Hit the Trails! Where to Ride Bikes in Green Bay, WI
While Wisconsin might not be the first place you think of when it comes to outdoor recreation, the state has a storied cycling history. The first U.S. rail trail was created here in 1965. Today, Wisconsin boasts thousands of miles of cycling trails, with more than 500 miles found in the Greater Green Bay, WI, area.
Plus, the city has done extensive work to make biking easier and safer through bike-friendly infrastructure and initiatives like the Safe Walk & Bike Plan, which works to add things like rectangular rapid flashing beacons for pedestrian crossings. Here’s a look at the local cycling scene and where to ride bikes in Green Bay and the region.
Connect With Cyclists in Green Bay
The robust cycling community in Greater Green Bay, WI, is supported by several bike shops that host rides and events. The Green Bay Bicycle Collective, for example, is a nonprofit bike shop that offers education and advocacy to promote cycling in Green Bay. It hosts bike clinics, an annual bike banquet, and a bike show and swap called Bike Bash.
Pete’s Garage in Green Bay offers bike rentals as well as fittings and maintenance. Plus, it sponsors Tuesday night bike rides with three different groups based on the length of the ride.
Mark Your Calendars!
The Santa Cycle ride in Green Bay, WI, benefits Children’s Wisconsin and has become one of the silliest and most fun and rewarding events of the year.
Taking part in events like these is a great way to connect with other cyclists. For additional opportunities, follow the Green Bay Cyclist Facebook page to learn about local rides and updates, and consider joining the Bay Shore Bicycle Club, which hosts weekly evening and morning rides as well as annual events like the Washington Island Ride.
In addition to casual weekly rides, there are a few annual cycling events in Greater Green Bay, WI, that you need to mark on your calendar. Usually held in early June, the BayCare Clinic Century often sees more than 500 registered riders. It offers 100-, 60-, 30- and 15-mile routes.
Century riders bike from the waters of Green Bay to Lake Michigan and back. Open to all ages and skill levels, the event celebrates riding and camaraderie.
Cold-Weather Options
Speaking of fat-tire biking, if you switch to that form of cycling in the winter, you can enjoy the outdoors on two wheels all year long. The bigger tires provide grip and allow for riding in areas that might not be accessible at other times during the year. One great place to go is Brown County Reforestation Camp in Suamico, which has miles of groomed trails.
Local bike shops like The Bike Hub in De Pere and Broken Spoke Bike Studio in Suamico can outfit riders with everything they need. Several places also rent fat-tire bikes, including the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park in Green Bay.
Places to Ride in Greater Green Bay
Whether alone or with friends and family, Greater Green Bay, WI, has cycling trails for all ages and abilities. Here are a few you need to try:
- The Fox River State Trail starts in downtown Green Bay and winds along the Fox River before extending 25 miles along a former rail corridor. It is paved for 11-miles near the city before transitioning to crushed limestone.
- If you’re looking to combine trails, head from Fox River Trail to the nearby East River Trail, which follows its namesake through Green Bay, Bellevue, Allouez, De Pere and Ledgeview.
- Baird Creek Greenway in Green Bay features interconnecting paths that cross over Baird Creek several times. It provides a rustic- and off-road-feel close to the city. It’s also a great option for fat-tire biking when the weather turns cold.
- The Preserve Trail in De Pere starts in more of an urban setting before traveling into the large wooden park known as The Preserve. The trail is shared by walkers and bikers.
- Ledgeview is a low-traffic area that is great for leisurely biking and enjoying the views. Its four biking loops are the perfect way to explore the town and its landscape.
- For a shorter route, try Devil’s River State Trail, which runs through farmland, prairies, wetlands and several small towns. It also features two dramatic railroad trestles crossing Devil’s River.
- For a longer trip, try the Ahnapee State Trail that starts in Sturgeon Bay and works its way for nearly 50 miles along the Ahnapee and Kewaunee rivers to Algoma, Casco, Luxemburg and Kewaunee. It’s a great place to spot wildflowers in the spring and fall.
Whether you are new to cycling or have been riding for years, opportunities for biking abound in Greater Green Bay, WI. Come explore all the region has to offer.
This article is sponsored by the Greater Green Bay Chamber.