Western Wisconsin is one of the Midwest’s premier riding destinations, and there is no better time to experience it than during the Spirit of Indian Motorcycle Rally. Centered at the River's Edge Apple River Campground in Somerset, Wisconsin, this massive rally draws riders from across the country for organized group rides, live entertainment, and incredible camaraderie.

While the rally schedule is packed with events, you'll definitely want to twist the throttle and explore the surrounding St. Croix River Valley. With its dramatic river bluffs, deep glacial gorges, and rider-friendly towns, here is a curated guide to the absolute best destinations to explore during your rally trip.

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🌊 1. The Rally Hub & Apple River Tubing

Before you head out on the open road, make sure to experience Somerset's most famous pastime right at the rally headquarters: floating down the Apple River.

• The Experience: River's Edge Campground offers full-service inner tube rentals right on-site. It’s the perfect way to cool off, relax your muscles after hours in the saddle, and hang out with fellow rallygoers. The river features a mix of calm, scenic stretches and fun, mild rapids.
• Rider Tip: Rent a separate "cooler tube" to float your drinks right alongside you, and don't forget water shoes.

🧗 2. Glacial Potholes & Volcanic Cliffs at Taylors Falls

Point your front wheel straight north from Somerset along the scenic St. Croix Trail (Highway 35) to reach the twin towns of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, and Taylors Falls, Minnesota. This stretch of road offers incredible sweeping turns and delivers you to the most visually striking terrain in the river valley.

• The Experience: Located right on the river, Interstate State Park on the Taylors Falls side features a world-famous collection of massive glacial potholes—deep, perfectly circular shafts drilled into solid basalt rock by swirling torrents of melting glacier water thousands of years ago. You can hike along sheer, 200-foot volcanic rock cliffs that flank the water or hop aboard a paddlewheel boat with Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours to see the dramatic Dalles of the St. Croix.
• Rider Tip: The historic downtown area of Taylors Falls is incredibly rider-friendly, making it a perfect spot to park the bikes, grab a bite to eat, and snap some photos of the massive stone cliffs.

🌉 3. The St. Croix River Crossing

Heading south from Somerset, The St. Croix River Crossing is a marvel of modern engineering that connects Houlton, Wisconsin, to Oak Park Heights, Minnesota.

• The Experience: This massive extradosed bridge features a dedicated, barrier-separated pedestrian and bicycle loop trail. You can park at the trailhead on the Wisconsin side and walk or bike out over the water. Standing in the center gives you an unobstructed, panoramic view of the massive St. Croix River Valley—a spectacular sight at sunrise or sunset.

🏙️ 4. Historic Downtown Hudson

Continuing south along the riverbanks brings you to Historic Downtown Hudson, a bustling waterfront community that perfectly captures classic Wisconsin hospitality.

• The Experience: Hudson’s main street is highly walkable and lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. It is an absolute haven for foodies, boasting exceptional craft breweries, gourmet burger joints, and local pubs that warmly welcome the rally crowd. After a meal, take a stroll down the Lakefront Park pier to watch the boats glide across the water.

🌲 5. Willow River State Park & Willow Falls

Located just a short, 15-minute cruise south of Somerset, Willow River State Park is widely considered a crown jewel of the Wisconsin state park system and an essential stop before heading back to camp.

• The Experience: The main draw here is Willow Falls, a powerful, multi-tiered waterfall nestled deep inside a rugged, steep rocky gorge. The trail leading down to the falls opens up to a beautiful footbridge spanning right across the rushing water. The mist rising off the falls naturally cools the air, making it a magical spot to rest and take in Western Wisconsin's serene backcountry.

How to Route Your Ride

The interactive map above turns these destinations into an unforgettable daily loop. You can kick off your morning heading north to explore the rugged cliffs of Taylors Falls, cruise south down the river valley to the crossing points, stop for a late dinner in downtown Hudson, and catch the evening light at Willow Falls before rolling back into Somerset for the rally's nightly live music and festivities.

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The Ultimate Western Wisconsin Road Trip: Top Attractions Around Somerset During the Spirit of Indian Motorcycle Rally

Western Wisconsin is one of the Midwest’s premier riding destinations, and there is no better time to experience it than during the Spirit of Indian Motorcycle Rally. Centered at the Rivers Edge Apple River Campground in Somerset, Wisconsin, this independent rally draws riders from across the country for organized group rides, live entertainment, and incredible camaraderie.

While the rally schedule is packed with events, you'll definitely want to twist the throttle, explore the surrounding St. Croix River Valley, and hit up the area's best roadside joints. With its dramatic river bluffs, deep glacial gorges, and rider-friendly establishments, here is a curated guide to the absolute best destinations and pit stops to explore during your rally trip.

