Many motorcycle enthusiasts will head out of state for their summer vacation, and many with their prized bikes in tow. Looking for a unique rally excursion this summer? Look no further. Here are a few tips on 10 motorcycle vacation destinations this summer.
Milwaukee. What could be a more memorable vacation for a motorcycle enthusiast than a visit to the birthplace of Harley-Davidson itself – Milwaukee! With the Harley-Davidson Museum and Plant Tours you’ll find out why Milwaukee is considered a Mecca for “hog” riding motorcycle enthusiasts. During the summer months you’ll find it exceptionally easy to find something to do in this great city on a great lake. Along with this City of Festivals’ many cultural events held alongside Lake Michigan’s shoreline, you can enjoy the Milwaukee Rally over Labor Day weekend. With its rich arts, culture, festivals, museums, restaurants, and hotels Milwaukee is just the spot where riders can hangout with other cycle enthusiasts.
In the winter there is the MaMa Tried Motorcycle Show, Indoor Race and Outdoor Ice Race, everything you could want over a three day weekend usually in February.
Orlando. With fantastic rides and attractions and campgrounds for the entire family and all-in-one resort packages, Florida’s Disney World offers a great motorcycle vacation destination for families and couples – and let’s not forget motorcycling enthusiasts! Why not experience all Florida’s got to offer – Disney included – on a summer bike road trip.
Sturgis. The Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, one of the world’s oldest, largest and greatest rallies, is scheduled in August. And this year’s annual rally plans to be every bit as exciting and enjoyable for biker enthusiasts as it has been in previous years. Each summer more than a half-million motorcycle enthusiasts make the pilgrimage to the Black Hills of South Dakota for the Sturgis Rally. Drawn to the unique combination of scenery of surrounding granite peaks and creek-carved canyons with outstanding touring roads ribboning out across the landscape, and adding in the music and non-stop party action on famous Sturgis Main Street, Sturgis, North Dakota offers a dream vacation for any biker.
New Hampshire. Surrounded by Lakes Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam, Paugus and Opechee Bays, Laconia, New Hampshire is known as the “City of The Lakes,” with Weirs Beach located on Lake Winnipesaukee at its recreational center. It’s the beauty of the scenery, including the exhilarating view of the White Mountains, that make Laconia the place to go for vacationers who are looking for rest, relaxation and maybe even a bit of fishing. But it’s Laconia Motorcycle Week that makes it the place to go for bike enthusiasts who are looking for fun.
Laconia Motorcycle Week is the oldest of the major motorcycle rallies (the others being the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Daytona Beach Bike Week), beginning in 1916 when a few hundred motorcycle enthusiasts gathered at Laconia’s Weirs Beach. Today Laconia Motorcycle Week is known as the hotspot on the east coast where motorcycle enthusiasts gather for races, hill climbs, field events, other festivities, and to enjoy company of other riders.
Knoxville. Knoxville, Tennessee is an area surrounded by natural beauty and incredible terrain that offers a number of national parks. Add to that the opportunity to ride in the Great Smoky Mountains and you’ll see why Knoxville, Tennessee makes for the perfect place for you to experience incredible scenery while touring on your bike.
Ohio. If you like history and you like motorcycles, Pickering, Ohio is a great vacation destination for you. Along with music, dance, art, literature and museums, Pickering is home to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. The Museum is about the people and the machines that shaped the sport and industry of motorcycling. Visitors will also find the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in nearby Lexington, Ohio.. You don’t have to be a motorcyclist or even a motorcycle enthusiast to enjoy a visit to Pickering, but it certainly makes your visit well worth the trip if you just happen to love riding.
Colorado. Located in Colorado’s Northern Rockies, Winter Park is a popular winter destination drawing visitors to its large ski hill that boasts over 130 runs, resort accommodations, as well as trendy restaurants and shops. Not only is Winter Park a popular winter destination, but it also draws visitors during the summer with its Zephyr Mountain Express Chairlift taking sightseers and mountain bikers 10,700 ft (3261 m) to the summit of Winter Park Mountain, where stunning views of the Continental Divide can be enjoyed. Winter Park is also known for the Salute to American Veterans Rally, formerly held in Cripple Creek. A POW/MIA rally, the Salute to American Veterans Rally is also one of the best Colorado motorcycle rallies. Held in August, the ride to the new home of the POW/MIA Salute in Winter Park takes you and your bike through the beautiful Colorado Rockies, culminating with a huge POW/MIA parade, a POW/MIA Recognition Ride, motorcycle rodeo, a ride in bike show, live music, poker run, wet T-shirt contest, and a military fighter plane flyover.
Wichita. It’s the Air Capital of the World with 70% of U.S. general aviation aircraft produced in Wichita, Kansas, including Boeing, Bombardier and Cessna. But all that visiting motorcycle enthusiasts’ care is that Wichita is home to Big Dog Motorcycles, the largest manufacturer of custom motorcycles in the world.
Photo by Benjamin Voros on Unsplash
