10 Best Motorcycle Rides in Wisconsin

When I first started riding, I had this map of Wisconsin that highlighted highly rated routes I’d love to explore. These roads were my call to freedom an opportunity to show style, share the riders‘ culture, and enjoy the serenity of nature.

Unfortunately, because of my job, I could only ride on weekends. Every Friday evening, I would sprint home, throw on my biking gear, and ride off on my Harley Davidson, my veins pumped and full of adrenaline.

I always get the daredevil thrill of being one with Wisconsin road’s stretches, turns, and twists. Fortunately, that feeling has only gotten stronger over the years. You should experience it as well. Check out my ten best motorcycle rides in Wisconsin.

What Makes a Good Motorcycle Route?

The view and terrain determine a good motorcycle route. A surreal feel comes with experiencing nature at high speed, whether riding past a beautiful lake, green vegetation, wildlife, or mountains and valleys.

Such a route must also allow you to test your riding skills and the bike’s functionality. It should be minimally disturbed. For the best experiences, avoid urban roads with lots of designated stops. Instead, opt for highways and backroads.

While long, uninterrupted terrains are great for testing the power of fast bikes, bends and twists make your road trip more fun. From slight tilts to sharp turns, maneuvering tricky roads allows you to test your riding skills and build confidence.

10 Best Motorcycle Roads in Wisconsin

1. Door County Coastal Byway

   

   The best time to ride this route is in summer—when the weather and scenery are warm and colorful. It’s an adventurous route running along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, from Sturgeon Bay to the edge of the Door Peninsula.

   As you ride by, you’ll enjoy scenic views of lakes, settlements, and orchards. When you’ve temporarily satisfied your riding hitch, indulge in other attractions like the Cana Island lighthouse and Fish Creek village, which have eateries and art galleries.

2. Highway 33

   

   This route’s pleasant bends and straightaways make it suitable for riders of all levels. Burn the rubber through the picturesque farmlands, forests, and small towns while admiring the stunning Baraboo Hills in the background.

   This ride runs from Port Washington to La Crosse. Its well-paved roads and varied driving conditions are perfect for high-performance vehicles. Some of the beautiful locations along Highway 33 are West Bend, with its lively downtown, and Devil’s Lake State Park, with its clear waters and open-view cliffs.

   To get the best experience, plan your ride between late spring and early fall.

3. Door County Loop

   

   The Door County Loop is a fairytale ride, offering a mix of alluring nature and intriguing cultures. From Ephraim’s Scandinavian white buildings to the adrenaline-pumping curves and elevations of Highway 42, this route has it all.

   This route also has notable stops for local cuisines, arts, and pristine lake views. For the best experience, plan your ride here when the weather is warm.

4. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive

   

   Roll through the natural beauty and serenity of this 115-mile ride in southeast Wisconsin. It covers six Wisconsin counties from Elkhart Lake to Whitewater.

   In the summer, when the vegetation is lush and green, riders can fully appreciate the charm of the small towns. The trails, picnic spots, and scenic views offered by the glacial formations and lakes make the experience even more enjoyable.

5. Lake Superior Circle Tour (Wisconsin Section)

   

   This ride along the northern shore of the massive Lake Superior features a cool breeze, clear skies, and stunning forest and Lake Superior views.

   Bayfield Town is a must-visit along this route, as it has many activities. You can kayak through the Apostle Islands’ Sea caves, see the Iron River cliffs, or explore Bayfield’s famous orchards.

6. The Driftless Area

   

   The Driftless Area is the only region in Wisconsin that was untouched by glaciers during the last Ice Age. This created a unique topography of thrilling curves, rolling hills and deep valleys that spans through southwestern Wisconsin.

   During spring, the route’s scenery gets cinematic. You’ll pass through charming small towns like Viroqua, known for its famous landmarks—the Driftless Café, a delightful restaurant, and the Temple Theatre, which hosts live performances and films.

7. The Great River Road

   

   Imagine riding through a terrain that links to the birthplace of a historically revered author and a famous tourist destination. That will be your reality if you venture on this iconic motorcycle route.

   It journeys from Prescott to Potosi, offering beautiful views of the Mississippi River, ancient bluffs, picturesque landscapes, and river towns. Other attractions include towns like Pepin, the birthplace of Luara Ingalls Wilder, and the tourist-famous city of La Crosse.

8. Highway 60

   

   Take a ride from the present to a piece of Victorian history: Villa Louis on the Mississippi River. The route runs from Lodi to Prairie du Chen. Its winding roads and river background views make it an exciting ride.

   To enhance your experience, you can visit the Wollersheim Winery in Sauk City to learn about the local history.

9. Rustic Roads (Wisconsin)

   

   Over 45 years ago, Rustic Roads were established to provide a rugged, less active route for leisure riders, bikers, and hikers. Currently, there are over 100 Rustic Roads in Wisconsin. You may identify them by the brown and yellow signs.

   Each Rustic Road has its perk for riders. Rustic Road 77 provides an exhilarating ride through the Northwoods, and Rustic Road 32 offers scenic views of the Mississippi.

   Where better to ride than these scenic paths intertwined with natural beauty? They run through native vegetation, wildlife, and agricultural settlements and are often a one-way drive, a loop, or a connection to major highways.

10. Wisconsin Dells to Spring Green

    

    The ride time from Wisconsin Dells to Spring Green is around an hour, depending on your speed. This road offers incredible natural amusements and historic stops.

    The adventure transcends your regular bike ride, taking you from interesting locations like Madison and Baraboo to activity grooves like the Montello Theatre and Noah’s Ark Waterpark.

Can You Ride a Motorcycle During Winter in Wisconsin?

Riding a bike exposes you to cool air, but during winter, it can become freezing and chilly. However, this is just one of the risks involved, as the roads can also become slippery.

With winter tires, proper gear, and icy road maneuvering, you may ride a bike during winter. However, many riders would rather avoid the risk.

Do you need a license to drive a motorcycle in Wisconsin?

Whether you’re a learner, semi-skilled, or veteran rider, you need a Class M motorcycle license or instruction permit to legally ride in Wisconsin.

To get one, you must meet the state requirements for traffic knowledge and riding skills, among other things.

Does Wisconsin require motorcycle helmets?

In Wisconsin, motorcycle helmet requirements differ depending on age and experience. Riders and passengers under 18 and those with a learning permit (regardless of age) must wear a helmet.

Legally, riders over 18 are not required to wear a helmet. But you should wear one for your safety.