Wisconsin RV Routes

Wisconsin offers a variety of scenic RV routes that showcase the state's natural beauty, from its lakes and forests to charming small towns and historic sites. Here are some of the best RV routes to consider:

1. Great River Road (Hwy 35)

• Route: Follows the Mississippi River along Wisconsin's western border.
• Highlights:
  • Scenic Views: Stunning views of the Mississippi River bluffs, wildlife refuges, and historic river towns.
  • Towns: Stop at La Crosse, Prairie du Chien, and Trempealeau for local attractions, shops, and restaurants.
  • Parks: Visit Perrot State Park for hiking and panoramic views or Wyalusing State Park for beautiful river views and outdoor activities.
• Camping: Several campgrounds are available along the route, including state parks and private RV parks.

2. Door County Coastal Byway

• Route: Follows Hwy 42 and Hwy 57 around the Door Peninsula.
• Highlights:
  • Water Views: Drive along Lake Michigan and Green Bay, with access to beaches, lighthouses, and scenic overlooks.
  • Towns: Explore Sturgeon Bay, Ephraim, Fish Creek, and Sister Bay, known for their charming downtown areas and vibrant arts scenes.
  • Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking, kayaking, and fishing at Peninsula State Park or Newport State Park.
• Camping: Numerous RV-friendly campgrounds are available, including state park campgrounds and private sites.

3. Lake Superior Circle Tour

• Route: This route circles around Lake Superior, with the Wisconsin portion along Hwy 13.
• Highlights:
  • Scenic Views: Breathtaking views of Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands, and Chequamegon Bay.
  • Towns: Visit Ashland, Bayfield, and Superior, each offering unique local attractions and historical sites.
  • Outdoor Activities: Take a ferry to the Apostle Islands for kayaking, sailing, or hiking. Visit Copper Falls State Park for its stunning waterfalls and hiking trails.
• Camping: Campgrounds are available at state parks like Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island and other private RV parks along the route.

4. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive

• Route: Runs through the Kettle Moraine State Forest along Hwy 67 and other local roads.
• Highlights:
  • Natural Beauty: Drive through the rolling hills, forests, and glacial landscapes of the Kettle Moraine region.
  • Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing in the Northern and Southern units of Kettle Moraine State Forest.
  • Historic Sites: Visit Old World Wisconsin, an outdoor history museum, and Wade House Historic Site.
• Camping: The Kettle Moraine State Forest offers multiple campgrounds suitable for RVs.

5. Highway 23 Scenic Byway

• Route: Follows Hwy 23 from Dodgeville to Sheboygan.
• Highlights:
  • Scenic Countryside: Travel through the rolling hills, farmlands, and quaint small towns of southwest and central Wisconsin.
  • Towns: Explore Spring Green, known for Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin, and Kohler, famous for the Kohler Design Center.
  • Natural Attractions: Visit the Wisconsin River Valley, Mirror Lake State Park, and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
• Camping: Numerous campgrounds and state parks are available along the route, including Devil's Lake State Park and Mirror Lake State Park.

6. Northern Highlands Scenic Byway

• Route: Takes you through Wisconsin's Northwoods via Hwy 70, Hwy 47, and Hwy 51.
• Highlights:
  • Northwoods Experience: Enjoy the dense forests, numerous lakes, and wildlife of the Northern Highlands.
  • Towns: Explore the small towns of Minocqua, Eagle River, and Manitowish Waters, known for outdoor activities and local culture.
  • Outdoor Activities: Fishing, boating, hiking, and birdwatching are popular in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.
• Camping: The area is dotted with campgrounds, many of which are near lakes and offer a peaceful, rustic experience.

7. Cheese Country Trail

• Route: Travels through the Driftless Area along Hwy 81, Hwy 23, and Hwy 11.
• Highlights:
  • Rolling Hills: Drive through the unique, unglaciated terrain of southwest Wisconsin, with its steep hills and deep valleys.
  • Towns: Visit Monroe, the "Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA," and New Glarus, known for its Swiss heritage and New Glarus Brewing Company.
  • Historic Sites: Explore Mineral Point, a historic mining town, and the Pendarvis Historic Site.
• Camping: Several campgrounds and RV parks are available, including those near New Glarus and Monroe.

Tips for RV Travel in Wisconsin:

• Seasonal Considerations: Summer and early fall are the best times for RV travel in Wisconsin. Winter can bring snow and icy conditions, particularly in the northern part of the state.
• Reservations: Popular campgrounds, especially in state parks, can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so it's wise to make reservations well in advance.
• Road Conditions: Wisconsin's scenic routes often include winding roads and hills, so drive carefully and be prepared for varying conditions.

These routes offer a mix of Wisconsin's natural beauty, charming towns, and outdoor adventures, making for a memorable RV trip through the state.