8 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is renowned for its natural beauty, from timbered North Woods to bucolic Driftless Area landscapes. Unsurprisingly, outdoor recreation reigns supreme in the Badger State, and cycling serves as a prime way to enjoy its scenic roads and trails. The most bike-friendly towns in Wisconsin employ several elements to make them ideal for pedal-powered touring and living. With extensive paths connecting local attractions, bike-share programs, and repair stations, these communities go above and beyond to cater to cyclists.
From lush Riverways and pristine natural areas to bustling city suburbs, they invite exploration at a leisurely pace. Their accessibility and amenities also appeal to residents seeking an active lifestyle in picturesque settlements with endless biking opportunities.
Sparta
This self-proclaimed "Bicycling Capital of America" backs up its claim with a thriving riding culture that becomes evident when you walk around its downtown. Strolling through Main Street Sparta will bring you to the Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bike Museum, which pays tribute to Deke Slayton, a celebrated astronaut native to the town, and depicts the evolution of transportation with a focus on bicycles. If you plan to discover Sparta on two wheels, you can rent a set of wheels cheaply from Speed's Bicycle Shop.
Unsurprisingly, there is no shortage of paved and unpaved trails to get you on your way. Sparta is especially famous for hosting the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, a 32-mile route connecting Sparta and Elroy through several tunnels and small towns. The pathway is known across the state as a sought-after destination for the biking community.
Mequon
A Milwaukee suburb on Lake Michigan's western shore, Mequon invites biking enthusiasts to discover its charming downtown at a slowed-down pace and revel in its lush natural surroundings. Spacious, well-connected streets make biking a convenient way to navigate the town, and travelers can hire a bike from Trailside Recreation to fuel their adventure. Some notable stops to check out while exploring include the Jonathan Clark House along Cedarburg Road. This living history museum preserves the 19th-century home of Jonathan Clark, which boasts impressively unique Greek Revival style architecture.
Mequon has pleasant natural areas you can discover, including Mequon Nature Preserve. The Ozaukee Interurban Trail stretches almost 30 miles between Mequon and Cedar Grove, inviting bikers to explore picturesque natural landscapes and spot native wildlife species along the route.
Grafton
This tiny village in Ozaukee County provides a quieter and less crowded atmosphere compared to its famous neighbor, Milwaukee, which sits about 20 miles away. Cyclists conveniently get around the town on twos due to improving bike culture. While doing this, you'll notice a bustling craft brewery culture that you can sample with a tour of Sahale Ale Works. This friendly establishment has a fabulous atmosphere that welcomes newcomers for tastings of its uniquely crafted, great-tasting beers.
Meanwhile, Bamboo Bistro on Wisconsin Avenue serves sumptuous Thai cuisine featuring tasty and authentic dishes. But the best biking adventures await in the wilderness of Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. This is a credit to the scenic Lion's Den Trail, which runs along a secluded gorge overlooking the stunning waters of Lake Michigan.
Washburn
Situated in northern Wisconsin, along the shores of Lake Superior, Washburn ranks high among the most bike-friendly towns in Wisconsin and the country at large. It boasts a well-connected network of cycling trails with easy access to the town center, residential areas, and the pristine backcountry. Riding around downtown Washburn enables you to discover local gems like Ghost Ship Gallery of Bayfield Street. This one-of-a-kind establishment exhibits eccentric alternate art that leaves visitors intrigued. When you need to quench your thirst from biking, you can do so with a cold glass of craft beer at South Shore Brewery Taphouse.
The community also hosts the annual Superior Vistas Bike Tour, a scenic ride through Bayfield County with plenty of options for all levels. Bikers can choose from a range of distances, starting at an easy 13-mile route and ending at the challenging 100-mile ride with support vehicles, rest stops, and route maps for a fun cycling experience.
Ashland
About 10 miles from Washburn, Ashland is another community on the Lake Superior shores with a bike-friendly atmosphere. With less than 8,000 permanent residents, the downtown area is relatively open, which allows for comfortable bike navigation. Discovering this quaint neighborhood exposes you to the Ashland Historical Museum, which documents various aspects of the town's history through diverse artifacts. The Chequamegon Theatre lures visitors with exciting stage shows, ranging from plays and dramas to musicals.
For those seeking a more adventurous biking experience, Ashland's Fat Bike Safaris offers a unique thrill. These weekly rides, ideal for fat bikes due to the area's sandy, snowy, and often muddy conditions, invite cyclists of all skill levels to explore the rugged landscapes around Ashland. The rides foster a supportive community atmosphere, with groups often breaking up and regrouping to ensure everyone stays on track. Afterward, participants gather at a local spot to recharge, making it a social and invigorating way to experience the area's natural beauty.
Shorewood
This Milwaukee suburb sits on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. It was designed in a delightful European tradition to be pedestrian-friendly and accommodating to bikers. It has a vibrant downtown district with an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, and pubs worth discovering. Draft & Vessel Shorewood is the perfect stop for beer-centric travelers and serves various craft brews in a vintage location. Shorewood also harbors beautiful nature areas with appealing greenery, including the Shorewood Nature Preserve.
Ardent bikers will love exploring the picturesque Oak Leaf Trail. Presenting 135 miles of cycling paradise, this well-marked trail connects several parks along the way and promises exciting birding opportunities. The route is considered relatively easy and manageable for all skill levels.
Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay is a delightful Door County community set on the bay it was named after. Its town center has a lovely atmosphere, with thin crowds and a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. The neighborhood hosts several museums depicting various aspects of its colorful heritage. Among these is the Door County Maritime Museum, which presents a detailed account of the maritime history in the Door County region. Meanwhile, the Door County Historical Museum uses a diverse artifact collection to focus on the broader historical heritage of the reason.
Sturgeon Bay has gained recognition for its dedication to becoming more bike-friendly. The city has made notable progress through the Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) Program, which enhances quality of life and economic conditions via sustainable transportation. After a long application process led by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board in 2012, Sturgeon Bay earned a Bronze Award from the League of American Bicyclists. This honor places the city among just ten in Wisconsin to achieve such status, showcasing its commitment to improving cycling infrastructure and fostering a vibrant biking culture.
Middleton
Middleton's motto, "The Good Neighbor City," applies to visitors looking to explore the town on two wheels. It has a welcoming atmosphere with a downtown designed to accommodate bikers, featuring well-marked cycling paths and other critical amenities. Some of the top local attractions lie along Hubbard Avenue and include the Middleton Area Historical Society. Established in 1972, it harbors several artifacts documenting the town's past. The Middleton Players Theatre is a fabulous stop if you enjoy watching live performances on stage.
Middleton also boasts the Middleton Bike Park, offering nearly four miles of single-track trails suitable for all skill levels. Open year-round and free to the public, the park includes beginner and advanced trails, a skills area, and a popular jump line. The new trailhead at 4351 Schwartz Road connects riders to the expansive Blackhawk Ski Club Trails. The City of Middleton Parks & Recreation Department manages the park, making it a regional destination for mountain biking enthusiasts.
Final Thought
The most bike-friendly towns in Wisconsin demonstrate the state's commitment to sustainable travel that maximizes the enjoyment of natural splendors surrounding its citizens. As certified bike-friendly hubs, they set the standard for providing safe, well-marked routes and support facilities that make cycling a breeze. Overall, exploring these top picks offers a glimpse into bike culture and stunning scenery. Their friendliness toward cyclists ushers in a new appreciation for the Badger State's urban and backcountry playgrounds best accessed on two wheels.
