Happy trails to you around the region Minnesota and Wisconsin have plenty of trails for multi-day trips, with a stay at a campground, motel, or bed-and-breakfast.
Red Cedar-Chippewa River State Trails These two trails in west central Wisconsin follow their namesake rivers along two old rail grades, for about 40 miles of riding. The Chippewa has a hard surface, but the Red Cedar is covered with crushed limestone (best for mountain or hybrid bikes, rather than road bikes). A Wisconsin trail pass is required -- $4 a day or $20 for the season (www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/LAND/parks/specific/redcedar and www.chippewa-river-trail.com).
Elroy-Sparta
The 34-mile-long Elroy-Sparta State Trail in southwestern Wisconsin is one of the oldest rail-to-trail conversions. Opened in 1972, it ducks through three tunnels, the longest being ¾ of a mile, so be prepared with a headlight. For riders who want to log more miles, the trail seamlessly joins the La Crosse River Trail, Great River State Trail, 400 State Trail, and Omaha Trail. A state trail pass is required (www.elroy-sparta-trail.com).
Cannon Valley
The paved 20-mile-long Cannon Valley Trail follows the Cannon River along the former Chicago Great Western Railroad line, joining Cannon Falls, Welch and Red Wing. A daily trail pass is $3, and a season pass is $20 (www.cannonvalleytrail.com).
Lake Wobegon Regional Trail
The paved Lake Wobegon Trail runs 46 miles between St. Joseph and Osakis in central Minnesota. A spur heads northeast to Holdingford (www.lakewobegontrails.com).
Willard Munger Trail
