Episode 077 - Midwest Hidden Gems - 5 of 6 – Minnesota

Explore 7 stunning motorcycle routes across Minnesota, from Driftless valleys and Amish pie stands to Iron Range mining towns and the birthplace of water skiing! In this 5th part of our Midwest Hidden Gems series, Tom and Todd deliver unforgettable rides, must-visit towns, and their top local eats across the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Toolkit Segment:

Affiliate Note - This video is not sponsored. Some gear or product links may be affiliate links, which help support the podcast at no extra cost to you.

This week in the toolkit: affordable upgrades to make your ride more comfortable—seat hacks, hydration tips, and ear protection gear that really works!

Mentioned Gear:

AirHawk seat pad (or knock-offs)

Sheepskin + bead combo for seat pressure relief

WaterSY 1-gallon jug with GYZR bite valve tube (amazing for long hot rides)

Foam & custom earplugs for quiet riding

Boot dryer + portable options

Riding boot options for different seating positions

Must-Eats Across Minnesota:

Shawnee’s Bar and Grill – Caledonia

Pedal Pushers Café – Lanesboro

Estelle’s Eatery – Harmony

Bubs Brewing Co. – Winona

Reed’s Landing Brewing – Kellogg

Smoking Oak Rotisserie – Red Wing

Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop – Stillwater

Gordy’s Hi-Hat – Cloquet

Chocolate Moose Restaurant – International Falls

Forbidden Barrel Brewing – Worthington

112 on Broadway – Albert Lea

The Grumpy Minnow – Harris

Park Café & Wagon Wheel Café – Braham

Insula Restaurant – Ely

Betty’s Pies – Two Harbors

Lake House on Pepin – Lake City

Newt’s – Rochester

The Creamery – Rushford

Featured Routes in this Episode:

Root River Ridge Ride (Driftless Triangle) – 95 miles

Minnesota Bluffs Ride – 65 miles (Winona to Red Wing)

St. Croix to the Border – 295 miles (Stillwater to International Falls)

Prairie to River Valley – 135 miles (Worthington to Albert Lea)

St. Croix and Pines Loop – 95 miles (Taylor Falls to Lindstrom)

Border to Shore – 299 miles (International Falls to Superior)

Borderline Bluff Ride – 95 miles (Lake City to Chester)

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Full Podcast Archive & Routes: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast/

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Question of the Week

Have you ever ridden any of these Minnesota routes? Which one should we hit next?

Want to Sponsor the Show?

We’re always looking for partners! Reach out here: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact/

Timecodes

0:00 - Teaser: “Emergency Pie and 3 Pairs of Underwear”

0:55 - Bottom Line: Not all Minnesota rides are twisty—but some are...

Ride the Hidden Gem Motorcycle Roads of Wisconsin — from backwoods curves to bluffs, this episode uncovers the secret rides, local food spots, and gear hacks every touring rider should know. Part 4 in our Midwest Hidden Gems Series, this one is all about Wisconsin’s underrated motorcycle magic.

Inside This Episode

We're rolling deep through:

- 7 Hidden Gem Motorcycle Routes across the Driftless Region, Door County & Northwoods

- Roads like the Mendoro Cut, Alphabet Roads, and Great River Road

- Scenic towns: Potosi, Westby, Bayfield, and Fountain City

- Must-ride views from Eagle Bluff Lighthouse to Pikes Peak State Park

And yes — we’re talking legendary cheese curds, Friday fish fries, and old fashioneds too.

Episode Segments

Mile Marker: 7 unforgettable Wisconsin rides that almost feel secret

Toolkit: Heated glove liners, compact rain gear, dry bags & the hydration hack you need

Want More Hidden Gem Rides?

