Wisconsin Motorcycle Rides Worth Putting on Your List
Scenic Roads, Twisty Turns, and Rider-Friendly Routes Across the Badger State
Ask ten Wisconsin riders for their favorite road and you’ll probably get ten different answers.
Some riders love the rolling hills and endless curves of the Driftless Region. Others would spend every weekend chasing the Mississippi River down the Great River Road. Some head north whenever they get the chance, looking for pine forests, quiet highways, and a little distance from the rest of the world.
That’s one of the best things about riding in Wisconsin.
You don’t need to cross state lines to find great roads.
You don’t need a week off work to have an adventure.
Some of the best riding in the Midwest is sitting right here in our backyard.
The rides below aren’t ranked. They’re simply routes that Wisconsin riders return to again and again. Some are famous. Some are overlooked. All of them remind us why we fell in love with motorcycles in the first place.
Whether you ride a Harley, a Gold Wing, a GS, a sport bike, or something in between, these roads are worth experiencing.
What Makes a Great Motorcycle Road?
Every rider has a different answer.
Some riders want endless sweepers.
Some want tight technical turns.
Some want scenery.
Some want good places to stop for pie, coffee, or barbecue.
Personally, I think the best motorcycle roads have a little bit of everything. Great scenery. Interesting towns. Good pavement. A few curves. And enough distance from everyday life that you forget about work for a while.
The roads below all check those boxes.
The Driftless Area – Highway 33 (West Bend to La Crosse)
Why it’s great: If you’ve never ridden through the Driftless Region, you’re in for a treat. This area of Wisconsin escaped the flattening effects of the last glaciers, which means twisty roads, rolling hills, and dramatic river valleys.
Highway 33 is one of the state’s most beloved stretches for motorcyclists. From West Bend to La Crosse, you’ll hit sweeping curves, ridge-line views, and charming towns like Baraboo and Reedsburg.
Bonus: Stop at Wildcat Mountain State Park for a rest and some killer scenery.
Safety tip: Some of the curves on Hwy 33 sneak up fast, especially in the Driftless hills. Watch your speed, stay smooth on the throttle, and take it easy if it’s been raining.
Great River Road – Highway 35 (Prescott to Prairie du Chien)
Why it’s great: This is a national scenic byway that hugs the Mississippi River all the way down the western edge of Wisconsin. It’s perfect for a chill day ride with lots of scenic pull-offs, river towns, and fresh air.
You’ll pass through biker favorites like Pepin, Nelson, and Alma—where you can grab pie, stretch your legs, and watch barges go by. It’s not technical or super curvy, but the views are unbeatable.
Bonus: Pop into the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN just across the river.
Safety tip: Watch for deer, especially in the early morning or at dusk. These rural areas are beautiful—but deer don’t care how sweet your paint job is.
Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive – (Northern to Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest)
Why it’s great: This 115-mile route runs through eastern Wisconsin’s glacial landscape, from Elkhart Lake to Whitewater Lake. You’ll ride through peaceful pine forests, lakeside towns, and gentle hills shaped by ancient ice.
It’s a more laid-back ride, but the scenery and relaxed vibe make it a favorite for riders who want to slow down and take it all in.
Bonus: If you’re into motorsports history, check out Road America near Elkhart Lake.
Safety tip: This is a popular ride for folks in cars and RVs too, especially in fall. Ride like everyone else on the road didn’t see you—and give extra space on corners.
Door County Loop – Highway 42/57 (Sturgeon Bay to Gills Rock)
Why it’s great: There’s nothing quite like a ride up the Door County Peninsula. You’ve got lakes on both sides, charming towns, lighthouses, and miles of scenic shoreline. Highway 42 is famously quirky, especially as it approaches Gills Rock with its series of whimsical, zig-zagging curves.
It’s the kind of ride where you stop often—for cherry pie, smoked whitefish, or just a walk along the shore.
Bonus: Take the ferry from Northport to Washington Island—yes, motorcycles are welcome!
