The trail leads from the Wisconsin – Illinois state line to Madison passing through, from south to north, Monroe, Monticello, Belleville and Fitchburg.

[5] Republican state legislators raised objections to the DNR spending and stewardship in 2003 but were unable to block the $499,000 allocated for improvements to the trail.

[2][18] Although the 6-mile long (9.7 km) section through Fitchburg wouldn't be paved on the trail's opening,[19] in its first year of use as a recreational trail, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources estimated that, despite a temporary closure in August due to flooding,[20][21] it was used by 31,000 people between July 1 and December 31, 2007, with 6,000 snowmobilers in December.

[23][24] Finally on November 18, 2009, the Building Commission unanimously approved funding to complete the section in Fitchburg, allowing $497,000 to be borrowed in stewardship.

[29] In 2019, the DNR closed the Stewart Tunnel for safety reasons, due to "sections of loose and falling rocks from the ceiling and side walls."

[30] In summer 2020, a short section of the trail in Fitchburg, where it crosses McKee Road, was temporarily closed.

The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin sponsored three candidates in November 2007 for open seats on the Badger State Trail Friends Group, and all three were elected.

[11] The success of the trail has led to historic designations and rebuilding of structures along the line, such as the former station in Belleville.