I am going to be making a road trip from Missoula, MT to Ottumwa, IA starting on 5/20. I am planning on taking I-90 most of the way as I am actually travelling for work and need to be at my destination on Monday morning. I have never been to Wisconsin on the bike, however, so I am hoping to make it that far out (to La Crosse, WI) and then double back to Iowa. So my question is, are there any roads in Eastern Minnesota, Western Wisconsin or Iowa that I should take? My thoughts were to follow 35 south out of La Crosse along the Mississippi river. Are there any other roads that I should consider? Would this be a good route? Any places to stop and see/eat/stay? Let me know.

 

35 south out of LaCrosse is the river road and has the best riding you will find. Once you hit Prairie Du Chein take 18 west to 52 south. At Dubuque take 20 east to Galena where you will hit the Blackjack Road. If you want fun twisties take take a right onto Blackjack, if you want scenic go straight on 20. Either way will hit 84 and turn right to go south. Ride to Poopy's in Savannah. Great biker place with good food and bands outside on the weekends. Those are the best part, I think. From there you can keep going on 84 south to 92 and cross the river in to Muscatine or go back north on 84 to 67 south which is the nicer side of this part of the river but you have to drive through Clinton. Nice part is there is a good HD dealership in Clinton though. From there 61 south will get you to Muscatine as well. Not much to see between Muscatine and Ottumwa, but depending on when you pass through, there could be some special events. I would suggest 61 to 92 west to 218 south to 34 west as the quickest way to Ottumwa from there.

 

I like it! Thanks for the info! I will try and map that one out. Hopefully I will have time and good weather to do this. I'm hoping to be able to crunch through to La Crosse in two days (long days) and do some scenic riding on the third.

 

The Cassville Ferry is a fun way to cross the Mississippi.

http://cassville.org/cassville_car_ferry

 

There is a LOT of construction on the I90 bridge just north a La Crosse. If you go through there, have your head on a swivel. I went west bound through there a couple weeks ago in my truck. I was visiting in Lacresent and crossed the "pike" east bound to avoid the I90 mess. If you get off I90 at Lacresent you will be going south into town. There is an intersection (stop lights) with a Kwik Trip just across the intersection to your right (good place to gas up). If you go east at that intersection you are on the "pike", that will take you across a bridge into down town La Crosse and watch for the sign for 35 South. IMHO much faster and less hassle going this way, since you want 35 south anyway. Ride safe!

 

The Minn/Iowa side of the river is just as nice and you go through more old river towns. Breitbachs in Ball town Iowa has killer a lunch buffet and is located on the Great River road. New Diggings Wisconsin is packed with bikes on week-ends and Savannah Illinois has the Iron Horse Social Club which is a old bar with a great display of old bikes and biker memorabilia. Cold beer too! From Davenport take Iowa hwy 22 south to Muscatine and county roads x61 south to x99 to Burlington. Hwy 34 is a 4 lane to Ottumwa.
I live about 40 miles west of Ottumwa so P.M. me with any questions of the area.
Wuzfuz

 

I will be following

 

south waste WI is a best kept secret,35 (river road is good but the east west bluff roads are great zig zag between 35 and 27, good breakfast at big river in genoa and a good senic overlook just north of genoa on 35,got to look hard for it small sign. dinner at rockys supper club in stodard, and in lacrosse a semi famous burger stand. across the river from prarie du chain in mcgregor iowa pioneer motel ( book early they fill up with bikers) with a casino across the street and walking to small downtown.

 

So I made the trip, or most of it! I slabbed it to La Crosse, where I caught 35 (and a few back roads thanks to my GPS) south along the river to Prarie Du Chien. I got caught up in some bad weather a couple days before so got a later start than I had hoped, so I just cut over at Prairie Du Chien and took 52 down the other side through Guttenberg. After that I just pointed the GPS to Ottumwa and followed her ever demanding directions. I had beautiful weather and LOVED the ride along the river (both sides). I am sure I will be out this way again and will explore a little more. Thanks for the advice, there were some great roads!

 

Sounds like a pretty good ride. Hope you enjoyed. Next time you need to get down and stay in Savanna Il. You'll have fun