Although snow on the ground might make cycling difficult, you can ride a fatbike almost anywhere. For those who don’t know, fatbikes are similar to mountain bikes but with much larger tires, typically about three inches wide.
Whether you want to try out fatbiking or you think that your regular mountain bike is up for the challenge, you need to know where the best trails are for this riding style. With that in mind, here are the best winter cycling destinations in the Midwest.
Duluth, Minnesota
The North Star State is used to dealing with snow and ice, which is why it’s home to a sizeable fatbiking community. Duluth is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Minnesota, and it’s also where you can find fantastic singletracks during the wintertime.
On the southwestern side of the town, you will find Mission Creek, where snowshoers will carve out perfect trails. However, if you’re new to fatbiking, you might want to start with some of the more straightforward trails on Duluth’s east side, such as the one in Lester Park.
Marquette, Michigan
Marquette, which is in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is one of the best fatbiking towns in America. With over 70 miles of groomed trails, Marquette offers a fantastic winter cycling experience.
One of the main reasons Marquette is such a great fatbiking town is due to the Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN). It’s open year-round for any recreational vehicle, and all trails are open for fatbiking after 5 PM on Wednesdays and after 3 PM on Saturdays throughout the winter.
Vilas County, Wisconsin
Vilas County is an area in northern Wisconsin where the WinMan Trails call home. These trails cover more than 1,300 acres of private and public land, making them the perfect destination for your winter cycling adventure. However, make sure you follow the right tips for cycling with the seasons.
These trails give you a diverse riding experience. There is never a dull moment on these trails between the picturesque tracks, adrenaline-boosting rollers, and peaceful singletracks.
Vilas County also has the Lumberjack Trail in Boulder Junction. This trail is lighter and more scenic since it runs through 12 miles of wetlands and forests, but watch out for the bald eagles living in the area!
Overall, you don’t have to put your bike away when the weather gets colder. If you travel to the best winter cycling destinations in the Midwest, you can create memories that will last a lifetime.
