Starting from the small historic town of Galena, this biking route leads through beautiful countryside that offers excellent scenery and lots of steep rolling hills. The ride follows mostly quiet roads through diverse terrain including woodlands, along streams, past farms, and through rural areas with only a few busier sections that require a little more caution. The names of the roads change frequently and get a little confusing so pay close attention in order to stay on track.

This ride offers you a scenic tour around the Lower Wisconsin River and back up the Mississippi. You will travels through historic towns, along the ridge overlooking the rivers, through vast prairies, and pass historic sites. The terrain is rolling with a couple moderate climbs. For a 34-mile ride, turn right on State Highway 60 in Wauzeka. Be cautious on many of the highways as traffic can be fast.

You will start on a paved trail and quickly move on to paved roads. Enjoy the lake views through most of the ride and beautiful farmland country. Riding by wetland there are blackbirds, wood ducks and mallards present. An interesting side note, the Lake has a beautiful legend, look it up if you have a chance. Remember to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water.

This ride offers an opportunity to explore a land of contrasts. The Kickapoo Valley presents both ridgetop and river bottom scenery that is absolutely breathtaking. The towns of Gays Mills and Soldiers Grove each have their own unique character as well. You will ride parallel to beautiful creeks, past orchards, over ridgetops and through valleys. The terrain is hilly.

The Hennepin Canal Trail is a trail that spans multiple counties in Illinois as it follows a canal that makes its way from the Mississippi River east to the Illinois River with a connecting feeder canal trail that also connects from the north. This section starts in the western portion of the trail at Lock 29 and travels through the remote rural areas on its way to the turnaround point at the feeder basin where the feeder canal comes to a convergence with the main canal. There are limited pit stops and access areas located right along the canal trail for water, bathrooms, or food so be sure to come prepared beforehand. The trail provides scenery of the canal all along the path with sections through wooded terrain and lots of open rural scenery. From the feeder basin the trail can be continued for many miles to the east or the north giving riders the option of customizing a longer trip. The trail is mixed asphalt and crushed limestone and is very level making it a good option for riders of all skill levels.

This historic town is an interesting place to visit due to the number of preserved and restored buildings from the mid 1800's that were built by Mormon's who settled the area. Visiting Nauvoo is like taking a step back in time as much of the town serves as a historical site for tourists. The ride also travels through areas of open rural farmlands and along the shores of the impressive Mississippi River. The ride is mostly flat with one moderate climb and a few rolling hills. A lot of the ride follows small rural roads but SR 96 does see a little more traffic that requires some caution.

This ride is a good mix of scenery and challenge as it travels along sections of both big and small rolling hills, through remote rural areas and small charming towns, and alongside the impressive Mississippi River. There are multiple sections of the ride that utilize gravel roads that are well-maintained and require just a little more caution, especially on downhill sections. The route also requires riding along some busy sections of road along SR 84 and SR 78 so watch out for cars.

Drake and/or DMU neighborhood to cumming tap.

One of the good things of this ride, the traffic is light and courteous. There are beautiful views of the farmland, especially in Peru, where you will hit a plateau and see the stunning farmland panorama. In Peru, there are no businesses, but there is a park with an outhouse if you need facilities. On an interesting side note, you will ride by John Wayne’s birthplace. His home was made into a museum.

You will ride through the woods, bridge crossing over Raccoon River, by neighborhoods, commercial area and a lake. The surface of the trail is asphalt. Riding by the river for most of the trail gives you great views with rich vegetation and wildlife.