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Mentioned in This Episode

Heated Glove Liners (Battery & Plug-in Options) - https://amzn.to/477nsVd

Compact Rain Gear (Nelson-Rigg & Harley Picks) - https://amzn.to/41e0jg1

Heated Boot Dryers - https://amzn.to/3H6fSQ9

Dry Bags - https://amzn.to/4malQOS

Latex Glove Hack for Wet Weather - https://amzn.to/3HaRHQt

Sponsor or Partner with Us

We're looking for great brands & gear partners. Reach out: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact/

Connect with Us

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcycleroadsandtrips

All Episodes: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast/

Question for the Comments:

What’s YOUR favorite hidden gem motorcycle road in Wisconsin (or beyond)?

Drop your ride recommendation below!

Timecodes

0:00 - Why Wisconsin is more than just cheese & Packers

1:15 - Fountain City to Cochrane Loop (Alphabet Roads)

4:00 - Scenic views, creameries & curves in Buffalo County

6:30 - Potosi to Westby: Brewery towns & Norwegian roots

9:15 - Driftless + Frank Lloyd Wright country

12:00 - Lake Superior shoreline to Door County

15:00 - Toolkit tips: stay dry, stay warm, stay hydrated

18:00 - Reflections from the road

Iowa? Flat? Think again.

In this episode of Best Motorcycle Roads, we’re busting myths and burning rubber across the Hawkeye State, uncovering 7 hidden gem motorcycle roads you’ve (probably) never ridden. From Mississippi River bluffs to bluffin’ tenderloins, it’s all here—twists, turns, and tasty stops.

This is Part 3 of our 6-part Midwest Hidden Gems series—and Iowa does not disappoint.

What You’ll Ride:

- Marquette to Lamont (via Driftless curves, effigy mounds & a tenderloin the size of a steering wheel)

- Loess Hills Scenic Byway (yes, we said dirt bluffs—you gotta hear this)

- Dragoon Trail Runner (80-mile loop with rail history and BBQ vibes)

- The caves of Maquoketa (seriously scenic + Bluff Lake catfish)

- Iowa City to Marengo via the Amana Colonies (communes, kraut, and crepes)

- Balltown to Bellevue (C9Y = Iowa’s best motorcycle road—period)

- Indianola to Oskaloosa (Red Rock Lake, mile-long bridges, and hot honey pizza)

Where to Eat (and maybe unbutton your pants):

- St. Olaf Tavern – legendary thick-cut tenderloin (4 buns thick, baby)

- Twisted Tail Saloon – Loess Hills biker bar gold

- Jimmy’s BBQ Pit & Copperhead Saloon, Boone – brisket or breakfast? Yes.

- Bluff Lake Catfish Farm – all-you-can-eat fried heaven

- Brau Haus & Ronneburg – Amana’s German family-style power duo

- Breitbach’s in Balltown – Oldest restaurant in Iowa (est. 1852 and still crushin’ it)

- George’s Pizza – hot honey greatness in Pella

- The American Table – a post office turned eatery in Oskaloosa? Yes please.

Toolkit (Affiliate links coming soon!)

Bug Soother – All-natural Iowa-made bug spray. https://amzn.to/40wgGEv

Eco Lips – SPF lip balm from the lip balm capital of Iowa. Eco Lips

Jerky – The official glovebox snack of freedom. https://amzn.to/44NpAA3

Bohn Body Armor – We wear it. We love it. We sweat less in it. https://www.bohnarmor.com/

SPONSOR AN EPISODE

Got a product, brand, or roadside attraction riders should know about?

Let’s talk: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact-brm/

Subscribe so you don’t miss Part 4

Like. Share. Ride. Repeat.

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Missouri’s Best Hidden Motorcycle Roads 🚦🏍️

In Episode 074 of the Best Motorcycle Roads Podcast, Tom and Todd reveal the 7 most underrated routes in Missouri—from bluffside curves to Civil War cemeteries and diner stops that still serve homemade pie.

This is Part 2 of our 6-part Midwest Hidden Gems series—and if you’ve ever ridden past the Ozarks, Route 66, or Hermann wine country, there’s a good chance you missed these scenic detours.

