Wisconsin's Best Cycle/Trike Rides

Wisconsin is known as the Dairy state, not only because of it's great quality/quantity of milk but also cheese.  It's a naturally beautiful state with many scenic river and lake rides, but also borders on Lake Superior and Michigan too. The best riding has to be along the River Road or Mississippi River from Prairie du Chien to Prescott. The home of Harley Davidson motorcycles, it is one of the most popular states for motorcycle touring.  The state is very motorcycle friendly in every aspect. And it doesn't snow in the summer either.

MOTORCYCLE LAWS - More Information On Laws

Helmet Use: Required by law under age 18, required for instructional permit holders
Riding Two Abreast:  Ok
Eye Protection:   Required, glasses, helmet shields or goggles.
Daytime Use of Headlight: Required, modulating headlight permitted

Eau Claire Area Rides - with PDF maps and directions when possible

Eau Claire, NEast, West East Ride on SR-178, CR-M, SR-25, CR-C. This is a nice trip, which starts Going North along Chippewa River, to Holcombe Flowage, Dam and resort area, to New Auburn, to Sand Creek to Colfax, to Tainter Lake Area, Downsville and then home to Eau Claire again. Enjoy the many river views, lakes and wildlife. With places to stop, look, watch, eat and more included in instructions at bottom of page. This trip non-stop takes me about 3.5 hours, but you'll want to take a break, restroom or otherwise, see some sights and enjoy. If you grab a bite to eat, figure 5 -6 hours depending on the number of refreshments

Eau Claire to Strum, Whitehall, Arcadia, and along the Mississippi and home. Ok, I'm spoiled, as I live in the hilly country south of Eau Claire, but this has to be one of the most scenic Wisconsin (non tourist area) rides you'll enjoy. Almost immediately after leaving Eau Claire, you are on country roads, winding your way along at 40-55 mph, past creeks, thru hills, south of Eau Claire. Next you'll hit the hills, winding roads, little country churches in the Strum (Hwy 10 area) to Whitehall. Next stop, Hanson's Hideout Grill, great food, fantastic views, and then off to the Mississippi River. You'll love Alma and the ride home as well. If this ride doesn't trip your trigger, then nothing will. If you like country driving, twisting, ridgetops and more, here it is.

Eau Claire to the Misssissippi River via Durand and Hwy 10. Folks the entire middle part of this trip is to die for. The scenery getting there is great, the ride is nice, and well once you get to the Mississippi River, what else can I say. If you make it to Eau Claire sometime, you have got to make this run. I'll be adding more River Road rides below Pepin later.

The River Road or Hwy 35 from Prairie du Chien to Prescott. Enjoy the beauty of the Mississippi River Bottoms as you drive thru old river towns, circa 1850-60's and enjoy the beauty of the bluffs, coulees and nature. This is one of the best motorcycle/trike runs you'll find in America. No map is needed, just get on Hwy 35 (River Road) and drive north or south. Alma has a nice area to watch barges go up and down the Mississippi River, as well as great food places too. To see a list of things to see or do <more>

Eau Claire to Neillsville - Veterans High Ground Ride and Return. This is a nice easy ride, leaving Eau Claire on SR-12 to Fall Creek, Augusta, Fairchild and thru the Clark County Forest to the Highground. Spend some time there and then head north to Mead Lake and thru the country the back way to the Eau Claire Lake area and then back to Eau Claire. 5 hours.

Everyone who has spent time riding through Wildcat State Park, Highway 131 and County P in Vernon County is familiar with the Rockton Bar & Grill . Some very good Chicken-Q, and the burgers arent bad either, although a bit small. If you are taking a group though the area and are looking to feed them, this is the place to go. they can handle quite a few people. But you gotta call ahead or you wont get the Chicken-Q(608) 625-4395. Otherwise there is a menu available inside. Cheap prices.

Eau Claire to Ironwood, Michigan - A beautiful full day ride and stay over if you like or come back. 180 miles about thru rural farming areas, small towns, scenic river and lake vistas and so much more. All secondary roads and county highways to enjoy a slower pace. This is probably one of the prettiest trips you'll take in Wisconsin if you like the water and wilderness.

Take almost any county or township road along the Mississippi River east, south and north and enjoy a great day in hills that zoom up to 800' or more high, and wind thru picturesque farm country in the coulees. Check these out.

Wisconsin's Route 33 - The Little Deals Gap of the Mid-west! Take Wisconsin Hwy 33 from LaCrosse to Reedsburg, about 75 miles. Then continue onto Barraboo on Hwy 33. This area is breathtaking! As Hwy 33 winds through the hills of the WildCat Mountain State Park, you are reminded of traveling through the Black Hills of South Dakota with is sharp curves and switchbacks. Just when you start to descending out of the hills, you find yourself passing peaceful Amish farms. Gentle rolling countryside and small towns all along the way.

For an added thrill, take Hwy. 82 from mid-state town of Mauston, hook up with 80 at Elroy (south), and then run into 33 at Union Center. The Mauston to 33 ride is VERY scenic, with incredible grades, twists and views between farms. Roads are very 'grippy' and in great shape; well marked and well signed.