Wisconsin’s namesake river has always beckoned travelers. The Wisconsin River runs more than 400 miles through the state, from the far, wild Northwoods to the rural dairy county in the south. The lower section of the river bends westward toward the Mississippi River and it’s skirted by a wonderful scenic driving route. The 100-mile drive is called Scenic Byway 60 and it follows the river through Wisconsin’s gorgeous Driftless Region on Highway 60. Here’s what you need to know about one of the most scenic drives near Madison, Wi.

Scenic Byway 60 starts in Lodi, pop. 3,100, a city in Columbia County that was founded in the mid-1800s as a mill town. It's about a 40-minute drive from Madison to reach what's considered one of the best scenic drives in Wisconsin.
Lodi, WI 53555, USA
Google / Carla Wiessing
The route follows state Highway 60 West and will take you near some gorgeous natural areas like Gibraltar Rock. This 68-acre park with 200-foot cliffs offers sweeping views of the river valley. Hence, a main reason this is one of the popular scenic byways in Wisconsin.
Gibraltar Rock, West Point, WI 53555, USA
Alltrails / Leah Krawczyk
Next, this journey continues through Sauk City and Prairie du Sac, twin communities that are known as Sauk Prairie. They are good places to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. There are plenty of nearby walking and hiking paths that trace the shore of the river. Hence, another reason this route is one of the best scenic drives in Wisconsin.
Prairie du Sac, Prairie Du Sac, WI, USA
Alltrails / Pokey Jo

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Heading westward on Highway 60, you’ll enter Spring Green. Famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright helped put this community on the map. You can take a bridge across the river to see his masterpiece home, Taliesin. We suggest you have your camera on hand for this stop along one of the top scenic drives near Madison WI.
Taliesin Preservation: Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, 5607 County Rd C, Spring Green, WI 53588, USA
Facebook / Taliesin Preservation
Several small communities will greet you on the next section of Highway 60. Foodies will enjoy this part of the drive – some of the state’s best cheese factories and wineries can be found in this rich farmland. So, make sure to bring your appetite when you reach this destination on this Wisconsin scenic byway.
Spring Green, WI 53588, USA
Facebook / Wild Hills Winery
This epic adventure ends in Prairie du Chien, a Mississippi River port city that’s one of the state’s oldest communities. If you love history, you’ll want to take in the city’s many historic buildings and museums on this final stop of this scenic drive near Madison, WI.
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821, USA
Facebook / Prairie du Chien

To help prepare for your adventure along one of the top Wisconsin scenic byways, feel free to reference our ultimate road trip packing list guide.

After going on this adventure, how about taking more scenic drives in Wisconsin? For instance, here’s an unforgettable trip up the Door County peninsula that we think you’ll enjoy.

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More to Explore

Scenic Drives Near Madison WI

Marla S. | August 18, 2023

What are some of the best scenic drives in Wisconsin along backroads?

Here are some of the best scenic drives in Wisconsin along backroads:

  • Highway 77 from Minong to Hayward:  We recommend hitting this northern route in the fall so you can enjoy the colorful foliage.
  • Lake Shore Road from Manitowoc to Sheboygan: Experience epic water views when you take this stunning drive along Lake Michigan.
  • Highway 131 from Gays Mills to Tomah: Enjoy stunning landscapes as you zip along this route which goes through a state park and nature reserve area.

 

What are some popular Wisconsin road trips?

In addition to going on a drive along Wisconsin scenic byways, here are some popular Wisconsin road trips:

 

 

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