Featured Routes:

- Hwy 79 – Hannibal to Louisiana: river views & Mark Twain history

- Farmington Loop (Hwy 34, 72, 21, 32, 49) – Ozark foothills & granite boulders

- Hwy 19 – Hermann to Winona: a BMR all-time favorite

- Hwy 94 – Wine Trail from St. Charles to Jefferson City

- Route 66 – Lebanon to Springfield: vintage neon and classic Americana

- Hwy 8 – St. James to Desloge: lead mining, history & natural springs

- Hwy 86 – Eagle Rock to Birch Bluff: ridge riding in deep southwest Missouri

Top Food Stops:

- Fat Boys Diner – Hearty Midwest classics in Louisiana, MO

- Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes – Inventive eats in Springfield

- Grandma Nell’s Café – Comfort food and homemade desserts near Birch Tree

- Public House Brewing Co. – Outdoor seating & local brews in St. James

Toolkit: Road-Trip Essentials

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we use and trust.

Aftermarket Windshields - Upgrade for better wind protection based on your height and bike setup. https://f4customs.com

Rider Multi-Tools - Compact, powerful tools for roadside fixes—Leatherman and socket-bit models preferred. https://amzn.to/4ll4kqV

LED Headlamps & Flashlights - Stay hands-free during nighttime adjustments or early-morning preps. https://amzn.to/44E4wdU

Tire Gauges That Fit - Modern bikes need low-profile gauges that work around disc brakes. Lockable readings are a bonus. https://amzn.to/44V6zLU

Bohn Body Armor - Our go-to for comfort + protection on long rides. Wear it under anything. https://www.bohnarmor.com

Subscribe to BMR Rider Alerts for bonus content, new episodes, and exclusive road trip tips:

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Want to sponsor the podcast or send gear for review?

https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact

Like, subscribe, and drop your favorite Missouri road in the comments!

Bikes, friends, and endless roads—the stories ride forever. Take Care.

Looking for the best motorcycle roads in Illinois? Episode 073 of Best Motorcycle Roads kicks off our Midwest Hidden Gems series with **seven secret motorcycle routes** you don’t want to miss! Ride along as we explore twisty roads, historic landmarks, Native American sites, and small-town eats across Illinois — perfect for your next motorcycle road trip.

Hidden Gems Covered:

1️⃣ Blackjack Road (Galena to Savanna) - Driftless valleys, ridge views, Desoto House Hotel, Hanover State Park’s unique plant life, and Poopies Pub for comfort food.

2️⃣ Stagecoach Trail (Lena to Galena) - Curvy, hilly roads with historic stops like Wams Grove battlefield, Apple River Canyon State Park, US Grant’s Home, and Galena’s Dowling House.

3️⃣ Rock River Run (Rockford to Dixon) - Scenic Hwy 2 ride, Castle Rock State Park’s sandstone bluffs, Black Hawk statue, Ronald Reagan’s boyhood home, and Basil Tree Italian Restaurant.

4️⃣ Illinois River Road Scenic Byway (Ottawa to Havana) - Starved Rock State Park waterfalls, Underground Railroad sites, Reddick Mansion, Grandview Drive, Rockwell Mound, eats at Red Dog Grill and Babes on Plum.

5️⃣ Great River Road (Alton to Hardin) - Lincoln Legacy Trail, Elijah Lovejoy Monument, Robert Wadlow (world’s tallest man) statue, Marquette State Park’s CCC-built lodges, Brussels Ferry, meals at Illinois River Rock Restaurant & Barefoot Restaurant.

6️⃣ Savanna Scenic Ridge & Mississippi Palisades - Native American mounds, Havencrest Castle, Iron Horse Social Club, Manny’s Pizza, Savanna Marina Cafe.

