probably about 2.5 miles long.

Other than the initial trail between Silo Pavilion and Stone Prairie, the trail is pea gravel. Several bridges cross drainage ditches and the trails through the park connect to the Friendship Trail at several points. There are multiple options for routes. If your looking for a new trail and have not been here give it a chance.

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