The best road cycling routes around St. Francis
4.3
(23)
1,256
riders
33
rides
Road cycling routes around St. Francis primarily feature flat to gently rolling terrain, ideal for varied cycling experiences. The region is characterized by its proximity to the shoreline, offering routes that often follow coastal paths and connect urban parks. Multi-use trails and dedicated road cycling paths are common, providing accessible options for different skill levels. The landscape is generally open, with some routes passing through developed areas and green spaces.
Best road cycling routes around St. Francis
- The most popular…
Last updated: October 19, 2026
45
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(1)
74
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
22
riders
21.0km
00:57
60m
60m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
17
riders
65.1km
02:57
190m
190m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
10
riders
32.0km
01:20
140m
140m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
The Oak Leaf Trail winds through Milwaukee and its neighborhoods, creating a green band throughout the area. The great portion of these are paved and at the East Fort Hill Avenue, the trail changes to a very nice smooth crushed limestone path. A great pleasure to drive but would recommend tyre width of =>28mm.
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The cobalt blue background of Lake Michigan provides a nice backdrop and gives the impression of bing in some places tropical during the summer months. The combination of Grant Park Beach along with Oak Leaf Trail offers a multitude of outdoor activities.
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Oak Leaf Trail runs along the Milwaukee Lake Michigan Coast providing magnificent views of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee Skyline. The paths themselves are on itself is a bit bumpy in some places due to roots pushing up the asphalt. The parc is a nicely shaded place, giving a bit of relief from the hot summer sun. The entire path from beginning to end is asphalted and is much smoother than the street running parallel to the cycleway. If one is here just to enjoy the sights, the cycleway is a good choice, if one wishes to make a lot of time, I suggest staying on the road which has very, very little traffic, I would in any event recommend tyres> 28mm width.
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For those entering and leaving the Milwaukee City centre, there is a vast network of bike paths throughout the Milwaukee area. The paths themselves are a great way to navigate the area, however the quality of the asphalt in the cities is debatable. The city officials of the city should perhaps take better care of these cycleways, as they are developing rather larger potholes here and there, I would only recommend using tyres > 28mm width. The city in itself is very bikeable.
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View of the Milwaukee river as it crosses under the Hoan Bridge at a very active boat landing.
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Situated on the city's beautiful waterfront, The Milwaukee Art Museum is the largest in the state. It features a collection of nearly 32,000 artworks across four floors, including modern and contemporary pieces, as well as notable architecture. The collection spans from ancient times to the present and includes European and American paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, decorative arts, photographs, and folk art.
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General MacArthur was the top cadet of West Point's 1903 class. This sculpture honors him for his leadership in the Pacific during World War II. MacArthur, his father, and his grandfather were all Milwaukee residents. His last visit to the city was on April 27, 1951, when he received an honorary degree from Marquette University.
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Riding down South Shore Drive is a great way to take in the beautiful views of Downtown Milwaukee and the lake. There's a park and a number of restaurants and cafes to stop at if you'd like to stay a while.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available in St. Francis?
St. Francis offers over 40 road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix, with 24 easy routes, 15 moderate routes, and 1 challenging option.
What is the typical terrain for road cycling in St. Francis?
The region features primarily flat to gently rolling terrain, making it accessible for many cyclists. Routes often follow coastal paths and multi-use trails, connecting urban parks and green spaces, providing consistent surfaces for a smooth ride.
Are there any beginner-friendly road cycling routes in St. Francis?
Yes, St. Francis is well-suited for beginners, with 24 easy routes available. A great option is the Grant Park Beach – Oak Leaf Trail — Shore line loop from Packard & Birchwood, an easy 21.1-mile (33.9 km) route that follows the shoreline.
What are some longer or more challenging road cycling routes around St. Francis?
For those seeking a longer ride, the Grant Park Beach – Oak Leaf Trail — Shore line loop from Milwaukee Airport is a moderate 50.3-mile (81.0 km) path that includes shoreline sections and various points of interest. Another moderate option is the Hoyt Park Footbridge – Lincoln Park loop from Milwaukee Airport, spanning over 66 miles (107 km).
Are there loop road cycling routes in St. Francis?
Yes, many routes in St. Francis are designed as loops. For example, the Hank Aaron State Trail – Hoyt Park Footbridge loop from Bay View is a popular 28.2-mile (45.4 km) loop that takes you through state trails and urban greenways.
What kind of attractions can I see along the road cycling routes?
Many routes offer scenic views and pass by interesting landmarks. You might encounter coastal features like Bradford Beach or Grant Park Beach. Some routes also go near the Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse or the Milwaukee Art Museum.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in St. Francis?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 10 reviews. Reviewers often praise the consistent surfaces of the shoreline paths and multi-use trails, as well as the accessibility of urban parks and green spaces.
Is there public transport access to road cycling routes in St. Francis?
Given the region's urban and suburban characteristics, many routes, especially those connecting urban parks and multi-use trails, are often accessible via local public transport networks. It's advisable to check specific route starting points for the nearest bus or train connections.
Are there family-friendly road cycling options in St. Francis?
Yes, the abundance of easy routes and multi-use trails makes St. Francis suitable for family cycling. The flat to gently rolling terrain and dedicated paths provide a safe and enjoyable environment for riders of all ages.
When is the best time of year for road biking in St. Francis?
The best time for road biking in St. Francis is typically from spring through autumn, when the weather is mild and conditions are most favorable. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potential snow or ice on trails, especially those closer to the shoreline.
Are there road cycling routes that offer scenic viewpoints?
Many routes along the shoreline, such as the South Milwaukee Lagoon – Oak Leaf Trail — Shore line loop from Cudahy, offer beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Routes passing through urban parks and green spaces also provide pleasant scenery.
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