Visit Bike Stops and Dairy Shops on Your Dairy-Delicious Tour During June Dairy Month 2008

Bike Stop: Sugar River State Trail (map)
This is dairy country. A scenic 24-mile limestone-surfaced trail follows the Sugar River through Green County's lush Holstein-dotted pastures. Near the southern trailhead at Brodhead, you'll roll over a romantic, reconstructed covered bridge. And, at the northern trailhead, you'll discover the European charm of New Glarus, America's "Little Switzerland." The trail also runs through forestland and the dairy communities of Albany and Monticello.

• Dairy Shop
  Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus
  554 1st St. and Hwy. 39, New Glarus
  (888) 624-1234
  This quaint chalet features more than 70 varieties of Green County cheeses. Be sure to try the Braun Swiss Käse Cheddar and Brick.
  Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weekends only January through April)
   
• New Glarus Woods State Park
  Just south of New Glarus, this 411-acre park offers campsites and a shady picnic area. For more information, visit www.dnr.state.wi.us.
   
• Tour Tip
  String Cheese is a great way to enjoy dairy on-the-go. Individually wrapped portions tuck away easily in a cooler and give you the energy you need to keep peddling.

Bike Stop: Old Plank Road Trail (map)
The 17-mile paved multi-use trail follows the route of an old pioneer road from Sheboygan to Greenbush. The trail is seldom flat, but an enjoyable ride that runs near Plymouth, Sheboygan Falls and Kohler.

• Dairy Shop
  Antoinette the Cow
  Intersection of South Milwaukee and Mill St., Plymouth
  Antoinette, a 20-foot high, 1,000-pound fiberglass Holstein, stands gracefully at the former site of the Wisconsin Cheese Exchange to symbolize the importance of dairy in the area. Just down the street is Anotinette's Sandwich and Pizza, a perfect place for lunch.
   
• Kris' Cheese to Please
  3240 Ctr. Rd. PP, Plymouth
  Established in 1960, Kris' Cheese to Please just opened this new location to showcase the best in Wisconsin Cheeses. While their specialty is Aged Cheddar, they also carry an assortment of Swiss, Blue, Colby, Provolone, Asiago and many other gourmet cheeses as well as wine, ice cream, handmade fudge and much, much more.
  Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
   
• Tour Tip:
  Chocolate milk isn't just good—it's good for you. Packed with vitamins, minerals, potassium, protein and carbohydrates, it's the perfect re-energizer.

Bike Stop: 400 Trail (map)
The 400 gets its name from the train that once followed this path. At the time, it was the fastest way to get from Chicago to the Twin Cities. Twenty-two miles of crushed rock trail runs from Reedsburg to Elroy, passing through several small towns on the way. The 400 crosses the Baraboo River 11 times and features varied scenery, including pine forests, wetlands, sandstone bluffs and rolling pastures.

• Dairy Shop
  Carr Valley Cheese Company
  S3797 Cty. Hwy. G, La Valle
  Sid Cook, a fourth-generation Master Cheesemaker, produces Cheddar and artisan specialties the old-fashioned way. This traditional cheese plant has won more than 50 national and international awards in the past two years.
  Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call ahead for tours at (608) 986-2781 or visit their website.
   
• Elroy Commons
  303 Railroad St., Elroy
  This is the northern trailhead for the 400 as well as two other celebrated trails. It includes an information center, restrooms, picnic areas, showers, camping, rentals, souvenirs, refreshments and more.
  Call (888) 606-BIKE or visit www.elroybiketrails.org.
   
• Tour Tip:
  Cottage cheese is now available in individual serving sizes, perfect for on-the-go energy. Add fresh fruit to get even more power.

Bike Stop: Ahnapee State Trail (map)
From rolling farm fields and orchards to the rocky shore of Lake Michigan, the views from this 30-mile trail are as varied as night and day. Travel the newly resurfaced railbed along Wisconsin's "thumb" and experience the scenic small towns of Casco, Forestville and Maplewood and the shoreline towns of Algoma and Sturgeon Bay.

• Dairy Shop
  Schopf's Hilltop Dairy and Dairy View Country Store
  5169 Cty. Rd. I, Sturgeon Bay
  If Sturgeon Bay is your starting point, consider hopping in the car before or after your bike ride to make the short drive to Schopf's. You'll enjoy a free working dairy tour and fresh homemade ice cream flavored with local fruit, like Door County cherry, apple and blueberry.
  For current hours and tour information, call (920) 743-9779 or visit their website.
   
• von Stiehl Winery
  115 Navarino St., Algoma
  What better accompaniment to Wisconsin Cheese than a complementary local wine? The von Stiehl Winery is the oldest licensed Wisconsin Winery, excelling in Riesling and Cherry Kirsche.
  Tours are given May through October from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Retail store is open daily. For current hours, call (800) 955-5208 or visit their website.
   
• Tour Tip:
  A cheese sandwich makes for a hearty pick-me-up. Choose a whole-grain bread and your favorite Wisconsin Cheese and keep moo-ving.

Bike Stop: Bearskin State Trail (map)
Experience the northwoods on this 18-mile packed gravel surface. You'll see northern hardwoods, bogs, marshland, springs, trout streams and countless wildlife while traversing numerous trestles and boardwalks.

• Dairy Shop
  Cheese Board of Wisconsin
  8524 Hwy. 51 N., Minocqua
  (877) 230-1338
  Part of Minocqua's Boardwalk Shops, Cheese Board is a great stop for Wisconsin Cheese, as well as meats, candies, snacks, sauces, mustards and other specialty foods.
  Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
   
• Charlie's House of Fine Cheese
  Hwy. 51 & Liegh Rd., Hazelhurst
  A traditional Wisconsin Cheese shop with a variety of local cheeses, sausages, ice cream, sandwiches and souvenirs.
  Call (800) 795-2427 for current hours of operation.
   
• Tour Tip:
  Yogurt is a super food with calcium, great flavor and active cultures that scientists have found to aid in digestion and boost immunity. Throw some in your cooler and enjoy a cup during a rest stop.

Bike Stop: Red Cedar State Trail (map)
Take a 15-mile voyage through the peaceful surroundings of lumber country. Starting in Menomonie, the trail passes through Irvington and Downsville before crossing the broad Chippewa River on an impressive stressed-iron bridge that adjoins with the Chippewa River State Trail. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles and other wildlife.

• Dairy Shop
  The Creamery Restaurant & Inn
  E4620 Cty. Rd. C, Downsville
  (715) 664-8354
  Housed in the former Downsville Cooperative Creamery building, The Creamery is a great place to enjoy innovative cuisine that highlights locally produced ingredients. Try the Artisan Cheese Tasting which includes a variety of Wisconsin's finest cheeses.
   
• Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream
  2320 Hwy. 25 N., Menomonie
  (715) 232-6262
  Reward yourself after a day on the trails with refreshing, delicious ice cream made from all-natural ingredients—including real Wisconsin cream.
   
• Tour Tip:
  Cheese and dried fruit make an easy and delicious energy-filled snack. Simply cut your favorite Wisconsin Cheese into cubes and munch on them along with cranberries, apples, prunes or raisins. Yum!