The season for bike trips is here, and if you’re looking for biking trips in the US that combine scenic beauty, laid-back charm, and wide-open spaces, the Midwest is an underrated gem. The Midwest is home to an extensive network of Rail Trails- former railroad corridors transformed into multi-use biking and hiking paths. In fact, the first trails established by the Rails to Trails Conservancy were right here in Wisconsin.
These bike trails give you an unprecedented way to experience the Midwest’s most iconic scenery. Ride through farmlands, prairies, woodlands, and charming small towns as you coast along miles of relatively flat, well-maintained trails. Whether you’re pedaling the Elroy-Sparta Trail in Wisconsin or cruising the Root River Trail in Minnesota, there’s something uniquely satisfying about biking through landscapes that tell the story of America’s heartland.
Of course, the Midwest isn’t just about what you can do on two wheels. Many biking routes are near lakes, rivers, and forest preserves that invite you to get off the trail and into the water—or up a bluff. Paddle along calm waterways, hike to scenic overlooks or spend your afternoons exploring vibrant towns filled with local breweries, boutiques, and farmers’ markets. Add activities onto your bike trips that include some of the Midwest’s most charming towns and cities. After all, this is the kind of region that encourages you to slow down and enjoy a full range of experiences!
To make the most of your trip, finding the right place to stay is key—and that’s where the Midwest Association of Independent Inns comes in. Our member Bed and Breakfasts are independently owned and offer comfort, character, and genuine hospitality that’s hard to find at chain hotels. Whether you’re planning a weekend ride or a multi-day biking itinerary, these Midwest Bed and Breakfasts are ideally located near many of the top trails, towns, and attractions across the region.
After a day on the trail, relax with a locally sourced breakfast, a cozy common area, or maybe even a soak in a private tub—because a great adventure deserves a great night’s rest. Book one of our top-rated Bed and Breakfasts in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, or Illinois today!
The Best Rail Trails in the Midwest
Rail Trails are former railroad corridors that have been converted into multi-use paths, offering cyclists, hikers, and walkers a smooth, scenic way to explore the landscape. In the Midwest, these trails are especially appealing thanks to their mix of flat terrain, natural beauty, and easy access to small towns and local attractions. Whether you’re riding through Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, exploring Minnesota’s river valleys, or following Illinois prairies and Iowa farmland, these trails turn a getaway into something more engaging, more memorable, and just plain fun.
Wisconsin Rail Trails
Though there are plenty of fantastic things to do in Wisconsin year-round, hitting the top bike trails is at the top of our list. With more than 101 Rail Trails spanning nearly 2,000 miles, Wisconsin is clearly a place that understands the beauty of what Rail Trails can bring to a region. Here are five must-ride Wisconsin bike trails to consider.
- The Elroy-Sparta State Trail is legendary. It was one of the nation’s first rail trails and offers riders a stunning 32.5-mile corridor that passes through three historic railroad tunnels and charming small towns.
- The 25-mile Fox River State Trail is another great option to consider. The route starts in downtown Green Bay and flanks the scenic Fox River before passing through beautiful swaths of Wisconsin farmland.
- One of the most underrated Rail Trails in Wisconsin is the Ozaukee Interurban Trail near Cedarburg. This 30-mile route offers plenty of opportunity for birdwatching as it passes through the Cedar Grove Waterfowl Production Area before winding through the charming towns of Cedarburg and Port Washington.
- The Capital City State Trail system in Madison is one of the most used Rail Trails in Wisconsin. Although it’s only 17 miles long, this vital corridor connects to many other trail networks in the Madison area, lending to its designation as one of the most bike-friendly cities.
- If you find yourself exploring beautiful Door County, don’t miss the Ahnapee State Trail, which is a scenic 50-mile bike trail between Sturgeon Bay and Kewaunee. Along the way, you’ll pass by gorgeous beaches, apple orchards, and plenty of historical sites.
Minnesota Rail Trails
Like Wisconsin, there are plenty of things to do in Minnesota for the outdoor adventurers among us. But with so many charming small towns and vibrant cities, there’s much more to Minnesota than meets the eye. Discover the best of it on these fantastic Minnesota Rail Trails.
- One of our long-time favorite Minnesota Rail Trails is the Root River State Trail. This 42-mile paved trail in southeastern Minnesota runs through limestone bluffs, river valleys, and some of the most welcoming small towns in Minnesota, including Lanesboro, the Bed and Breakfast capital of Minnesota.
