Best Scenic Drive In Wisconsin

Wisconsin features some of the most beautiful drives in the Midwest.

From exploring the remote Northwoods to touring along legendary Lake Michigan, there is something for everyone looking to experience one of nature’s greatest gifts, a scenic drive.

During a typical drive in Wisconsin, you will pass peaceful back-country roads, rolling hills blanketed with old-growth forests, and winding rivers.

There is always a chance to pause and appreciate unique historical sites or simply take in the majesty of untouched lakeshore vistas and vibrant fall colors.

A scenic drive in Wisconsin will take you through lush farmland dotted with cozy farms and historic small towns, allowing visitors to get a real feel for life here in America’s Dairy Land.

Overview Of  Scenic Drive In Wisconsin

Wisconsin is well known for its gorgeous natural scenic beauty. Driving through the Badger State can be an awe-inspiring experience.

Imagine viewing lush forests, quaint lakes, lush rolling hills, and glowing wildflowers set against the stunning backdrop of the deep blue sky.

The state’s famous Rustic Roads Program offers a unique chance to explore these idyllic scenes in some of the most remote and untouched areas of Wisconsin.

From rustic hiking trails to breathtaking mountain views, this program allows travelers to enjoy a more intimate look at the region’s remarkable landscape.

A drive along any of these routes will showcase magnificent vistas and provide access to charming small towns where travelers can stop for food and souvenirs.

Whether you’re zig-zagging around Door County’s beautiful bay peninsula or striking out on a road trip into wild unknowns, Wisconsin provides plenty of options for those seeking an unforgettable scenic drive amid its awe-inspiring nature.

Popular Scenic Drive In Wisconsin

Wisconsin is renowned for its exceptional natural beauty, and a great way to explore this beauty is through a scenic drive.

One of the most popular drives in the Badger State is a route through the Upper Peninsula. Start at Lambeau Field in Green Bay and make your way north past Door County.

As you wind along the lakefront, take in stunning views of Lake Michigan, driftless bluffs, wetlands, authentic lighthouses, and charming towns like Sturgeon Bay.

The road then brings you inland as you pass quaint farmhouses and lush forests meandering up to the section known as Wisconsin’s Northwoods.

Revel in views of peaceful lakes and rolling hills while taking plenty of stops along your journey to enjoy unique attractions such as local shops and galleries or simply watch sailboats out on the water.

Door County Peninsula Drive

The Door County Peninsula Drive travels 90 miles past apple orchards and art galleries, secluded woodland picnic sites, and beach towns abuzz with visitors from across the country.

Along the way, visitors pass ancient red cedar trees old enough to have witnessed the earliest settlers’ journeys to America.

Hiking trails, nature centers, and golf courses beckon at every turn, as do deep-dish cherry pies in fish boil for dinner and bubbling bottles of sparkling cider for a toast at sunset.

Door County Peninsula Drive

Great River Road

Wisconsin’s Great River Road is a breathtaking stretch of highway along the Mississippi River from the Minnesota border to just south of Prairie du Chien.

Every mile of the drive is filled with curves that hug the bluffs, offering spectacular vistas at every turn.

Whether you decide to traverse this rural roadway by bicycle or car, you’ll have a plethora of sites and attractions that speak to Wisconsin’s unique history, geography, and culture on this scenic drive like never before.

Spend your days stopping at charming towns, visiting Native American burial mounds, sampling rustic taverns, taking in untouched natural beauty, looking for bald eagles soaring high above, and playing a round of disc golf while you’re there.

Great River Road

Lake Michigan Circle Tour

Wisconsin has been a popular tourist destination for generations thanks to its outdoor recreation, friendly locals, and abundance of lakes.

One of the best ways to experience the state is by taking a scenic drive along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour in Wisconsin.

As one of the most celebrated drives in America, this route takes you through beautiful countryside and offers stunning views from atop breathtaking bluffs.

