If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for the next great road trip. And let me tell you, Wisconsin has some of the most scenic drives in the country. With its rolling hills, vast forests, and stunning lakes, it’s a paradise for anyone who loves to hit the open road.
Whether it’s a leisurely drive through the countryside or a thrilling journey along the coastline, Wisconsin’s scenic routes have something for everyone. From the breathtaking views on the Great River Road to the charming small towns on the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, you’ll be spoilt for choice. So buckle up, and let’s explore some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful drives.
The Great River Road: A Scenic Drive Along the Mississippi River
Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the Great River Road in Wisconsin. This picturesque route stretches over 250 miles, hugging the western border of the state. It’s enveloped by the iconic Mississippi River and bestows sights that are hard to put into words but make for countless picture-perfect moments.
The drive takes you through several charming small towns, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions.
To kick off, let’s first delve into Prairie Du Chien, a historic town that predates Wisconsin’s statehood. History buffs will be in their element here as it’s brimmed with numerous heritage sites, including the Fort Crawford Museum and Villa Louis – a Victorian-era estate showcasing the opulent life of its original owners.
Moving northward, the next big stop on the route is La Crosse, nestled in a valley and surrounded by towering bluffs. This vibrant city is famed for its Oktoberfest and a wide array of breweries. What’s more, La Crosse also boasts a majestic riverside park – the Riverside International Friendship Gardens, characterized by gardens symbolizing its sister cities around the globe.
Keep moving, and you’ll end up in Pepin, the famed birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the “Little House on the Prairie” series. This village is also home to one of the state’s best wineries – the Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyards.
To give you a quick overview, here’s a table of the major stops along the Great River Road:
| Town | Attraction |
|---|---|
| Prairie Du Chien | Fort Crawford Museum, Villa Louis |
| La Crosse | Oktoberfest, Beer tasting, Friendship Gardens |
| Pepin | Laura Ingalls Wilder’s birthplace, Villa Bellezza Winery |
Door County Coastal Byway: Exploring the Beautiful Peninsula
From the majesty of Great River Road, let’s shift our gears and embark on another mesmerizing journey. Our next scenic gem brings us to the Door County Coastal Byway. A paradise for nature lovers, this route is a treasure trove of captivating sights and experiences.
Meandering along approximately 66 miles, this route is well-known for showcasing the spectacular coasts of Door County’s peninsula. It’s these same coastlines that give Door County its nickname: Cape Cod of the Midwest.
Starting at Sturgeon Bay, a city rich in maritime heritage, the byway circles the peninsula. Throughout this route, you’ll be treated to views of limestone cliffs, vibrantly colored forests, and expanses of tranquil shoreline. It’s truly an artist’s dream.
Beyond the extraordinary scenery, the towns dotting this route each offer something unique. An area like Egg Harbor is a hub for boutique shopping and art galleries, while a town like Sister Bay is commended for its culinary delights. Couple these experiences with the varying landscapes, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable drive.
For history buffs, this area isn’t lacking. Between the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay and the iconic Cana Island Lighthouse in Baileys Harbor, there’s no shortage of fascinating landmarks.
Check out the markdown table below for an overview of the route:
| Point of Interest | Distance from Start | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sturgeon Bay | 0 miles | Maritime heritage location |
| Egg Harbor | 17 miles | Shopping and arts hub |
| Sister Bay | 39 miles | Renowned for cuisine |
| Cana Island Lighthouse | 49 miles | Historic maritime landmark |
Undeniably, the Door County Coastal Byway is awash with idyllic sights and charming towns. But remember, this is just one of the many routes Wisconsin has tucked in its sleeves. As we continue our scenic drive series, I can’t wait to share what’s up next.
Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive: A Journey through Rolling Hills and Glacial Landscapes
As we transition from the coast to the interiors, let’s put the spotlight on one of the most awe-inspiring drives you can take in Wisconsin: The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. Stretching over 115 miles, it winds through six counties – Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, Washington, Waukesha, Walworth, and Jefferson – showcasing the diverse beauty of Wisconsin’s distinct geology.
| Drive Length | Counties Covered |
|---|---|
| 115 Miles | Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, Washington, Waukesha, Walworth, Jefferson |
This drive fascinates with an ever-changing panorama of rolling hills and glacial landscapes. It’s a ride that immerses you in history – you’re traveling through a region sculpted by glacial activities from the last Ice Age. The ride becomes an education as well – with multiple interpretive sites along the route explaining the geology and history behind the landscapes you’re experiencing.
The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive’s primary appeal is its natural beauty. However, it’s also punctuated by charming small towns like Elkhart Lake and Whitewater. These towns offer opportunities for dining, shopping, and accommodation for those looking to extend their road trip over a few days.
Truly a journey rather than a destination, the drive promises sights such as glistening lakes, lush green forests, and recreation areas like the Horicon Marsh – the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States – where birdwatchers can spot over 300 species.
| Key Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Horicon Marsh | Largest freshwater cattail marsh in the US with over 300 bird species |
The trip isn’t only about basking in natural splendor. It’s also about enjoying outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing at some Wisconsin State Parks along the route. Kettle Moraine State Forest stretches out on both sides of the drive, with separate northern and southern units allowing various recreational activities.
Every turn on the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive seems to usher you into a new adventure. So buckle up, set your sights beyond the windshield and let the Midwestern beauty unfold around you.
Lake Superior Scenic Byway: Enjoying the Stunning Views of the North Shore
Moving from the verdant landscapes of Kettle Moraine, the Lake Superior Scenic Byway offers an entirely different perspective. It’s a haven, a paradise of blue where Lake Superior’s mesmerizing vastness captivates eager explorers.
