Where to stay in Wisconsin?

DavidWhite

DavidWhite

Final Approach
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I'm doing a big motorcycle trip next month - going from Lincoln to Glen Arbor, MI. I'm taking the Milwaukee-Muskegon ferry. Basically somewhere nice in Madison or Milwaukee.
 
Do you want to be near bars/nightlife or just a decent stop along the way?
 
Madison is a really cool little town, I think you'd like it. Can't recommend anything specific, though. Heads up, "next month" is October, and could get mighty cool in those parts.
 
JB1842 said:
Do you want to be near bars/nightlife or just a decent stop along the way?
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Unfortunately I'm not old enough for that stuff - otherwise I would.

My brain isn't mature enough for alcohol - it'll kill me :rolleyes2:


I'm just looking for a nice and scenic place to spend the night
 
steingar said:
Madison is a really cool little town, I think you'd like it. Can't recommend anything specific, though. Heads up, "next month" is October, and could get mighty cool in those parts.
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Yeah I've got alaska worthy cold weather motorcycle gear so I'm not terribly worried
 
Madison is more scenic than Milwaukee, or take Grant's advice and stop up near Sheboygan.
 
Go drink some beers with Pete and Kent.
 
When is the trip? You can probably crash at my place if you'd like. I'll PM you a link to pics and location.

There are other POA'ers in both Madison and Milwaukee. I suspect you'll hear from Pete in Madison and maybe Kent in Milwaukee.

Did you look at the SS Badger as a way to cross, too? Slower & cheaper....
 
My current plan is to leave Lincoln on October second (wednesday) and stay that night somewhere in WI, then my ferry leaves from Milwaukee at 12:30 that Thursday, and be in Glen Arbor that night. Friday is wedding stuff, then I leave saturday earlyish afternoon for the 4:30 ferry back to Milwaukee and stay the night again somewhere.
 
jhausch said:
When is the trip? You can probably crash at my place if you'd like. I'll PM you a link to pics and location.

There are other POA'ers in both Madison and Milwaukee. I suspect you'll hear from Pete in Madison and maybe Kent in Milwaukee.

Did you look at the SS Badger as a way to cross, too? Slower & cheaper....
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Thanks to a very kind PoAer, I now have a place to stay! Thanks a ton!
 
I just moved 30 miles north of Milwaukee. I lived 6 blocks from the ferry dock. If you aren't on a budget, I would say check out the Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee, but it's over $200 a night.
 
Quicker just to take 80 all the way to 94, then ride US31 up the Lake Michigan Coast. You could already be into Michigan before you would make it to Milwaukee. And you've already got a head start on the next day. The ferries are pretty slow.
 
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DavidWhite said:
A boat ride sounds way more fun and I can avoid chi-town
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If you stay on 80, you miss Chicago. You pick up 94 on the east side of it. Free lodging at Casa de Frederick
 
I also kinda want to do a little less on interstate riding. The "backroads" so to speak are much more scenic
 
DavidWhite said:
I also kinda want to do a little less on interstate riding. The "backroads" so to speak are much more scenic
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I can appreciate that. Still quicker around the lake. I'd still probably take US34 --> US 24 --> Indiana25 --> US 31 to avoid interstates.

$135 round trip for the Ferry as well.
 
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I hope it's early next month. I wouldn't be surprised if it dips below freezing or snows in October, not good for motorcycle riding. Going to the dunes?
 
You are welcome at my home. details sent in PM
 
Gary F said:
I hope it's early next month. I wouldn't be surprised if it dips below freezing or snows in October, not good for motorcycle riding. Going to the dunes?
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VERY early. October 2nd.
 
Assuming everything works exactly as you plan, I'd think you will have at least made it to Council Bluffs before you find yourself wishing like hell that you had flown the Mooney.
 
wabower said:
Assuming everything works exactly as you plan, I'd think you will have at least made it to Council Bluffs before you find yourself wishing like hell that you had flown the Mooney.
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C'mon, Wayne. Where do you think good judgment comes from?
 
Part of mine came from a bike trip in October.:D Fortunately we took a Burb and bike trailer along "just in case" that saved my bacon.

jhausch said:
C'mon, Wayne. Where do you think good judgment comes from?
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You are in luck, since you want to avoid interstates in search of an interesting ride. There are good motorcycling roads between prairie du chien and Madison WI, where you might be headed. Winding, wooded, with hills. Google has a good terrain map if you want to find them.
 
JB1842 said:
I just moved 30 miles north of Milwaukee. I lived 6 blocks from the ferry dock. If you aren't on a budget, I would say check out the Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee, but it's over $200 a night.
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That's nice - it's very close to the Harley museum.

Probably the nicest place hotel in downtown Milwaukee is the Pfister hotel. http://www.thepfisterhotel.com/

It's got a bar on top called Blu, with an awesome view of Lake Michigan and downtown. Good restaurants in the area too, and an attached parking garage. Good luck!
 
wabower said:
Part of mine came from a bike trip in October.:D Fortunately we took a Burb and bike trailer along "just in case" that saved my bacon.
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Sheesh...no sense of adventure. :D
 
NoHeat said:
You are in luck, since you want to avoid interstates in search of an interesting ride. There are good motorcycling roads between prairie du chien and Madison WI, where you might be headed. Winding, wooded, with hills. Google has a good terrain map if you want to find them.
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I've ridden those roads many times. David, you'll enjoy them!

If you have a chance, visit Wyalusing State Park, at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. It's right across the river from the Prairie du Chien Airport.

VERY cool, panoramic views of the river valley from the top of the park.
 
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Just saw this thread for the first time... Dave, sounds like you've got it handled? I've got a couch, but that's about it. You'd probably like Madison better than Milwaukee anyway, but there's plenty of fun in both. We should have a gathering while you're around...
 
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