Top 20 Family-Friendly Bike Trails in Wisconsin

Biking is a great way to spend time together, and some of Wisconsin’s bike trails are well-suited for families with young children. These bike paths are wide, level, and well-surfaced. They also have few road crossings. Trailhead amenities, such as restrooms and picnic tables, are nearby. Lastly, many of these trails feature child-friendly attractions along the route. Based on these criteria, here are some of the best Wisconsin trails for family biking.

#1 Fox River State Trail: De Pere to Green Bay

The Fox River State Trail in northeastern Wisconsin runs 5.8 miles from De Pere to Green Bay. De Pere’s Voyageur Park works well as a trailhead. Located on the Fox River, it has restrooms, picnic shelters, playground, and walking paths. The Riverwalk Path is popular with families; it passes the Army Corps of Engineers Lock and Canal, and leads out over the Fox River on a viewing pier. For an after-trail treat, Seroogy’s Chocolates is nearby. For over a century, this chocolate company has offered a variety of homemade confectionaries.

The Fox River Trail is popular with cyclists and pedestrians, and offers a pleasant ride. The route is level, paved, and marked with two lanes. Few roads cross it, and there are rest areas along the way. By the trail at Fox Point Boat Landing, restrooms are available, along with two ice cream spots: A & W and Dairy Queen.

North of Voyageur Park is St. Francis Park. Located directly on the trail with no motor vehicle access, the park offers a scenic view of the Fox River. It has restrooms, a covered picnic shelter, jogging path, and outdoor fitness course with exercise stations.

The parks and rest areas dotting the Fox River Trail make it ideal for families who want a short or mid-length bike ride, as the route can be easily customized. Families planning on ice cream at the end of their ride may use Fox Point Boat Landing as a trailhead.

#2 Lower Yahara River Trail

Running from Madison to McFarland, the Lower Yahara River Trail serves as an excellent bicycle route for families. It has several parks, an extensive boardwalk, and a paved path that is level. At William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, the route shares a trailhead with the Capital City State Trail. The trail cuts through the park, and traverses a long boardwalk between Upper Mud Lake and Lake Waubesa. It then arrives at McFarland’s McDaniel Park.

From the trailhead at William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, biking to McDaniel Park and back is a 5-mile ride. A highlight of this route is crossing the 1-mile boardwalk, with its fishing piers, rest stops with benches, and observation areas. Dane County Parks claims this boardwalk is the longest inland bridge built for non-motorized vehicles in North America.

The different parks along the trail support an abundance of family activities. McDaniel Park has restrooms, playground, covered picnic shelter, fishing dock, and swimming beach. Cyclists also have the option to take a spur trail to Lunney Lake Farm County Park. This 328-acre park has a campground, restrooms, picnic shelters, fishing pier, playgrounds, wildlife pond, and observation tower. Lussier Family Heritage Center is located there too. It has a Prairie Learning Center, natural play area, pollinator and sensory gardens, butterfly waystation, and interpretive trail.

#3 Mariners Trail

Located in northeastern Wisconsin, Mariners Trail travels from Manitowoc to Two Rivers along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The 6-mile trail is paved, flat, and crosses no streets along its route. At least seven wayside parks are located along the trail. They all have park benches, picnic tables, and garbage receptacles. One has drinking water and public restrooms. Others have observation platforms and access to Lake Michigan’s sandy beaches. Two self-service bicycle repair stations are located along the way. Lakeview Park in Manitowoc contains many amenities including a swimming beach.

Mariners Trail offers adults and children an education about the area’s maritime history. Several interpretive markers and sculptures are located along the trail that share insights about the lakeshore’s past. At the trailhead in Manitowoc is the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. It focuses on the early days of sailing and shipbuilding. A highlight of the museum is the USS Cobia, a submarine from World War II. During the war, Manitowoc shipbuilders produced 28 submarines for the U.S. Navy.

Another highlight of a bike ride on Mariners Trail is a stop at Beerntsen’s Confectionary in Manitowoc. It is across the street from the trailhead. This old-fashioned ice cream parlor and candy store is a step back in time. Soups and sandwiches are served, but everyone in the family craves their malts, sundaes, ice cream sodas, and hand-dipped chocolates.

