Riding to Door County the middle of August and looking for the best route to take from Western Minnesota. Planning on staying South of Mpls. St. Paul and crossing the river around Hastings or Red Wing but will travel farther South if need be. Girlfriend says NO INTERSTATE OR 4 LANE HWYS.We will be staying halfway for the night probably somewhere around Eau Claire but are open to other recommendations depending upon the route.

 

You could ride into Stillwater on 36 off of 694 on the NE side of the cities. Cross into Wisconsin and follow 64 across all the way to Antigo. At Antigo I would go south on 45-47 and a few miles south of Antigo follow 47 east towards Shawano. This takes you through the Menominee reservation and part of it runs along the Wolf River.There's a casino at Kesheena about 10 miles north of Shawano. From Shawano I would get on the 4 lane hwy 29 and get through Green Bay and head up to the Door peninsula. Most of the middle part of the state is a lot of farms and open land.

Highway 70 further north is a nice ride with a lot more woods. If I had a choice between 64 and 70 and had the time I would probably take 70 for the woods and wildlife viewing. &0 is a very nice 2 lane and is in good condition.

Have Fun!

 

The state has many scenic 2 lanes. I prefer taking out of the way 2 lanes, with little traffic. Just toss your gps, get a good map and hit the road. You can find many East/ West Roads except if there is a national park in the way. 29 is heavy traffic 4 lane.

 

Cross at Hastings, take Hwy 10 east to Hwy 13 just south of Marshfield take 13 south to Wisconsin Rapids, take 54 west out of Wisconsin Rapids all the way through Green Bay to hwy 57 take 57 to Hwy 42 north of Sturgeon Bay take 42 to Gills Rock get on the ferry to Washington Island and that's as far as you can go!
Stop in Osseo for some Pie at the Norske Nook, The High Ground Veterans Memorial west of Neilsville, the Chain of Lakes in Waupaca, Lambeau Field in Green Bay you should hit NO 4 lane on this ride, Have fun!

 

Perfection, and you will have a happy passenger too. Have made this trip many times on many different routes, but the directions given here are exactly what I would recommend. Good advice Matty64

 

This is a good plan, but there is about 35 miles of 4 lane between Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay. You can avoid it by taking 54 to the East just North of Green Bay. You can take it over to Algoma and then Highway S over to Sturgeon Bay.

 

Geeez you're right I drive that stretch once a month and totally forgot about it!!

 

54 west is 4 lanes too for about 15 miles Wisconsin Rapids to Plover. And boring.

 

Good day
Hope your trip is a fun one. Door County is great. Hope you have a reservation for a place to stay. Make sure you try the Greenwood Supper Club and the broasted chicken at the Sister Bay Bowl. Of course: Wilson's Ice Cream.
Highway S is a straight ride
Below is a link that should let you decide what are the best routes.

http://www.statetrunktour.com/index.php

 

not exactly an interstate, plus you can always smell the fries from McCains