Places to Visit
Rustic Roads
Where Backroads Lead to Beautiful Moments
Here in Wisconsin, we’re proud of the nature we’ve preserved, and excited to welcome you to it. Thanks to our state’s Rustic Roads program (the only one in the country), you can see nature’s most stunning spectacles right from your car. Wind past waterfalls. Drive under green forest canopies. Roll down the windows and feel a coastal breeze. Untouched and unmatched, these roads really wow.
Girls’ Getaways
Take a Taste Tour Along Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads
Gather your girls and get ready to hit the road—the Rustic Road, that is! Take winding routes around rivers, through lush forests and over wooded bluffs on this road trip to remember. We’ve even mapped out some spots to wine, dine and stay along the way.
Autumn Adventures
23 Drivable Detours for Fantastic Fall Color
Grab your road snacks and buckle up tight. These spectacular scenic routes offer the best spots for fall color around the state. Wind through colorful forests, around historic mills and over covered bridges stopping at hidden gems along the way. Get lost in the natural beauty of autumn all around.
Know Before You Go
Your Guide to Wisconsin’s Most Scenic Backroads
The first Rustic Road in Wisconsin was designated in Taylor County in 1975. Today we have 126 rustic roads across 61 counties.
Rustic Roads feature a brown and yellow sign of the Rustic Roads logo and an identification number, along with the length of the road. Rustic Roads can be one-way or two-way and may be paved, dirt or gravel. Many feature bicycle and hiking paths too for extra exploration. The max speed limit on these roads is 45 miles per hour.
These roads highlight Wisconsin’s rich history of preservation, conservation and diverse cultural and natural heritage. Each road has a story to tell – from the open vistas of natural sand dunes accompanied by the shores of Lake Michigan to the cascading trillium fields that surround Tunnelville Road, they are a place to unplug, unwind and catch a glimpse of the state’s vast and vibrant outdoor spaces.
The RR26 is a paved, five mile road in La Crosse with stunning views of the Mississippi River Valley and the Wisconsin Great River Road. The RR13 is a three-mile route through a forested part of St. Croix County and provides a challenging trip for cyclists as the paved path is hilly. Along this route, you’ll see breathtaking views of the Willow River State Park.
And the RR105, one of the longest at 13 miles long, is a loop winding through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Along the way, spot the Smith Rapids Covered Bridge and majestic horses traveling on the equestrian trail. Be sure to pack lunch for the family because you’ll want to stop at a picnic table to enjoy the views a little longer.
