13-best-road-trips-in-wisconsin

title: '13 Best Road Trips in Wisconsin: Scenic Routes for Unforgettable Adventures' date: '2024-11-07 16:27:33' modified: '2024-11-07 16:27:33' author: 'b' categories: ['Uncategorized'] tags: [] excerpt: '' slug: '13-best-road-trips-in-wisconsin'

Wisconsin offers some of the most scenic and enjoyable road trips in the Midwest. From winding routes along the Mississippi River to charming small towns nestled in rolling hills, there's something for every traveler. These 13 road trips showcase the best of Wisconsin's natural beauty, local culture, and hidden gems.

Taking a road trip through Wisconsin lets you experience the state's diverse landscapes and attractions at your own pace. You can explore pristine forests, marvel at rocky bluffs overlooking sparkling lakes, and stop at quirky roadside attractions along the way. Whether you're looking for a quick day trip or a longer adventure, Wisconsin's roads are calling.

1. Great River Road

The Great River Road in Wisconsin is a must-do road trip. You'll drive 250 miles along the Mississippi River, taking in stunning views. The route passes through 30 charming river towns.

You can start your journey in La Crosse. Check out the Dahl Auto Museum to learn about the history of cars and roads in America. As you drive, you'll see steep limestone and sandstone bluffs lining the river valley.

Make sure to stop in Prairie du Chien. It's known for beautiful Mississippi River views and wildlife. The town has lots of cute shops and places to stay. You can also visit historic sites from its frontier days.

2. Lake Michigan Circle Tour

You can drive the Lake Michigan Circle Tour for a scenic road trip around the Great Lake. This 1,000-mile journey takes you through Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.

The Wisconsin section offers beautiful lakeside views and charming towns. You'll pass through Milwaukee, with its breweries and museums. Further north, you can explore Door County's quaint villages and beaches.

Stop at state parks along the route to enjoy nature. Kohler-Andrae has sandy beaches and dunes. Point Beach features a historic lighthouse. You might spot wildlife like deer or eagles.

The full circle tour takes about 14 hours of driving time. But you'll want to plan for several days to fully appreciate the sights. Take your time to soak in the lake vistas and explore the towns along the way.

3. Wisconsin Scenic Byway

Wisconsin's Scenic Byway program showcases some of the state's most beautiful drives. You'll find five officially designated routes that wind through stunning landscapes.

Highway 13 stands out as a must-drive scenic byway. It hugs the Lake Superior shoreline for 100 miles between Ashland and Superior. You'll pass charming coastal towns and get breathtaking views of the lake.

The Great River Road is another scenic gem. It follows the Mississippi River for 250 miles along Wisconsin's western border. You'll see towering bluffs, quaint river towns, and lots of wildlife.

Don't miss the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive either. It takes you through the glacier-carved hills and lakes of eastern Wisconsin. The fall colors here are amazing.

4. Door County Coastal Byway

You'll love the Door County Coastal Byway. It's a 66-mile drive that shows off the best of Door County. The route goes from Sturgeon Bay to the tip of the peninsula.

As you drive, you'll see pretty lake views and cute towns. The byway follows Highway 42 and Highway 57. These roads take you past limestone cliffs and green forests.

You can stop at small villages along the way. Each one has its own charm. Look for local shops and restaurants to try.

The byway gives you a great tour of Door County's natural beauty. You'll see both Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Don't forget your camera - there are lots of photo spots.

5. Cheese Country Scenic Drive

You'll love cruising through southwest Wisconsin's rolling hills on this tasty trip. The Cheese Country Trail runs 47 miles from Monroe to Mineral Point. You'll pass lush farmland and charming small towns along the way.

Stop at cheese factories to sample local specialties. Carr Valley Cheese in La Valle and Hook's Cheese in Mineral Point are must-visits. You can watch cheesemakers at work and buy fresh curds.

The trail follows an old railroad line, so it's smooth and scenic. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many spots with countryside views. Bring your bike if you want to pedal parts of the trail too.

