🌲 Midwest ADV: Why Dual Sport Riders Shouldn’t Sleep on This Region

If you're not from the Midwest, you probably don’t think of it as an adventure riding hotspot — but you’d be wrong. This region has quietly become one of the best places to dual sport and ADV ride, especially if you’re willing to venture off the beaten path.

Southwest Wisconsin is home base for us here at Grand American GPX, so we know it like the back of our throttle hand. The Driftless Area — untouched by glaciers — is packed with twisty scenic pavement, farm roads, and surprise gravel connectors that keep every ride fresh. It’s the kind of place where you can start your day on smooth asphalt and end up bushwhacking to a remote trout stream before dinner.

Wabeno, up north, is where things get wild. That area is a wooded wonderland. We’re talking deep forest riding, rugged ATV trails, muddy ruts, and wide-open gravel that lets you stretch the legs on your bike. It’s easily one of the most fun weekends I’ve ever had on two wheels. The National Forest Service campgrounds up there? Perfect for moto camping. No crowds, no nonsense, just you and the trees.

Tomahawk and Hayward offer a great balance — remote riding without needing a week off work. You’ll find flowy gravel, forest backroads, and the kind of riding that makes your stress melt away. Plus, plenty of affordable, easy-access camping options.

Hop across the river and you’ll hit the Trans Iowa Trail. I ran it and was shocked by how good it is. It starts in Sabula, loops down past Lake Wapello and a great little campground, then cuts west through scenic farmland and some of the gnarliest Level B roads you’ll find. You’ll even dip into Missouri before heading north toward Davenport and finishing back in Sabula. It’s scenic, technical, and packed with variety.

Northern Minnesota? Now that’s real wilderness. You’ll ride for hours and not see a single gas station — or another person. Just pine forests, lakes, and gravel that goes on forever. It’s the kind of place where GPS isn't optional — it’s survival.

And then there’s Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The U.P. is beautiful, no doubt. You’ll see waterfalls, dense forest, coastal views — and then hit a patch of sand so deep you’ll wonder if you're still in the U.S. It’s a rite of passage. Just air down, throttle up, and hope for the best. Still worth every second.

If you’re stuck thinking the Midwest is boring, you’re missing out. With a DMD2 unit running, a couple GPX tracks loaded, and your gear packed light, there’s no better place to ride when you want variety, challenge, and a little solitude. Whether you’re after fast gravel, technical single track, or the perfect spot to throw up a tent, the Midwest delivers.

Don’t sleep on it. Ride it..