Southwest Wisconsin
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Southwest Wisconsin took advantage of the rails-to-trails conversion craze of the 70s. As a result, the lush countryside is crosshatched with bike paths well suited for touring. Amenity-rich Sparta forms the hub of three good routes: the Elroy-Sparta Trail, the La Crosse River Trail, and the Great River Trail. Maps are available from the Elroy-Sparta State Trail Headquarters (PO Box 297, Kendall, WI 54638, 608-463-7109) or at the La Crosse River Trail, Sparta Depot (111 Milwaukee, Sparta, 608-269-4123).
In Sparta, try the tasteful and elegant Strawberry Lace Inn (603 N. Water, 608-269-7878; doubles $89-$145). The owners, Jack and Elsie Ballinger, are loads of fun, both energetic storytellers. Breakfasts are multicourse and luxurious, the bedding is soft and comfy as a crib, and if you’re lucky you’ll get the room with a tin roof on a rainy evening. At the end of the La Crosse River Trail in Onalaska is the Lumber Baron Inn (421 Second Ave. N., 608-781-8938; doubles $79-$119), a bed-and-breakfast with a lake view and lounge chairs you’ll melt into after a long day of pedaling.
