Five reasons to celebrate National Bike Month on Stevens Point's Green Circle Trail

STEVENS POINT - Might I make a suggestion for bicyclists across the state, now that the snow has melted (finally!) and we're well into May, National Bike Month?

Put riding the Green Circle Trail near the top of your to-do lists.

The Green Circle is a 27-mile hiking and biking pathway that circumnavigates Stevens Point and adjacent towns. It's been a must-do for local residents who love cycling, walking, running, bird-watching, cross-country skiing and nature in general, ever since it opened in June 1996.

For people living outside of central Wisconsin, the Green Circle may not be as well-known as the Elroy-Sparta Trail, which has three creepy-cool tunnels and the historic heft of being considered one of the first rail-to-trail pathways in the United States. Nor does it have the urban cachet of the terrific biking trail systems in Madison or Milwaukee. But if you're a cyclist who likes engaging communities, natural scenic beauty, public art and eating and drinking, Stevens Point is a destination.

I won't go so far as to say the Green Circle is the best cycling experience in Wisconsin because anywhere you're riding your bike is the best place to ride your bike. But here are five reasons that every cyclist in Wisconsin (and beyond) should give riding the Green Circle a go:

▶ Public art. The Green Circle runs alongside Stevens Point's altogether excellent — and surprising, for a city with a population of just under 26,000 — Sculpture Park. With work from local, regional and national artists, dozens of sculptures sit within a 20-acre parcel of woods at 900 N. Second St. According to its website, the park features the work of about 30 artists. The problem? You might spend so much time there that you'll need to cut short your ride. The trail also skirts by "To The Point," another eye-catching sculpture created by local blacksmith artist Boleslaw Kochanowski.

▶ River vistas. The Green Circle runs along several rivers and creeks. The Riverfront section of the trail goes through Bukolt and Pfiffner Pioneer parks along the flowing Wisconsin River. If you've got children riding along, this is an excellent place to stop for a snack or picnic, and get in a cross-training session on a playground. The trail also skirts along the Plover River, a quieter, wooded area to ride. Iverson Park is on the trail in this area as well.

▶ Family-friendly. Most, but not all, of the Green Circle is off-street, making it a safer alternative for younger children to ride. There are plenty of places to stop and let kids stretch their legs, including the parks. There are very few hills, which can tend to frustrate younger riders.

▶ Schmeeckle Reserve. The Green Circle meanders through this 280-acre nature conservancy area on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Part of the trail goes on boardwalks, allowing cyclists to cruise through wetland areas not normally accessible to bikes. Schmeeckle Reserve also is the headquarters for the Green Circle Trail. A visitor center includes interactive exhibits and houses the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame.

▶ Plenty to eat and drink. Oh boy! There's an abundance of great places to get food and drink throughout Stevens Point, many just a few blocks from the trail itself. Let's start with adult beverages. The Stevens Point Brewery offers tours and has a great gift shop. And it's got a Green Circle Pale Ale, with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit the trail. If you're looking to rev up, there's the Ruby Coffee Roasters cafe and Emy J's Coffeehouse. Both offer terrific coffee drinks, food and baked items. Emy J's has hard scooped ice cream. Ruby has a maple latte. I recommend both — you're cycling so you need the energy.

Features reporter Keith Uhlig is based in Wausau. Contact him at 715-845-0651 or kuhlig@gannett.com. Follow him at @UhligK on Twitter and Instagram or on Facebook.