Around Wisconsin

Biking Around Wisconsin
Wisconsin has more recreational bike opportunities than any other state, and the Wisconsin State Trail System is officially open for the 2006 season. There are over 160 bicycle trails in the state totaling more than 2,600 miles, not counting other suitable state and county roads. We'll highlight just five general areas around the state to get you going. Find more at Wistravel.com, and keep on pedaling Around Wisconsin!

(tunnel on Elroy-Sparta Bike trail)

Bayfield - Chequamegon Area Trails

Wisconsin bicycle trails come in three main varieties: off-road and often rugged paths that require a mountain bike; crushed stone paths that work well for mountain, hybrid or touring bikes; and asphalted off-road paths friendly to all bicycles, including thin-tire road bikes. Remember - if you use a state trail you must have a State Trail Pass! The annual fee is for 2006 is $15 for all trails; the daily fee is $4.

Chequamegon Bay has always been the place to be in summer, and the City of Bayfield is known as the gateway to the Apostle Islands. The appeal is just as strong today. Biking is easy on Madeline Island - nothing but the breeze to slow you on a ride to Big Bay State Park. If you've got a mountain bike, or like to hike, there are plenty of challenges for you at the Lake Superior bluffs on the mainland. Anytime is a great time to bike the Chequamegon Bay area; the shoreline hills are always challenging and Madeline Island is always there for easy touring.

Milwaukee Area Trails

Since the state began its rails-to-trails conversions in 1967, Wisconsin has developed the nation's most extensive bike trail system. Named after the historic interurban railway and rapid transit system that connected communities from Milwaukee to Sheboygan, the Ozaukee Interurban Trail is free and open to the public. The trail runs roughly north/south through Ozaukee County joining the communities of Thiensville, Cedarburg, Grafton, Port Washington and Belgium. The trail is mostly flat, with one long climb in Port Washington. Except for several places in communities such as Grafton and Port Washington, the trail is completely off-road, which is safer for family groups with young children. The best-known mountain bike trails in the Milwaukee area are in the Kettle Moraine State Forest .

Madison's Capital City State Trail

The Capital City State Trail is the link around and through Madison between the Military Ridge State Trail and, eventually, the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. The trail's asphalt surface is good for bicycling, walking, jogging, and in-line skating. About 17 miles of the Capital City Trail are completed now. Nine miles of the trail go through the scenic Capital Springs State Recreation Area south of Madison.

This trail connects with the Military Ridge State Trail and with Madison's Southwest Path, part of the Badger State Trail that eventually will go to the Illinois border. Finding the trail: get off the West Beltline at South Towne Drive and go south for about a mile, turning left on Moorland Road and merging into Lake Farm Road. Look for the Nine Springs E-way trailhead parking on your right.

In the City of Madison, the trail follows 7 miles of city bikeways from Industrial Drive near Nob Hill, under the Beltline Highway, along Lake Monona past the Convention Center downtown, and through the east side of Madison. There is no fee for using the trail in the city.

Trempealeau Area Trails

Trempealeau rolls out the red carpet for bicyclists. They claim the nation's largest connected bicycle trail system. It would be hard to argue the point with their inventory of 382 miles of paved road routes that connect to 100 miles of continuous railbed bike trail along the Great River, La Crosse River, Elroy-Sparta and "400" State Trails.

To really make riders welcome, Trempealeau County boasts 262 Trail Stewards, roadside residents ready to offer assistance, and 130 businesses with special offers or discounts for bicyclists. The Chamber of Commerce offers an annual Spring Bicycle Tour with a 10-mile fun ride and 25 or 50 mile tours. Trempealeau is a great starting point to enjoy any of these excellent trail systems.

Wisconsin Rapids Area Trails

The Wisconsin Rapids route follows lightly-traveled roads and streets as well as a new, paved off-road trail along County W and Hwy. 54. You won't find better views of the Wisconsin River anywhere than along Biron Drive; in places the road edge is scarcely a dozen feet from the riverbank. The far shore and river islands are thickly forested. Along the way, you'll pass a large cranberry marsh on the right.

Wood County is the national champ when it comes to cranberry production. South on County U you'll turn into scenic South Wood County Park. Nature enthusiasts will find the Wisconsin Rapids Area to be a favorite vacation getaway. Waterfowl of all varieties can be found along the Wisconsin River flyways that crisscross the county.

May 17-19 Port Washington - 59th Annual Alice in Dairyland Finals. Finale Banquet & Program on Friday, May 19. Country Inn & Suites.
May 20 Marshfield - Bird and Garden Fair. Cage birds, supplies, dog obedience demo, raffle, refreshments Free admission! East 14th St. Fair Grounds.
May 26-28 Hurley - Memorial Weekend ATV Rally. Poker run, World's Largest ATV Parade, live music and events galore! Hurley to Mercer, starts at 9:00AM.
May 27-28 Shawano - Miniature Horse Show. At the Crawford Center in Shawano. 9AM-4PM.

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