Best Motorcycle Roads and Destinations in Wisconsin, United States

If you are hoping for a quick getaway with your motorcycle, you should try exploring “the Badger State” or Wisconsin. This Midwestern region has a lot of diverse terrains as the landscape is full of sand plains, hardwood forests, rocky cliffs, flat-topped ridges, rivers, and wetlands. There are hundreds of miles of interstates and highways that travel through or over Wisconsin’s topography.

Whether you decide to visit roadside attractions, small towns, or just want to navigate the winding paths, there are plenty of opportunities for fun during a motorcycle trip in Wisconsin. 

Distance: 109 miles
Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Start: Prairie du Chien
End: Madison

When you start in Prairie du Chien, you can browse the shelves of the Planted Tree and the Valley Fish & Cheese for souvenirs. If you are looking for a Western-style establishment, you can get food and drink at either the Sawmill Saloon or the Rowdy's Bar & Grill.

As you head out of the town, you will travel alongside the Wisconsin River. If you head far enough, you will find an intersection where the Wisconsin River meets the Mississippi River. Most of your surroundings will be a valley full of foothills and bluffs.

If you visit Madison during the fall, you will have the opportunity to take part in the Madison Ghost Walk at Capitol Square.

Distance: 75 miles
Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Start: Brownsville, MN
End: Brownsville, MN

This loop will take you through Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. In Brownsville, you will be able to see the World’s Largest Six Pack, the Dahl Auto Museum, and the Wine Guyz.

As you stay close to the Mississippi River, you will pass through many natural sites that overlook the body of water. These may include Mount Hosmer Park, Blackhawk Park, Bergen Bluff State Natural Area, and Pettibone Park.

While you are in La Crosse, there are plenty of nearby natural sites to walk through such as the Grandad Bluff, Riverside Park, and Goose Island County Park. 

Distance: 27 miles
Time: 40 minutes
Start: Greenbush
End: New Fane

When you start in Greenbush, there are summer tours of an old stagecoach inn referred to as the Wade House. You can also check out the carriages used during the Old West at the Wesley Jung Carriage Museum.

As you head southward, you curve around towards Conner Hill and pass through the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Other natural sites that are alongside the road are Long Lake and the Milwaukee River and Swamp State Nature Area.

If you head up to the Parnell Observatory, you will be able to have a panoramic view of almost the entire state of Wisconsin.

Distance: 79 miles
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Start: La Crosse
End: Reedsburg

While you are still in La Crosse, you can try paddleboarding out on the lake in Pettibone Park or try your hand at skiing or snowboarding at Mount La Crosse. If you are curious about where interesting events may be taking place, see what is being hosted at the La Crosse Center.

As you head eastward, you will pass through Amish country, catching sight of beautiful farms in the distance. You will pass close by Bunker Hill and pass through the Kickapoo Valley Reserve.

Upon arriving in Reedsburg, you can find a bite to eat at the Badger Bar or Brewster’s Lanes. 

Distance: 28 miles
Time: 40 minutes
Start: Merrill
End: Tomahawk

Within proximity to Merrill, you can drop by the Northwoods Maple Farm, Van Der Geest Dairy Farm, and Helene’s Hilltop Orchard if you wish to experience country life. You can also explore the wilderness in the Council Grounds State Park and Grandfather Falls.

At Tomahawk, you can either head up the Hiawatha Trail or enjoy the tranquility of Washington Park. If you wish to hang out with other riders, you can find company at the Boomba Bar & Grill, Shorthorn’s Bar & Grill, or Mary’s Hangout.

As you run alongside the Wisconsin River, you may catch sight of local wildlife including eagles, deer, or turkeys.

Distance: 24 miles
Time: 30 minutes
Start: Barneveld
End: Spring Green

As you leave Barneveld, you will be able to admire the Barneveld Prairie State Natural Area in peace as not many vehicles will be passing through this portion of the journey. Keep your eyes peeled for the Botham Vineyards & Winery if you are interested in whetting your palette.

Spring Green is a quaint community with both homely countryside and beautiful architecture. There are the Taliesin Preservation and the Spring Green Preserve with long fields filled with wildflowers and tall grass. There is also the House on the Rock and the American Players Theatre.

Most of your surroundings for this trip will include rivers, streams, valleys, and ridges while you pass through the open countryside. 

Distance: 27 miles
Time: 35 minutes
Start: Shiocton
End: Shawano

While you are still close to Shiocton, you can spend leisure time at the Shiocton Lake Park or the Mack State Wildlife Area. If you are not too timid to try, you could head to the Shiocton Shooting Range.

At Shawano, you can check out Twig’s Beverage Museum if you have a preference for sodas. You may also wish to hit up the Old Glory Candy if you wish to buy some sweets.

Most of your surroundings for this trip will include the Wolf River and small farms along with passing through the Navarino State Wildlife Area.

Distance: 34 miles
Time: 40 minutes
Start: Tomah
End: La Farge

When in Tomah, you may be able to see fresh produce at the Cranberry Country Market or take a look at the automobiles at the Tomah Sparta Speedway. If you wish to buy some nifty souvenirs, you should stop by the Humbird Cheese Mart or the Quilted Rooster.

