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!

We're fully in the throes of winter in Wisconsin, which means it's time to get out and have some fun. Why not try some new Wisconsin snowmobile trails this winter? We'd guess you haven't explored many of them. After all, Wisconsin is home to an incredible 25,000 miles of snowmobile trails; it's no wonder this has become such a popular winter pastime!

There are an incredible number of ways to have fun in Wisconsin this winter, and our Innkeepers will be your perfect guide, especially when you're looking for those hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path snowmobile trails! Add to your winter adventures a stay at one of our romantic Bed and Breakfasts, and you have the perfect getaway. When it's time to come inside after a day of playing in the snow, our exceptional accommodations await. Experience the best Wisconsin snowmobile trails for yourself this winter, and book a room at one of our unique Bed and Breakfasts.

Thrilling Wisconsin Snowmobile Trails

Winter's in Wisconsin are exceptionally fun. Between cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding, curling, and hitting up the best Wisconsin snowmobile trails, there's truly never a dull moment! But, regardless of how much fun you'll have in Wisconsin, the best part about staying here is the chance to stay with one of our member Bed and Breakfasts. 

Our Inns are located near some of the state's top attractions, including some truly incredible snowmobile trails. There's little doubt that choosing our collection of Inns for your lodging is the best decision you can make.

Though there are legendary snowmobile trails in the rugged Northwoods of Wisconsin, including Eagle River, St. Germain, and Minocqua, there are many more delightful snowmobiling destinations to consider that aren't so remote.  Take a look at our recommendations below, and choose confidently, knowing each of these areas house a number of delightful Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts.

Northeastern Wisconsin

If you find yourself in the Green Bay or Door County area, head to the Ahnapee State Trail for some extraordinary snowmobiling.  This trail is 48-miles long and connects the communities of Kewaunee and Sturgeon Bay. Another great place to explore in the area is Potawatomi State Park, where you'll enjoy the winding trails along the Niagra Escarpment. There are also miles of trails that run up the remainder of the door county peninsula, and will surely provide you with a beautiful day (or more) worth of fun!

From the Green Bay area, you could launch yourself into a true Northwoods snowmobiling adventure if you wanted to. Prime snowmobiling areas are just a couple of hours to the northwest and could make for an extraordinary day trip.

Northwestern Wisconsin

Bayfield County has more than 600 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and offers some of the best snow in the state of Wisconsin. Popular places to go include Trail 1 in Red cliff and the Moquah Barrens State Natural Area. A little farther south are the trails that circle Lake Namakagon, part of the stunningly beautiful Chequamegon National Forest. 

Central/Southwestern Wisconsin

The rugged town of Wausau is located in Marathon County, which is home to 29 snowmobile clubs, and incredible trails like the Mountain to Bay State Trail, which you could feasibly ride all the way to Green Bay. In total, there are 790 miles of Wisconsin snowmobile trails to ride here. Head south towards the Wisconsin Dells, and you'll find a number of delightful Wisconsin snowmobile trails to explore!

In Sauk County, where you'll find popular getaway towns like Baraboo, visitors can glide through the beautiful Baraboo Bluffs. There are just over 200 miles of snowmobile trails in Sauk County, part of Wisconsin's scenic Driftless Region. Moving west, you'll come across the towns of LaCrosse, Sparta, and Viroqua, also popular getaway towns with a variety of Wisconsin snowmobile trails. Great trails can be found at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, along with more than 250 miles of trails in the greater Vernon County area. 

Seek the Unique; the Best Lodging in Wisconsin

If you're looking for the perfect lodging in Wisconsin, you'll find it amongst our unique collection of Inns. We offer a range of accommodations in different locations around the state, each offering something unique, and each authentically Wisconsin. After a day on Wisconsin snowmobile trails, odds are you'll be ready for a warm and comfortable place to relax and unwind for the rest of the day. That's exactly what you'll find at our properties. Let us extend to you our award-winning hospitality, and you'll find yourself never wanting to leave. 

When it's time to head back outside for another day of fun, our exceptional breakfasts made fresh by your Innkeeper will hit the spot and keep you fueled for the adventure ahead. Come experience a small slice of Wisconsin's winter wonderland, and book a room at one of our romantic Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today!

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are two of the most popular winter sports in Wisconsin, and are both an extraordinary way to explore the state's exceptionally beautiful winter landscapes. Many of the best places for winter activities like these are Wisconsin's State Parks and forests. These protected lands are beautiful any time of year, but when the snows begin to fall, they take on an extra magical quality that simply must be enjoyed.

Some trails are single-track for traditional cross country skiing, while others are built for skate-style skiers, and still others are wide enough for both. Wherever you end up this winter, make sure one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts are at the heart of it all.

When it comes time to find the best places to stay in Wisconsin, you'd be hard-pressed to do better than our collection of Inns. Our member properties are located in all the best destinations around the state, ready to welcome you with the warm hospitality we've become known for. Find your special place this winter, and book a room at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast today!

Cross Country Skiing in Wisconsin

With over 700 cross country skiing trails in the state (and even more ungroomed trails), it's impossible to list all of the wonderful places for cross country skiing in Wisconsin. But, we do have a few great recommendations to get you started, including some properties that have trails on their very property. Travel Wisconsin provides a great snow report tool that can help you time your trip to optimal conditions. 

