Biking in Wisconsin

Biking is more than an outdoor recreational activity here in Wisconsin. It's how we connect with the world around us and each other.

Bring a bike — or a few — with you on vacation or rent them here. Ride solo or with family and friends. Hit up paved paths or mountain trails. However you do it, biking is not only a great way to get around and explore our major cities and small towns, but it's also a fun pastime that will lead you to some of the most majestic views in our state.

So strap on your helmet (and your kids’) and start pedaling. You’ll be surprised at how much you and your family can discover on two wheels.

Test Your Endurance

Go mountain biking in Wisconsin and reconnect with your adventurous spirit, maybe even challenge your partner or kids to a friendly race. Here, there are bike-friendly trails made for every skill level from beginner to pro.

With nearly 30 bike trails, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has everything from signed pathways to challenging routes in the Wisconsin northwoods. For a more intermediate cycling experience filled with tight twists and short, steep climbs, hop on the Superior Municipal Forest Mountain Bike Trail. Having your mud tires on will make the roots, logs and soft sand easier to navigate.

Take the Leisurely Path

For a smoother ride, journey on any paved bike routes found across the state and enjoy the passing scenes.

Our multi-use bike trails, for instance, run along scenic rivers, through forests and cities, and past farmhouses and small towns. On the paved Glacial River Bike Trail, a more than 30-mile-long former rail bed, prepare to stop for a minute or two to marvel at the sculptures, prairie flowers and wooded lands along the way. The trail goes over streams and through a rustic, red-covered bridge. For a more urban cycling experience, check out the Lakefront Oak Leaf Trail in Milwaukee, which takes you past industrial sites, stunning architecture and historical parks.

Here in Wisconsin, you can also enjoy road trails and see the sites in ways you can’t in a car. The Great River Road, for instance, parallels the Mississippi River and passes through protected natural areas with scenic outlooks, historical markers and museums along the way. For a different road experience, rent a bike via Madison's bike share program and explore the urban jungle on two wheels.

Bike Anytime of Year

Like our other outdoor recreational activities, biking doesn’t stop for the winter, it just goes to the next level.

Fat tire bikes are great for riding on unstable surfaces, including snow. Silver Lake Park maintains 10 miles of trails specifically for winter adventures. WinMan Trails in Winchester has fat tire facilities and rentals so you can bundle up and hit the road without dragging your equipment on vacation.

And you don’t have to go it alone. Bike Wisconsin organizes fun tours for all ages and skill levels, allowing speedy cyclists to go far and climb hills, while others take their time and enjoy the scenery.

So, reconnect with nature on two wheels and discover something new about your family and Wisconsin.