Contact:
Mae Knowles, Office of Public Affairs
(608) 266-7917, mae.knowles@dot.wi.gov
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) today announced the designation of the state’s fifth scenic byway. The Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway is a 145-mile route traversing parts of the state’s northcentral counties of Forest, Langlade, Oneida and Vilas.
This scenic byway is named in honor of two of its nationally-recognized resources: the Nicolet National Forest and the Wolf River, a National Scenic River. A variety of recreational opportunities are available to travelers ranging from activities on the extensive multi-use trail systems to water-based sports.
“This newest scenic byway is the result of individuals, local governments and organizations coming together to have a positive economic impact on their communities,” said WisDOT Secretary Dave Ross, who officially designated the scenic byway. “Their efforts will provide travelers with a genuine Northwoods experience.”
The route winds through the Nicolet National Forest and various communities, including: Langlade, Hollister, Lily, Pickerel, Mole Lake, Crandon, Argonne, Alvin, and Nelma on WIS 55; Choate on WIS 52; Hiles, Carter, Wabeno, Padus, and Laona on WIS 32; as well as the Sokaogon Chippewa and the Forest County Potawatomi communities.
The historic Dinesen House in Mole Lake and the Forest County Potawatomi Cultural Center near Crandon provide visitors an opportunity to explore the tribal culture and heritage. The region’s logging heritage comes alive at the Lumberjack Steam Train and Camp 5 Museum complex in Laona, and the Wabeno Logging Museum. More details are available on the Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway website at: https://www.nicolet-wolfriver-scenicbyway.com/.
Wisconsin’s Scenic Byways Program is a cooperative effort between local communities and WisDOT to identify, promote and enhance some of the most scenic and historic state highway corridors.
Started in 2005, Wisconsin has four other scenic byways – the Door County Coastal Byway (which includes WIS 42 and WIS 57); the Great River Road National Scenic Byway (WIS 35); the Lower Wisconsin River Road (WIS 60) and the Wisconsin Lake Superior Byway (WIS 13). A scenic byway is a numbered highway, at least 30 miles long, that offers travelers numerous scenic views and historic resources. Its designation serves to boost a region’s attractiveness as a tourist destination.
For more information about the Wisconsin Scenic Byways Program, visit: http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/travel/road/scenic-ways/default.aspx
Photo of WIS 55: http://wisconsindot.gov/PublishingImages/travel/road/scenic-ways/hwy-55.JPG
Graphic of Wisconsin Scenic Byways: http://wisconsindot.gov/PublishingImages/travel/road/scenic-ways/byways-map.png
