The team at Strambecco rates the Best MTB Races Midwest 2025 based on various factors, including reputation, route quality, location, rider feedback, and the overall uniqueness of the event or race.  Spanning Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, South/North Dakota, Nebraska, Indiana, and Minnesota, the Midwest terrain features of Strambecco’s best list is generally flat or rolling. Still, routes often include steep, short climbs with a significant elevation gain over the entire event route.

If we had to pick the best of the Best MTB Races Midwest 2025, or those you’d classify as bucket list events, we’d recommend the Lutsen 99er, which is also a Leadville Race Series event and a qualifier for the famed Leadville 100.  The Checuamegon MTB Festival in September is a great fall event produced by Life Time Events.  Several National Ultra Endurance Series events, including the Mohican and Marji Gesick, are on our best list.

Strambecco does not list every event.  We strive to identify and review events that are special and noteworthy.  If you have suggestions on other events we should consider or review, please contact us here or send us a note at editors@strambecco.com.  Strambecco also rates the Midwest’s Best Road Cycling and Best Gravel Cycling Events.