Travel studies are showing us that, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers tend to prefer staycations and other destinations close to home for this summer.  Wisconsinites are pretty lucky, then, as there are so many wonderful places to explore right here in our own back yard. From Great Wisconsin bike trails and plenty of hiking to canoeing, kayaking, and exploring Wisconsin's majestic state parks, there's definitely no shortage of fun things to do in Wisconsin this summer. 

If you're looking for the best places to stay in Wisconsin, turn to our incredible and unique collection of Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts.  As traditionally small properties, you can rest assured knowing each of them is licensed, inspected, and insured.  With unmatched standards for cleanliness and professional innkeepers dedicated to hospitality and service, choosing a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast is truly choosing The Safer Way to Stay. 

As you start to plan your travel around the state of Wisconsin this summer, look to our collection of Inns for your perfect home away from home.  You won't be disappointed. Browse our incredible collection of Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today!

Wisconsin Bike Trails you Really Must Ride This Summer

There are a number of ways to enjoy Wisconsin, but one of our favorite activities that can be enjoyed virtually anywhere in the state is biking.  Whether you're an avid cyclist training for an event and need to log some miles on your vacation, or whether you just enjoy leisurely rides in the countryside, there are plenty of delightful Wisconsin bike trails to explore around the state. What's better, is that many of these incredible trails wind their way through some of the most scenic parts of the state, giving you a true appreciation for just how pretty the state of Wisconsin is.

In fact, Wisconsin is one of the best states in the nation for biking, thanks in large part to the nation's Rails-to-Trails Conservancy program. There are 41 state-level Wisconsin bike trails, and most of them are rail-trails.  Altogether, there are more than 90 Wisconsin bike trails stretching across the state - and truly probably many more we don't even know about. Needless to say, you have a lot of options before you. 

Of course, there are a few big-name Wisconsin Bike Trails, like the Elroy-Sparta Trail, that we think you just shouldn't miss.  But, apart from that, there are a number of small and equally as incredible trails to enjoy. As always, your Innkeeper is your best local resource! We've gathered up 24 of our favorite Wisconsin bike trails from around the state by region, starting off with the most popular trails in the area, and highting a few others you may not have heard of.  We've also linked to the nearest Bed and Breakfasts, to make finding and choosing an adventure even easier.  Happy riding!

Southwestern Wisconsin Bike Trails

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail in Sparta, first built in 1965 and the first of the popular rails-to-trails program is one of the most popular Wisconsin bike trails, and for good reason. The trail is famous for its 3 intact rock tunnels, which are each over 140 years old. Their dark, cool interiors provide a welcome respite on a hot day, too.  Along the way, scenic views of Wisconsin's rural communities will certainly delight. 

Other great trails in southwestern Wisconsin include the following:

• The 400 State Trail near Reedsburg offers a beautiful ride through Wetlands, wildlife, sandstone bluffs, rolling croplands, and pastures. In other words, it's the best of Wisconsin on one great trail. 
• Great River State Trail offers incomparable views of the backwater areas of the Mississippi River, and also offers extraordinary opportunities for bird watching along the Mississippi Flyway. 
• La Crosse River State Trail near La Crosse serves as a great connector trail to those looking to do longer rides in the area, especially if you want to tackle the Elroy Sparta Trail and the Great River State Trail. 
• Mountain bikers won't want to miss their opportunity to bike the Kickapoo Valley Reserve here. It's one of the most beautiful parts of Wisconsin's Driftless Region. 

Great places to stay near these trails include the following Inns: Justin Trails Resort in Sparta; Westby House Inn B&B in Westby; Four Gables Bed and Breakfast in La Crosse; Cream Pitcher Bed and Breakfast in Blue River; Sheer Memories' Guest Cottage in Muscoda.

Biking in Southern Wisconsin (South-Central and South-East)

The Badger State Trail starts in Madison and heads south to the Illinois border, passing farmlands, woods, rolling hills, scenic meadows, and plenty of small rural communities along the way. One of the most popular features on the trail is a 1,200-foot tunnel, unique in that it curves in the middle so you can't see the opposite end of the tunnel as you enter it. 