An interactive map widget displaying locations near Somerset, with an isochrone map (a blue shaded region with a dashed blue border) showing travel time from this location, grouped into colorized categories:

• Riding Route & Pit Stops (Orange):
  • Interstate State Park
  • Saint Croix River Crossing Loop Trail
  • Hudson
  • Willow River State Park
  • Sportsman's Bar & Grill
  • Big Guy's BBQ Roadhouse
  • The Rally Hub & Apple River Tubing

Before you head out on the open road, make sure to experience Somerset's most famous pastime right at the rally headquarters: floating down the Apple River.

• The Experience: Rivers Edge Campground offers full-service inner tube rentals right on-site. It’s the perfect way to cool off, relax your muscles after hours in the saddle, and hang out with fellow rallygoers.
• 📍 Nearby Local Pit Stop: Right in the heart of town, roll your bike over to Sportsman's Bar & Grill. It's a classic hometown staple known for its welcoming patio, great burgers, and legendary loaded Bloody Marys—a favorite gathering spot for riders cooling down after a long haul. [1]

🧗 2. Glacial Potholes & Volcanic Cliffs at Taylors Falls

Point your front wheel straight north from Somerset along the scenic St. Croix Trail (Highway 35) to reach the twin towns of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, and Taylors Falls, Minnesota. This stretch of road offers incredible sweeping turns and delivers you to the most visually striking terrain in the river valley.

• The Experience: Located right on the river, Interstate State Park features a world-famous collection of massive glacial potholes drilled into solid basalt rock thousands of years ago. You can hike along sheer, 200-foot volcanic rock cliffs that flank the water or hop aboard a paddlewheel boat with Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours to see the dramatic Dalles of the St. Croix.
• 📍 Nearby Local Pit Stop: On your route back down the Wisconsin side, make sure to ride past Osceola and look for PY's Saloon. It's a classic, no-nonsense biker-friendly bar with a phenomenal tap list and killer burgers and fries that hit the spot mid-ride. [1]

🌉 3. The St. Croix River Crossing

Heading south from Somerset, The St. Croix River Crossing is a marvel of modern engineering that connects Houlton, Wisconsin, to Oak Park Heights, Minnesota.

• The Experience: This massive extradosed bridge features a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle loop trail. You can park at the trailhead on the Wisconsin side and walk out over the water. Standing in the center gives you an unobstructed, panoramic view of the massive St. Croix River Valley—a spectacular sight at sunrise or sunset.
• 📍 Nearby Local Pit Stop: Just a minute from the bridge trail on the Wisconsin side, pull into The Next Stop Bar and Grill in Houlton. This blue-collar, firefighter-themed dive bar is incredibly welcoming to motorcyclists and is famous for its cold beer and unique local favorites like the peanut butter burger. [1, 2]

🏙️ 4. Historic Downtown Hudson & BBQ Roadhouses

Continuing south along the riverbanks brings you to Historic Downtown Hudson, a bustling waterfront community that perfectly captures classic Wisconsin hospitality.

• The Experience: Hudson’s main street is highly walkable and lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. It is an absolute haven for foodies, boasting exceptional craft breweries, local pubs, and independent boutiques. After a meal, take a stroll down the Lakefront Park pier to watch the boats glide across the water.
• 📍 Nearby Local Pit Stop: Perched right along Highway 35 just outside town is Big Guy's BBQ Roadhouse. Embodying a true rustic biker-roadhouse vibe, it features motorcycle decor on the walls, an expansive bar area, and massive platters of wood-smoked brisket, burnt ends, and pulled pork. It regularly hosts live music and has tons of parking for big groups of bikes. [1, 2]

🌲 5. Willow River State Park & Willow Falls

Located just a short, 15-minute cruise south of Somerset, Willow River State Park is widely considered a crown jewel of the Wisconsin state park system and an essential stop before heading back to camp.

• The Experience: The main draw here is Willow Falls, a powerful, multi-tiered waterfall nestled deep inside a rugged, steep rocky gorge. The trail leading down to the falls opens up to a beautiful footbridge spanning right across the rushing water. The mist rising off the falls naturally cools the air, making it a magical spot to rest and take in Western Wisconsin's serene backcountry.

How to Route Your Ride

The interactive map above turns these destinations and pit stops into an unforgettable daily loop. You can kick off your morning heading north to explore the rugged cliffs of Taylors Falls, cruise south down the river valley to the crossing points, stop for a late dinner in downtown Hudson or at Big Guy's BBQ, and catch the evening light at Willow Falls before rolling back into Rivers Edge Campground for the rally's nightly live music and festivities. [1]