Ride Year-Round: Fat Tire Biking in Wisconsin

This winter, explore Wisconsin’s scenic snow-covered trails in a new way: on a fat tire bike! With large, studded tires that allow riders to cruise over snow and even ice, the possibilities for winter adventures are endless. Read on to learn more about this special sport.

Where to Go Fat Biking in Wisconsin

In winter, whether riding groomed single-track trails, on frozen lakes or fresh powder, fat bikes have extended the biking season and added a whole new dimension to winter outings. Check the Wisconsin Snow Report (and select the “winter fat biking only filter under the cross-country conditions heading) to find specialized trails groomed for the sport as well as their current conditions.

Trails in Northwest Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Northwoods and Lake Superior shoreline make for ideal fat biking conditions in the Northwest part of the state. When conditions are safe, you can even ride across the frozen Great Lake out to Madeline Island–a stunning route called the Ice Road. Look out for the Bike Across the Bay event held each winter put on by a local cycling club and open to the public.

Around Hayward and Cable, the CAMBA Trail System offers over 50 miles of groomed fat biking trails. Visit during the Fat Bike Birkie event to ride the famous ski trails. Other popular trails include Levis-Trow Mound in Neillsville, Whitetail Ridge in River Falls and Woolly Trail in St. Croix Falls.

Trails in Northeast Wisconsin

In Northeast Wisconsin, you’ll find a wide range of trails to explore by fat bike. WinMan Trails, located at the North Lakeland Discovery Center, offers 1,300 acres of fat biking-ready frozen turf. Rent bikes from River’s Edge Lodge and Outfitters and they will even drop them off and pick them up right from the trailhead.

At Newport State Park in Door County, pedal alongside 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Some trails are ungroomed, while others are groomed for a smoother ride. The Awassa Trail near St. Germain is groomed for both fat biking and snowshoeing, while the Enterprise and Mud Lake trails near Rhinelander also offer miles of fun.

Trails in Southern Wisconsin

The southeast corner of Wisconsin has become an oasis for this winter sport. The Kettle Moraine State Forest, popular with mountain bikers in the summer, has several trails where fat biking is allowed in the winter. Kenosha County’s Silver Lake Park has several loops of single-track trails groomed to perfection and you may even see grooming on the lake in mid-winter. Closer to Madison, CamRock Park is a great place to ride when the snow flies. Feeling competitive? You’ll also find some great fat biking events hosted at some of these parks.

Keep the snowy fun going with these unique winter sports!