6 Hotels for a Two-Up Midwest Motorcycle Getaway

There’s only one thing better than being out on the open road on your motorcycle—and that’s doing so with the one you love. Whether you’re riding your own bikes or one is tucked in the passenger seat behind the other, adding a romantic overnight element to the joy of riding is simply the best.

Here are six lovey-dovey lodging suggestions for planning an unforgettable moto trip together, or perhaps for surprising your dearest with.    

Cascades Inn in Bloomington, IN

Located on the north side of Bloomington, IN, just 1.5 miles from the heart of the city, is a simple, clean, and affordable respite from the road. The owners of the retro-style Cascades Inn have created an unexpected enclave of calmness with a delightful courtyard.

Here you’ll find generous parking and easy access to major roads and highways (I-69, SR 37, SR 46, and SR 45), making for a good stopover point. Guests can enjoy all the regular modern hotel niceties in the large rooms, including free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, a coffee machine, and fridge.

Just half a mile away is the major sports complex at Indiana University, while the hotel itself backs onto Cascade Park. Either on or off the bike, there are numerous restaurants and activities in close proximity. Other nearvy entertainment options include the Indiana University Art Museum and the WonderLab Museum of Science, Health, and Technology.

Harley-Davidson of Bloomington has created a guide to local rides of varying lengths to help showcase what they refer to as a gateway to a rider’s paradise. These include the Lake Lemon Run, a 32-mile ride through Morgan-Monroe State Forest and around Lake Lemon.

The Lake Monroe Cruise is 50 miles of rolling hills that passes through Hoosier National Forest. The Hoosier Hills Loop is 120 miles and includes some challenging twisties, while the Freetown Run is 85 miles through Hoosier National Forest to Story, IN, and Nashville, IN.

Southfork Motel in Bloomfield, IA

There’s something about a hotel that is situated at a junction of two highways that speaks to the wanderer. If your travels take you through Bloomfield, IA, the Southfork Motel provides clean rooms at reasonable rates.

The Southfork’s parking area is big and roomy, making turning around and maneuvering a cinch even on ginormous fully-loaded touring bikes. A continental breakfast awaits guests after a romantic night in the privacy of the large rooms.

There’s also a launderette, so you can wash your gear, and a business center to keep you connected to the world (if you can tear yourself away from your partner).

The Iowa Theater is just one mile away and Lake Fisher is within an easy six-minute ride.

Time your stay for a Saturday and/or a Tuesday and take advantage of Bloomfield’s Farmer’s Market. Nearby Lake Wapello offers boating, swimming, and fishing for waterside couples’ getaway.

You can also tour the local Amish Communities of nearby Davis County. While in town take a ride by the historical, beautiful Bloomfield Courthouse on the Bloomfield Square.

In July, Davis County hosts the County Fair (check for dates). Another popular tourist attraction, just a mile from the hotel, is the James B. Weaver House. Weaver was a Presidential candidate in 1880 and again in 1892.

For dining convenience, the Southfork Hotel has the Southfork Grill, which is on-site and allows you to get parked and settled into your room with a romantic dining experience without suiting up and riding afterward.

Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort in Deerwood, MN

Located just two hours from the Twin Cities, Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort is a quaint, woodsy lodge picturesquely situated on a lake. With main lodge interior rooms and small, private cabins available, you can tailor your overnight stay to your and your partner’s liking.

The rustic, large-beam architecture has been delighting travelers since 1898. The stonework of the lobby’s grand fireplace is as it was originally, providing a comfortable place to lounge.

The resort has expanded over the years, adding a number of rooms, some equipped with kitchens. Situated on a lake, there’s plenty of opportunities to get out on the water, either by swimming, boating, or rafting. Or, perhaps pick a place on the grass and cuddle up to simply take it all in at your own leisure.

Food is an essential consideration at Ruttger’s, and you’ll find a range of dining experiences within steps of your room. Most of the establishments come with views and outdoor overlooks of the lake, including Ruby’s On The Lake, Bear Pine Bar, White Oak Grill, and Auntie M’s.

