Top 25 Wisconsin Bike Trails By Ice Cream Shops
It’s always a highlight of the biking experience to stop for a refreshing ice cream treat. Ice cream shops are located close to many Wisconsin’s bike trails. Some are full service cafés or restaurants; others are straightforward ice cream parlors. Whether large or small, they cater to trail-goers, and it’s worth a stop to enjoy.
#1 Fox River State Trail: De Pere to Green Bay
In the northeast Wisconsin city of De Pere, there are three options for ice cream near Fox Point Boat Launch. The Fox River State Trail runs through the boat launch area, making it an ideal rest stop for ice cream. Located nearby on Riverside Drive are Zesty’s Frozen Custard & Grill, an A&W, and a Dairy Queen. While the chain stores are popular and have an extended season, Zesty’s is a celebrated local stop. It features three frozen custard flavors made fresh every day. Order a cone, shake, malt, or scramble- their version of a concrete.
#2 Lake Country Trail: Pewaukee to Delafield
As it travels through Waukesha County in southeastern Wisconsin, this section of the Lake Country Trail has several places to stop for sweet baked goods and ice cream treat. Crumbl Cookies is located by the trail at the intersection of Wisconsin State Highway 83. In downtown Delafield, several ice cream shops tempt trail-goers. Here’s the Scoop serves ice cream from Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company, and Wholly Cow Frozen Custard features their own frozen custard, along with burgers and sides.
#3 Hiawatha Trail: Heafford Junction to Tomahawk
In northern Wisconsin along the Hiawatha Trail, the community of Heafford Junction features an ice cream shop that doesn’t disappoint. The Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe sits next to the trail by Lake Nokomis, and is a much-loved destination. Open since 1993, the Windmill serves 28 flavors of Wisconsin-made ice cream. Order a scope from Kemps or Cedar Crest, knowing that an order for one scoop will actually get you three! If there’s a line, it’s definitely worth the wait.
#4 Glacial River Trail: Groeler Road Boat Ramp to Jefferson
Heading through southeastern Wisconsin, the Glacial River Trail cuts through Fort Atkinson and by two ice cream shops. Directly alongside the trail is the Jones Market and Dairy Bar, where locally renowned meats as well as sandwiches, soups, and Cedar Crest ice cream treats are sold. Another good option is the Frostie Freeze, one block off the trail. Open for 34 summers, they serve soft-serve ice cream in cones, shakes, malts, sundaes, and more.
#5 Capital City State Trail: Lake Farm Road to Cottage Grove Road
On Madison’s east side, the Capital City State Trail passes by two ice cream shops. They are very close to each other, and are located just east of Jackson Street. Trail-goers may visit the seasonal Atwood Scoop that serves delicious Cedar Crest Ice Cream, or stop in at Madison’s Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company. Either place offers a flavorful ice cream snack.
#6 Sugar River State Trail: New Glarus to Monticello
Kennedy’s Ice Cream and Grill is located in New Glarus by southern Wisconsin’s Sugar River State Trail. It is next to the historic depot that serves as the trailhead. Customers enjoy burgers and sandwiches, or ice cream treats from the Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company. Sit on the sunny upper deck or shaded lower patio.
#7 Three Eagle Trail: Three Lakes to Sundstein Road
Close to the Three Lakes trailhead on the Three Eagle Trail in northern Wisconsin, trail-goers find Lick-A-Dee Splitz ice cream. The shop serves 28 flavors of Wisconsin-made Cedar Crest ice cream in homemade waffle cones. In addition to cones, floats, and sundaes, they also sell fudge, toffee, chocolates and candy. Their outdoor patio is a perfect spot to indulge.
#8 White River State Trail: Burlington to Vandenboom Road
In the southeastern Wisconsin city of Burlington, not far from the White River State Trail is Adrian’s Frozen Custard. In operation since 1974, this old-fashioned parlor offers cones, sundaes, and shakes. Begin or end a trail ride with a frozen custard treat, served from the traditional old-style window. Picnic tables provide a chance to relax and enjoy the treats.
#9 Rountree Branch Trail: Platteville
Along the Rountree Branch Trail in the southwestern Wisconsin city of Platteville are three chain restaurants where trail-goers may enjoy a snack or meal. Adjacent to the path by U.S. Business Highway 151 are Culvers, Baskin-Robbins, and Dunkin’ Donuts. There’s plenty of snack options with these three restaurants being so close to the trail.
#10 Beloit Riverside Corridor Trails
When biking the trail system in downtown Beloit, one option for an ice cream treat is Dairy Queen. It is east of Riverside Park on U.S. Highway 51. Another place to enjoy a tasty snack is at Flying Pig Treat Shop. Located in downtown Beloit just off the trail, the store features soft serve ice cream, shakes and smoothies, gourmet popcorn, classic shaved ice with a multitude of flavors, and much more.
#11 Military Ridge State Trail: Blue Mounds to Riley
In southwestern Wisconsin, two blocks north of the trailhead in Mount Horeb, is Sugar Troll Candy Store. They sell vintage candy, macroons, and fudge. Consider buying some of their sugar-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, kosher, organic, and international candies. For a cool treat, try one of their many gelato flavors.