1. Justin Trails Resort near Sparta has its very own network of groomed cross-country ski trails on their 200-acre property.  When you're ready to venture out for more, they are near Wildcat Mountain State Park, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and the Black River State Forest, all excellent destinations for cross country skiing. 
2. Devils Lake State Park and Mirror Lake State Park near Baraboo both offer exceptional trails for cross country skiers. 
3. Nine Mile Forest and Sylvan Hill Park in Wausau are two of the most popular places for cross country skiing in Wisconsin
4. Getaway up north in Sturgeon Bay, and enjoy some wonderful winter recreation on the Ahnapee State Trail, at Whitefish Dunes State Park, where you can cross country ski along the bluffs of Lake Michigan.
5. Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay is the perfect place for Beginners to test out their stamina on cross country ski trails. 
6. The Lapham Peak portion of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is located near Waukesha and is a great place for cross country skiing. It offers one of the longest downhill portions of ski trails in the state. There's a warming hut along the trail, and both rentals and lighted night skiing are available. 
7. Mt. Ashwabay near Bayfield offers more than 40 km of cross country ski trails, and exceptional views of the area, including views of the Apostle Islands.
8. Hartman Creek State Park in Waupaca is a beautiful place to spend the day cross country skiing. The nearby Iola Winter Sports Club is also a great place to spend the day (or night!) on the 20+ km of trails. They also host a ski jump, if you feel so inclined.
9. Copper Falls State Park near Ashland offers multiple loops of classic and skate-groomed trails suitable for a variety of ability levels. Skiers will enjoy winding through mature hardwood forests and enjoying the scenic views of the Bad River.
10. Blue Mound State Park in Blue Mounds, home to the highest point in southern Wisconsin, features excellent cross country skiing opportunities for all abilities. 

Ski the Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski Event in 2020

The American Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski event is North America's largest and most prestigious X-C ski marathon. It's an extraordinary event that will take place from February 22, 2020. In total, 12,000 cross country skiers from around the world will participate in the Birkebeiner (50k Skate/55k Classic), the 29K Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 15K, the children's Barnebirkie, and Junior Birkie.

The 107-kilometer Birkie Trail system, located between Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, attracts a variety of athletes around the year but is never more spectacular than it is during the winter.

The Best Places to Stay in Wisconsin

At the end of a long day on Wisconsin's cross-country ski trails, we know you'll be ready for someplace warm to relax and unwind. That's why we recommend staying at our collection of Inns, rated as the best places to stay in Wisconsin. Make the most of these cold winter months, and enjoy getting out and exploring the beautiful state of Wisconsin! A great getaway isn't complete without exceptional lodging, which is exactly what you'll find at our member Bed and Breakfasts. 

Our Innkeepers invest a lot of time and energy into making sure they offer the best places to stay in Wisconsin, which starts with offering you accommodations as close to feeling like home as possible. Start your day off on the right food with an impeccably-prepared breakfast. Our innkeepers take incredible pride in their recipes and provide you with a delicious meal at the start of your day! We take time to make sure every detail of your stay has been thoughtfully tended to. Use our search tool to find the best places to stay in Wisconsin this winter!

In the southern part of the state, The Roth House B&B of Soldiers Grove says there are lots of great opportunities for hiking just a short distance from the inn.  They include:  Hogback Prairie, Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and Pikes Peak State Park. All three of these provide unique opportunities to explore the Driftless Region.  Cameo Rose Victorian Inn in Belleville boasts 4 miles of beautifully groomed hiking trails right on their 120 acre wooded property.  They also have a managed forest (Gary eliminates all invasive species, prunes lower tree branches, cleans up all poison ivy, etc.) and maintains wide, mowed paths throughout the meandering hillsides complete with unique rock formations, a wide assortment of colorful songbirds, wild turkeys, hawks (even an eagle or two) and lots of deer and other wildlife. Innkeeper Donna Hofmann of Parkview B&B in Reedsburg puts in another vote for can't-miss-hiking at famous Devil’s Lake State Park and often suggests it to enthusiastic guests. Of course, it has the best rock climbing this side of the Rocky Mountains!  Continuing east, we come to Pedal'rs Inn, Wales in the Lake Country/ Kettle Moraine area. Minutes away is Lapham Peak State Park part of the Ice Age Trail. The Ice Age Trail connects with the Glacial Drumlin Trail that will bring you right to the doorstep of Pedal'rs Inn. Further to the south is the Southern Kettle Moraine with more trails to enjoy the landforms created by during the Ice Age.  Last but not certainly not least, Artesian House in Bayfield is excited to have guests experience the brand new park called Salmo Lake Walk Trail that is just across the road from Artesian House.  The new park has a bridge, boardwalk/trail down to a Lake Superior beach for a nice stroll for after breakfast.  There is a hiking trail across Hatchery Road close to Artesian House's driveway. For the perfect marriage between hiking and seeing the timeless city of Bayfield, cross Rt. 13 to Port Superior Road and head north along the water, you will pick up the Brownstone Trail that will take you into downtown Bayfield.  Bayfield Chamber of Commerce has put together a great list of trails along Lake Superior that will definitely make for an experience worth the drive north! [caption id="attachment_1256" align="alignleft" width="442"] Glacial Drumlin Trail[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1255" align="alignright" width="461"] Kickapoo Valley Reserve[/caption]