Wisconsin Rustic Roads: Every Route by Region
The Autumn Road Traveled | Merrill, WI
Some of Wisconsin’s best road trips happen after you leave the highway.
A narrow lane beneath colorful trees. A country road winding past old barns. A quiet stretch through the Northwoods where the drive becomes part of the adventure.
Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads program protects those experiences—and gives travelers a way to find them.
The state’s official inventory includes 126 Rustic Roads across 61 counties, covering approximately 760 miles. Some are paved, some are gravel, and many make wonderful additions to a weekend of hiking, camping, small-town exploring, or fall-color sightseeing.
This guide organizes every designated route by region and county, highlights especially interesting drives, and includes a statewide map to help you build your own adventure.
Planning an autumn outing? Pair this guide with our Wisconsin fall-color road-trip guide. For an overnight trip, start with our Wisconsin camping guide.
What Are Wisconsin Rustic Roads?
A Rustic Road is an officially designated public road recognized for its scenic, natural, or historic character.
These are generally lightly traveled local roads—not major highways. Their appeal might come from woodlands, wetlands, rolling farmland, historic buildings, interesting geology, or the way the road fits into the surrounding landscape.
The program was created by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1973. Wisconsin’s first designated route, Rustic Road 1 near Rib Lake, followed in 1975.
Those dates describe two different milestones: the creation of the program and the designation of the first road.
The purpose was to preserve attractive country roads and make them available for leisurely travel. Designation recognizes an existing road; it does not mean Wisconsin built a new scenic highway.
Local governments remain responsible for the roads. Travelers can identify designated routes by their brown-and-yellow Rustic Road signs and numbered route markers.
Learn more through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Rustic Roads program and its explanation of how Rustic Roads are designated.
Why Rustic Roads Make Wonderful Fall Drives
Rustic Roads offer a closer look at the landscape than a highway drive: tree-lined stretches, farm fields, wooded hills, and small communities.
In autumn, those same features can create a beautiful combination of colorful foliage and rural scenery. But these roads are worth exploring beyond fall, too. Spring brings fresh greenery, summer makes it easy to combine a drive with a picnic or hike, and winter can transform familiar scenery—when road conditions allow safe travel.
For fall trips, use the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report instead of assuming the whole state will peak on the same weekend.
A good family outing does not need to cover dozens of roads. Choose one or two, add a nearby public park or trail, and leave time for an unhurried stop in town.
Explore 126 Rustic Roads on the Map
Wisconsin Rustic Roads Explorer
Find your next slow-road adventure. Explore official route lines, filter by location or surface, then tap a road for its WisDOT guide.
Loading official route data…
Region colors: Northwest—purple; Northeast—blue; Southeast—green; Southwest—gold. R-49 spans Columbia and Sauk counties and is grouped with Southwest for the map filter.
Lines show WisDOT road geometry. Pins are route-selection points, not parking areas or recommended starting points. Check road conditions, surfaces, and vehicle suitability before traveling. Open the official WisDOT maps and descriptions.
Use the interactive map to find roads near your destination.
You can search by road number, road name, county, or community; filter by region and road surface; and select “Surprise Me” to discover a route.
The colored lines show WisDOT’s official mapped road segments. Numbered pins are selection points along the routes—not designated parking areas, scenic overlooks, or recommended starting locations.
Each route links to its official WisDOT description.
For comparison, or if the interactive map is unavailable, open WisDOT’s official Rustic Roads maps and descriptions.
How This Guide Is Organized
The sections below follow WisDOT’s four Rustic Roads regions: Northwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest.
These categories do not match every tourism-region boundary. For example, WisDOT’s Southeast category includes Madison-area and other south-central roads.
Some routes cross county lines. Those roads appear under both counties so you can find them from either destination, but they remain one designated route. Rustic Road 49 also appears as a cross-reference in the Southeast and Southwest directories because it spans Columbia and Sauk counties.
Every road number below links directly to its official route description, including its location, length, surface, and points of interest.
Northwest Wisconsin Rustic Roads
Think forest roads, lakes, rolling farmland, and quiet stretches near Eau Claire, the St. Croix Valley, and the Northwoods.
This region also contains the road that started it all.
Drives to Put on Your Northwest List
Rustic Road 1: Rib Lake and Taylor County
Wisconsin’s first Rustic Road is a five-mile unpaved route between WIS 102 and County D near Rib Lake. The road crosses glacial hills and valleys, and South Harper Lake provides a public beach along the route.
It is a particularly fitting choice for travelers interested in both scenery and the program’s history. Read the official Rustic Road 1 guide.
Rustic Road 45: Eau Claire County
Goat Ranch Road offers an unpaved drive through the Eau Claire County Forest. This is a woodland outing rather than a downtown sightseeing route—an option for travelers who want to add a quieter stretch to an Eau Claire-area visit.
Check the Rustic Road 45 description before heading out.
Rustic Road 114: Rusk County’s Blue Hills
This route combines paved and unpaved stretches in the Blue Hills area, with nearby lakes and county camping opportunities.
It is worth considering for a drive paired with a camping or outdoor-recreation weekend. See the official Rustic Road 114 guide for the route details.