Other great trails in this region include the following:

• The Capital City State Trail in Madison offers a beautiful way to tour the city, and also connects up to many of the other trails mentioned here for extended trips. 
• Governor Dodge State Park is a truly beautiful park to explore. Spend a day biking among the steep hills, bluffs, and valleys, stopping along the way to enjoy a restful afternoon break at the area's waterfall and lakes. It's one of the most popular Wisconsin State Parks for a reason!
• Military Ridge State Trail near Blue Mounds is an old military trail dating back to 1855. There are several observation areas just off the trail, too, which allows you to view the wildlife and other geological features of the area.
• The Sugar River State Trail in New Glarus is part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and is a great place to see wildlife.  There are also a number of scenic bridges to ride over along the way. 
• Riding along the Wild Goose State Trail, near Horicon Marsh, is one of the best ways to experience the Marsh and enjoy the 250+ bird species found in this area. 

Great places to stay near these trails include the following Inns: The Buckingham Inn in Madison; Hotel Ruby Marie in Madison; The Livingston Inn in Madison; The Speckled Hen Inn in Madison; Honeybee Inn in Horicon; Silver Star B&B in Spring Green; Cameo Rose Victorian Country Inn in Belleville.

Central Wisconsin Bike Trails (and east-central)

Glacial Drumlin State Trail offers 52 miles of trails between Wisconsin's two biggest urban areas, Madison and Waukesha (just outside of Milwaukee). Don't forget to stop and take a selfie at Rock Lake Bridge near Lake Mills.  As you move out of the city, there are plenty of ponds, rivers, and marshes to enjoy, along with the variety of wildlife that calls them home. 

More Wisconsin bike trails in central Wisconsin include:

• Devil's River State Trail, near Manitowoc, is a beautiful rural trail that features two dramatic railroad trestles crossing the Devil's River and tributaries.
• Kettle Morain State Forest - Northern Unit near West Bend is an incredibly beautiful area renownded for its scenic natural beauty and home to incredible biodiversity.  
• Kohler-Andre State Park in Sheboygan explores the scenic shoreline of Lake Michigan with its majestic sand dunes, miles of stuning beach, and sparkling blue water. 

Great places to stay near these Wisconsin bike trails include the following Inns: Westport Bed and Breakfast in Manitowoc; Red Forest Bed and Breakfast in Two Rivers; Rochester Inn in Sheboygan Falls; Fargo Mansion Inn in Lake Mills; Sweet Autumn Inn in Lake Mills.

Wisconsin Bike Trails in Northeastern Wisconsin

Ahnapee State Trail, in Door County, starts in downtown Sturgeon Bay and makes its way south to the charming lakeside town of Algoma. The habitats you'll encounter here include evergreen glades, farmland, and prairies, all of which are positively brimming with wildlife and native wildflowers.

A few more Wisconsin bike trails to consider here include:

• Fox River State Trail near Green Bay follows the beautiful Fox River, an area rich with Native American history and scenic beauty. 
• Mountain-Bay State Trail, starting at Rib Mountain State Park in Wausau, is one of the longest rail-trails in Wisconsin, ending in Green Bay.
• Peninsula State Park is situated on the shores of Door County, offering exceptional biking, wildlife viewing, and other recreation in one of the most scenic parts of the state. 
• Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area in Wausau is one of the most popular areas for hiking and biking in the Wausau area. The area also hosts a number of mountain bike races throughout the year. 

Great places to stay near these Wisconsin bike trails include the following Inns: The Scofield House in Sturgeon Bay; White Lace Inn in Sturgeon Bay; Garden Gate Bed and Breakfast in Sturgeon Bay; Stewart Inn in Wausau.

Northwestern Wisconsin Biking Trails

Gandy Dancer State Trail near St. Croix Falls is a truly breathtaking trail.  It travels north for 98 miles, even popping across the border into Minnesota for a period of time, crossing a 520-foot trestle across the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Find these additional Wisconsin bike trails in northwestern Wisconsin:

• Old Abe State Trail near Chippewa Falls is a relatively flat trail, as most old rail-trails are, and winds its way through agricultural and forest land and along the beautiful Chippewa River.
• Chippewa River State Trail near Eau Claire also navigates along the Chippewa River and takes riders across a number of varied habitats, including prairies, sandstone bluffs, and wetlands.
• Madeline Island, just off the coast near Bayfield, is certainly a unique place to do some biking!  It's absolutely beautiful though and easily reached via ferry from Bayfield. It's the largest of the Apostle Islands and offers a number of scenic rural roads and Wisconsin bike trails to explore.

Great places to stay near these trails include the following Inns: Inn on Lake Wissota in Chippewa Falls; The Cobblestone Bed and Breakfast in Birchwood; Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield.

The Safest & Best Places to Stay in Wisconsin

We talk a lot about how great Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts are, and it's true. There's a reason so many of them are ranked as the best places to stay in Wisconsin.  They really are a delightful alternative to big and impersonal hotel chains where your stay is often nothing but a warm (and only sometimes comfortable) bed. 

