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Motorcyclist’s Guide to Jefferson County Area Scenic Routes
If your perfect motorcycle road trip involves scenic, winding roads that take you away from people, cities, and traffic, then the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive and other Jefferson County area roads are for you. Aside from a little whip of a car, traveling these routes by motorcycle is the way to go. Use this motorcyclist’s guide for all the go-to spots and info for riders!
Grab the motorcycle route here.
What is the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive?
Milwaukee, WI may be home to the Harley Davidson Museum, but Whitewater, WI at the southern end of Jefferson County is home to the tail end of the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. This gorgeous 115mi route travels through six Wisconsin counties and is, without a doubt, one of the superior rides in Wisconsin. As the route winds through the Kettle Moraine State Forest, it passes geological landmarks of the Wisconsin Glaciation period, lakes, historical sites, and more.
What to pack for a Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive motorcycle trip:
Fortunately packing for a day trip in and around the Jefferson County area is simple and requires only a few things beyond your normal motorcycle gear:
- Hiking shoes
- A water bottle
- Money (naturally)
- Your phone (or a camera if you still kick it old school)
- Anything you’ll need to stay overnight
Itinerary for your motorcycle trip in and around Jefferson County:
First, book a room at any of Whitewater’s hotels, bed and breakfasts, or campgrounds where you’ll begin your route! Want to stay outside Whitewater, check these lodging options out!
Route Mileage: 82.4mi – Takes a little over 2hrs to complete without any stops!
Must-See Highlights: Fuzzy Pig, 2 iconic artesian flowing wells, Bald Bluff Scenic Overlook, Lapham Peak, Bark River Rd. wetlands, Jones Market
Walworth County Stops for Motorcyclists
1. Breakfast at Jessica’s Family Restaurant
Start your day off right with a classic downtown Whitewater diner breakfast. Skillets. Eggs, toast, pancakes, bacon. A stack of waffles. All your breakfast favorites to choose from. Can’t go wrong!
Begin the day’s ride on Whitewater’s Bicycle Route toward Kettle Moraine State Forest.
2. The Fuzzy Pig
This quirky countryside antique mall is chock full of all things eye-catching. Spend 5min to say you’ve been there or spend an hour scouring for the perfect take away. Skip altogether if you’re itchin’ to ride!
3. Whitewater Flowing Well
This 55’ deep Flowing Well flows year-round. It’s a must-stop simply to get yourself some delicious water for your day’s ride.
Hop back on your motorcycles and enjoy the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive between Rice and Whitewater Lakes (both great stops to pause and take a photo!) and through the Kettle Moraine State Forest to your next stop.
4. Bald Bluff Scenic Overlook
At 1,050 feet, Bald Bluff is one of the highest points in Jefferson County and offers a beautiful view of Whitewater’s countryside. Once a gathering location for Native American ceremonial dances, this overlook offers a moment of serenity in your day.
Walk off breakfast with this 15min uphill climb or keep meandering to Lapham Peak via County Hwys ZZ and C, two beautiful alternative routes to hook you back up with the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive.
Waukesha County Stops for Motorcyclists
5. Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit
Climb a 45-foot observation tower atop the highest point in Waukesha County (1,233 feet above sea level) before lunch. Or take in the beauty of this section of the Kettle Moraine.
6. Stolley’s Hogg Alley
Even though they say, “You don’t have to be a biker to have fun here!” it’s a biker haven with all the lip smackin’ roadhouse eats.
After lunch, take in the beauty of central Wisconsin’s forest and countryside on County Roads Y, D, and Hwy 106 as you ride toward Fort Atkinson’s iconic Bark River Rd. Enjoy the stunning sight of the Rock River’s floodplains and wetlands.
Jefferson County Stops for Motorcyclists
7. Fort Atkinson Artesian Drinking Well
We’re all about hydration over here and this is your perfect opportunity to refill your bottle at another beloved area artesian well!
To complete your rural roundabout, head into Fort Atkinson for the best our dairy offers – CHEESE!
8. Jones Market
A must-stop shop for all the special Wisconsin goods: meat, cheese, jams, bread. Snag what your family will love.
Meander back to Whitewater for dinner via scenic country roads M, N, and U.
9. 841 Brewhouse
End your day trip with a solid meal at this favorite brewpub in Whitewater. When everything is creatively prepared and rich in flavor, you’ll leave happy. Enjoy an in-house brewed beer for your nightcap before heading back to your hotel.
Now that you have your motorcyclist’s guide…begin “wind-therapy” (as avid rider, Rita M., would say)!
📷: Bethany Delk
For a peek at the tail end of Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive and all its points of interest, watch this:
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