For the past thirty years, Wisconsin has led the nation in the conversion of abandoned railroad lines to linear bike trails. Today, there are approximately 2,000 miles of dedicated, motor vehicle-free state, county and municipal bike trails in the state - and the mileage grows every year. These are minimal-grade trails that traverse some of the most scenic parts of the state.

One of the best is the Great River State Trail. It follows the Mississippi for 24 miles from Marshland to Onalaska. It bridges eighteen streams and channels through wetlands teeming with wildlife including whitetail deer, herons and egrets. In the sleepy river town of Trempealeau you can watch tugboats finesse 400-foot-long barges through lock and dam No. 6. Nearby, Perrot State Park is a scenic wonder.

At the visitor center in Onalaska, the Great River State Trail links with the La Crosse River State Trail turning east on a 100-mile rail-trail adventure into the heartland of south-central Wisconsin. A series of three state trails – the La Crosse River, the Elroy-Sparta, and the “400” – run through railroad tunnels, over trestles, and across field and forest all the way to Reedsburg, south of Wisconsin Dells. It's a great ride with all the amenities – food, rest stops, bike shops, camping and lodging – along the way.