#12 Mascoutin Valley State Trail: Ripon to Berlin (West)
The east central Wisconsin city of Berlin is home to Shepard’s Drive-In. It’s a short distance from the Mascoutin Valley State Trail. Here, cyclists looking for a treat will find soft-serve ice cream cones, malts, shakes, and sundaes. Shepard’s Drive-In also offers sandwiches, plate lunches, and sides. The old-fashioned drive-in has seating both inside and outside.
#13 Glacial Drumlin State Trail: Cottage Grove to Lake Mills
In southeast Wisconsin, the Glacial Drumlin State Trail travels through Deerfield. Just a few blocks off the trail is The Deerfield Coffeehouse. They offer coffee beverages, drinks, and breakfast items. Sassy Cow Creamery makes their ice cream. The coffeehouse has a bike rack and spacious indoor seating area.
#14 Red Cedar State Trail: Downsville to Chippewa River State Trail
On the Red Cedar State Trail in northwestern Wisconsin, it’s 350 yards from the Downsville trailhead to Scatterbrain Café. Here, trail-goers find homemade soups, sides made with local artisan bread, meats, cheese, and produce. Ice cream treats come from Olson’s Ice Cream, a local favorite dating back to 1923. There’s a bike rack, and indoor or outdoor seating.
#15 White River State Trail: Elkhorn to Burlington
In the southeastern Wisconsin community of Springfield, Pedal & Cup is located on the White River State Trail next to the trailhead. It is housed in an old depot. Besides serving Milwaukee premium ice cream, the shop hosts live music, rents bicycles, and has a gift shop and café. Pedal & Cup is open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
#16 Lower Yahara River Trail
While biking the Lower Yahara River Trail in the Madison area, turn north on Exchange Street in downtown McFarland, and travel 300 feet to the historic McFarland House. The house was built in 1857, and now is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lily’s Ice Cream Parlour is located in the impressive building, and sells 28 premium flavors from Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company. Blended lemonades, smoothies, shakes, Malts, and sundaes are also served.
#17 Tomorrow River State Trail: Scandinavia to Manawa
Only several hundred yards north of the trailhead in Scandinavia is Scandihus, LLC. When biking the Tomorrow River State Trail in east central Wisconsin, cyclists may want to visit this shop to indulge in a specialty coffee, baked goods, or Cedar Crest ice cream. The store also sells gifts and artwork that are unique to Scandinavian culture. It’s a local center for art, music, and literature.
#18 Fox River State Trail: Greenleaf to De Pere
Located 0.3 mile east of the trail on Old Martin Road, Scray Cheese Factory and Shoppe is a popular stop in Northeastern Wisconsin. It is an easy detour from the trail to this historic local business. The cheese factory began operations in 1924 and is still family owned. In addition to serving a large variety of artisan cheeses, and the freshest cheese curd, the shops offers coffee drinks and premium ice cream.
#19 Great Sauk State Trail
In southwest Wisconsin, a noteworthy Culver’s fast food restaurant in Sauk City sits near the Great Sauk State Trail. It is easily spotted from the trail by Dallas Street. This was the very first restaurant of the now-national Culver’s chain. Culver’s is known for their fresh custard and a full menu of appetizers, salads, soups, fish, chicken, and other plates. This location has a bike rack, indoor dining and outdoor patio area. Not too far down the Great Sauk State Trail, Culver’s corporate headquarters is found in neighboring Prairie du Sac.
#20 The Pine Line Trail
In the tiny northern Wisconsin community of Ogema, The Rail Trail Café is located off the Pine Line Trail. In addition to a small selection of coffee beverages and ice cream cones, this small-town diner features a full-service menu for every meal. The café is a convenient stop for cyclists passing through on the Pine Line Trail.
#21 Coon Prairie Trail
Near the start of this west central Wisconsin trail in Westby is Beanie’s Diner. The diner is known for its sandwiches, burgers, sides, and breakfast items. In addition to a great meal, patrons may partake in a scrumptious ice cream treat from the Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company in Madison. Enjoy it in a cup or cone.
#22 Glacial Drumlin State Trail: Wales to Waukesha
In the southeastern Wisconsin village of Wales, Mamma D’s Coffee is located alongside the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. Housed in a historic old bank, Mamma D’s serves baked goods, breakfast items, and a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and salads. They also offer ice cream treats from nearby Mullen’s Dairy Bar in Watertown. Their outdoor patio is popular, and on summer weekends they feature local live music during lunch.
#23 Old Abe State Trail: County Highway O to Eau Claire
In northwestern Wisconsin, the Old Abe State Trail travels through Chippewa Falls and by a Dairy Queen on Park Avenue. This store doesn’t serve food, but trail-goers may enjoy a soft-serve ice cream, dilly bar, shake, blizzard, and more. It has a bike rack, with indoor seating and outdoor picnic tables.
#24 Three Eagle Trail: Sundstein Road to Eagle River
Near the end of the Three Eagle Trail in the northern Wisconsin city of Eagle River is a Dairy Queen. Soft-serve ice cream and signature blizzards top the menu there. They also have dilly bars, slushes, and more. This Dairy Queen has indoor seating and an outdoor picnic table with a bike rack. It’s a popular stop with trail-goers.
#25 Military Ridge State Trail: Dodgeville to Ridgeway
Near the start of the Military Ridge State Trail in southwest Wisconsin is a traditional A&W drive-in restaurant. This Dodgeville A&W serves soft-serve ice cream, burgers, fried cheese curds, and their famous root beer floats. This store has a bike rack, indoor dining, and outdoor picnic tables. It is across the road from the trail.