The state of Wisconsin boasts over 15,000 lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 659 miles of shoreline on the Great Lakes. Combined, this makes Wisconsin the perfect destination for paddling this summer. No matter your age or skill level, getting out on the water during Wisconsin's warm summer months is an ideal way to spend at least part of your vacation.

When thinking of canoeing or kayaking in Wisconsin, the state's big rivers and lakes immediately come to mind; places like The Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, or the Apostle Islands Lakeshore on Lake Superior. However, what's nice about Wisconsin are the many smaller rivers and streams found all over the state. 

Best yet, many of these top paddling destinations are near one or more of our Member Bed and Breakfasts, which just so happen to be ranked the best places to stay in Wisconsin.  We make it easy to relax and enjoy your vacation. Find an Inn, and book your room today!

Wisconsin's Best Places for Canoeing & Kayaking

Wisconsin's regions are unique, as are the lakes and rivers on which to paddle.  Whether you choose to vacation in the north, south, or central parts of Wisconsin, there are plenty of paddling opportunities to enjoy.  Here are 10 of our favorites to consider this summer:

• The Namekegon River in the northern part of Wisconsin is stunningly beautiful. It's part of the National Wild and Scenic River System and flows into the St. Croix River. Here, you can enjoy over 90 miles and multiple days of paddling.
• The Kickapoo River, located in Wisconsin's scenic Drifltess Area, is one of the most popular rivers for canoeing and kayaking. This river winds its way through a deep valley, with towering limestone cliffs rising above you. The most scenic stretch of the river is the 22 miles between Ontario and La Farge. The river winds its way through both Wildcat Mountain State Park and the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and is particularly beautiful during the colorful fall months. 
• If you're looking for a "big river" experience, head to the Lower Wisconsin River, where you'll find a wide, flat river to enjoy. There aren't any rapids or dams to contend with on the portion between Prairie Du Sac and Sauk City. Along the way, you'll enjoy tall bluffs rising beneath canopies of dense forests, and plenty of scenery and wildlife to keep you company. 
• If adrenaline-pumping rapids are more your speed, then head to the Wisconsin River near Wausau. Wausau's Whitewater Park attracts top boaters from around the country and hosts a variety of regional and national whitewater competitions. Another popular choice is the Eau Claire River.
• The Bois Brule River is also a delightful place for canoeing or kayaking. The river includes 16 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail, and it's one of the best-known rivers east of the Mississippi. 
• If leisurely lake paddling is more your speed, explore all or part of the Lake Superior Water Trail or the Lake Michigan State Water Trail.

Unwind at the Best Places to Stay in Wisconsin

Nothing beats relaxing at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast after enjoying a long and scenic day on one of the state's rivers or lakes. Many of our Inns boast easy access to Wisconsin's top rivers and lakes. Not only that, but they boast exceptional hospitality and are ranked as some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin.  Start planning your paddling adventure today, and book your vacation at one of Wisconsin's top lodging properties. 

    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!

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