#4 East River Trail   

The 10-mile East River Trail is a family-friendly trail that is easy for young children to bike. The trail follows its namesake river through Green Bay and its suburbs in northeastern Wisconsin. The paved asphalt trail is widely used, level, well-marked, and in excellent condition. Ledgeview Park has several playgrounds and serves as a good trailhead.

The Ledgeview Park location off County Road G (Dickinson Road) has restrooms, a covered picnic shelter, playground, and softball diamond. This park site also has a separate 1-mile loop trail that diverges from the East River Trail. Another playground is found along this loop. Back on the East River Trail, it is only 0.3 miles to another Ledgeview Park site, this one on Creamery Road. It has a covered picnic table and playground.

Families may bike on paved paths in the Ledgeview Park area without crossing a road. A longer 2 mile jaunt to the north on the East River Trail leads to Kiwanis Park in Allouez. The route to Kiwanis Park involves crossing one road, County G (Dickinson Road). From the main path, a feeder trail leads to Kiwanis Park and its restrooms, playground, pickle ball and basketball courts, and athletic fields.

#5 Red Cedar State Trail: Menomonie to Downsville

This 7.8-mile section of the Red Cedar State Trail has beautiful river scenery, good access to parks, and is well-suited for families. The crushed limestone path is level and easy to bike through the northwestern Wisconsin landscape. The trail follows the Red Cedar River between Menomonie and Downsville, and crosses only one road.

The trailhead in Menomonie serves trail-goers well, with restrooms and an information center. Families may also visit Riverside Park before or after a ride. It is adjacent to the trailhead and has restrooms, a playground, sheltered picnic area, and outdoor fitness area. It also provides access to the Red Cedar River for boating, tubing, and fishing.

The Red Cedar State Trail has several trailside rest areas by the river. These picturesque spots provide the chance to rest and picnic. They are great places to skip stones in the water, and enjoy nature. The trailhead at Downsville has picnic tables and restrooms. Nearby, Scatterbrain Café provides a great place to enjoy a baked treat or ice cream.

#6 Chippewa River State Trail: Meridean to Durand

The Chippewa River Trail passes through pretty countryside near the Chippewa River. It also provides access to several parks and ice cream shops. Families may want to begin their ride in Durand and head toward Meridean; a 10.7 mile journey through northwestern Wisconsin. The path is level, and in good condition. For the first 6 miles, the trail surface is paved with asphalt. The second section has an oil-emulsion surface.

In Durand, Tarrant Park is right next to the trail and serves as an excellent trailhead. This well-established park features a swimming pool with bathhouse. It also has a small campground with 8 tent and 10 RV sites. The 16-acre park contains restrooms, 3 picnic shelters, a playground, sand volleyball courts, and a gaga ball ring.

The Chippewa River State Trail continues less than a mile past Tarrant Park to downtown Durand. Families looking for ice cream or fast food have options: the Panther Drive-In, Dairy Queen, or McDonalds. All three are just a short distance from Tarrant Park.

#7 Camrock Trail

The 2.4-mile CamRock Trail is southeastern Wisconsin is well-suited for biking families. The path begins in Cambridge and travels south through CamRock County Park. It ends in the village of Rockdale. As the trail journeys through hardwood forest and meadows, it follows Koshkonong Creek. The surface of the path is crushed limestone. It is quite compacted and in very good condition. The trail does have a few small hills to ascend, but they are manageable, even for youn bicyclists. There is only one park road to cross along the route.

Families may start their bicycle ride in Cambridge at the trailhead or across Water Street at Westside Park. The park has flush toilets and a playground. A main attraction of this trail for families are two of the park areas that are found along the route. These recreational areas have a covered picnic shelter, restrooms, athletic fields, and playground. They are a perfect place to enjoy a break from the ride, and allow children to enjoy some play time.

A ride from Cambridge to Rockdale on the CamRock Trail is less than 5 miles. This distance is quite manageable for families, even with young children. The scenery along the route is stunning, and children will enjoy stopping to take in the view at the three separate bridges over Koshkonong Creek. It is always a pleasurable ride on this picturesque trail.

#8 Howard Temin Lakeshore Path

A bike ride on the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path is 4.4 miles round trip. It offers trail-goers terrific scenery, lovely picnic spots, and off-trail adventures. The trail follows the shoreline of Lake Mendota, and is located on the UW-Madison campus. Half of the path is paved, marked with two lanes. The remainder has a crushed limestone surface. The path is well-used by cyclists and pedestrians, so children will need to bike attentively.