6. Historic Bluff Country Byway

You'll love driving the Historic Bluff Country Byway in southeast Minnesota. This scenic route runs along State Road 16 through the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest.

The byway shows off Minnesota's natural beauty. You'll see rolling hills, winding streams, and lush forests. In fall, the trees burst with vibrant colors.

As you travel, you'll pass through charming river towns. These spots offer places to stop, stretch your legs, and grab a bite to eat. Keep your camera ready for stunning bluff-top views along the way.

This drive is perfect for nature lovers. You can hike trails, spot wildlife, or simply enjoy the peaceful countryside. The byway gives you a taste of rural Minnesota's landscapes and small-town charm.

7. Southwest Wisconsin Cheese Trail

You'll love the Southwest Wisconsin Cheese Trail. It's a tasty road trip through America's Dairyland. You can visit cheese factories and sample local specialties.

Old Country Cheese is a must-see stop. It's in the heart of Amish country. You can try their 12-year-old cheddar or fun flavors like buffalo wing.

Baumgartner Cheese Store and Tavern in Monroe is great for a meal break. You'll find local cheeses, beers, and other Wisconsin products here.

Cedar Grove Cheese in Plain offers organic options. They were the first Wisconsin cheese factory to go rBGH-free.

As you drive, you'll see beautiful rolling hills. The area is known as the Driftless Region. It has a unique landscape that wasn't flattened by glaciers.

8. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive

The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive offers you a stunning 115-mile journey through southeast Wisconsin's unique landscape. You'll wind your way through six counties, starting near Elkhart Lake in Sheboygan County and ending at Whitewater Lake in Walworth County.

As you travel, you'll see the effects of ancient glaciers that shaped the land. The drive takes you past kettle lakes, moraine hills, and other cool glacial features. You'll cruise through forests and open areas with great views.

The route gives you lots of chances to stop and enjoy nature. You can picnic, hike, or just take in the scenery. It's a perfect way to see Wisconsin's beauty and learn about its history at the same time.

9. Great Wisconsin Cheese Trail

You'll love exploring Wisconsin's cheese heritage on this tasty trail. Start at Carr Valley Cheese in Wisconsin Dells. They've made cheese for over 100 years and specialize in bread cheese. Next, head to Fennimore to sample 100 cheese varieties at Carr Valley's store there.

In Watertown, stop by Kraemer Wisconsin Cheese. They've sold dairy products since the 1920s and make 13 kinds of cheese spreads. For award-winning cheeses, visit Roelli Cheese in Shullsburg. Their Dunbarton Blue won Best in Show at the American Cheese Society.

End your cheesy adventure at Stoney Acres Pizza Farm in Athens. You can enjoy fresh pizza topped with local cheeses while taking in views of the farm. This trail lets you taste Wisconsin's finest cheeses right from the source.

10. Great Divide Scenic Highway

The Great Divide Scenic Highway offers a beautiful 29-mile drive through northern Wisconsin. You'll find it on State Highway 77 between Glidden and Hayward.

As you cruise along, you're treated to views of lush forests and sparkling lakes. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like black bears, timber wolves, and white-tailed deer.

The route takes you through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. You'll cross rivers, pass by swamps, and see plenty of natural beauty. Listen for the calls of loons echoing across the water.

This scenic byway is perfect for a relaxing drive any time of year. In fall, the changing leaves create a stunning backdrop of reds, oranges, and golds. Winter brings a quiet, snowy wonderland to explore.

11. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a must-see on your Wisconsin road trip. You'll find 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland shoreline to explore. Kayaking is a top activity here. You can paddle through sea caves and spot shipwrecks beneath the clear waters of Lake Superior.

Hiking trails wind through forests and along beaches on many of the islands. You might see wildlife like black bears, deer, and various bird species. The islands also have several historic lighthouses you can visit.

Bayfield serves as the gateway to the islands. This charming town offers boat tours if you prefer not to kayak. You can also catch a ferry to Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands.

