8 of the Midwest’s Most Bike-Amiable Places

When you’re on a bike, you see places from a completely different perspective than you would on foot or by car. Local trails in the Midwest allow you to explore fresh places in a fresh way, with the freedom to pull off to grab some ice cream, stop at a lake, or explore a nearby nature center. When you’re ready to hit the road, check out eight of the best places to ride a bike in the Midwest.

Chicago

For a true urban cycling experience, it’s tough to find a better place than Chicago. It has 200 miles of protected on-street paths, plus off-street options like the 18-mile Lakeside Trailoverlooking Lake Michigan on one side and stunning views of the city skyline on the other. Immerse yourself in the city’s cycling culture at local bike shops (Kozy’s, Companion Cycles or the largest bike shop in the country, Village Cycling Center) or sign up for a popular, non-competitive 30-mile race Ride a bike event.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is consistently on the list best bike cities in americaand for good reason. With 98 miles of bike lanes and 101 miles of off-street paths and other bike lanes, the city is teeming with cyclists. If you’re looking for waterfront views, the 15-mile Chain of Lakes Trail will deliver, winding along five local lakes. If you prefer an urban feel to your ride, the 5.5-mile Midtown Greenway woven at shops and restaurants.

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison has more than 200 miles of bike and pedestrian trails, as well as dedicated bike lanes on city streets. One of the favorites is the 13-mile Lake Monona Loop which surrounds the lake and offers stunning views of the city. Olbrich Botanical Garden and Frank Lloyd Wright Monon Terrace are worth a stop on this route. You can also drive along the UW-Madison campus on your way to Picnic areabest place in town to see sunsets. Need to rent wheels? Check Cycle cycle electric bikes or Machines Row Bikes.

Hamilton County, Indiana

If you want to get off the beaten track, plan a bike trip to Hamilton County, just outside Indianapolis. There are 500 miles of trails with options for all skill levels. Mountain bikers can head to Flat Fork Creek Park for a progressive route suited to beginners, while regular cyclists can pedal for 25 miles Monon Trail, a former railway corridor that borders peaceful places such as Kawachinagano Japanese Garden.

Monk’s

Des Moines is home to a wealth of bike paths for both amateur and avid cyclists, especially those training to ride a bike. The Annual Great Iowa Bike Ride (RAGBRAI). In the metropolitan area, trails wind through green spaces like Gray’s Lake and Water Works Park, offering countless opportunities to refuel and hydrate along the way (El Bait Store AND Confluence Brewery are two local delicacies.) If you want to ride a real old-time railroad, cycle the 25-mile route High Trestle Trail overlooking the Des Moines River. Or try the scenic 26-mile route Chichaqua Valley Trailwhich connects Berwick to Baxter. Can’t travel with your bike in tow? You’re covered local bike sharing program and nearby shops such as The world of bicycles. Want something a little more unusual? Try the Rail Explorers motorized rail bike that zips along the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad tracks.

Kalamazoo, Michigan

You may know Kalamazoo best as the headquarters Bells Brewerybut it also lies along one of Michigan’s Great Lake-Lake Trails. Route 1 stretches for 275 miles, connecting 34 communities from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. The city itself is home to a variety of paved, gravel and dirt paths; you can even create your own route to see some of Kalamazoo’s attractions works of public art. There is also no shortage of cycling-related events here. Come to Kalamazoo Bike Week for group rides and educational activities.

Rapid City, South Dakota

Just a few miles from the eastern end Black Hills National ForestRapid City is a paradise for cyclists. The city offers 137 miles of trails and many guides to iconic locations. One notable route runs from From Rapid City to Mount Rushmore. You’re also close to the state’s most celebrated bike trail, George S. Mickelson Trailwhich runs for 109 miles through the heart of the Black Hills. The trail Custer Spur State Park rewards you with views of the Black Hills on a moderate 3.2-mile paved trail. Mountain bikers will find adventure on trails that zigzag Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park.

Xenia, Ohio

This silent Ohio village of 26,000 has earned the nickname the Bike Capital of the Midwest. While Xenia’s urban trails are only 14 miles long, the town is a hub for 519 miles of trails that span the state. Pack a picnic to enjoy Xenia Station, former train station with picnic tables, play equipment and nature areas before setting off on the 78-mile route Little Miami Scenic Trail or 30-mile Prairie Grass Trail.

More bike routes to try

Missouri Katy Trail State Park is the longest developed rail trail in the country, running 240 miles across the state from Machens in the east to Clinton in the west. It attracts both families on tiny trips and endurance athletes looking to log the miles. This is not Hey Trail in North Dakota it runs through 144 miles of rocky hills and plains; Dakota Cyclers in Medora, near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, offers shuttles and guided tours. Minnesota’s Root River Trail System stretches for 60 miles and connects nine communities, with Lanesboro at its center.