Despite its popularity, biking the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path is a peaceful experience. Rest areas and overlooks along the trail offer beautiful views of Lake Mendota. At the west end of the path, families may park and lock their bikes, and hike to Picnic Point on the Lake Mendota Path. This mile-long walking trail leads out into the lake on a forested peninsula.

A highlight of the path is visiting UW-Madison’s Memorial Union. This iconic building is a great place to relax, enjoy tasty food, and even go for a swim. Homemade ice cream treats from Babcock Dairy Hall are sold at the Daily Scoop. The Memorial Union Terrace offers scrumptious pub food, beautiful lake views, and colorful sunburst patio furniture. A lakefront pier with swimming area is located next to the Terrace.

#9 Hiawatha Trail: Heafford Junction to Tomahawk

The 6.5 mile Hiawatha Trail in northern Wisconsin offers family amenities and beautiful scenery. A major highlight of the trail is biking across an expansive 0.3 mile causeway and bridge over the Wisconsin River. The trail has a level, crushed stone surface. Set in Lincoln County, the southern trailhead is at SARA Park in the city of Tomahawk. The trail heads north and families should be aware that after passing the Wisconsin River, it crosses several town roads and busy U.S. Highway 8. Bicycling families may want to turn around and return to Tomahawk before crossing the highway.

This trail is popular on holiday weekends and in the summer. The Hiawatha Trail, next to SARA Park on the Wisconsin River, has scenic views of the water. A wide range of park amenities are there, including restrooms, a playground, swimming beach, showers, athletic fields, and boat landing. The park has 10 campsites with electric and water,. They are located right on the bank of the Wisconsin River.

From the park, a paved feeder path leads south to the Tomahawk Public Library. There are limited weekend hours, but the library features a redesigned children’s section and has summer youth reading programs. Further south in Tomahawk are family-friendly opportunities, such as ice cream parlors, mini-golf, and more recreational parks.

#10 Mountain Bay State Trail: Weston to Norrie Lake

This section of the Mountain Bay State Trail is mostly rural, providing an opportunity to ride through beautiful Wisconsin scenery and cool off at a local swimming spot. The route passes through forests, and includes a 528-foot wooden boardwalk over a tamarack marsh. It’s about 4 miles from Norrie Lake to the village of Hatley, and the route crosses only two town roads. The trail surface is crushed limestone and has a mild incline (30-foot gradient).

The town park on Norrie Lake is a highlight on the trail. This little park serves as a trailhead and has modest facilities: a small parking lot, pit toilet, a few picnic tables, stationary grills, and park benches. Large willow trees shade a delightful, small swimming beach. The refreshing lake water has a unique red tint due to neighboring tamarack swamps, and the lake itself is largely undeveloped.

Hatley is home to a long-time local Tex-Mex restaurant called Freddy’s, and a fast-food sandwich shop. Not far from the Hatley trailhead is the local library, run by Marathon County Public Library. The library has a children’s and teen section, and offers a variety of events for children and adults. It is open Monday through Saturday.

#11 Ice Age National Scenic Trail

This section of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail features beautiful scenery and generous parks. The city of Janesville also provides a range of amenities for out-of-town visitors. Cycling is not typically permitted on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, but it is allowed in the city of Janesville, and the path is completely paved.

Riverside Park is a perfect place for families to start a ride. From there, the path goes south to downtown Janesville on a fairly level grade. For 1.5 miles, there are no roads to cross. For a short distance, the trail follows alongside Ice Age Way, a small road with little traffic.

South of Riverside Park, the trail runs next to the Rock River through a beautiful forest. The scenery along the wooded bank of the river is immersive, and it’s hard to believe it is within a city. Rest areas on route provide an opportunity to take breaks and enjoy the view.

Riverside Park is set on a bend in the Rock River, with offerings for people of all ages. The sprawling 87-acre park has picnic areas and pavilions, a concession stand, and restrooms. There are playgrounds, a kids zipline, hiking trails, horseshoe pits, disc golf course, and courts for shuffleboard, tennis, and pickleball. There’s also a boat landing and fishing pier. It’s a wonderful park for a picnic, and for spending the afternoon after a bike ride.

