One of the most photographed spots in the entire state is Cave Point County Park, and if you’ve visited, you understand why. Waves crash into a rocky bluff here, surging into sea caves that are incredible to see in any season. Nearby, Whitefish Dunes State Park is also incredible, with a sweeping stretch of wild Lake Michigan beach. While many people rush to see these sights, it’s worth taking the scenic route to reach them. Rustic Road 9 in Wisconsin travels the lakeshore toward these spots, and it’s one of Door County’s prettiest drives.

The state of Wisconsin has a network of official rustic roads that have been recognized for their scenic beauty. They are marked with brown and yellow signs, and they are located throughout Wisconsin.
Google Street View
One of the best is in Door County, just north of Sturgeon Bay. It’s called Rustic Road 9. It’s just east of another scenic route, the Door County Coastal Byway.
Google /Luis Ramirez
Locals might just call this road Glidden Drive or County Highway T. It’s a 6.7-mile stretch between Brauer Road and Whitefish Bay Road, and it’s a beautiful little road – and unlike some of the county’s other routes, it’s not packed with stores, restaurants, and gift shops.
Google maps

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The road gives drivers a sense of what Door County was like before scores of tourists arrived, and the county was a top vacation destination.
Rustic Road 9 in Wisconsin
Mark Metko/Google
That’s not to say there’s nothing of interest on this drive. This route traces a rocky shoreline, passing sand dunes, dense forest, and streams that provide natural habitat for trout and smelt.
Google / Rishi Raj
The road also passes an old saw mill, a log cabin, and a sweeping view of Lake Michigan. And of course, when you finish the drive you’ll be near Whitefish Dunes State Park and Cave Point County Park.
Google / Gigin Krishnan

Interested in seeing more scenic byways in Wisconsin? Check out this YouTube video by Travel Wisconsin highlighting some of the best scenic drives in our state.

Learn more about Rustic Road 9 and Wisconsin’s other rustic roads on the state Department of Transportation website. Once you’ve experienced this drive, there’s one more road you’ll want to drive in Door County. Just be sure to hang on to the wheel!

Also, before you cruise the highways, be sure to read our article about the ultimate road trip packing list for all your must-have items to make your trip a breeze.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

BEST SCENIC DRIVES NEAR ME & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | August 23, 2023

Aside from Rustic Road 9, what are some more scenic drives in Wisconsin?
If you’ve searched for best scenic drives near me, then you’re in the right place. Here are some of the scenic byways in Wisconsin that you will love:

  • Wisconsin's Great River Road
  • Highway 77 from Minong to Hayward
  • Door County Highway 57
  • Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway 
  • Highway 60 from Prairie du Chien to Lodi
  • Barron County Rustic Highway 83
  • Highway 42 from Manitowoc to Maplewood
  • Lake Shore Road from Manitowoc to Sheboygan
  • Highway 131 from Gays Mills to Tomah
  • Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive


Don’t forget to read our article telling you more about these scenic drives in Wisconsin.

What are the best road trip ideas in Wisconsin?
From chasing waterfalls to exploring haunted places, and more, there are lots of fun road trip ideas in Wisconsin. And these are the ones that belong on your bucket list:


Here’s a previous article with more information about the best road trip ideas in Wisconsin.

What are the best natural wonders in Wisconsin?
It's no secret that there are tons of natural wonders in Wisconsin. From towering rock formations to mysterious caves to stunning waterfalls, and more, here are some of our favorite natural wonders in Wisconsin:


Read more in our previous article about the best natural wonders in Wisconsin.

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Featured Addresses
Glidden Lane, Glidden Ln, Sevastopol, WI 54235, USA