Wisconsin is a rider’s paradise. You can’t help but appreciate its dreamy, windy roads that take you through scenic landscapes and fascinating cultures. I still remember exploring these roads as a Pillon passenger on my father’s motorcycle.

Even now as an adult, when I’m not repairing a bike or recommending a motorcycle for someone, I pin a location, dust my leather jacket, and ride.

The trail I pick mostly depends on my mood. There are days that I want to engage my riding skills with rugged terrains, and there are also days that I just want to cruise. Regardless of your riding expertise, there’s a trail for you. Let’s ride through seven top Wisconsin motorcycle trails you should explore.

7 Best Bike Trails in Wisconsin

1. Great River Road

   

   We start at the Great River Road, Wisconsin section. It is a 250-mile byway that trails the Mississippi River from North to South. The route has a mix of curvy and straight roads with breathtaking nature views.

   There are 30 small towns along this route with interesting cultures and historical sites. Some of the notable ones are the Perrot State Park hiking trails near Trempealeau, La Crosse’s fish fry, and the restored Victorian mansion Villa Louis at Prairie du Chien.

   Length: 250 miles

   Terrain: Paved routes, curvy and straight roads

   Estimated Ride Time: Around 7 hours without major stops. Two days if you plan to explore.

   Start – End: Prescot – Kieler, WI.

2. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive

   

   The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive offers a more challenging motorcycle trip with winding roads running through glacial landscapes. The ride passes through six counties, connecting the north and south of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. It uses local and county roads, with turns marked by green acorn signs for easier navigation.

   The route boasts recreational highlights like forests, lakes, and historical sights. Notable sights include the Holy Hill National Shrine, the Parnell Observation Tower, and the Wade House Historic Site in Greenbush.

   Length: 115 miles

   Terrain: paved and unpaved main and rustic roads. Green acorns mark the turns.

   Estimated Ride Time: 4 hours without stops. A day’s trip for an adventurous ride experience.

   Start – End: Elkhart Lake in northern Sheboygan County – Whitewater Lake in southern Walworth County.

3. Door County Coastal Byway Loop (WI-42 and WI-57)

   

   A scenic loop ride around the peninsula awaits you on WI-42 and WI-57, the main highways of Door County. It’s a 66-mile loop connecting charming coastal towns, parks, and natural wonders along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.

   Don’t forget to ride the 15 consecutive curves bordered by maples near Northport on WI-42. Other points worth exploring on The Loop include the Peninsula State Park, the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, and the town of Ephraim, which has a well-preserved Norwegian heritage and harbor.

   Length: 66 miles

   Terrain: paved, dirt, curvy, and straight roads with scenic backdrops of hills, Door Peninsula, and Lake Michigan

   Estimated Ride Time: 4 hours without stops. A full day for an immersive experience.

   Start-End: Commonly starts at Sturgeon Bay and goes northward along either highway.

4. Driftless Area

   

   The Driftless Area is a unique, unglaciated region in southwestern Wisconsin. It encompasses winding roads meandering through hills, river valleys, rugged landscapes, and beautiful towns along the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers.

   There are several routes that you may explore in the Driftless area. A typical ride is about 100 miles. For the best experiences, consider rides along Highways 1, 14, and 162.

   Length: Varies, but usually 100 miles.

   Terrain: Rugged landscape of winding roads and straight paths

   Estimated Ride Time: Depends on the selected route. Usually, between 4-5 hours for a non-stop ride and a full day or more for an immersive ride experience.

   Start – End: It depends on your selected route. You can go from La Crosse to the south for a loop trip.

5. Triple State Mississippi River Run

   

   The Triple State Mississippi River Run is a 75-mile loop that takes riders through portions of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. It features curvy highways that go through rural small towns and river valleys.

   The route offers beautiful landscape views and historic landmarks, including the World’s Largest Six Pack—six brewery storage tanks painted to resemble a six-pack of beer, and the Dahl Auto Museum.

   Length: 75 miles.

   Terrain: Paved roads with a mix of curves and straight paths.

   Estimated Ride Time: Less than two hours for a ride through, but about 5 hours if you choose to experience the local attractions.

   Start – End: La Crosse – Brownsville, MN – Iowa – La Crosse

6. Highways 55 and 32 Loop

   

   Highways 55 and 32 form a 75-mile loop that runs from Black River Falls to Rice Lake. The route is quite technical, with tight curves and occasional straight ways. It cuts through scenic river valleys, farmlands, and dense forests. It’s ideal for a controlled cruise but not built for high-speed racing.

   This route passes through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which is nearly 1.5 million acres of nature. You can experience Wisconsin’s beautiful culture in locations along the route, like beer-battered cheese curds and bratwurst in Black River Falls and farm-fresh ingredient meals at Rice Lake.

   Length: 75 miles.

   Terrain: A mix of curved and straight paths.

   Estimated Ride Time: About 3 hours for a non-stop ride. A day for an exploration ride

   Start – End: Black River Falls – Rice Lake

7. Highway 33

   

   Highway 33 is one of the less explored yet captivating motorcycle routes that runs through southwestern Wisconsin. It’s about 45 miles between Dodgeville and Mineral Point, a convenient range for your electric motorcycle. It features a two-lane highway with challenging curves and a backdrop of scenic rural landscapes.

   Historic points and local interests border this route, like Mineral Point’s 19th-century architecture and art galleries. There are also antique shops and cheese curds to give you a taste of the local flavors.

   Length: 45 miles.

   Terrain: Paved, curvy paths.

   Estimated Ride Time: About 2 hours

   Start – End: Dodgeville – Mineral Point

What should I do before going on a Wisconsin Road Trip?

Before you explore a Wisconsin route, there are three things to consider. First, always have your full safety gear before rolling out your motorcycle. Your helmet, jacket, pads, and other safety equipment contribute to your safety on the road.

Then, do not drink before you set out on a ride. Riding a motorcycle requires precision, balance, skills, and calculation. It will be much harder to carry out these functions with impaired judgement.

Finally, be alert on the road. You must always be aware of your surroundings and assume that other road users can’t see you.

How do I pick the right Wisconsin route for a bike ride?

The right route for you depends on your riding skill, style, and interests. If you love testing your riding limits with technical curves and rugged terrain, try Highway 55 or the Driftless Area.

If you prefer a relaxed cruise infused with local culture, you should try routes like the Great River Road or Door County Loop.

What are the best times of the year to ride these Wisconsin routes?

Wisconsin experiences long daylight hours and warm, predictable weather from late Spring through early Fall. These are also the times that you have more local delicacies and vibrant colors in nature, making for safe and enjoyable trips.