“Riding an ATV is just a natural adrenaline rush,” says Mark Marcus of Adrenaline Rush Sports in New Lisbon, just north of Wisconsin Dells. “It’s almost meditative in a way. You get out in the woods and you ain’t got nothing to worry about.”
That mix of thrills and relaxation might sound contradictory, but increasingly, Wisconsinites are getting the appeal of revving all-terrain vehicles through the state’s countryside. Last year, the number of ATVs and UTVs (utility terrain vehicles) registered here surpassed the half-million mark.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
You might think ATV-riding is largely an Up North activity, but there’s a trail just two hours southwest of Milwaukee. The 47-mile Cheese Country Recreation Trail links Monroe, Darlington and Mineral Point along a former railroad corridor (bit.ly/ccrt). For much of its length, the trail follows the Pecatonica River, providing a flat, even ride. “It’s a good starter trail,” says Max Blackbourn of the Tri-County Trail Commission.
ATVs
All-terrain vehicles
• 1–2 riders
• 3 or more tires
• Handlebars
• Straddle-type seat
UTVs
Utility terrain vehicles
• 1-6 riders
• 4 or more tires
• Steering wheel
• Seats equipped with seat belts
Before you hop on an ATV, know that anyone born in 1988 or later must possess a valid safety certificate to operate an ATV or UTV in Wisconsin. For $10, you can take an in-person ATV safety certification course, or sign up for an online course ($35) through ATVCourse.com or Offroad-Ed.com.
Jake Holsclaw, the Department of Natural Resources’ off-highway vehicle administrator, recommends always wearing a helmet and also suggests boots and long pants to protect against rocks that might be kicked up.
Once you’re ready to ride, you can easily spend two days on the Cheese Country trail out and back, finding plenty to see and do along the way. Gratiot, Darlington and Mineral Point all have historic depots from the old railroad to explore. Around Browntown, riders can break for a glass of Moscato at Hawk’s Mill Winery and cross a trestle bridge from the 1880s.
Local pubs and eateries, many right on the trail, provide places to break for a bite – Baumgartner Cheese Store and Tavern in Monroe is famed for its Limburger sandwich, while Tri-County ATV Club officer Deborah Krahenbuhl recommends Glennie’s and Legends in Darlington for their classic tavern combo of “cold beer and good company.”
If you’re looking for other trails, the Wisconsin ATV Association (WATVA) provides a map of all state trails and routes at watva.org.
Mike’s Engine Works in Darlington rents out ATVs that you can ride off the lot and onto the Cheese Country Recreation Trail starting at $110. Mike’s and Cheese Country Rentals in Monroe both rent out UTVs, as well. Not ready to set off on your own? Take an ATV tour. Northwoods Powersports Adventures arranges tours for groups of six or more at $150 per person, while solo riders can join tours by Adrenaline Rush Sports starting at $189.