7️⃣ Lowell Park Road Route (Dixon to Savanna) - Reagan’s lifeguard park, historic clock towers, Mount Morris band shell, and a final loop back into Savanna.

Featured Local Eats:

Fried Green Tomatoes, Woodland Wonderland, Poopies Pub, Basil Tree, Red Dog Grill, Babes on Plum, Illinois River Rock Restaurant, Barefoot Restaurant, Manny’s Pizza, Savanna Marina Cafe.

Toolkit Tips for Riding Illinois:

Use a visor cleaner for bugs - https://amzn.to/4lxBJhN

Keep a cooling neck gaiter for muggy weather - https://amzn.to/4kATsEx

Carry a tire repair kit - https://amzn.to/3GghdDC

Gear up with Bohn Body Armor for protection - https://bohnarmor.com

Affiliate Disclosure: This video may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

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Stormy Kromer Ride Recap — Motorcycle Touring the Michigan Upper Peninsula (UP)

Welcome to Episode 072 of the Best Motorcycle Roads Podcast — a full ride report from our 1,640-mile trip through the scenic, wild, and pasty-filled Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This isn’t your average motorcycle vlog. We’re talking route pivots, factory tours, small-town surprises, and the kind of food coma only five pasties in one day can deliver.

Ride Recap Highlights:

✅ How we used ChatGPT to dodge four days of rain by flipping our route direction last-minute

✅ Real talk on group hotel booking chaos (and how to avoid it)

✅ What makes Minocqua, Wisconsin worth a stop — ski shows, lakeside bars, and a one-pound ice cream cone

✅ The Stormy Kromer factory tour in Ironwood — led by the owner himself, Bob Jacquart

✅ Michigan’s most iconic motorcycle routes including M-119 (Tunnel of Trees)

✅ Pasty showdown: Joe’s vs. Ragus vs. Krupp’s vs. Roy’s vs. Iron Town — and the bakery that stole the show

✅ Glass-bottom boat tour over Great Lakes shipwrecks

✅ The story of the Edmund Fitzgerald at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

✅ Taco Bell Cinnabon Balls, Lou Malnati’s pizza, and other guilty pleasures

Stormy Kromer Hat Giveaway:

We’re giving away a limited-edition Stormy Kromer trucker hat! To enter:

👉 Comment on this video or on our trip planning episode before Labor Day.

We’ll draw one name and send a free hat your way. No spam, no catch.

Rider Toolkit – Motorcycle Gear & Tips (Mentioned in Episode):

Looking to upgrade your road trip gear? Here’s what we brought or wish we had:

• Helmet & Jacket Cable Lock – Secure your lid and gear while parked https://amzn.to/3Idr39J
• Visor Cleaner Kit – Spray & microfiber to fight those UP-size bugs https://amzn.to/44i1dZJ
• Disposable Lens Wipes – Great backup cleaner for visors and windshields https://amzn.to/4kX2MU3
• Jump Battery – Small, reliable power source for dead batteries https://amzn.to/44EXo15
• Quick-Dry Base Layer Shirt – Washable on the go, dry by morning https://amzn.to/4lqdMJy
• Hidden Cash Tip – Always stash a $20 in your jacket
• Bohn Body Armor – Lightweight underlayer protection that stays put https://www.bohnarmor.com

Tool Bag Hack – Our idea: modular saddlebag organizers that clip together (patent pending... maybe 😉)

Featured Locations Along the Route:

Minocqua, WI – Thirsty Whale + Briqs ice cream

Ironwood, MI – Stormy Kromer + Joe’s and Ragus pasties

Houghton, MI – Roy’s Pasties & scenic river patio

Calumet, MI – Overnight base

Munising, MI – Glass-bottom boat tour of shipwrecks

Whitefish Point – Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (Edmund Fitzgerald)

Mackinac Bridge – Don’t forget cash!