#12 Great Sauk State Trail

The Great Sauk State Trail in southwestern Wisconsin offers gorgeous scenery, good park access, and a range of facilities. The paved path runs through Sauk City and Prairie du Sac toward Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area. Families wanting to avoid intersections with busy streets and highways may start their ride at Sauk City’s Riverfront Park. Biking one mile north takes cyclists to Prairie du Sac’s Riverwalk Park and Overlook. Another half mile further is Veterans Memorial Park on the Wisconsin River.

Riverfront Park makes an excellent trailhead. It has a concession building with restrooms and covered picnic shelter, a large playground with 75-foot zip line, and a splash pad. A riverfront trail connects to the Great Sauk State Trail and a kayak/canoe launch site. Biking north from the park takes cyclists along the Wisconsin River, with impressive views of the landscape. Rest areas are located along the route.

One mile north of Riverfront Park, Riverwalk Park and Overlook offers a play area in the shape of a riverboat, an overlook extending into the river, a bike repair station, and covered sitting area. Continuing a little further north on the trail is Veterans Memorial Park. It has picnic shelters, a playground, camping, boat launch, and fishing. The park is a perfect place to look for the bald eagles that frequent the river valley.

#13 Pheasant Branch Conservancy

In southern Wisconsin, the Pheasant Branch Conservancy Trail runs through picturesque lands managed by Dane County Parks Department. The trail surface varies between crushed limestone, asphalt pavement, and wooden boardwalks. The trail makes a circular route over 3 miles long. While there are no steep hills, the elevation changes slightly along the way.

The conservancy features a range of topography and special places. Atop Frederick’s Hill are ancient Native American burial grounds, which should be treated with respect. Below the hill, a section of Pheasant Branch Creek begins from a bubbling spring. It flows through restored prairie and wetlands to Lake Mendota. There is plenty for families to see and learn in the Conservancy. There are hiking trails, bird watching opportunities, andseveral interpretative signs there.

There are several trailheads along the circle route, but Orchard Heights Park makes a good starting place for family bike rides. This 14-acre park on Middleton’s north side has a picnic shelter with restrooms, drinking fountains, and cooking grills. The park also has a playground, athletic fields, and tennis and volleyball courts.

#14 Osaugie Trail

Located in Superior, this 5 mile city trail has a surface of paved asphalt. There are a few gentle hills that are manageable for children. Also, the path crosses few busy roads. Supervision of young children is advised at the one railroad crossing. The Osaugie Trail offers beautiful scenery of Superior’s waterfront, and there is a lot of history presented along the route. Kids will enjoy the two playgrounds located in parks at the two ends of the trail, and public restrooms are available at two trailheads.

#15 Bugline Trail: North Lake to Sussex

The Bugline Trail in southeastern Wisconsin’s Waukesha County travels east from North Lake to Menominee Falls. Along the way it passes through several other villages. The landscape changes from rural to suburban as it moves east. The 16-mile trail is paved with asphalt and in excellent condition. The width of the paved path is 10 feet, allowing sufficient room for families with young children to bike.

Because its eastern segment journeys through a more populated area, there are numerous roads to cross. Not all intersections have flashing crosswalk lights to deploy when traversing these intersections. Considering the higher number of road crossings, families may want to limit their excursions to sections of the trail where few intersections are found.

Families may want to ride between Fireman’s Park in Merton and Sussex Village Park. Along the way, the trail passes by Lisbon Community Park. All three parks have full amenities, including restrooms, picnic areas, and playgrounds. They serve well as trailheads. The 5-mile route has 4 road intersections. The road crossing by Sussex Village Park sees the most traffic, but has flashing crosswalk lights to deploy.

#16 The “400” State Trail: Union Center to Elroy

The 4.2 mile section of trail runs adjacent to the meandering Baraboo River in a valley surrounded by high bluffs. Although the west central Wisconsin trail travels near a state highway, the Driftless Area landscape brings dramatic beauty to the route. The trail is level, with a surface of crushed limestone. It crosses a few roads that generally have little traffic.

The Union Center trailhead is located at Eagle Parkway. This small-town park has a parking area, public restrooms, and an open shelter for picnicking. Recreation facilities include a playground, volleyball and basketball courts, and horseshoe pits. From there, trail-goers may want to go north to Elroy.

