Winter eBike Tour Madison: Fat Tire Bikes & Holiday Stops

Three miles on electric fat bikes, three chances to thaw, one 35-foot holiday tree

A two-hour winter eBike tour of Madison on fat tire electric bikes, with a live guide leading small groups through the Capitol, UW Campus, State Street shops and Lake Mendota. The route includes three indoor stops to warm up, a hot drink at the Boathouse, one alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage per person, and bottled water. Minimum age is 14. Guides carry purchases from State Street boutiques for the rest of the ride.

Step-by-step itinerary

Winter eBike tour with indoor stops

• Learn Capitol history and see holiday tree
• Shop at two local Madison boutiques
• Cruise through UW Campus and see historic buildings
• Warm up with hot drink at Boathouse

The experience

Winter cycling in Madison means fat tire eBikes (wide, low-pressure tires that grip snow and ice), so you're not fighting the terrain. The motor handles the pedaling effort, which matters when the temperature drops and your legs are working to stay warm. You'll ride three miles total, which sounds short until you factor in the stops: the Capitol building and its 35-foot holiday tree (December tours only), two local boutiques on State Street in the arts district, the UW Campus to see historic buildings and hear about student pranks, and the Boathouse on Lake Mendota for views of the water and skyline while you warm up with a hot drink.

Three indoor stops break up the cold, and the tour provides one drink per person. Choose an alcoholic beverage or a non-alcoholic hot option. Bottled water is included throughout. The guide will carry most small and medium purchases you make on State Street, so you can shop without hauling bags on the bike. Plan to pick up anything large or breakable at the end. Dress for Wisconsin winter: face covering, gloves, and a headband or earmuffs matter more than a hat. There's no bad weather, only bad gear.

The tour runs two hours and is led by a live guide in English. Anyone ordering an alcoholic drink must bring a valid ID and be 21 or older. If you have dietary allergies (some holiday drinks contain milk or eggs), let the operator know when you book. The minimum age is 14, and the tour suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Use of a fat tire eBike.
• bottled water throughout the ride.
• one hot drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic, your choice) at the Boathouse.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• guide assistance carrying State Street purchases for the remainder of the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SundayDeparts at 14:00Last departure this season: 27 Dec

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Madison Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?The guide delivers commentary in English, so you follow the whole route without translation. The two-hour length and three indoor stops suit anyone curious about winter cycling but not ready to spend a full day in the cold. You get the novelty and the city without the endurance test.

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I really bike in Madison winter, or is this just for hardy locals?

Fat tire eBikes are designed for snow and ice, and the motor does most of the work, so you don't need winter cycling experience. The three indoor warm-up stops mean you're never outside for more than a stretch at a time. Dress warmly and you'll be fine.

What's actually at the Capitol stop on this tour?

The Capitol building itself and a 35-foot holiday tree, which is available December tours only. The guide shares the building's history while you're there.

Do I have to buy anything at the State Street boutiques?

No, the tour passes through two local shops in Madison's shopping and arts district, but shopping is optional. If you do buy something, the guide will carry it on the bike for you.

What drink is included, and can I get something different?

One alcoholic or non-alcoholic hot beverage per person is included. You choose which when you book or on the day. You can't purchase additional alcoholic drinks on the tour, but bottled water is provided throughout.

How cold does it have to be for this tour to cancel?

The operator has a generous refund and weather policy for Wisconsin winter extremes. Check their website for the specific conditions. The philosophy is that there's no bad weather, only bad gear, so most tours run unless conditions are genuinely unsafe.