Northern Tier to Erie Connector across Wisconsin

[nimby]

What's a good route from either Stillwater, MN or Osceola, WI to Manitowoc WI to catch the ferry across Lake Michigan and hook up with the Erie Connector at Wolf Lake, MI?

[John Nettles]

Maybe I do not understand question since ACA already has routes that do exactly what you want.  They are the North Lakes Route, Sections 1 & 2.

If you want a shorter route and/or prefer a different route, go to Wisconsin's Bicycle Map http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/bike-foot/countymaps.htmand make your own.  Wisconsin's Bicycle Maps are some of the best.  Pick the criteria that is best for your needs and make the route.

[John Nelson]

Although the ACA does have exactly this route, many people have observed that it is far from the shortest route. That's because the ACA is trying to make the most of their route to the UP. I'm not sure I understand the constant fascination with "shortest", but there are several journals over at CGOAB where they have followed a shorter route.

[nimby]

Although the ACA does have exactly this route, many people have observed that it is far from the shortest route. That's because the ACA is trying to make the most of their route to the UP. I'm not sure I understand the constant fascination with "shortest", but there are several journals over at CGOAB where they have followed a shorter route.

Well, the ferry looks like fun. Not really knowing what the UP round about route is like I wondered what it's like riding across WI.

[John Nelson]

Riding across northern Wisconsin is fun. It's heavily forested, relentlessly rolling, with lots of lakes and summer resorts tucked so far into the trees you hardly notice them. There is also farmland and interesting barns. Public campgrounds (on lakes of course) are sufficiently available and medium priced (i.e., a bit more expensive than campgrounds out West, but not anywhere nearly as expensive as the private campgrounds in the East). For more information and pictures, check out days 35-38 of my journal.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/goingback

I did not take the ferry, but went through the UP, which I very much enjoyed (especially the pasties and Mackinac Island). The routes diverge at Conover, WI and reconnect at the Wolf Lake, MI. The UP route is 215 miles longer than the ferry route.

[nimby]

Well I'm more interested in taking the ferry and going a more direct route through WI. I think I'll just plot a route through Wisconsin Rapids and Appleton taking in a few state parks along the way. I just wondered if anyone had done something similar rather than being bound by the ACA route.

[John Nettles]

As others have suggested, take a look at CrazyGuyonaBike and review the journals.  You very well may find something. 

[jimbo]

I did Lacrosse to Manitowac on a "custom" route, but that starts further south than Stillwater. The ferry  ( The Badger) was a hoot.

[OldDogBC]

Good Morning Jimbo,

As part of a coast to coast ride, I'll be crossing Wisconsin west to east from the LaCrosse area and catching the ferry. I'm working on routing and was wondering if you had suggestions of what worked for you? And I am looking forward to that ferry ride across Lake Michigan!

Todd