Cross Village to Good Hart, MI – M-119 Tunnel of Trees

Big Rapids, MI – Schuberg’s Bar & Grill + Taco Bell Cinnabon Ball drive-thru

Lou Malnati’s in Chicago – Deep dish, butter crust, perfection

Subscribe & Ride With Us:

If you love motorcycle road trip stories, ride planning tips, and gear talk — you’re in the right place. Best Motorcycle Roads is here to help you plan your best trip yet.

Subscribe to our free Rider Alert email: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/

How to Plan a Group Motorcycle Ride Without Losing Friends

Planning a group motorcycle ride? Whether it's a weekend trip or a multi-day touring adventure, group rides can be the best part of motorcycling—or the most frustrating. In this episode of Best Motorcycle Roads, we share essential group ride planning tips, including how to set expectations, avoid drama, and create epic rides your friends will actually thank you for.

We cover:

- How to plan a group motorcycle ride that works for everyone

- Tips for organizing motorcycle trips with multiple riders

- What gear and tech help group rides run smoother

- Real stories from years of group touring across the Midwest and beyond

Whether you're a ride captain or just trying to survive your next group trip, this episode will help you keep the peace, ride better, and stay connected.

TOOLKIT – RECOMMENDED GEAR & LINKS

These affiliate links help support the podcast (thanks for clicking!).

- Bluetooth Intercoms:

Sena: https://amzn.to/40aNZMY

Cardo: https://amzn.to/4jU34JR

- Phone Mounts:

Quad Lock: https://amzn.to/4kPEFqk

Goldstrike Constrictor: https://goldstrike3d.com/collections/smartphone-holder/products/gen-2-trim-line-cybercharger-goldwing-phone-holder-charger

- Backup Power:

Phone Battery Pack: https://amzn.to/3SYl3nx

- Emergency Tools:

Tool Roll: https://amzn.to/4lb4P6z

Tire Plug Kit: https://amzn.to/3SV3Ds3

Mini Compressor: https://amzn.to/3T14kQB

- Hydration & Snacks:

Granola: https://amzn.to/3SUEMoh

Jerky: https://amzn.to/4n5O8v0

Dried fruit: https://amzn.to/4lb4SiL

📣 SPONSORS WANTED!

We’re looking for like-minded brands to support the show. Gear companies, road trip tools, and riding communities—this is your chance to ride with us.

https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact-brm/

Connect With Best Motorcycle Roads

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Planning your next motorcycle road trip through the Midwest? In this episode of Best Motorcycle Roads, we highlight six of the most motorcycle-friendly towns in the Midwest—destinations that offer stunning rides, rider-welcoming atmospheres, and unforgettable roadside experiences.

We explore towns that go out of their way to welcome bikers—whether it’s a historic downtown with great restaurants, scenic routes perfect for cruising, or parking lots full of chrome on summer weekends.

Towns Covered in This Episode:

• Galena, Illinois – Ride the Stagecoach Trail, explore historic streets, and sip top-tier Bloody Marys

• Marquette, Michigan – Cruise Lake Superior’s shores and grab a warm pasty at a local gem

• Lanesboro, Minnesota – Fall foliage, winding river roads, and cozy breakfast spots

• Hermann, Missouri – Scenic hills, riverside rides, and a bratwurst or two

• LeClaire, Iowa – Ride the river bluffs and stop by the American Pickers HQ

• New Glarus, Wisconsin – Swiss charm, cold beer, and curvy Driftless Region roads

Rider Toolkit Mentioned:

• Kickstand Pad – Park securely on gravel and grass

• Cable Helmet & Jacket Lock – Secure your gear while you explore

• Microfiber Towel Set – Perfect for cleaning bugs, dew, and helmets

• Mini Jump Starter w/ USB Charging – Save your battery and charge your devices

These are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no additional cost to you. It helps keep the podcast running!

Interested in sponsoring the show?

We're always looking to feature rider-relevant products, tools, and destinations. Reach out here if you're a brand that supports motorcyclists.

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