If anyone’s qualified to tell you where to ride in Wisconsin, it’s the Kegel family, the family behind Wheel & Sprocket, who’ve been outfitting Milwaukee cyclists for decades. We asked them where they actually go when they’re not on the shop floor.
🌲 Mountain biking? Head to Minooka Park (Waukesha).
It’s your go-to for technical trails. If you want to feel like you earned it, this is your spot.
👀 Hidden gem: Silver Lake Park (Kenosha).
Yeah, it’s a drive. Worth it. Put it on the list.
🚲 Everyday riding: Oak Leaf Trail.
No debate here. It’s Milwaukee’s crown jewel. Commuters, families, Sunday riders… everyone ends up on the Oak Leaf eventually. Miles of scenic, off-street trail that most cities would kill for.
🍺 Best excuse to ride: Beer gardens off the Oak Leaf.
Estabrook, Hubbard, Juneau, South Shore, Whitnall, McCarty Park. Pick a direction and pedal toward cold drinks. This is Milwaukee, after all.
🏙️ More local routes worth your time:
- Hank Aaron State Trail
- Menomonee Parkway (stop at Hoyt Park. Seriously, don’t skip it.)
Southeast Wisconsin’s trail network didn’t happen by accident. Decades of work built something most cities still dream about. We ride it, complain about potholes, and sometimes forget how good we actually have it. Get out there.
Dive into the history of Wheel & Sprocket, the legacy of Chris Kegel, and the family stories that helped build one of Milwaukee’s most beloved businesses with the full episode below: