The season for bike rides is here, and if you’re looking for cycling trips in the US with scenic beauty, laid-back charm, and wide-open spaces, the Midwest is an underrated gem. The Midwest is home to an extensive network of the famed Rail Trails, which are all former railroad corridors transformed into multi-use biking and hiking paths. In fact, the first trails established by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy were in Wisconsin. Challenge yourself to bike across America, and start on these Midwest trails!

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, perhaps, 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 enjoy a full range of experiences!

To make the most of your vacation, finding unique places to stay is such a fun element, 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. We have member properties in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois.

After a day on the trail, relax with a locally sourced breakfast, a cozy common area, or maybe even a soak in a private hot 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, Michigan, 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Michigan Rail Trails

Michigan is home to one of the largest collections of rail trails in the Midwest, with more than 200 trails totaling about 3,000 miles. These scenic trails connect small towns, waterfront communities, forests, and farmland across the state, making them a popular way to experience Michigan’s outdoor scenery.

1. The Kal Haven Trail is one of Michigan’s most popular rail-to-trails experiences, stretching roughly 34 miles between Kalamazoo and South Haven along a former railroad corridor. The crushed limestone trail passes through wooded areas, farmland, small towns, blueberry farms, and scenic countryside before ending near the beaches of Lake Michigan.
2. The Little Traverse Wheelway is a scenic waterfront trail in Northern Michigan that stretches about 26 miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Charlevoix and Harbor Springs. The paved pathway passes through Petoskey and Bay Harbor, offering impressive views of Little Traverse Bay.
3. The Flint River Trail is a paved multi-use path that follows portions of the Flint River through parks, wooded areas, and several communities in Genesee County, creating an accessible outdoor route for biking, walking, and running.
4. The William Field Memorial Hart Montague Trail State Park is one of Michigan’s longest paved rail trails, stretching more than 20 miles through forests, farmland, and small West Michigan communities between Hart and Montague.
5. The Leelanau Trail is a scenic paved pathway that connects Traverse City with Suttons Bay, guiding visitors through vineyards, cherry orchards, forests, and rolling countryside in the heart of Northern Michigan wine country.

Minnesota Rail Trails

Like Wisconsin, Minnesota offers plenty of things to do for outdoor adventurers. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The Heartland State Trail is aptly named, as it travels through Minnesota’s heartland, offering an unforgettable scenic bike trip. 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.
4. Spanning roughly 135 miles through Minnesota’s Iron Range, the Mesabi Trail blends history with dramatic northern landscapes and historic mining towns.
5. 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.

1. The Raccoon 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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-foot bridge, but the chance to explore both Omaha and Council Bluffs makes it 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 one of the top Illinois Bed and Breakfasts, and enjoy a ride on these magnificent Rail Trails in Illinois.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Nebraska Rail Trails

There are so many great Nebraska bike trails that showcase the state’s wide-open landscapes, small towns, prairie scenery, and historic railroad corridors, offering excellent opportunities for biking, hiking, and long-distance outdoor adventures.

1. The Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail is the centerpiece of the state’s trail network, stretching across northern Nebraska and ranking among the longest rail trails in the country, with routes that pass through ranchland, river valleys, sandhills, and dozens of rural communities.
2. The Dark Island Trail is a scenic rail trail in central Nebraska that stretches through prairie landscapes, farmland, wetlands, and small communities between Central City and Stromsburg.
3. The Oak Creek Trail is a paved rail trail near Lincoln, Nebraska, that follows a former railroad corridor through parks, wooded areas, open fields, and residential neighborhoods.

Find Unique Places to Stay in the Midwest

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, encouraging exploration.

The Midwest Association of Independent Inns makes it easy to plan overnight stops that are as convenient as they are memorable. And let’s not forget the personal touches you’ll encounter, things like home-cooked breakfasts, insider recommendations for local trails, breweries, restaurants, and more, and hosts who genuinely care about your visit. There are so many unique places to stay in the Midwest!

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!