Alternatively, when you stay at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts, you not only have a comfortable place to stay, but we'll feed you each morning with a freshly made breakfast, we'll welcome you with big smiles and honest hospitality, and we'll go the extra mile to make sure your stay is anything but ordinary. 

Though we think our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts are always among the best places to stay in Wisconsin, we think the distinction between our collection of Inns and other lodging is something that really matters in today's environment.  In a post-pandemic world, odds are you're going to be looking for someplace that is clean and as safe as possible; that's what you'll find at our Inns.

Our Inns are small, meaning you won't be surrounded by large and unexpected crowds.  We've always been all about cleanliness and the guest experience, but this is at the forefront of what we do every day, now more so than ever. Go ahead. Seek the unique, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime on these Wisconsin bike trails this summer.  Book a room at the best places to stay in Wisconsin today!

Don't Miss These Wisconsin Biking Trails

There is such a variety of Wisconsin Biking Trails to explore and enjoy. With Wisconsin's diverse seasons, you can ride all year long. Yes, even winter, as fat tire biking is now all the rage. However, since it is spring, we will save the winter sporting for another blog post!

Now, you may have your favorite trails, but discovering new ones is so much fun. No matter what part of the state you may want to visit, there is sure to be a trail that will match your adventure level. Therefore, we have put together some of our favorite finds that span much of the state. Nothing beats biking that combines beautiful scenery, exercise, touring, and exploring. 

 

Wisconsin Biking Trails and B&B's Just Seem To Go Together

Some things just seem to go together and biking and B&B's is one of those must-do's. Why? To start with, Innkeepers make it their job to know their area. They have all the innsider tips of favorite biking trails, scenic outlooks, and off-the-beaten path recommendations they love to share. Many of them are outdoor enthusiasts too, making them the expert. As a result, they will also know where to go for grabbing a cool beverage, lunch, or a special shop, close to the trails.  

Besides that, nothing beats returning to the B&B after your afternoon of touring these Wisconsin biking trails. Innkeepers often provide beverages, snacks, and a comfortable place to enjoy them. You can enjoy sun tea on the patio or a glass of wine on the covered porch before dinner. A restful night sleep, followed by a gourmet breakfast, is just what a B&B offers before starting your next day's adventures. Tip: ask if there is bike parking; many times B&B's have a space for you and your bike!

 

Where Some Of Our Favorite Wisconsin Biking Trails Are

 

Pedal'rs Inn

Pedal’rs Inn - Wales: The Glacial Drumlin State Trail is right at their front door. For the more adventurous biking, the beautiful roads of the Southern Kettle Moraine provide wonderful routes and scenic views. Surrounded by beautiful Waukesha County, the state and local county parks have beautiful trails for mountain biking, hiking, and cross country skiing.

 

Rochester Inn

Rochester Inn - Sheboygan Falls: The Rochester Inn is located near the Kettle Moraine State Forest. This is home to fantastic hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. For avid cyclers, the Old Plank Road Trail is just minutes from the Inn. This makes The Rochester Inn your ideal getaway location to enjoy all of the recreational opportunities that Sheboygan County has to offer.

 

Inn at Wawanissee Point

Inn at Wawanissee Point - Baraboo: The topography surrounding the Inn at Wawanissee Point attracts road and mountain bicyclists of all skill levels for training, races, and pleasure. Right next door to the Inn, you can experience challenging mountain biking and racing at Devil's Head Resort. At Devil's Lake State Park, there are 29 miles of hiking and biking trails including 8 miles of off-road bike trails. Similarly, the scenic, rolling hills of the Baraboo Bluffs will offer endless winding paths through vistas and shady glades with some challenging hills.

 

Fountain Chateau B&B

Fountain Chateau - Hustler: The Omaha Bike Trail - This beautiful trail was originally the Omaha Railroad. The bike trail connects right next door to the Fountain Chateau B&B. Here, you can take a walk or a bike ride all the way to Elroy and the world-famous Elroy-Sparta State Trail, as well as the 400 State Trail. Whether you are a serious cyclist or someone who enjoys a leisurely pace, you will love this 12 mile, seal-coated bike trail that features an 875′ tunnel.