It starts at Manitowoc Harbor, rolls through quaint towns like Sheboygan, Kewaunee, and Algoma, across Door County’s peninsula, and finishes back at Manitowoc.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy historic lighthouses in Two Rivers, picturesque fishing piers in Sturgeon Bay, rustic trails perfect for bicycling or hiking near Sheboygan as well as naturalists’ preserves like Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee.

Lake Michigan Circle Tour

Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads

Wisconsin Rustic roads offer a scenic drive through vast and beautiful landscapes. The rustic roads are often used to wind your way through rolling hills, lush forests, and trickling streams.

They provide access to many public access points or lakes, giving visitors the unique experience of exploring Wisconsin’s natural beauty from the comfort of their car.

The rustic roads are also perfect for novice hikers who may want to stop at one of the many Rustic Road Nature Areas located along them.

This gives them the opportunity to take in Wisconsin’s majestic scenery without having to worry about getting lost along the way.

As if that weren’t enough, taking in the sights of some of these picturesque backways can also be a great source of enjoyment for photographers and artists alike.

Whether you plan it as a day trip or make a weekend out of it, a journey on Wisconsin’s Rustic roads will leave you feeling invigorated and ready to take on what life has next to offer.

Wisconsin's Rustic Roads

The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest Scenic Drive

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail in Wisconsin offers incredible scenery during the drive.

This multi-use trail runs 32 miles between Elroy and Sparta and was originally a stretch of three railroad lines that were abandoned in the 1960s.

As one of the state’s first trails and the first rail-to-trail conversion in America, it attracts people from all over the country who want to experience driving on a historic path.

Travelers will come across 3 rock tunnels, 5 restored train depots, and 16 picturesque bridges as they explore this scenic drive through pine forests, farmlands, and steep roller coaster hills.

People can also take advantage of kayaking, biking, and horseback riding along some sections of the trail.

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest Scenic Drive

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail in Wisconsin offers incredible scenery during the drive. This multi-use trail runs 32 miles between Elroy and Sparta and was originally a stretch of three railroad lines that were abandoned in the 1960s.

As one of the state’s first trails and the first rail-to-trail conversion in America, it attracts people from all over the country who want to experience driving on a historic path.

Travelers will come across 3 rock tunnels, 5 restored train depots, and 16 picturesque bridges as they explore this scenic drive through pine forests, farmlands, and steep roller coaster hills. People can also take advantage of kayaking, biking, and horseback riding along some sections of the trail.

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Scenic Byway

Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Scenic Byway gives nature lovers the perfect opportunity to explore the pristine beauty of the Upper Wisconsin region.

The byway traverses a 100-mile stretch along Wisconsin’s northwest coast from Duluth, Minnesota to Cornucopia, WI.

Along this journey, travelers can enjoy majestic waterfalls such as Big Manitou Falls and experience the breathtaking beauty of the unspoiled beaches, forested hillsides, picturesque bluffs, and rugged shorelines along the way.

There are plenty of unique attractions like lighthouses and historic sites that preserve important reminders of our past history along with some that tell modern ecological success stories.

Wisconsin's Lake Superior

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve Scenic Drive

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve Scenic Drive winds for 16 miles through the steep hills and tranquil valleys of Wisconsin. Along this breathtaking drive, travelers can take in some of the best views in the state.

Characterized by its enchanting forests and ravines cut by scenic creeks, the route is a nature enthusiast’s paradise.

It is also home to diverse wildlife with opportunities to glimpse white-tail deer, wild turkeys, and other native animals while on the road.

As part of one of only five Nature Conservancies in Wisconsin, Kickapoo Valley Reserve protects nearly 8,700 acres of unique geography, providing an extraordinary outdoor experience for locals and tourists alike.

Kickapoo Valley Reserve Scenic Drive

The River Road National Scenic Byway

The River Road National Scenic Byway located in Wisconsin is a wonderfully scenic and historic drive. Stretching along the riverside, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of bluffs, cliffs, and valleys.

Bird watching, fishing, and hiking opportunities line the roads which offer scenic views all year round. Not only is exploring nature a great way to pass the time, but travelers are also able to explore unique towns and villages with historical buildings as well as small businesses along the way.