Every Northwest Rustic Road by County
The First Rustic Road: By Jeff the quiet, via Wikimedia Commons. Road near James Lake and Camp Forest Springs
Ashland County: R-111
Chippewa County: R-6
Eau Claire County: R-45
Iron County: R-100
Pepin County: R-122
Rusk County: R-114
Taylor County: R-1
Washburn County: R-71
Northeast Wisconsin Rustic Roads
This region includes Door County, Green Bay-area countryside, the Fox Valley, and northern forest destinations.
It offers a wide range of scenery, from Lake Michigan shoreline roads to inland woodland drives.
Drives to Put on Your Northeast List
Door County R-77. Looking north from the southern terminus in the town of Sturgeon Bay
Rustic Road 77: Sturgeon Bay’s Lake Michigan Side
Rustic Road 77 follows County TT for 3.5 paved miles on Sturgeon Bay’s Lake Michigan side. The route offers access to Portage Park and passes near the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal’s Coast Guard station and lighthouses—a scenic addition to a Door County drive with a little maritime history along the way.
See the official Rustic Road 77 guide for route details.
Rustic Road 9: Glidden Drive in Door County
Glidden Drive follows a wooded stretch along Door County’s Lake Michigan side. Its combination of forest, dunes, and shoreline scenery makes it an appealing addition to a peninsula road trip.
Explore the Rustic Road 9 guide, then use our Door County travel guide to build the rest of your visit.
Rustic Roads 38 and 39: Cana Island and Baileys Harbor
Rustic Road 38 follows Cana Island Road through a landscape of conifers and Lake Michigan scenery near the lighthouse.
Nearby, Rustic Road 39 follows Ridges Road near The Ridges and Toft Point.
These routes make good candidates for a Baileys Harbor-area outing. Check attraction hours, admission, and access separately; designation of the road does not guarantee access to nearby attractions.
Rustic Road 119: Washington Island
This designation covers multiple road segments on Washington Island, giving travelers a way to explore beyond the ferry landing.
The official description highlights island attractions and varied scenery. Review the Rustic Road 119 guide and plan ferry transportation separately.
For a longer peninsula stay, browse our Door County camping guide.
Rustic Road 8: Suamico Near Green Bay
This paved route follows Sunrise Road, Pine Lane, and Westview Road near the NEW Zoo and Brown County Reforestation Camp.
It is a manageable option for adding a country-road drive to a Green Bay-area family outing. See the official Rustic Road 8 description.
Rustic Road 118: Forest County
This longer route near Wabeno includes paved and unpaved stretches through national forest scenery.
It is an option for travelers who want the drive itself to be a substantial part of a Northwoods outing. Consult the Rustic Road 118 guide for its route and surface details.
Every Northeast Rustic Road by County
Northeast · Vilas County R-60
Florence County: R-74
Kewaunee County: R-7
Lincoln County: R-78
Portage County: R-17
Shawano County: R-47
Vilas County: R-60
Southeast and South-Central Wisconsin Rustic Roads
This broad region includes the Lake Geneva area, the Kettle Moraine region, Milwaukee-area counties, Madison-area countryside, and several central Wisconsin destinations.
It offers plenty of options for a short drive without committing to a long Northwoods trip.
Drives to Put on Your Southeast List
Rustic Roads 11, 12, and 29: Lake Geneva-Area Countryside
Walworth County has several designated routes worth considering for a Lake Geneva-area visit.
Rustic Road 11 follows South Road, Steele Road, Spring Valley Road, and Knob Road through rolling terrain and woodlands.
Rustic Road 12 includes country roads around Lyons, with scenery connected to the White River landscape.
Rustic Road 29, Snake Road, offers a shorter paved drive with winding scenery, native vegetation, and split-rail fences.
These are separate designated routes—not one continuous signed loop. Choose a combination that fits your starting point and available time.
Rustic Road 2: Burlington-Area Farm and Woodland Scenery
This Racine County route includes Honey Lake Road, Maple Lane, Heritage Road, and Maple Drive.
Its mix of farms, marshland, and wooded stretches makes it an appealing country-drive option near Burlington. Review the Rustic Road 2 guide.
Rustic Road 5: A Drive With Local History
Loomis Road offers more than scenery. The official route description connects the area with early territorial history and Colonel Heg Memorial Park.
For travelers who enjoy combining a drive with a historical stop, see the Rustic Road 5 description.
Rustic Road 115: Waukesha County and the Kettle Moraine Area
Waterville Road provides a paved, tree-lined drive in Waukesha County. It also connects with nearby Rustic Roads 10 and 86.
Explore the Rustic Road 115 guide when planning a Lake Country or Kettle Moraine-area outing.
Rustic Roads vs. the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive
The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is not a numbered Rustic Road.
It is a separate 115-mile scenic route running through six counties, between the Elkhart Lake area and Whitewater Lake.
Its development also predates the Rustic Roads program. According to the Wisconsin DNR, route surveys began in 1946, the Wisconsin Highway Commission approved the concept and route in principle in 1948, and the first paving project was completed in 1950.
