Pedal Your Way to a Memorable Family Getaway

Pack up the bikes and hit the road for a family getaway filled with gorgeous Wisconsin scenery, fresh air and plenty of time to explore together. From peaceful trails through the woods to lake views and lots of tasty stops to refuel, there’s a route for every kind of adventure. Before you go, check the Wisconsin Trail Report for the latest trail conditions so your family can make the most of every mile.

Follow the Mississippi River on the Great River State Trail

Hop on your bikes and follow the Mississippi River along the Great River State Trail. This 24-mile route is packed with beautiful views and fun stops the whole family can enjoy. Pedal past Lake Onalaska, roll across a 287-foot former railroad trestle bridge over the Black River and wind through peaceful Mississippi River bottomlands. 

Along the way, stop to explore the fascinating Nicholls Hopewell Mound, a former burial tomb, or spot wildlife at the Upper Mississippi and Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuges. A former railroad line, the limestone surface is easy on every type of bicycle. From Onalaska to Trempealeau, every mile brings a new view, a little adventure and plenty of reasons to stop and explore with loved ones.

Where to rent bikes: In Onalaska, River Trail Cycles rents many types of bikes (not including e-bikes), offers repairs and sells trail passes. If you’re looking for a little extra power, stop in at Wrench & Roll in La Crosse to rent e-bikes.

Where to stay: Rest right on the shore of the Mississippi at the Trempealeau Hotel, end the day with a campfire at Little Bluff Inn or hang out with cute animals at Rainbow Ridge Farms Bed & Breakfast.

Get to Know Wisconsin’s Capital City By Trail

See Madison from a whole new perspective on the Capital City State Trail. This 17-mile paved trail winds along the city’s sparkling lakes, between open prairies and scenic stretches of the Nine Springs E-Way and Capital Springs State Park & Recreation Area. Along the way, make plenty of time for family fun. Stop for ice cream at Chocolate Shoppe, take in views of the State Capitol Square or grab a local brew and play games together at the Biergarten at Olbrich Park. With easy access to downtown and plenty of places to pause, play and refuel, it’s a fun way to spend the day exploring Madison together.

Where to rent bikes: Find Madison B-cycles ready to rent at stations around the city, or visit Crazy Lenny’s E-bikes.

Where to stay: Maximize your outdoor time by camping at William G Lunney Lake Farm County Park, enjoy a historic room with a view at Hotel Ruby Marie or choose from the many impressive hotels on Capitol Square, like Hilton Madison Monona Terrace or AC Hotel Madison Downtown. 

Discover World-Class Trails in Sparta and La Crosse

Get ready for a bike ride with a few surprises along the way. The Elroy-Sparta State Trail was the country’s first rail-to-trail conversion and winds through scenic valleys, wooded bluffs and three hand-carved rock tunnels. You’ll have to hop off your bikes to walk through the tunnels, but that’s part of the fun — especially when you reach the longest one, stretching more than three-quarters of a mile. With bike-friendly small towns along the route, you’ll have many chances to stop, explore and make a day of it with your family.

Keep the family adventure rolling on the La Crosse River State Trail, a 21.5-mile route connecting Sparta and La Crosse. Pedal through wetlands, forests and open fields while the La Crosse River winds alongside you. Make a stop in West Salem to explore its historic buildings, including the unique Palmer-Gullickson Octagon Home.

Add a little space exploration to your family bike adventure with a stop at the Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum. Check out NASA artifacts, a real moon rock and vintage bicycles honoring Mercury Seven astronaut Deke Slayton. Then snap a family photo with the World’s Largest Bicyclist, Ben Bikin, for a memorable end to your ride.

Where to rent bikes: Located right in Sparta, rent e-bikes, bike trailers, mountain bikes and more from Speed’s Bicycle Shop.

Where to stay: Find cozy cabins and cottages at Justin Trails B&B Resort and lakeside campsites and cottages at Neshonoc Lakeside Camp Resort.

Cruise Through Northern Wisconsin on the Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail

Grab your bikes and get ready to explore more than 50 miles of smooth, paved trail winding through the Northwoods on the Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail. This National Scenic Trail connects St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters and Mercer, with plenty of stunning scenery to enjoy along the way. Pedal through the Northern Highland American Legion Forest, cross scenic bridges and cruise past crystal-clear lakes and rivers. With mostly flat-to-rolling terrain and manageable hills, it’s an easygoing adventure easily tailored to all skill levels.

Pack a picnic for a lakeside break, stop for a swim when the summer sun warms up or stretch your legs at one of the many scenic rest areas. And when everyone’s ready for a treat, you’re never far from a tasty stop. Ride right up to places like Red Canoe Coffee, Murmuring Waters Lodge or the Pines Restaurant and Beer Garden for a quick snack or a well-earned meal. With plenty of places to pause, play and refuel, you’re sure to remember your time on this route for years to come.

Where to rent bikes: Coontail Boulder Junction can deliver your rental bike right to you, and River’s Edge Adventure Company in Manitowish Waters offers adaptive bicycles to ensure everyone can get in on the fun!

Where to stay: Get the classic B&B experience at St. Germain Bed & Breakfast, find an indoor pool at Whitetail Lodge or enjoy a lakeside cabin at Serenity Bay Resort.

Enjoy Scenic Detours Together in Door County

With so many scenic biking options, Door County makes it easy to find a route that fits your family’s pace and sense of adventure. 

In Peninsula State Park, you and your crew can start with a nine-mile ride through dense woodlands, gently rolling hills and scenic shoreline. The Peninsula State Park Loop is packed with family-friendly stops, including Eagle Bluff Light Station and the sandy shores of Nicolet Bay Beach. Take a break to explore, cool off or simply enjoy the views before hopping back on your bikes.

For a quiet ride surrounded by nature, follow the six-mile Ridges Road through The Ridges Sanctuary. Pedal past wetlands and forests as birdsong fills the air around you.

Ready for a ride with a big payoff? Follow the eight-mile Ellison Bluff Road route to Ellison Bluff State Natural Area, where spectacular views of Green Bay stretch out from atop the cliffs. The winding road adds a little adventure as you make your way through the scenic landscape.

Make your bike ride part of an island getaway with a trip to Washington Island, just a short ferry ride from the mainland. The 23-mile loop takes you through charming villages, rolling hills and coastal scenery, giving your family lots to discover along the way.

Cave Point County Park Loop: Save this scenic ride for a day when you want to get up close to Door County’s dramatic shoreline. Especially enjoyable on an eBike, the loop winds through Whitefish Dunes State Park before reaching the limestone cliffs and striking cave formations at Cave Point County Park. Pack a camera, take your time and enjoy one of the peninsula’s most memorable views.

Where to rent bikes: Visit Edge of Park Bike & Moped Rental just steps from Peninsula State Park, Cave Point Paddle and Pedal and Bay Shore Outfitters in Sturgeon Bay.

Where to stay: Depending on where you want to start and end your adventure, you can find extraordinary lodging all over the Door Peninsula. Check out Hotel Washington, Bay Breeze Resort in Ephraim and Baileys Harbor Schoolhouse Inn.

Ready to go off-road? Use this beginner’s roadmap to Wisconsin mountain biking to discover your new favorite trail!