This scenic drive, a compelling stretch of approximately 70 miles along Wisconsin’s section of the north shore, unfolds a pageantry of impressive vistas. It begins at the city of Superior and winds its way through the Brule River State Forest, ending at the village of Ashland.
Here, you can experience a dynamic tableau that changes with each season. Spring shows off wildflowers dotting the lake’s shoreline, summer offers bountiful greenery complemented by the sparkling blue water, autumn brings a fiery spectacle of colors, and winter cloaks the area in a blanket of pristine white snow.
What makes Lake Superior Scenic Byway a favored drive is more than just its natural beauty. Along the route, there are quaint harbors, historic lighthouses, and charming small towns.
You’ll find Bayfield, with its apple orchards and berry farms, to be a delightful stop. Known as the Berry Capital of Wisconsin, it offers Farm-Fresh dining experiences that celebrate local flavors. Bayfield also gives access to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which features stunning sandstone sea caves and unique wildlife.
Lake Superior Scenic Byway is also a hub for outdoor recreation. From hiking and camping to fishing and birding, it has plenty to satisfy thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Opportunities to appreciate Wisconsin’s geology and history are readily available, with numerous interpretive sites and renowned museums dotted along the route.
There’s also an abundance of local shops where you can pick up handcrafted goods, stunning art pieces, or gourmet food treats.
My journey along the Lake Superior Scenic Byway has been a remarkable encounter with Wisconsin’s northern beauty. The transforming landscapes, quintessential towns, and magnificent lake views form an unforgettable narrative that every traveler should experience.
Experience Stats: Lake Superior Scenic Byway
| Total Length | Start | End | Notable Stops | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 miles | Superior | Ashland | Bayfield, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore |
The Rustic Road System: Discovering Hidden Gems off the Beaten Path
Now that I’ve taken you on a journey along the picturesque Lake Superior Scenic Byway, let’s venture off the beaten path. The Rustic Road System in Wisconsin is a well-kept secret waiting to be discovered. With over 120 different routes to explore, it’s a vast network of scenic rural roads that showcase Wisconsin’s beautiful terrain and rich history.
These routes aren’t your typical highways. They’re rustic paths rustling with leaves, decorated by wildflowers, shrouded in misty fog, and packed with the most serene landscapes. From dense forests and rolling meadows to tranquil lakes and charming farmhouses, each road presents a different beautiful aspect of Wisconsin’s rural charm.
Of these routes, Rustic Road 32 stands out as my go-to recommendation. It’s a wild journey through the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, featuring thick forestry, clear lakes, and thriving wildlife. The feeling of isolation is soothing, though you’ll find cozy towns sprinkled along the way, like Spooner, known for its classic American diners and friendly locals. It evolves subtly with the seasons, presenting a new, unique charm every few months.
As a hub for outdoor activities, the Rustic Roads offer many recreational options. They’re perfect for taking a leisurely bike ride, trekking through hiking trails, or unwinding at a secluded campsite. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of rare bird species or other majestic wildlife.
Another noteworthy route is Rustic Road 113, a path enriched with cultural heritage. It winds around the Amish communities located in Augusta and Fairchild, allowing glimpses into their simple, traditional way of life amidst the green pastoral beauty.
The Rustic Road System is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about the journey you undertake, the scenery you absorb, and the memories you create. It’s truly an underappreciated gem in Wisconsin’s treasure chest of scenic drives. My advice? Pack your essentials, fuel up your vehicle, and treat yourself to these exquisite rural escapes.
| Rustic Roads | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Rustic Road 32 | Dense forests, clear lakes, and thriving wildlife. |
| Rustic Road 113 | Offers a glimpse into the Amish way of life amidst pastoral scenery. |
Conclusion
So there you have it. Wisconsin’s Rustic Road System truly is a treasure trove for those seeking natural beauty and a taste of history. Whether it’s the captivating Northwoods along Rustic Road 32 or the unique Amish communities along Rustic Road 113, there’s a scenic drive tailored to everyone’s taste. And let’s not forget the countless opportunities for outdoor activities. So the next time you’re itching for an adventure, remember that Wisconsin’s scenic drives are waiting for you. They’re not just routes, but gateways to unforgettable experiences. Embark on these journeys and let Wisconsin’s rural charm captivate you. You won’t regret it.
What is the Rustic Road System?
The Rustic Road System is a collection of over 120 scenic routes in Wisconsin. It showcases the state’s beautiful landscape and rich history by taking travelers through diverse terrains, from lush forests to clear lakes.
Where does Rustic Road 32 lead?
Rustic Road 32 carves its path through Wisconsin’s Northwoods. It features dense forests, clear lakes, and thriving wildlife, offering an authentic back-to-nature experience.
What unique experience does Rustic Road 113 offer?
Rustic Road 113 provides a unique journey around Amish communities. Travelers will get a glimpse into the Amish’s traditional way of life, providing a rich and culturally enlightening experience.
What activities can I do when traveling the Rustic Road System?
The Rustic Road system offers diverse recreational opportunities. From biking and hiking through picturesque trails to camping under the stars, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities for travelers to immerse themselves in.
How can the Rustic Road System enhance my Wisconsin trip?
Exploring the Rustic Road System allows travelers to dive deep into rural Wisconsin’s scenic beauty and rich history. It’s a unique experience that embodies Wisconsin’s untamed charm, effectively enhancing any trip to the state.
