Tag Along on My First Northwoods Fall Ride!
We've all seen the bumper sticker, "If I have to explain it, you wouldn’t understand." Let me try my best: this year, I had the chance to experience the annual Northwoods Fall Ride in Tomahawk, Wisconsin—an event that brings together Harley-Davidson enthusiasts from all over the country. Over the course of the weekend, we rode some of Northern Wisconsin’s best routes, stopped at a number of biker-friendly spots, and made memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 1: A Journey to the Heart of the Northwoods
The trip began with excitement as we set off from House of Harley-Davidson, heading toward Horicon. We passed through Green Lake, a town established in 1847 as the village of Dartford; Stevens Point, home to the world’s largest trivia contest; and Wausau, originally known as Big Bull Falls. Finally, we arrived in Tomahawk, a peaceful town surrounded by recreational waters on the shores of Lake Mohawksin.
Along the way, we made a quick stop at Bull Falls Harley-Davidson in Wausau to catch up with old industry friends and stretch our legs. Wisconsin’s Northwoods in the fall doesn’t disappoint. As we rode, the roads were lined with changing leaves and dense forests, creating that tunnel-like effect. You’re quickly reminded that you’re no longer in Milwaukee, and your appreciation for a two (or three) wheeled freedom machine is renewed.
Our destination was Tomahawk, a small town with deep ties to Harley-Davidson. In 1961, Harley-Davidson purchased the Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Co. plant. By 1963, the company began producing parts at the facility. Willie G. Davidson, grandson of the company's founder, had spent summer vacations in Tomahawk and decided to convert the former boat factory into a plant to make components for Harley’s touring bikes. Over the years, the plant has grown and now manufactures windshields, saddlebags, and other composite parts essential for Harley-Davidson’s Touring models.
This plant, along with another facility in Tomahawk, is vital to Harley’s operations, employing 330 people and playing a significant role in the town’s economy. Tomahawk and Harley-Davidson are now intertwined, with the Northwoods Fall Ride drawing thousands of bikers each year and contributing to the town’s identity.
The Northwoods Fall Ride, which began in the 1980s, is a major event that riders from across the country look forward to every year.
Exploring Tomahawk and Its Harley-Davidson Legacy
When we rolled into Tomahawk, it was clear that the town revolves around the Fall Ride. The streets were packed with bikes, and the energy was palpable. Harley-Davidson’s connection to Tomahawk runs deep—it’s part of the town’s culture, not just its economy. From factory tours to Harley-themed events, the company’s presence was visible everywhere.
But it’s not just about the ride; it’s about community. Tens of thousands of bikers come to Tomahawk, not just for the ride but also to support local causes. The charitable aspect is huge, making the Northwoods Fall Ride a standout event. And while you’re in town, be sure to check out Kelley Castle, a quirky local landmark that’s become a must-visit.
Day 2: Riding Through Minocqua, Boulder Junction, and St. Germain
The next morning, we set off again, heading deeper into the Northwoods. Our first stop was Minocqua, a popular destination known for its lakes and scenic views. What really stands out here is the genuine hospitality. You can’t overstate how friendly the locals are toward bikers. Whether it’s a gas station, bar, or grill, we were welcomed everywhere we went.
Next, we headed to Boulder Junction, the "Musky Capital of the World." The roads here are surrounded by wilderness and lined with tall pines, making for a smooth and relaxing ride. It’s one of those places where you can appreciate the simplicity of the open road with few distractions.
We ended the day in St. Germain, a small town known for its welcoming locals and great places to grab a bite. The roads leading into St. Germain were vibrant with fall colors, making it one of the most memorable parts of the trip. Whether it’s a biker hangout or a small-town diner, the people in St. Germain are always happy to see riders.
Day 3: The Ride Home Through Menominee, Bonduel, and Green Bay
On the third day, we started our ride back home, passing through Crandon before stopping at Doc’s Harley-Davidson in Bonduel. Doc’s is more than just a dealership—it houses an impressive collection of vintage cars and motorcycles. The highlights included a 1967 Pontiac GTO Convertible, a 1971 Cuda Convertible 440 with 500 Horsepower, disc brakes, air conditioning--1 of only 293 convertibles built in '71, a 1965 Superformance AC Cobra (Superformance is the only Cobra replica built under license from Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc.) with a 550 HP 427, and a Plymouth Superbird, one of the rarest muscle cars ever made. And, of course, there’s the world’s fastest Panhead, with a legendary racing history thanks to Steve "Doc" Hopkins.
After taking in the collection, we hit the road again, rolling through Green Bay (and celebrating the Packers' 16-10 win over the Colts) before heading south through Appleton, Oshkosh, and Fond du Lac. The final stretch back to Milwaukee gave us time to reflect on the weekend and the incredible ride through some of Wisconsin’s best scenery.
Final Thoughts on My First Northwoods Fall Ride
As I rode the final miles home, I understood why the Northwoods Fall Ride is such a big deal. It’s not just the ride—it’s the people you meet, the towns you pass through, and the shared love for Harley-Davidson that makes it special. What really stood out was how welcoming every place along the route was toward bikers—whether it was a bar, gas station, or small-town diner, the attitude was always the same: they were glad to have us.
The roads through Wisconsin’s Northwoods, the warm reception in Tomahawk, and the incredible collection at Doc’s Harley-Davidson made this trip one for the books. The freedom of riding a Harley is something you can’t fully understand until you’ve done it. This was my first time at the Northwoods Fall Ride, but it definitely won’t be my last. If you’ve never been to Tomahawk or ridden through Wisconsin’s Northwoods, put it on your calendar for next year—you won’t regret it.