 

Seek the Unique With More Than Just Wisconsin Biking Trails

Finally, when you take the time for a getaway, you want to maximize your experiences. Therefore, the WBBA has put together 7 categories of experiences. Make sure you check out the Area Experiences page of our new website. From "Hiking, Biking, Running" and "Water Sports", to "Birding, Wildlife, Nature", you will be sure to find reason to getaway to a WBBA member Inn.

 

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?

 

    The open road, a kaleidoscope of colors, mild temperatures, and an escape from the real world. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Bikes and B&Bs pair so nicely this time of year. Oh, and by bikes, we mean both bicycles and motorcycles. We have lots of fall getaway ideas for fans of two wheels. Wisconsin’s Harley-Davidson just celebrated its 115^th anniversary with a huge bash in Milwaukee over Labor Day weekend, and it was a “wow” for motorcycle fans. Wisconsin is also a peddler’s dream and here’s the evidence: Trek Bicycles is tops with tons of cyclists – the company is headquartered in Waterloo. Wyatt Bicycles in La Crosse manufactures high-end aluminum adventure bikes – think mountain bikes and fat bikes. Based in Madison, one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the country, Pacific Cycle is the parent company of Schwinn and Mongoose. Waterford Precision Cycles and Gunnar Cycles are both in Waterford. And there’s Sotherland Custom Bicycles in Whitewater. So with that biking tutorial out of the way, here are free-wheeling ideas for those of you with fall wanderlust. Best Inns to Ride a Motorcycle To: For those that love the city, Hotel Ruby Marie in Madison is located across from the majestic Lake Monona, where the cool lake breeze will greet you on a ride. Hotel Ruby Marie is also within a short distance from Capitol Square, where you can sight-see around the beautiful Wisconsin State Capitol building. For those that love to trek outside of the city limits, Sheer Memories B&B in Muscoda sits on the rolling hills that overlook the beautiful valley of the Lower Wisconsin River. Perfect for fall color peeping! [caption id="attachment_1983" align="alignleft" width="282"] Justin Trails Resort in Sparta[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2620" align="alignright" width="287"] Pedal'rs Inn in Wales[/caption]                 B&Bs with Covered Spots to Store Your Motorcycle: Nestled in a quiet, peaceful coulee, Justin Trails Resort in Sparta, WI offers guests a relaxed country getaway in the heart of the Wisconsin Driftless Region. They also offer their garage space for bicycles and motorcycles as part of their services. Sparta is often dubbed as the "Bicycling Capital of America" and is nearby to the famous Elroy-Sparta State Trail. Inns with Best Proximity to Top State Bike Trails: Located just outside of Elkhorn, WI and across the road from sparkling Lauderdale Lakes, you'll find Ye Old Manor House and the nearby 19 mile White River State Trail. This scenic trail follows a former rail corridor and passes by numerous bridges, scenic vistas, quaint towns, farmlands and wetlands. Then there are the guests at Pedal'rs Inn in Wales, WI, who have access to the miles of connecting paved trails throughout the surrounding areas. Nearby to Pedal'rs Inn, the 52 mile Glacial Drumlin State Trail offers easy connections to Madison and Milwaukee. [caption id="attachment_2606" align="alignleft" width="294"] Motorcycling in Kettle Moraine State Forest[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2648" align="alignright" width="271"] Greenway House B&B in Green Lake[/caption]               B&Bs to Pair for Inn-to-Inn Bike Trips: Green Lake, WI is an area with numerous and wonderfully scenic trails for all levels of bicycle riders, so why not take a ride to stop & stay at Green Lake's beautiful inns? Angel Inn offers a breathtaking lake front view, so rent Tri-cycles, Cruisers, or a Tandem from them for a leisurely cruise. You can also follow the new bike path nearby to the Green Lake Conference Center. Miller's Daughter Bed & Breakfast has several trails located near the inn, including the 12 mile Mascoutin Valley State Trail which runs along the old Milwaukee railroad bed. Greenway House is a historic retreat in the heart of Green Lake and ideal for some downtown biking while McConnell Inn offers their knowledge of the many scenic back-country roads and nearby trails that are perfect for biking or motorcycling. [caption id="attachment_1280" align="aligncenter" width="370"] Owner of Eagle Centre House B&B & his Harley[/caption] Inns Where the Owners are Big Bicyclists Themselves: Eagle Centre House B&B in Eagle WI, where the owners and family love to ride the hills and rural roads of the Southern Kettle Moraine. The inn is located 3 miles from the forest headquarters. At Eagle Centre House, you are welcome to walk their 20 acres of kettles and moraines crested with towering oaks and lush with an abundance of native prairie plants and wildlife.

Take A Ride!

 

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?