Road Touring

A favorite activity of both visitors and residents is a leisurely drive through the countryside, along roads that wind through farmsteads, natural areas, and small towns. Whether the lacey green of early spring, the greens and golds of summer, the riot of fall colors, or the still white of winter, the colors and hues of the landscape are definitely worth the trip and you will always remember your Wisconsin road tours in the Driftless area.

The Driftless Wisconsin Road Tours Experience

You can enjoy the small family farms, the traditional barns (fast disappearing), and the dairy herds that graze up to the forest’s edge. You can drive along a river’s edge, and see sand hill cranes in a courting dance, or bald eagles filling the trees like regal ornaments. You can stop in a small town for a bite to eat, shop for a hand-crafted art object, or fill a bag to the brim with local produce.

Before heading out on your road trip through Driftless Wisconsin be sure to visit 511 Wisconsin for any potential delays, detours, and road closures.

Rustic Wisconsin Road Tours in the Driftless Area

Kickapoo Valley in the fallWisconsin created the Rustic Road program, a “great step backwards,” to preserve what is left of the state’s scenic, lightly-traveled country roads. Two are in the area.

 

Rustic Road 55

Tunnelville Road is located in Vernon County beginning at State Highway 131 and traveling 2.8 miles to County Road SS. In the spring, Tunnelville Road traverses fields of trilliums, while summer lines the steep road edges with ferns and wildflowers. The fall foliage is always colorful and in winter the traveler will appreciate the views of the hillsides coated with snow and the wealth of trees along the road.

 

Rustic Road 56

Also in Vernon County, this 8.6-mile route includes portions of Dutch Hollow Road, Sand Hill Road, Hoff Valley Road, and Lower Ridge Road. It begins at the intersection of Dutch Hollow Road and State Highway 131, and extends to the intersection of Lower Ridge Road and Highway 131. The route offers many scenic views, including Wildcat Mountain State Park, Amish farms, log cabins, a round barn, and examples of contour farming.

Other Driftless Wisconsin Road Tours

WI Great River RoadGreat River Road, a National Scenic Byway

The granddaddy of all scenic routes, the Great River Road, follows the Mighty Mississippi River. From Stoddard, Genoa, Victory and De Soto in Vernon County to Ferryville, and Prairie du Chien in Crawford County, these quaint river towns are great places to stop. You can drive beside the soaring bluffs or travel up to scenic overlooks, where you can watch barges and pleasure boats working their way up and down river. Take some time to observe river traffic at Lock and Dam #8 or #9. Enjoy this marvelous mix of scenery, nature, and history.

 

Lower Wisconsin River Road, a Wisconsin Scenic Byway

In 2009, the 100-mile Lower Wisconsin River Road was designated a state scenic byway, from the “Empire Prairie to the Mighty Mississippi.” State Highway 60, beginning in the town of Arlington in Columbia County and continuing to the intersection with the Great River Road in Crawford County near the town of Bridgeport, offers some of the best scenery in Southwestern Wisconsin. Sprawling agricultural lands, mysterious bottomlands, towering bluffs and the magnificent Wisconsin River are all visible from the highway.

Driftless Road Tours

fall colors in the driftlessMotorcyclists and car enthusiasts alike will find an adventure waiting for them on the winding roads of the Driftless Region. Drifltess Road Adventures is a great resource if you are interested in pre-planned day trips in the area. This free service has taken advantage of the natural features of the region to create fun and exciting routes that are all paved and all free to download. Check out these routes on their site:

Lower Kickapoo Route

Black Hawk Trail Route

Wildcat Route

For more suggested Driftless Wisconsin road tours, click on Trip Itineraries.

WI River Outings

WI River Outings

FarmerSown Market

FarmerSown Market

Branches Winery

Branches Winery

Sunrise Orchards

Sunrise Orchards

Kickapoo Valley Ranch Guest Cabins

Kickapoo Valley Ranch Guest Cabins

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Titanic Canoe Rental

Titanic Canoe Rental

Drifty’s Canoe Rental

Drifty’s Canoe Rental

Capt. Hook’s/ Clements Fishing Barge

Capt. Hook’s/ Clements Fishing Barge

Boscobel Chamber of Commerce

Boscobel Chamber of Commerce

Vernon County Tourism

Vernon County Tourism

Village of La Farge

Village of La Farge

Sports Unlimited Campground & Barn Yard 9

Sports Unlimited Campground & Barn Yard 9

Village of Ontario

Village of Ontario

Village of Soldiers Grove

Village of Soldiers Grove

Snowflake Ski Club and Golf

Snowflake Ski Club and Golf

Kickapoo Valley Reserve

Kickapoo Valley Reserve

Vernon Vineyards

Vernon Vineyards

Vernon County Museum

Vernon County Museum

Down a Country Road

Down a Country Road

Village of Cashton

Village of Cashton

Westby Syttende Mai

Westby Syttende Mai

City of Hillsboro

City of Hillsboro

City of Westby

City of Westby

Ferryville Tourism Council

Ferryville Tourism Council

Prairie Fun Land

Prairie Fun Land

Coon Valley Business Association

Coon Valley Business Association

Village of Gays Mills

Village of Gays Mills

driving the great river road
A country Road
Motorcycle riding

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Whether for a weekend, a week, or longer, you’ll enjoy your stay in Driftless Wisconsin. Love using our map while exploring the Driftless? Leave us a Google 5-star review!