Rather than creating one entirely new road, planners examined existing roads to select a scenic route through the region’s glacial landscape. The drive is marked by green acorn signs.
You can include both experiences in a trip: follow part of the scenic drive, then add a nearby designated Rustic Road as a separate outing.
Use the Wisconsin DNR’s Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive guide for the official route, directions, history, and geological landmarks.
Every Southeast and South-Central Rustic Road by County
Dodge County: R-106
Fond du Lac County: R-82
Green Lake County: R-22
Kenosha County: R-43
Manitowoc County: R-16
Marquette County: R-104
Sheboygan County: R-63
Southwest Wisconsin Rustic Roads
Southwest Wisconsin offers a different kind of road-trip scenery: ridges, valleys, farms, historic communities, and Mississippi River country.
Many travelers know the region for the Driftless Area. Its Rustic Roads provide additional ways to explore beyond the main highways.
Drives to Put on Your Southwest List
Southwest · La Crosse County R-26. CC BY-SA 3.0 · Royalbroil
Rustic Road 26: La Crosse-Area Ridge and River Scenery
This paved route follows County MM through a landscape that includes elevated Mississippi River views.
The official description also highlights nearby natural and historical features, including Goose Island and the Oehler Mill area. See the Rustic Road 26 guide.
More La Crosse-Area Options
La Crosse County also has Rustic Road 31 and Rustic Road 64.
Rather than treating all three as one continuous route, compare their official descriptions and choose the roads that fit your lodging, activities, and travel direction.
Vernon County and the Driftless Countryside
Rustic Road 55 and Rustic Road 56 provide two options for a Vernon County outing.
Use the official route pages to choose your drive, then leave room for public recreation stops and a visit to a nearby community.
Every Southwest Rustic Road by County
Iowa County: R-75
Jackson County: R-54
Juneau County: R-121
Lafayette County: R-66
Trempealeau County: R-91
Tips for Planning a Rustic Roads Adventure
Check the Surface Before You Go
“Rustic” does not automatically mean gravel. Some routes are fully paved, while others are unpaved or combine both surfaces.
Use the official description to choose a road that suits your vehicle and comfort level. Unpaved roads can become muddy, icy, or difficult after bad weather.
Do Not Assume a Route Is Suitable for an RV
A scenic road may have narrow sections, tight curves, limited shoulders, or few places to turn around.
If you are camping, consider exploring in your passenger vehicle after setting up camp. Confirm restrictions and suitability locally before taking a large RV or trailer onto a route.
Treat the Roads as Working Local Roads
Residents, farm equipment, delivery vehicles, cyclists, and wildlife may share these routes.
Drive attentively, follow posted limits, and slow down when conditions require it. A quiet road is not a closed road.
Choose Safe, Legal Stops
Do not stop in the travel lane for photographs or park in private driveways.
Use established public parking areas and respect private property. Historic barns, fields, and scenic homes are not automatically open to visitors.
Plan More Carefully for Cycling
Rustic Road designation does not guarantee a bike lane, shoulder, or suitability for every rider.
Evaluate traffic, surface, visibility, hills, and your group’s experience before planning a bicycle outing—especially with children.
Check Conditions and Download Your Directions
Cell service can be limited in rural and forested areas. Save your route information before leaving.
Check Wisconsin 511 for reported travel conditions, and contact local road authorities when you need information about a specific town road, seasonal issue, or closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Did Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads Program Begin?
The program was created in 1973. The first designated Rustic Road, R-1 near Rib Lake, followed in 1975.
How Many Rustic Roads Are There?
The inventory used for this guide contains 126 designated routes across 61 counties, totaling approximately 760 miles.
Are All Rustic Roads Gravel?
No. Routes may be paved, unpaved, or a combination. Check the individual route description before traveling.
Is the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive a Rustic Road?
No. It is a separate scenic route with its own history and green acorn signs. Nearby numbered Rustic Roads can be added to a Kettle Moraine-area trip.
Does Every Wisconsin County Have a Rustic Road?
No. The county directories above include counties with designated routes in the inventory used for this guide.
Do You Need a Pass to Drive a Rustic Road?
Rustic Roads are public roads, not admission-based attractions. Nearby parks, campgrounds, museums, ferries, and other destinations may have their own fees or requirements.
Take the Scenic Way Home
You do not have to visit all 126 roads to enjoy the program.
Start with one near a place you already want to explore. Add a public park, a short hike, a picnic, or an overnight stay—and give yourself permission to take the slower route.
Whether you choose Snake Road near Lake Geneva, Glidden Drive in Door County, a La Crosse-area ridge road, or Wisconsin’s original Rustic Road near Rib Lake, the reward is the same: a closer look at Wisconsin.
Sources and More Trip Ideas
Route locations, surfaces, descriptions, regional categories, and program history are based on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Rustic Roads resources, its official maps and route directory, and the individual route pages linked throughout this guide.
Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive history and route information come from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Continue planning with our Wisconsin fall-color guide, camping guide, and Door County travel guide.
Inventory checked October 2026. Road conditions, attraction access, and official designations can change; confirm details before traveling.
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