As you ride alongside the Kickapoo River, you will catch sight of plenty of landmarks including the Camel’s Hump, Mount Sally, Mount Wildcat, and Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Much of your surroundings will include dense forests, valleys, quaint farms, and cheese factories.

Distance: 21 miles
Time: 30 minutes
Start: West Salem
End: Melrose

When in West Salem, you may be able to feed your love for speed and vehicles if you spend time at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway. If you are looking to restock on provisions, you can find fresh produce provided by the Jollivette Family Farm.

As you get to the famous Mindoro Cut, you will pass through bluffs that have been carved into to make a road for you. Much of your surroundings will be valleys and hills with dense forests atop, plus you will be traveling alongside the Mississippi River. 

Distance: 46 miles
Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
Start: Geneva, WI
End: Barrington, IL

This route passes through both Wisconsin and Illinois. Named after the famous American bank robber, you start by skirting the coast of Lake Geneva. During the summer, you can hit the water at either Riviera Beach or Timber Ridge Waterpark. During the evening, you can see the neon lights coming from the Ice Castles.

When you reach Barrington, you will be able to walk around Langendorf Park which was where Baby Face Nelson was captured by the FBI. If you are hoping to get a well-earned meal, you should try the cuisine at the Blue Heron Café or the Yankee Doodle Inn.

As you travel between Geneva and Barrington, you will come across many different natural sites including Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, Winding Creek Conservation Area, and Lippold Park. 

Distance: 50 miles
Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
Start: Boulder Junction
End: Boulder Junction

Referred to as the “Musky Capital of the World,” Boulder Junction offers great opportunities for aquatic activities such as fishing, paddling, and swimming due to its proximity to Boulder Lake.

This loop is blessed with plenty of lakes and forests so that you have access to plenty of natural scenery. For the nearby bodies of water, you get to pass by High, Forest, and White Sand Lakes. For the forested wilderness, you may catch a glimpse of High Lake Spruce-Balsam Forest, Lake Laura Hardwoods, and Lost Canoe State Natural Areas.

There is also no shortage of restaurants along the side of the road including the Stillwaters Bar & Restaurant, Vinshi’s Bar & Pizza, and Gooch’s Bar & Restaurant. 

Distance: 31 miles
Time: 37 minutes
Start: New Glarus
End: Mineral Point

Originally, Wisconsin was a region covered with glaciers that shifted and formed the mountains that exist today. However, the Driftless Area remains relatively flat due to there being no glaciers to alter the landscape. This helps keep the roads smooth and easy to traverse. There are plenty of shoulders along the highways which provide you views of the high vistas and low creek bed valleys.

If you start in New Glarus, you will find that this town is rich with wineries and restaurants which you may want to sample before you head out. Treat your taste buds at Primrose Winery or Bailey’s Run Vineyard & Winery just to name a few. If you wish to satisfy your sweet tooth, then stop by the Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus.

If you would like to learn about the culture of Wisconsin, then Mineral Point is perfect for you. You can spend time at the Mineral Point Railroad and Gundry House Museums.

It is only mandatory to wear a motorcycle helmet if you are 17 years old or younger. The two types of motorcycle helmets you should choose from are either the three-quarter or full-face helmets. Both of them are designed to encompass your entire head and absorb impacts, the only difference being how much surface area they cover.

Wisconsin has no laws in place that prevent a specific age group from being motorcycle passengers. But it is essential that any minors you carry put on either a three-quarter or full-face helmet. 

Since you may be traveling across many miles and spending hours alone on your motorcycle in Wisconsin, the last thing you want to deal with is mechanical failure. A primary component failing while you are moving at high speeds is not only dangerous for you but also any other vehicles sharing the road. Thus, rather than tempt the chance of being stranded on the side of a road, you should take the time to fix any damage to the machinery.

• Horn

• Wheels

• Tires

• Handlebars 

• Brake system

• Controls

• Headlight

• Taillight

• Brake light

• Reflector

• Exhaust system

• Muffler

• Rearview mirrors

• Turn signals

Wisconsin does not allow any type of lane splitting.

If you wish to memorize the full list of Wisconsin motorcycle laws, you should click this link.

After reading this article, you must be dying to get your motorcycle out to Wisconsin as soon as possible. This is understandable considering that Wisconsin’s scenic byways rarely disappoint. But before you can experience the pleasures of navigating the routes or taking pictures of memorable attractions, you must plan out which direction your Wisconsin motorcycle trip will go.

You might prefer going on shorter routes within the same day, spending time visiting as many natural or historical sites as possible. Or you may want to traverse between states, getting to know the hospitality of the different regions surrounding Wisconsin.

You do not have to just set your sights on the most notable motorcycle roads and destinations in Wisconsin. If any other locations catch your eye while doing research for your extended motorcycle tour, take the opportunity to visit them. Remember to enjoy your time in Wisconsin!