This is the Great Lakes region, so naturally lakes big and small abound. Roads trace the shores, making for pleasant riding and favorable sightseeing.

Slightly south of Deerwood is Bay Lake. There’s also the much larger Mille Lacs Lake, which deserves circumnavigating by motorcycle for a pleasant and easy outing.

Betsie Riverside Resort in Benzonia, MI

Betsie Riverside Resort offerts classic waterfront cabins in a tranquil environment. Located just a hop and skip from Lake Michigan, it provides plenty of atmosphere, especially in fall when the trees turn colors.

The resort offers individual free-standing cabins as well as tent/camper sites, which have outdoor fireplaces. For motorcycle riders, the cabins have assigned parking right next to them, which provides peace of mind and easy access when loading or unloading. The cabins have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, with kitchenettes fitted with an oven, microwave, and a toaster.

All guests have access to the cozy hot tub and can also enjoy a swim in the indoor pool. Kresge Auditorium is just 22 miles away. The Resort provides kayaks or canoes (for rental) to allow guests to take full advantage of exploring the waterways directly in front of the property.

There are a host of small, winding backroads that meander through this region, with plenty of lakes to be discovered.

This part of the country experiences famously brutal cold in winter, so any motorcycling ventures will have to take place during summer, fall, and spring.

Just five miles away, skirting along the southern rim of nearby Crystal Lake, you can catch SR 22 and wind your way north up the shoreline to Good Harbor Bay. From there, ride the fingers of land that reach out into Grand Traverse Bay (via SR 37 and 31) for a day of exploring.  

Otter Creek Inn in Altoona, WI

Classy, unique, and tasteful, comfort greets guests at the charming Otter Creek Inn. Located in Altoona near the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the property offers a beautiful and peaceful garden and sun terrace to relax and escape from the world with your loved one.

Each room has air conditioning and a spa bath, a designated seating area, and bathrobes are supplied to enjoy the spacious, luxuriant bathrooms. Barbecue facilities are also available.

Being a bed-and-breakfast, a full American breakfast is served. Local sites include the Colfax Railroad Museum and the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

No stranger to motorcycles, Altoona is home of the annual Highground Honor Ride-Eau Claire. The area enjoys a strong motorcycle presence and is ripe with a variety of ride types.

There are a number of popular motorcycle rallies, rides, and events that unfold throughout the year. A recommended ride out of the inn is to pick up SR 85 going southwest through Rock Falls, then turning onto SR 35 heading south, skirting the Mississippi River for a meandering ride along these storied banks.

You can also head northeast out of the inn to Chippewa Falls, then go north where you will find a plethora of small lakes and rivers. For a longer ride, roll all the way to the southern shore of Lake Superior.

Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells, WI

Located in Wisconsin Dells, 1.6 miles from Crystal Grand Music Theater, the Great Wolf Lodge features a seasonal outdoor pool and barbecue. Some of the units have seating areas, while others feature kitchenettes—be sure to inquire after what suits you.

Enjoy the hot tub, fitness center, and indoor pool. The Mulligans-Christmas Mountain is a popular outing location only 5 miles from the property.

Yet another midwest biker’s paradise, there are a number of rural backroads that traverse the surrounding area. You and your beloved co-traveler can enjoy everything from farmland to forests and open landscapes to rolling hills.

SR 58 winds through the state, as do a number of small sideroads designated by a single letter. One of the annual events catering to the rider community is the Dells Rally.

Due east of the Lodge is Lake Michigan, where you can take SR 43 to Green Bay before venturing north all the way to the tip at Ellison Bay. From there, you can ride the US 41 to US 2 and follow the north shore of Lake Michigan around to Cheboygan (one of the coolest names for a city).

Lake Superior is roughly 200 miles due north from Great Wolf, and has a number of small shoreline roads that skirt all the way around the lake for a longer couples’ outing.