The Big M Route is aptly named for the huge “M” on the side of a mound outside of Platteville, WI. It is the largest “M” in the world! Take the time to stretch your legs and hike to the top for an amazing view!  Located in southwest Wisconsin, this route ranges from the Illinois border nearly all the way to the Wisconsin River. The geography varies from the high bluffs and deep valleys near the major rivers to the rolling farmland one expects of southern Wisconsin. Get ready to ride both small, tight, twistie roads and fast highways.  Because this part of Wisconsin contains some of the earliest settled land, there are a lot of historic sights throughout the entire region. There are many museums and exhibits describing the early life and industry in the area such as the Brewer museum in Potosi, the Mining Museum in Platteville, Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point, and Wisconsin’s First State Capital in Belmont. In addition to these historic sights, this route also boasts access to 4 Wisconsin Rustic Roads (#s 66, 70, 75, 99).  So set your sights on the Big M Route, and bring your hiking shoes!
 
Approximate Mileage:  215 Miles
Estimated Riding Time:  5.75 Hours
Road Surface:  Paved
 
Attractions:
Potosi:  Brewery Museum, Potosi Recreation Area
Platteville:  World’s Largest “M”, Rollo Jamison Mining Museum
Belmont:  Belmont Mound Lookout, Wisconsin First State Capital
Dickeyville:  The Grotto
Hazel Green:  Dinosaur, UFO Sculptures
Lancaster:  Grant County Courthouse
Fennimore:  Railroad Museum, Dinky Train, Igor the Mouse
Shullsburg:  Gravity Hill, Badger Mine and Museum
Mineral Point:  Mineral Point RR Museum, Shake Rag Alley, Pendarvis House
Wisconsin Rustic Roads:  #66, #70, #75, #99
 
A Paper Map is available for this route.
Motorcycle Rides, Dubuque, Hazel Green, Dickeyville, Platteville, Potosi, Tennyson, Lancaster, Rewey, Mifflin, Livingston, Stitzer, Fennimore, Lindan, Mineral Point, Dodgeville, Shullsburg, Benton, Cuba City, Castle Rock, Cobb, Montfort, Scales Mound, Cassville, New Diggings