Bike Guide’s Favorite Lodging
Although all of our lodging is top-notch, quite a few of the unique hotels and lodges really make an impression on our guests—and especially our guides. From friendly farm animals to awe-inspiring historic mansions, here are a few of our bike guide’s favorite lodging.
Circle View Ranch
Mickelson Trail & The Badlands
By far, the most positively regarded lodge is Circle View Ranch. Standing on over 2,000 acres of South Dakota prairie land, Circle View is a working cattle ranch that welcomes guests to explore the property, learn about animal husbandry, and kick up their feet to enjoy a truly remarkable sunset. We visit the ranch for the first night of our South Dakota bike tour.
The guide’s favorite part of the ranch are, of course, the animals.
“What makes Circle View really fun are the animals, especially Boomer the cattle dog and Jack the burro,” guide Paul Kingsbury says. “Those two are always teasing each other, sometimes quite rambunctiously. The last time I was there I was petting Jack when I noticed Boomer lower his head and come charging towards us. I knew what was coming next so I quickly jumped into the trailer as those two went at it, hoofs flying, teeth nipping, and a cloud of dust rising to the sky!”
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- Guide Paul Kingsbury has help from the ranch’s burro.
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- Guide James Oerding feeds one of the calves at Circle View.
However, this incredible lodge is much more than the furry friends that wander the grounds. Sitting on top of a mesa, the ranch has 360 degree views of the Badlands.
“Circle View is a total playground with amazing views and sunsets,” guide James Oerding says. “When you arrive, you don’t want to leave. The place is just special. I am of the opinion that we are lucky to get to stay there.”
Sylvan Inn
Michigan Islands, Trails & Dunes
Situated a short stroll from the art galleries, restaurants, and unique shops of Glen Arbor, the Sylvan Inn Bed & Breakfast combines lakeside charm with historic chic. Each guest room is artfully decorated with antique furniture and accessories. Each room truly has its own identity.
It’s not just the comfortable and quiet accommodations that make this Michigan inn stick out as one of our guide’s favorite lodges. 
“The wrap around porch is always a gathering place for all of the guests on our tours, whether it’s for eating dinner, having drinks, or just chilling out,” says guide David Cutcliff.
Whether guests decide to stroll through town, or explore Lake Michigan’s beaches, we spend two nights at the Sylvan Inn on our 6-day Michigan bike tour.
A Storybook Inn
Kentucky Bike & Bourbon
This unique inn is an award-winning Select Registry bed and breakfast steeped in history. Originally built in the late 1830s, A Storybook Inn has been magnificently restored multiple times. It became an award-winning inn in 2005. San Francisco Magazine states that the inn is the “place to stay on the Bourbon Trail.”
“This place is like a museum,” says guide Rob Horschman. “Art work in every room to admire. Books throughout to browse. Baby grand piano to play if inclined as I was.”
Each of the private suits are tastefully decorated with unique identities. The entire property has plenty to discover. Between horse farms and bourbon distilleries, we stay two nights at A Storybook Inn on our Kentucky bike tour.
The Blackwell Hotel
Idaho Coeur D’Alene & The Hiawatha
Located in the heart of Coeur D’Alene, The Blackwell Hotel offers a glimpse into the history and community of its surroundings. Local artwork adorns the walls, and the location provides easy access to explore the town.
For bike guide Patty Anne McLaughlin, the hotel sparks romanticism and inspiration.
“As an avid fan of architecture and design, I was blown away by the simple elegance of the classic detailing of this Colonial Revival Mansion and how it has been meticulously maintained and expertly modernized,” McLaughlin says.
“Beyond romantic,” she recalls the history of the home. Built in 1904, lumberman F.A. Blackwell commissioned the mansion, sparing no expense or attention to detail, as a wedding gift to his son.
We kick off our popular Coeur D’Alene & The Hiawatha bike tour with a luxurious stay at The Blackwell.
Antrim 1844
Gettysburg & The Civil War / Shenandoah & Skyline Drive
The Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel prides itself on exceptional service, award-winning dining, and one-of-a-kind guest accommodations. Sitting on a 24-acre estate, this historic hotel features a central mansion with 9 guest rooms and 11 detached guests houses each with their own unique identities.
“I believe the guests thoroughly enjoyed their visit here, it’s just a fabulous place,” says guide Rich Mitchell. “The restaurant, wine cellar and bar were SUPERB! One of the nicest hotels I’ve been to in a while.”
The Antrim is featured on both our Gettysburg bike tour and Shenandoah bike tour.
Guide Rich Mitchell enjoys one of the gathering rooms at Antrim with guests.
Genesee Country Inn
New York’s Erie Canal West
One of the intrigues of adventuring by bicycle is the opportunity to slow down and view the surroundings in a slower motion than we are daily accustomed to in our motorized society.
“The Genesee Country Inn in the hamlet of Mumford, N.Y. is a perfect place where slowing down is welcomed and encouraged,” says guide Patty Anne McLaughlin. “Here, the early 1800’s history and rural country lifestyle are the pulse of Inn. Visiting the Inn is like coming to visit the home of a cherished relative with interesting antiques, tchotchkes, and bookcases of rare finds and treasures to appreciate.”
There is a nod to nostalgia in this classic stone and frame cottage-style home that settles on the edge of a country lane with its original paper mill and trout stream babbling through the 8 acre property.
The inn’s proprietor, Debroah, is dedicated to creating a welcoming and quiet setting that’s off the beaten path. Guests get a chance to explore the idyllic surroundings of the Gennesee Country Inn on our Erie Canal bike tour.
“You leave the Inn feeling warm and fuzzy – like you just got a big hug,” says McLaughlin.
Our team of guides and specialists carefully craft each of our bike tours to provide the best riding and most unique lodging experiences. Each of our tours feature inns, hotels and bed & breakfasts that complement our guests experiences. Explore more of our bike tours to see all of the different lodges you’ll find along the way.
Wilderness Voyageurs operates fully supported, inn-to-inn bicycle tours across the United States, offering more rail-trail tours and biking destinations than any other U.S. based bike tour company.