Facility Overview

The Cattail Trail Head parking facility in Amery, Wisconsin, serves as the primary western gateway to the scenic 18-mile Cattail State Trail, which spans across Polk and Barron counties through Turtle Lake and into Almena. Located just off Center Street East (County Highway C / State Highway 46 corridor) in downtown Amery, this open-air, ground-level surface parking area is purposefully tailored for outdoor recreationists and trail adventurers. The lot features an open-sky design without any overhead height restrictions or clearance barriers, making it completely accessible for standard passenger sedans, full-size SUVs, pickup trucks, camper vans, and extended vehicles hauling utility trailers carrying ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, or bicycles.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated directly adjacent to downtown Amery, the Cattail Trail Head provides immediate access to nature while keeping visitors within easy walking distance of local conveniences and dining. Key points of interest and distances include:

• Cattail State Trail: Steps away (0 minutes); immediate on-site access to 18 miles of multi-use crushed limestone and graded trail traversing pristine wetlands, hardwood forests, and farmland.
• Downtown Amery Dining & Retail: Within a 2 to 5-minute walk (0.1 to 0.3 miles) along Keller Avenue and Center Street, featuring local favorites like Amery Family Restaurant, Cricket’s River Restaurant, local bakeries, cafes, and historic boutiques.
• Apple River & Amery Dam: Approximately a 5-minute stroll (0.3 miles), offering scenic river views, riverside walking, and fishing spots.
• Stower Seven Lakes State Trail: Located roughly 1.5 miles west across town, offering an additional non-motorized linear trail experience toward Dresser.
• Soo Line Park & Michael Park: Under a 10-minute walk (0.5 miles) for family-friendly greenspaces, picnic pavilions, and community gatherings.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

The trail head parking lot is easily reached via Wisconsin State Highway 46 (Keller Avenue) turning east onto Center Street East. Ingress and egress are straightforward and uninhibited, featuring wide turn aprons suited for longer vehicles and trailers. The lot connects seamlessly to local regional highways, including US-8 just 6 miles north and State Highway 64 roughly 8 miles south. While rural Amery does not operate scheduled metropolitan bus or passenger rail services, the facility functions as a critical multi-modal park-and-ride hub for non-motorized cyclists, hikers, and off-road vehicle (OHV) trail users traveling through western Wisconsin.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-air surface layout with generous turning radius for trucks and vehicle-trailer combinations.
• Direct trailhead connection featuring informational trail kiosks, trail maps, and regulation signage.
• Unrestricted vertical clearance accommodating roof-racked canoes, kayaks, bicycles, and tall cargo boxes.
• Public access with standard free parking year-round (trail permits or state ATV/UTV/snowmobile registrations may apply to trail usage).
• Trash receptacles and nearby seasonal public restroom facilities.
• Well-lit perimeter for safe early morning launches and dusk arrivals.

Ideal For

• ATV, UTV, and Snowmobile Enthusiasts: Drivers towing trailers with off-road machines seeking direct access to motorized-friendly sections of the trail system.
• Bicyclists and Trail Runners: Cyclists, gravel grinders, and long-distance runners looking for a quiet, reliable base camp to embark on extended multi-county treks.
• Nature Lovers and Birdwatchers: Visitors exploring wetland habitats, viewing native wildlife, waterfowl, and the namesake cattail marshes.
• Downtown Visitors: Motorists seeking a quiet staging spot within comfortable walking distance of Amery’s Main Street dining and community events.

Visitor & Driver Tips

During peak summer weekends and prime winter snowmobile conditions, trailer parking spaces can fill rapidly by mid-morning; planning an early arrival ensures an easy pull-through spot for trailered rigs. While parking on-site is complimentary, remember to verify Wisconsin DNR trail pass requirements or off-highway vehicle (OHV) registration stickers before riding out on motorized segments. Always pack out all litter to keep the trailhead clean for fellow trail enthusiasts, and double-check trail condition updates with local clubs following heavy rain or freeze-thaw cycles.