Elroy has long been a cycling hub, where three separate bike trails converge. In the downtown area is Elroy Commons. It is a city park with customized amenities for cyclists. It has a trail shop and information center, restrooms with showers, and bike rentals. The park also contains a playground, sheltered picnic area, and basketball court. There are several local dining options just a short walk from the park.

#17 Mounds View State Trail and Rountree Branch Trail

Located in southwestern Wisconsin, the Mounds View State Trail and Rountree Branch Trail journey 9.7 miles from Belmont through Platteville. The surface of the entire route is paved and in excellent condition. There are several hills to climb, mainly two large ones on the Mounds View State Trail, and only one busy road in Platteville to cross. There are plenty of park benches and rest areas along the two trails.

Bond Park in Belmont serves well as a trailhead for the Mounds View State Trail. It has restrooms, ball field, exercise course, playground, and covered picnic shelter. In Platteville, near the end of the Rountree Branch Trail, is the Wisconsin Welcome Center. It has drinking water, restrooms, picnic tables and park benches, and a little free library. Katie’s Garden, adjacent to the center, offers the opportunity to observe beautiful wildflowers.

In addition to the paved route and few roads to cross, these two trails are considered family friendly for their close proximity to parks and restaurants. In Platteville, three chain restaurants are located adjacent to the path. Families may visit Culvers, Baskin-Robbins, or Dunkin Donuts. All three fast food chains are next to each other. Fiesta Cancun Mexican Restaurant and Pizzeria Uno are also located close to the Rountree Branch Trail.

#18 Coon Praire Trail

The Coon Prairie Trail travels 5.5 miles from Westby to Viroqua in west central Wisconsin. The paved path is 10 feet wide and crosses a few roads, which are not busy. It runs alongside the four lanes of U.S. Highway 14, so traffic noise is usually heard from the trail. There are several moderate hills along the route. They may challenge younger cyclists.

There are no trailheads with amenities in Westby or Viroqua. It is advised to begin a ride in Westby from the elementary school, which is not far from the trail’s start. In Viroqua, a parking lot by several fast-food restaurants serves as trailhead,

The trail is family-friendly due to its paved surface, and two potential stops along the route. Families may want to visit Beanie’s Diner near Westby for an ice cream treat. The diner serves ice cream from Madison’s Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company. About halfway down the trail is Wayside County Park. It fully serves trail-goers with restrooms, fresh water, covered and uncovered picnic tables, an information kiosk, and playground for children.

#19 Whitewater City Trails

The city of Whitewater in southeastern Wisconsin has plans to expand its trails to make it a bicycle-friendly community. Currently, the city has 7 miles of trails. Many of these connect city parks, join outlying neighborhoods, and link to UW-Whitewater. All trails are paved and some go by creeks and lakes, offering stunning views. With the exception of a path that encircles Whitewater’s historic water tower on a high hill, all trails are level.

Since the trails are not contiguous, travel on city streets is involved. In fact, one section journeys on Main Street that carries U.S. Business Highway 12. The route also crosses railroad tracks in this section. To avoid biking on city streets, families with young child may want to confine their route to paved bike path segments.

The best section for families to consider runs from Minneiska Park to Wisconsin Street. This segment is 1.1 miles long, making a round trip ride slightly over 2 miles. It travels through flat terrain and a scenic landscape. It crosses no roads and passes through Trippe Lake Park. The two parks on the route offer additional recreational activity for children.

#20 Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Located in the rolling hills of west central Wisconsin, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail travels from 32.5 miles between the path’s namesake cities. The surface is crushed stone and in good condition. It is not a very wide path, and in isolated spots, the surface is bumpy or has excessive loose trail. However, the stunning landscape through which the trail journeys make it a delightful ride, especially for families.

Trailheads and local parks in Elroy, Wilton, and Norwalk cater to children. All three communities have playgrounds and picnic areas close to the trail. The village park in Wilton has a swimming pool. Bailey’s Diner in Norwalk sells Mexican food and ice cream novelties and treats. Another highlight of a ride on the trail is passing through three dark tunnels that were carved through hills and ridges.

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail has few busy roads to cross. Bridges and underpasses allow for trail-goers to cross highways safely. However, between each tunnel, there is a 3% incline and decline in the gradient of the trail. These ascents and descents range over two miles long in some places. They may prove tiring for young bicyclists.