Additionally, there are plenty of places for families to check out, like museums, art galleries, farms, and historical sites that provide additional educational experiences. Bring your appetite too.

River Road National Scenic Byway located in Wisconsin

The Northwest Wisconsin Forests & Farms Byway

The Northwest Wisconsin Forests & Farms Byway is a scenic drive that encompasses Wabeno, Gile, Eastern Pembine, and Armstrong Creek.

This byway offers breathtaking views of forests, lakes, and farms all throughout Wisconsin’s northwestern corner.

Travelers who opt to take this route will marvel at the ever-changing landscape alongside winding roads as they pass through quaint towns like Laona, Foxboro, and Lakewood.

The byway is filled with breathtaking forested areas surrounded by picturesque farmland where black and white cattle can be seen roaming along their lush pastures.

There are also numerous crystal-clear lakes with sandy beaches, perfect for swimming or fishing during the hot summers.

The Northwest Wisconsin Forests & Farms Byway

Tips For Enjoying The Drive

A scenic drive through Wisconsin is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of this great state. There are several tips that can help make the experience even more enjoyable.

First, plan your route ahead of time and be sure to check out the sites along the way: historical landmarks, small towns complete with quaint Main Streets, lakeside beaches, nature preserves, and ski hills.

Next, pack snacks or picnics so that you won’t have to stop in search of sustenance. And don’t forget to bring along music for a fun extra.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to take a scenic drive in Wisconsin is during any of the four distinct seasons.

In spring and summer, you’ll get to experience vibrant colors due to all of the different blooming plants and flowers. Fall brings about an array of autumnal colors that create breathtaking views.

During winter, even without the foliage, snow-covered valleys, and spectacular sunsets, Wisconsin can still look like something out of a postcard.

Taking frequent breaks and exploring nearby attractions along your journey will help add to your experience of Wisconsin’s natural beauty no matter what time of year you visit.

Preparing For The Drive

There are many beautiful routes and views all over the state, so it should come as no surprise that you need to be prepared for any situation you may encounter during your trip.

Make sure to bring a few essentials, like sunglasses and sunscreen for when the sun is at its strongest, as well as comfy shoes for walking around.

You should also bring extra clothing in case of bad weather. A well-planned itinerary can help you see and enjoy everything without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Don’t forget about food either.

Pack snacks and drinks for when hunger strikes, plus some take-out menus from local spots just in case you’re out longer than expected. With these few must-have supplies, a scenic drive in Wisconsin will be memorable and enjoyable.

Must-Have Supplies

Before setting out, it’s important to gather some supplies that can make your journey safer, more comfortable, and more fun.

Packing snacks like granola bars or trail mix ensures the contents of your stomach won’t keep you from appreciating the sights. A cooler filled with bottled water keeps everyone hydrated and helps avoid stopping for restorative refreshment.

When planning extended trips, a sturdy first aid kit should be included as well; even if accidents don’t result in needing medical attention, little inconveniences like blisters or sunburns can be fixed with good preparation.

Road Conditions

When it comes to hitting those pathways of beauty, the road conditions in Wisconsin are superb.

The entire state has undergone major pavement improvements over the past few years, leaving visitors pleasantly surprised at how smooth and well-maintained the driving experience is.

Wisconsin’s highways and interstates have been resurfaced to reduce bumpiness, making for an enjoyable ride with less tire deterioration along the journey.

However, rural routes remain mostly one lane and may be harder to navigate due to their tight curves, yet they still remain hazard-free because of proper maintenance from the Department of Transportation.

Conclusion

All in all, a scenic drive through Wisconsin is the perfect way to take in the diverse beauty of this great state. From rugged coastlines and glittering lakes to lush fields and rushing rivers, Wisconsin offers an incredible variety of breathtaking landscapes.

The winding roads reveal countless hidden gems, allowing you to discover something new around every corner. So jump in the car and hit the road; it’s time for an unforgettable journey on one of Wisconsin’s many picturesque byways.