Wisconsin State Fair Bringing Partial Closures On Hank Aaron Trail

WEST ALLIS, WI — Part of the Hank Aaron State Trail will be closed for several days in August when the 2023 Wisconsin State Fair is taking place, organizers announced Wednesday.

The fair said it is working with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to close the trail between 76th Street and 84th Street during the Aug. 3-13 event. The trail runs over the fairgrounds, and while security at the fair has worked to establish a secure perimeter for the event, "allowing an elevated trail that runs directly over visitors and vendors at State Fair Park to stay open during the State Fair severely compromises this secure perimeter," a news release from organizers said.

“While we understand the closure of the Hank Aaron State Trail presents challenges for the many loyal users of the trail, we appreciate the DNR’s support and the public’s understanding of why the portion of the trail that crosses over State Fair Park cannot remain open during the 11 days of the Wisconsin State Fair,” said John Yingling, Chairman of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board of Directors in a news release. “This closure is critical to ensuring that the perimeter of State Fair Park is fully secured and will help us with our goal of providing a safe and enjoyable visit to the more than one million visitors the State Fair welcome each year.”

Here are detour suggestions for trail traffic from the DNR:

Westbound trail traffic:

• Exit the HAST to the north/right at 72nd St.
• Continue north to Main St.
• Turn left on Main St. to 76th St.
• Cross to State Fair Park at Gate 8 by the RV Park.
• Continue west on Main St. through the Fair Park to 84th St.
• Turn left onto the sidewalk past Pettit Center (please walk bikes) to crosswalk by Gate 5 entrance to cross 84th St. onto Schlinger Ave.
• Continue west on Schlinger Ave to 89th Street and then turn right to reach HAST access point

Eastbound trail traffic:

• Exit the HAST to south/right at 89th St.
• Continue south on 89th St. to Schlinger Ave.
• Turn left onto Schlinger Ave and continue to 84th St.
• Cross 84th St. to State Fair Park by Gate 5 Entrance.
• Turn left on sidewalk to Gate 6 / Pettit Center (please walk bikes).
• Turn right on Main St. through State FairPark to 76 St.
• Continue east on Main St. to 72nd St.
• Turn right on 72nd St. to the next available HAST access point.

State fair park staff are anticipated to post signage on the trail regarding the closure alongside alternate routes. More information is available WiStateFair.com or by contacting State Fair Park Police at 608-843-1093.