Safety tip: Expect slower traffic on weekends, especially in summer and fall. Take your time and enjoy the ride instead of pushing to pass.
Nicolet-Wolf River Loop – Highway 55 to 70 to 32
Why it’s great: This loop through northeastern Wisconsin is for the rider who wants to get deep into the woods. You’ll ride through the Nicolet National Forest, crossing over winding rivers and riding past glacial lakes and quiet fishing towns.
Highway 55 is the star of the show here—especially between Shawano and Crandon. Add in Hwy 70 and 32 and you’ve got a full day of peaceful riding in the heart of the Northwoods.
Bonus: Grab lunch in Eagle River, a classic up-north stop with plenty of places to refuel both bike and body.
Safety tip: Cell service can be spotty in the woods. Make sure someone knows your route. Bring water and emergency gear, especially if you’re riding solo.
Lake Michigan Circle Tour (Wisconsin Segment – Milwaukee to Manitowoc and Beyond)
Why it’s great: For the cruiser crowd or anyone looking for a mellow lakeside route, the Wisconsin segment of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour is a smooth, scenic ride along the lake’s edge. From Milwaukee to Port Washington, up to Sheboygan, and on to Manitowoc, you’ll get shoreline breezes, classic diners, and waterfront parks to stop and chill.
Bonus: Want to make a weekend of it? Catch the S.S. Badger Ferry in Manitowoc and ride across Lake Michigan to Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
Safety tip: Coastal fog and lake-effect rain can sneak up fast. Bring layers, and check the radar before you ride.
Holy Hill Ride – Through the Scenic Byways of Washington County
Why it’s great: This is a shorter day ride that feels like a spiritual reset. Cruise the rolling hills around Holy Hill Basilica—an iconic Wisconsin landmark perched high above the countryside. The roads around here are filled with tree canopies, twisting turns, and classic farmland views.
If you’re riding in the fall, it’s pure magic.
Bonus: There are several small biker-friendly pubs and restaurants in the area, including stops in Hartford and Richfield.
Safety tip: These are two-lane country roads with limited shoulder space. Be cautious of gravel near driveways and field entrances—especially after rain.
A Few Things Wisconsin Riders Learn the Hard Way
After representing injured riders for years, I’ve noticed something.
Most motorcycle crashes don’t happen because riders are reckless.
They happen because something unexpected appears at exactly the wrong moment.
A deer.
Loose gravel.
A driver who never looked before turning left.
A farm tractor around a blind corner.
A patch of mud washed onto the road after a storm.
Wisconsin is a fantastic place to ride, but it comes with its own challenges.
A few reminders:
Watch for Deer
If you’re riding at sunrise, sunset, or after dark, deer should be on your mind.
Especially in the Driftless Region and the Northwoods.
If you’re scanning the road but not the ditches or trees, you’re missing half the picture.
Expect Gravel
Many of Wisconsin’s best roads are also farm roads.
That means gravel near intersections, gravel near driveways, and occasionally gravel in places you don't expect.
If you enter a corner too fast and discover fresh gravel, it’s already too late.
Ride Your Own Ride
One of the best pieces of motorcycle advice ever given is simple:
Ride your own ride.
Don’t chase the rider in front of you.
Don’t try to impress anyone.
The goal is not to keep up.
The goal is to get home.
Take Breaks
Fatigue sneaks up on riders.
Hydrate.
Stretch.
Walk around.
Enjoy the small towns and overlooks that make these roads special.
A great ride isn’t a race.
Wisconsin Is Built for Motorcycles
We may not have mountains.
We may not have ocean cliffs.
But Wisconsin has something every rider can appreciate.
Great roads.
Small towns.
Friendly people.
Forests.
Farmland.
Rolling hills.
River valleys.
Lake views.
And enough hidden gems to keep you exploring for years.
The truth is that no single list can capture every great ride in Wisconsin.
If we’ve missed one of your favorites, let us know. We’re always looking for routes, roads, and destinations that deserve more attention from Wisconsin riders.
Because at the end of the day, the best motorcycle road is usually the one you’re riding today.