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)

Subscribe to our channel for more Midwest moto-journeys: https://www.youtube.com/@BestMotorcycleRoads

Sign up for BMR Rider Alerts: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/

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

Follow Us

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestmotorcycleroads/

Website: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast/

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?

Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@BestMotorcycleRoads

Get ride alerts: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/

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.

Sign up for BMR Rider Alerts: bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/