Ice Age Trail Enthusiasts to Gather in Record Numbers for 2026 Annual Conference in Middleton

For one weekend, Middleton will become the epicenter of all things Ice Age Trail, as more than 550 enthusiasts gather to hike, learn, and most importantly: talk Trail.

The Ice Age Trail Alliance’s 2026 Annual Conference will take place April 23–26 at the Marriott Madison West Hotel and Convention Center, marking the largest conference in the organization’s history. It also marks the first time in more than a decade that the Conference is happening in Dane County.

Hikers, volunteers, and supporters from across Wisconsin and the Midwest will converge for the annual event, creating a high-energy weekend centered on connection, education, and a shared love for one of the nation’s 11 National Scenic Trails.

“There’s a strong and passionate community all along the 1,200 miles of the Ice Age Trail,” said Luke Kloberdanz, CEO and Executive Director. “Bringing so many of those supporters together in one place for a few days is incredibly energizing. It’s a chance to reconnect with old hiking partners, meet new ones, and celebrate the people and places that make the Trail so special.”

Hit the Trail—Together

A hallmark of the conference is the opportunity to experience the Trail firsthand. Attendees can choose from a variety of guided, shuttled hikes across nearby Ice Age Trail segments, including daylong journeys in Cross Plains and Janesville.

Additional outdoor experiences include: a birding hike, behind-the-scenes walk-and-talks showcasing the Alliance’s habitat restoration efforts. And a Trail run at the Table Bluff segment, hosted by Fleet Feet will take place on Saturday morning. (The Trail Run is open to the public. Details here).

Learn Something to Take With You
Conference attendees can also choose to attend a wide range of educational sessions held Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Topics span conservation, recreation, geology, and more.

Sessions are led by experts in their fields and are designed to enhance the hiking experience—giving participants insights to carry with them the next time they’re on the Trail.

A Legendary Voice of the Trail
Friday evening’s keynote address will be given by Barney Scout Mann: author, long-distance hiking legend, and national trail advocate.

A member of hiking’s “Triple Crown,” Mann completed the Pacific Crest Trail at age 55, the Continental Divide Trail at 63, the Appalachian Trail at 67, and, most recently, the Ice Age Trail at age 73—becoming the third-oldest person to thru-hike the route.

His keynote, Carried by Community: A Journey Along the Ice Age Trail, will share stories from his 66-day trek across Wisconsin, highlighting the landscapes, small towns, and Trail Angels who define the experience.

Celebrating the People Behind the Trail
The weekend culminates Saturday evening with the Annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony, honoring the volunteers and hikers who make the Ice Age Trail possible. This year, the Alliance will recognize:
• Hundreds of volunteers reaching milestone achievements
• 80 new Thousand Milers who completed the entire 1,200-mile Trail