The Solstice Festival is more than just a ride.
It’s an entire weekend dedicated to enjoying our area’s beautiful bike trails while supporting the meaningful charitable work of the MWA Foundation.
Cycling Events
Family Fun Ride
$25/Family or $10/Rider
Designed for the whole family, this ride stays completely on the paved Heart of Vilas paved trail system. Optional activities along the way help break up the ride and add some additional fun.
A free shuttle service from North Lakeland School back to Koller Park is available, allowing our younger riders to only bike 6 miles rather than the full 12. Along with a fully supported rest stop along the route your registration includes custom Solstice Festival swag and the most fun you'll have on a bike in the Northwoods!
15 Mile Buswell Loop
$30/Rider
Along with fully supported rest stops along the route your registration includes:
- Custom Solstice Festival swag
- Most fun you'll have on a bike in the Northwoods!
29 Mile Cranberry Loop
$40/Rider
Along with fully supported rest stops along the route your registration includes:
- Custom Solstice Festival swag
- Most fun you'll have on a bike in the Northwoods!
50 Mile Half-Century
$50/Rider
Along with fully supported rest stops along the route your registration includes:
- Custom Solstice Festival swag
- Most fun you'll have on a bike in the Northwoods!
Running Events
5k Fun Run
$25/runner
On Saturday enjoy a 5k Fun Run along the Heart of Vilas County paved trails. This untimed event will be fun for all fitness levels and abilities. Then join everyone back at Koller Park for a music, food, drinks, and more!
Waggin' Tails @ WinMan Trails
$25/runner
On Sunday take part in a non-competitive trail run at the beautiful WinMan Trails. Bring your four-legged friend, run it solo, or gather a group of friends and family. Located just 4 miles from Manitowish Waters, this event is fully supported with water stations along the route.
Complete Route Descriptions
Family Fun Ride: Truly designed for the whole family, this ride stays completely on the paved Heart of Vilas County trail system. Optional activities at Rest Lake Park, Hwy K and Red Feather Rd. and North Lakeland School help break up the ride and add some fun to the ride.
We offer a free shuttle service from North Lakeland School back to Koller Park. This allows for your younger riders to only bike 6 miles rather than the full 12 miles.
Buswell Loop (15 miles): Leaving from Koller Park, riders will take the paved trail all the way to Papoose Lake Road then loop around, rejoining the paved trails near North Lakeland School. Named after the historic Buswell Lumber Company, riders will go along the old railroad route and pass by the remains of what used to be a bustling lumber town.
Cranberry Loop (29 miles): This route utilizes both the paved trail system and area roads frequented by road cyclists. Riders will pass local family farms and cranberry bogs, many of which were first established in the 1940's. Riders will also have the chance to visit our World Famous Bloody Mary Bar located at the intersection of Hwy K and Hwy H.
Half-Century Loop (50 miles): Riders will be taken up through Presque Isle and then back towards Boulder Junction following both the paved trail system and area roads frequented by road cyclists. Riders will also have the chance to visit our World Famous Bloody Mary Bar located at the intersection of Hwy K and Hwy H.
5k Fun Run: Runners will follow the paved trail system from Koller Park along Tower Road, then return back to Koller Park.
Wagging Tails @ WinMan Trails: 3k/5k Trail Run: Join us for our newest addition to the Solstice Festival weekend - a trail run at WinMan Trails. WinMan and Rustic Roots are sponsoring a dog friendly 3k or 5k challenge. So grab your four-legged friend and explore beautiful trails at WinMan.
Both loops start with a gradual uphill and end with a nice downhill that is a long enough stretch for people to watch participants finish. Courses will have signs and support tables throughout to keep you on track.
All bike rides start and ends at Koller Park on Saturday. After your done on the trails, be sure to hang out for live music, beer, food, and games with our Party in the Park from 11am to 2pm.
Trail run will take place on Sunday at WinMan Trails located 4 miles from Manitowish Waters at 6870 Highway W, Winchester, WI 54557.