Winter brings its own magic to the area. Ice caves form along the shoreline when conditions are right. Walking on the frozen lake to see these caves is an unforgettable experience.

12. Mississippi River Valley Scenic Byway

The Mississippi River Valley Scenic Byway is a must-do road trip in Wisconsin. You'll drive along the Great River Road, which hugs the mighty Mississippi for 250 miles. This route takes you through 30 charming river towns full of history and local flavor.

As you cruise down Highway 35, you'll see stunning views of the river and bluffs. Stop at overlooks to take in the scenery. Watch for bald eagles soaring overhead.

The byway offers lots to do. You can hike in state parks, fish in quiet backwaters, or shop in quaint downtowns. Try local restaurants with river views. Visit historic sites to learn about the area's past.

Don't miss the fun attractions along the way. Look for trolls on the Troll Trail scavenger hunt. Get ice cream at Hood Scoops in Stoddard. Check out an Army Corps of Engineers lock and dam to see how river traffic moves.

13. Wisconsin Cranberry Highway

You'll love driving the Cranberry Highway through Wisconsin's scenic cranberry country. This 50-mile route winds through Wood, Juneau, and Monroe counties, passing century-old cranberry bogs.

The highway follows parts of State Roads 54, 173, and 13 between Wisconsin Rapids and Warrens. You'll see vibrant red cranberry marshes dotting the landscape as you cruise along.

Stop at the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center in Warrens to learn about the state's cranberry heritage. You can view vintage harvesting tools and even a 1914 Model T used to transport berries.

For the best views, time your trip during the fall harvest season. You'll see acres of floating cranberries being corralled for collection. The contrast of red berries against autumn foliage is stunning.

Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic pullouts along the route. You might spot sandhill cranes or other wildlife in the wetlands surrounding the cranberry bogs.

Best Times to Embark on a Wisconsin Road Trip

Wisconsin offers great road trips year-round, but certain seasons bring out the state's best features. The weather and scenery change dramatically throughout the year, shaping your travel experience.

Seasonal Highlights

Summer is prime time for Wisconsin road trips. The warm days are perfect for exploring outdoor attractions. You can swim in lakes, hike scenic trails, and enjoy local festivals. Fall brings stunning colors to the landscape. Take in the reds, oranges, and yellows of changing leaves along country roads. It's also ideal for visiting apple orchards and pumpkin patches.

Winter transforms Wisconsin into a snowy wonderland. You can marvel at frozen waterfalls and ice caves. Winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling are popular. Spring brings new life as flowers bloom and wildlife becomes active again. It's a good time for birdwatching and seeing baby animals.

Consider your interests when picking a season. Summer and fall offer the most options, but each season has its charms. Check local events calendars to plan around festivals or attractions you'd like to see.

Scenic Routes and Natural Landscapes

Wisconsin offers breathtaking drives through diverse landscapes. You'll find winding roads that showcase the state's natural beauty, from rolling hills to pristine lakes.

Exploring Wisconsin's National Parks

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a must-see. This 1,200-mile footpath winds through Wisconsin, highlighting glacial features. You can drive parts of it, stopping at scenic overlooks. The trail passes through forests, prairies, and wetlands.

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is another gem. Take a drive along the shoreline of Lake Superior to reach this park. You'll see stunning rock formations and lighthouses. In winter, the ice caves are a spectacular sight.

Don't miss the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. It's perfect for a scenic drive along the river. You can stop for hiking, fishing, or canoeing along the way.

Discovering Hidden Gems

The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is a 115-mile route through glacier-carved landscapes. You'll see unique rock formations, lakes, and forests. The drive is especially beautiful in fall when the leaves change color.

For a taste of the Northwoods, try the Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway. This 70-mile route hugs the shore of Lake Superior. You'll pass through small towns, see sandy beaches, and enjoy stunning lake views.

The Rustic Road program offers a chance to get off the beaten path. These are lightly traveled country roads that showcase rural Wisconsin. Try Rustic Road 32 in the Northwoods for a peaceful drive through pine forests.