We recently had a conversation with Greg Smith, managing director of Discover Wisconsin, to figure out what America’s dairy land has to offer motorcyclists. We were intrigued by an episode of their online TV show entitled Ride Wisconsin, which you can view below.

RR: What are some things that set Wisconsin apart as a motorcycling destination?

Greg: The beauty and scenery of the entire state is unparalleled. We have Lake Superior to the north, Lake Michigan to the east, Mississippi River to the west, and 15,000 lakes scattered in between. The Driftless area in the southwest corner of Wisconsin is an amazing place to ride—since the glaciers didn’t touch during the ice age, the area is comprised of striking hills and valleys today. Wisconsin also has tons of unique stops along the way, including lodging, dining, and shopping areas.

RR: Take us through some of the rallies and motorcycle events that take place in Wisconsin.

Greg: There are several Harley-Davidson rallies and every one of them is great. The Tomahawk rally is also a fantastic ride. For more rallies, click here.

RR: What other festivals and events would make a good stop for a motorcyclist touring your state?

Greg: The list is endless, really! But for starters, there are hundreds of music festivals throughout the state all summer along. Native American pow wows are always worth stopping for, as are the water ski shows and outdoor theater groups.

RR: What are some of Wisconsin’s best riding roads?

Greg: Highways 55, 108, 33, 131, 25, 64, 8, 60, 27, 35 (Great River Road), 32, 13, 63, 64—all feature up breathtaking backdrops. There are plenty of rustic roads too!

RR: Besides being famous for cheese (and beer), what other culinary delights can be found in America’s dairy land?

Greg: Wisconsin is the number one producer of specialty meat. And this may surprise you, but a lot of visitors love the wineries we have, such as Wollersheim Winery in Prairie du Sac. Of course, we’re also famous for Supper Clubs (fish fry, anyone)?

RR: What are some of Wisconsin’s best museums and historical sites?

Greg: Harley-Davidson Museum, Circus World, Wade house, Old World Wisconsin, and countless public (and often free) museums all across the state.

RR: For those interested in heading off the beaten path, what camping and trail riding options does Wisconsin have?

Greg: We have 2.3 million acres of county forest and thousands of miles of county trails, 49 State Parks, 42 State recreational trails, and the renowned Ice Age National Scenic Trail. You can bring the whole family or head out for a quiet day outdoors. You’ll see others walking or traveling by ATV, UTV, motorcycle, horse, and mountain bike!

RR: Being so far north, riders will find mild summer riding temperatures. When are the ideal times to plan a motorcycle tour?

Greg: For summer riding, we recommend May through September. Late September through October is ideal for fall riding.

RR: Give us a few great small Wisconsin towns to visit while on tour.

Greg: Port Washington, Two Rivers, Eagle River, Trempealeau, Prairie du Chien, Lake Geneva, Monroe, Baraboo, or Platteville—all beautiful small towns in Wisconsin!





