Ride the Hidden Gem Motorcycle Roads of Wisconsin — from backwoods curves to bluffs, this episode uncovers the secret rides, local food spots, and gear hacks every touring rider should know. Part 4 in our Midwest Hidden Gems Series, this one is all about Wisconsin’s underrated motorcycle magic.

Inside This Episode

We're rolling deep through:

- 7 Hidden Gem Motorcycle Routes across the Driftless Region, Door County & Northwoods

- Roads like the Mendoro Cut, Alphabet Roads, and Great River Road

- Scenic towns: Potosi, Westby, Bayfield, and Fountain City

- Must-ride views from Eagle Bluff Lighthouse to Pikes Peak State Park

And yes — we’re talking legendary cheese curds, Friday fish fries, and old fashioneds too.

Episode Segments

Mile Marker: 7 unforgettable Wisconsin rides that almost feel secret

Toolkit: Heated glove liners, compact rain gear, dry bags & the hydration hack you need

Want More Hidden Gem Rides?

Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@BestMotorcycleRoads

Get ride alerts: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/

Mentioned in This Episode

Heated Glove Liners (Battery & Plug-in Options) - https://amzn.to/477nsVd

Compact Rain Gear (Nelson-Rigg & Harley Picks) - https://amzn.to/41e0jg1

Heated Boot Dryers - https://amzn.to/3H6fSQ9

Dry Bags - https://amzn.to/4malQOS

Latex Glove Hack for Wet Weather - https://amzn.to/3HaRHQt

Sponsor or Partner with Us

We're looking for great brands & gear partners. Reach out: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact/

Connect with Us

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcycleroadsandtrips

All Episodes: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast/

Question for the Comments:

What’s YOUR favorite hidden gem motorcycle road in Wisconsin (or beyond)?

Drop your ride recommendation below!

Timecodes

0:00 - Why Wisconsin is more than just cheese & Packers

1:15 - Fountain City to Cochrane Loop (Alphabet Roads)

4:00 - Scenic views, creameries & curves in Buffalo County

6:30 - Potosi to Westby: Brewery towns & Norwegian roots

9:15 - Driftless + Frank Lloyd Wright country

12:00 - Lake Superior shoreline to Door County

15:00 - Toolkit tips: stay dry, stay warm, stay hydrated

18:00 - Reflections from the road

Iowa? Flat? Think again.

In this episode of Best Motorcycle Roads, we’re busting myths and burning rubber across the Hawkeye State, uncovering 7 hidden gem motorcycle roads you’ve (probably) never ridden. From Mississippi River bluffs to bluffin’ tenderloins, it’s all here—twists, turns, and tasty stops.

This is Part 3 of our 6-part Midwest Hidden Gems series—and Iowa does not disappoint.

What You’ll Ride:

- Marquette to Lamont (via Driftless curves, effigy mounds & a tenderloin the size of a steering wheel)

- Loess Hills Scenic Byway (yes, we said dirt bluffs—you gotta hear this)

- Dragoon Trail Runner (80-mile loop with rail history and BBQ vibes)

- The caves of Maquoketa (seriously scenic + Bluff Lake catfish)

- Iowa City to Marengo via the Amana Colonies (communes, kraut, and crepes)

- Balltown to Bellevue (C9Y = Iowa’s best motorcycle road—period)

- Indianola to Oskaloosa (Red Rock Lake, mile-long bridges, and hot honey pizza)

Where to Eat (and maybe unbutton your pants):

- St. Olaf Tavern – legendary thick-cut tenderloin (4 buns thick, baby)

- Twisted Tail Saloon – Loess Hills biker bar gold

- Jimmy’s BBQ Pit & Copperhead Saloon, Boone – brisket or breakfast? Yes.

- Bluff Lake Catfish Farm – all-you-can-eat fried heaven

- Brau Haus & Ronneburg – Amana’s German family-style power duo

- Breitbach’s in Balltown – Oldest restaurant in Iowa (est. 1852 and still crushin’ it)

- George’s Pizza – hot honey greatness in Pella

- The American Table – a post office turned eatery in Oskaloosa? Yes please.

Toolkit (Affiliate links coming soon!)

Bug Soother – All-natural Iowa-made bug spray. https://amzn.to/40wgGEv

Eco Lips – SPF lip balm from the lip balm capital of Iowa. Eco Lips

Jerky – The official glovebox snack of freedom. https://amzn.to/44NpAA3

Bohn Body Armor – We wear it. We love it. We sweat less in it. https://www.bohnarmor.com/

SPONSOR AN EPISODE

Got a product, brand, or roadside attraction riders should know about?

Let’s talk: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact-brm/

Subscribe so you don’t miss Part 4

Like. Share. Ride. Repeat.

Sign up for BMR Rider Alerts: bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/

Missouri’s Best Hidden Motorcycle Roads 🚦🏍️

In Episode 074 of the Best Motorcycle Roads Podcast, Tom and Todd reveal the 7 most underrated routes in Missouri—from bluffside curves to Civil War cemeteries and diner stops that still serve homemade pie.

This is Part 2 of our 6-part Midwest Hidden Gems series—and if you’ve ever ridden past the Ozarks, Route 66, or Hermann wine country, there’s a good chance you missed these scenic detours.

Featured Routes:

- Hwy 79 – Hannibal to Louisiana: river views & Mark Twain history

- Farmington Loop (Hwy 34, 72, 21, 32, 49) – Ozark foothills & granite boulders

- Hwy 19 – Hermann to Winona: a BMR all-time favorite

- Hwy 94 – Wine Trail from St. Charles to Jefferson City

- Route 66 – Lebanon to Springfield: vintage neon and classic Americana

- Hwy 8 – St. James to Desloge: lead mining, history & natural springs

- Hwy 86 – Eagle Rock to Birch Bluff: ridge riding in deep southwest Missouri

Top Food Stops:

- Fat Boys Diner – Hearty Midwest classics in Louisiana, MO

- Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes – Inventive eats in Springfield

- Grandma Nell’s Café – Comfort food and homemade desserts near Birch Tree

- Public House Brewing Co. – Outdoor seating & local brews in St. James

Toolkit: Road-Trip Essentials

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we use and trust.

Aftermarket Windshields - Upgrade for better wind protection based on your height and bike setup. https://f4customs.com

Rider Multi-Tools - Compact, powerful tools for roadside fixes—Leatherman and socket-bit models preferred. https://amzn.to/4ll4kqV

LED Headlamps & Flashlights - Stay hands-free during nighttime adjustments or early-morning preps. https://amzn.to/44E4wdU

Tire Gauges That Fit - Modern bikes need low-profile gauges that work around disc brakes. Lockable readings are a bonus. https://amzn.to/44V6zLU

Bohn Body Armor - Our go-to for comfort + protection on long rides. Wear it under anything. https://www.bohnarmor.com

Subscribe to BMR Rider Alerts for bonus content, new episodes, and exclusive road trip tips:

https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/

Want to sponsor the podcast or send gear for review?

https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact

Like, subscribe, and drop your favorite Missouri road in the comments!

Bikes, friends, and endless roads—the stories ride forever. Take Care.