- Don’t miss the Lake Wobegan Trail. Whether you’re a fan of Garrison Keillor or not, this paved 65-mile journey from the outskirts of St. Cloud travels through idyllic prairies, woodlands, and farmland, transporting you straight into the setting of his iconic Lake Wobegon Days.
- The Heartland State Trail is aptly named as it travels through Minnesota’s heartland, offering a scenic bike trip that’s unforgettable. When it eventually connects to Itaska State Park, the adventure will be that much more special as it links to the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
- Spanning roughly 135 miles through Minnesota’s Iron Range, the Mesabi Trail blends history with dramatic northern landscapes and historic mining towns.
- In Duluth, bikers won’t want to miss the Willard Munger State Trail. This 70-mile route traces part of a rail corridor that went from the Twin Cities to the Great Lakes and passes through the iconic Jay Cooke State Park. It’s easily one of the most used Rail Trails in Minnesota.
Iowa Rail Trails
Get out of the cities and enjoy the wide-open expanses and diverse things to do in Iowa. The state’s relatively flat landscape makes it perfect for summer bike trips! We’ve listed a few of our favorite Rail Trails in Iowa below.
- The Racoon River Valley Trail is one of the best Iowa Rail Trails. This 89-mile loop west of Des Moines offers a paved bike trip ideal for day trips or multi-day rides. There are plenty of stops along the way for that small-town hospitality you crave from Iowa Bed and Breakfasts.
- The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a 63-mile crushed limestone path from Council Bluffs to Blanchard. This trail offers wide-open views, shady stretches, and charming town stopovers.
- Don’t miss the stunning High Trestle Trail, one of the most iconic Rail Trails in the Midwest. This 25-mile route is known for its striking 13-story-high trestle bridge lit up at night—an unforgettable ride.
- Near the town of Cedar Rapids, you’ll find the charming Cedar Valley Nature Trail. This 52-mile route links parks, prairies, and river views with plenty of good food and drink along the way.
- Connecting Nebraska to Iowa is the breathtaking Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge along the Iowa Riverfront Trail. It’s worth the trip just to ride over this beautiful 3,000 bridge, but the chance to explore both Omaha and Council Bluffs makes the trip unforgettable.
Illinois Rail Trails
With plenty of history tied to Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant and one of the country’s most iconic cities, there’s no shortage of fantastic things to do in Illinois. But get off the beaten path a bit, stay at the top Illinois Bed and Breakfasts, and enjoy a ride on these magnificent Rail Trails in Illinois.
- The Illinois Prairie Path near Chicago was one of the nation’s first rail trails. This 61-mile system connects Chicago suburbs with forest preserves, charming downtowns, and scenic detours.
- The 62-mile Great River Trail in Illinois, part of the Great American Rail Trail, is an epic choice for bike trips this summer. It winds through riverfront communities, offering breathtaking views and abundant recreation along this historic waterway.
- The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 55-mile crushed limestone trail in southern Illinois. It features a 543-foot tunnel, rolling farmland, and peaceful wooded stretches.
- The Jane Addams State Trail starts at the Wisconsin-Illinois Border and follows the former Galena & Chicago Railroad, winding 17 miles through this scenic stretch of the state.
- Finally, take a ride along the Rock Island Trail in Illinois. Running 26 miles from Peoria to Toulon, this trail offers a mix of farmland, forest, and river crossings with quiet charm and a laid-back vibe.
Find the Best Places to Stay in the Midwest
Planning a trip on these storied Rail Trails across the Midwest is as much about where you stay as it is about where you ride—and that’s where the Midwest Association of Independent Inns becomes an essential part of the journey. This isn’t just a list of places to sleep; it’s a thoughtfully curated collection of independent Bed and Breakfasts and Boutique Inns that celebrate authenticity, comfort, and a strong sense of place.
As you travel from trail to trail, from Wisconsin’s rolling countryside to Iowa’s expansive prairies, you can count on these properties to elevate your experience beyond the ride itself. One of the best parts of biking across the Midwest is how seamlessly you can cross state lines while staying close to the action. Rail Trails, state park paths, and scenic byways connect charming towns and countryside in a way that encourages exploration.
The Midwest Association of Independent Inns makes it easy to plan overnight stops that aren’t just convenient—they’re memorable. And let’s not forget the personal touches that make independent inns stand out—things like home-cooked breakfasts, insider recommendations for local trails, breweries, restaurants, and more, and hosts who genuinely care about your stay.
These properties are perfectly positioned to keep you close to the trails while giving you a place to recharge in comfort. Let us be the resource that connects the dots, turning your biking vacation into something far more meaningful than a simple ride from point A to point B. Book your stay today!
