The Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail is a route which begins just north of Galena, IL, traveling through the Driftless Area of Southwestern Wisconsin along curved country roads and gravel trails crisscrossing this beautiful part of the state. The area is dotted with small towns, winding streams and isolated forests.
The route then crosses the Mississippi River briefly entering into eastern Iowa and following the river north and crossing back over into Wisconsin at LaCrosse. Heading northeast, the trail traverses through Wisconsin’s Northwoods Region covering varied terrain including paved/dirt roads, two track and single track consisting of gravel, rock, grass and sand.
The Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail arrives 650 miles arriving later at the shores of Lake Superior. Primary lodging will be at hotels along the route. Riders also have the option of camping at the many spots along the way.
The plan is for riders to meet in Galena, IL Tuesday September 19th. We will head out Wednesday morning, September 20th, turning north into Southwestern Wisconsin then heading west to the Mississippi River, crossing the river into Iowa. We end up in Soldiers Grove, WI that evening. Thursday September 21st, finds us moving into more wooded areas and hitting some of Wisconsin’s ORV trails. We spend the evening of the second day near Thorp, WI. On Friday the 22nd we make our way across Wisconsin’s Northwoods, spending the night in Clam Lake, WI. The final push to Lake Superior occurs on Saturday the 23rd aiming to arrive by mid-afternoon in Cornucopia, WI.
$1750 – Single Occupancy
Fee includes welcome dinner in Galena, 3 1/2 days guided tour, lodging in Galena, Soldiers Grove, Thorp and Clam Lake.
Camping fee includes guided tour and one night hotel
There may be the opportunity to head over to Madeline Island on Tuesday to tour the island and have dinner. These arrangements will be at the rider’s expense.
The Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail is a route which begins just north of Galena, IL, traveling through the Driftless Area of Southwestern Wisconsin along curved country roads and gravel trails crisscrossing this beautiful part of the state. The area is dotted with small towns, winding streams and isolated forests.
The route then crosses the Mississippi River briefly entering into eastern Iowa and following the river north and crossing back over into Wisconsin at LaCrosse. Heading northeast, the trail traverses through Wisconsin’s Northwoods Region covering varied terrain including paved/dirt roads, two track and single track consisting of gravel, rock, grass and sand.
The Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail arrives 650 miles and later at the shores of Lake Superior. Primary lodging will be at hotels along the route. Riders also have the option of camping at the many spots along the way.
Galena Il (Google Map)
Shores of Lake Superior (Google Map)
September 19, 2023
September 23, 2023
Meet at Country Inn and Suites. Dinner and discuss ride specifics.
Galena to Soldiers Grove, WI
Ride rural back roads of southwestern Wisconsin. This area is called the Driftless area. It is the part of the state where the glaciers stopped leaving this part of the state with beautiful, forested rolling hills. About 50% of this day will be pavement, but twisty and picturesque. The off road portion features forested roads connecting quaint Wisconsin towns. The route follows the Mississippi River in both Wisconsin and Iowa crossing at Prairie du Chein and La Crosse. We will stop overnight at Soldiers Grove and also view the Veterans Memorial.
Soldiers Grove to Thorp, WI
Day 2 of the Trans Wisconsin Discovery Route features about 80% off road through gravel, sand, water crossings, single track and ORV trails. You will need to obtain Wisconsin ORV trail permits to ride these sections. Otherwise, you will need to bypass these sections on blacktop. We will spend the night at Thorp, WI.
Thorp to Clam Lake, WI
We will leave Thorp and spend the day in the varied off road terrain of Northern Wisconsin.
Clam Lake, WI to Lake Superior
We will leave Clam Lake, pushing on towards Lake Superior through mainly forest roads. One of the highlights of the day will be stopping at the famous Delta Diner for breakfast. We will then continue north towards the Lake. We will see a bit more sand as we get closer to the lake. Our first contact with Lake Superior occurs in the town of Cornucopia, at the local marina. We then continue north up the peninsula through the Red Cliff Indian Reservation. We will get to climb out on the rocks overlooking the lake and catch some sun. We will then head back south to the town of Bayfield and riders will have the option (at their own cost) of taking the ferry to Madeline Island to take a spin around the island and dinner on the island before taking the ferry back to mainland. We will head back south on Tuesday, if choosing not to tour Madeline Island.
Submitting a registration form does not confirm availability nor participation on a tour
Emmaus MotoTours requires a 30% USD non-refundable deposit at time of booking.
Rider is also subject to the the terms and conditions of any motorcycle rental company when purchasing a tour that includes motorcycle rental.
If a tour is canceled by Emmaus MotoTours ahead of departure because of lack of participation all deposits and balance payments are 100% transferable and refundable.
Cancellations initiated by the participant received in writing to motoridetours@gmail.com with more than 30 days notice before tour start date will receive their 30% USD deposit in full.
Cancellations initiated by the participant received in writing to motoridetours@gmail.com with 30 or less days notice before the tour start date will forfeit their deposit and any balance payments as a cancellation fee.
Emmaus MotoTours reserves the right to cancel a participants tour during the tour if the participant is disruptive or putting themselves or others in harms way. No refund or credit will be issued.
To download our liability release form, click here.
Wisconsin Non-Resident Trail Pass Purchase. click here
The tour was great for all skill levels. John, was an excellent guide and was able to keep it fun, challenging and interesting for all of us. The TWAT was a great ride all around, gravel, sand and hard surface, weather was near perfect.
Emmaus Moto tours has set this tour up so that it can be enjoyed at a slightly slower pace. The original concept is a two and one half day. John has added a day to make it far less tiring. We were able to relax each evening at very good hotels and motels with good food choices nearby. The scenery is beautiful as you travel through the Driftless Area and the trails will offer a challenge to most off road riders. I rode a KTM 390 Adventure which proved to be a capable mount. You need at least 50-50 tires and a strong skid plate. It helps to keep the weight done too as you will drop your bike at some point. Picking up a 400 pound bike is much easier than a large 1200cc beast.
Ultimately I failed to reach the end of the ride at Cornicopia due to a nasty hit on my leg. I didn’t break anything but I still have a bruise a week later. I left the others at the Delta Diner to head home feeling a little sad. The 600 miles that I did ride were worth it so maybe I will have to come back again.
Some thoughts on how to prepare:
Take some time to exercise and build your endurance before the ride. You will thank yourself.
Listen to the leader (John) as he will give good options.
Don’t try to ride this like a Dakar star. Ride only to your limits.
Get your bike prepped before you start. Make sure that new stuff fits and you know how to use all
of it. Nobody likes waiting while you fuss with things.
Most of all be ready with a good attitude to be part of one of the best trail experiences in the Midwest.
John and Emmaus MotoTours will make sure that you do!