Bike Your Way Through Scenic Green County This Fall
Autumn in Wisconsin is like nowhere else. And one of the best ways to soak up the fall splendor is exploring by bike—with fresh air, gorgeous landscapes and great company.
Green County in southern Wisconsin is a picture-perfect spot to escape the everyday and reconnect with friends and family while finding some unexpected gems. Less than two hours from Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago, Green County is close enough for comfort and far enough to be totally new. So, load up the bikes and get ready to discover roads less traveled with plenty of tasty stops along the way. Check out the itinerary below for some adventure inspiration and customize your trip to ride anywhere from ten to 50 miles.
Day 1
Start the morning right with coffee and a muffin at Bullwinkle’s Coffee and More, a charming drive-through cafe in Brodhead perfect for cyclists on the go.
After you and your crew are fueled up, it’s time to hit the trails, and this is where Green County shines. From Broadhead, hop on the Sugar River State Trail and head northeast. Not far from town, you’ll cross over Norwegian Creek through a picturesque covered bridge perfect for photo-ops, especially in fall when the trail is surrounded by stunning golden, orange and fiery red trees.
It’s only a few miles to Pearl Island Recreational Corridor, an idyllic spot where Norwegian Creek meets Decatur Lake, and the trail runs alongside the water in a scene straight out of a postcard.
After soaking up the natural beauty near the water, head south on the scenic county backroads towards Decatur Dairy. You’ll know you’re there when you see a vintage classic car in front of the brick shop—the sweet wheels belong to Master Cheesemaker Steve Stettler.
This is the perfect spot to park the bikes and dig into one (or a few) of Decatur’s famous grilled cheeses, hot and melty and delicious. Steve’s favorite is the “3 Mouseketeer” that’s made with Havarti, Cheddar and Monterey Jack and finished with their special secret sauce. Pair with chips and locally made craft soda for the perfect Wisconsin lunch. And don’t forget to grab some cheese curds to go—Decatur Dairy's Muenster curds won best in class at the 2022 World Championship Cheese contest!
After lunch, it’s less than a ten-mile ride via rolling country roads to your next adventure—the Kelch Aviation Museum. You and your crew will be astonished upon entering this air hangar filled with vintage aircrafts and other memorabilia from the Golden Age of Aviation that took place between the World Wars. Learn about the flying inventions that changed the world and pose for photos with these historical wonders while an expert tour guide shares their passion for planes with you.
Spend A Special Night on A Farm
Wondering where to stay on your Green County getaway? For a lodging experience you can only get in Wisconsin, book a stay at The Dairy at Wegmueller Farm. Less than five miles from Monroe and just two hours from Chicago, staying on this 4th-generation working dairy farm is more than just a place for you to lay your heads at night—it's a chance to get away from the stress of everyday life, immerse yourself in the rolling hills of Green County and learn about sustainable agriculture in Wisconsin while getting to pet cute animals—including the family pigs, Professor Paisley and Chonkey.
Owners Dan and Ashley love teaching guests how to milk a cow, feed a baby calf and go horseback riding in the fresh fall air. The recently renovated farmhouse sleeps up to nine people and looks out at the horses grazing in their pastures. At night, your family will be astounded by the breathtaking views of the milky way while enjoying cheesy pizza delivered right to your door from one of two nearby restaurants.
Day 2
After a peaceful night’s sleep in the farmhouse, get ready to ride with hot coffee and fresh donuts at Sunrise Donut Cafe in nearby Monroe. From there, head north with friends towards Monticello for a 12-mile ride through Wisconsin’s stunning Driftless Region. Untouched by the glaciers that moved through the state thousands of years ago, these ancient hills are perfect for cyclists who love a little elevation and a lot of beauty.
Once in Monticello, hop on the Sugar River State Trail and continue north for about six miles. If the green hilly landscape dotted with grazing cows starts to remind you of someplace else, keep your ears open for sounds of alphorns coming from New Glarus, nicknamed “America’s Little Switzerland.” Founded by a group of Swiss immigrants 150 years ago, this city’s culture shines through its chalet-style architecture, tasty restaurants and lively festivals throughout the year.
Ride right up to any of the city’s popular restaurants including Puempel's Olde Tavern, Tofflers Pub and Grill or Kristi's Bistro for guaranteed great cuisine. For spirited drinks, Bailey’s Run Vineyard and Winery and New Glarus Brewing Company offer many selections of hand-crafted beverages special to Wisconsin, as well as patios perfect for spending quality time together with your favorite people.
Ride back towards the farm or stay awhile and relax in the pool and sauna at the Chalet Landhaus Inn & Restaurant right in New Glarus. With New Glarus Woods State Park close by, you and your crew have plenty of places to pedal the gorgeous terrain.
Explore more exciting things to do on your Green County getaway and experience this special section of Wisconsin.
Ready for refreshing outdoor fun? Check trail conditions and know before you go with the Wisconsin Trail Report.
