Contact: WisDOT Office of Public Affairs, 608-266-3581, opa.exec@dot.wi.gov
Available in print or online, guide to 122 Rustic Roads helps travelers explore Wisconsin
Governor Tony Evers announced today that a new Rustic Road guide that offers two more routes is available in print and online. The two newest roads are:
- Rustic Road 121 — Lee Road, in the towns of Plymouth and Fountain, Juneau County
- Rustic Road 122 — Semple Road, in the towns of Waterville and Waubeek, Pepin County
Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads Program was started more than 40 years ago to preserve and highlight scenic, lightly traveled country roads. With the addition of these two roads, the state’s system now includes nearly 740 miles of Rustic Roads through 61 counties. Unique brown and yellow signs mark the routes of all officially designated Rustic Roads.
“If you want to get out and see Wisconsin, the Rustic Roads guide provides a great list of routes in areas across the state,” Governor Evers said. “I’m excited Rustic Roads is expanding into more counties and hope folks will take the opportunity to enjoy Wisconsin’s great scenery.”
“Rustic Roads are thanks to a unique local-state partnership that provides a recreational opportunity for people of all abilities,” says Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary-designee Craig Thompson. “There’s likely a road near you now that almost every county has designated one of these scenic routes.”
“Whether you are on a bike, in a car or in an RV, the unexpected is ready to be discovered around any turn onto Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads,” said Anne Sayers, Department of Tourism Acting Secretary. “Both the printed and online guides are great planning tools for anyone who wants to go beyond the major highway and find the roads less traveled.”
For a free copy of the new edition of Wisconsin Rustic Roads, visit https://www.travelwisconsin.com/order-guides or contact the Department of Tourism toll-free at 1-800-432-8747.
In addition to the latest print edition, the Rustic Roads guide is available as a PDF and as an online interactive document on the Rustic Roads website. These electronic guides provide links to individual Rustic Road features, as well as online maps.
Rustic Road 121
Lee Road, between WIS 80 and County S, is the first Rustic Road in Juneau County. It is a paved 2.9-mile long road, with the landscape left untouched by the glaciers that once covered much of Wisconsin. Its hills and twists offer an idyllic overlook on miles of farm landscapes, bluffs and ridges. It’s a great place to experience spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Rustic Road 122
Semple Road, between County Road D and County Road Z, is the first Rustic Road in Pepin County. Residents and travelers appreciate its flowing curves, hills and feeling of remoteness. The 2.7-mile route crosses Missouri Creek, which feeds into the Eau Galle River, part of the nearby Eau Galle River Wildlife Area. Travelers are likely to spot deer, turkey and bald eagles from this road.
Rustic Roads program
Rustic Roads range from two miles to 37 miles in length and have a maximum speed limit of 45 miles per hour. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation oversees the Rustic Roads program; however, the roads remain under local government authority. Learn more about nominating a Rustic Road by visiting the WisDOT website.
