It’s no secret that the best scenic drives in Wisconsin are, for the most part, roads that wind through the countryside. From the rolling hills of the southwest to the Lake Michigan bluffs and everywhere in between, each area of the state offers different geography and gorgeous views. No matter which back road you get on, you’re sure to get a treat for the eyes. Buckle up, pop on your sunglasses, and prepare to experience a dozen of the very best Wisconsin scenic drives that traverse through the gorgeous back roads of our state.

1. Wisconsin's Great River Road
Great River Road, Great River Rd, Trempealeau, WI, USA
Flickr/Jim Brekke
Also known as Hwy 35, this stretch follows the Mississippi from Prescott down to Potosi - and further. Follow the gorgeous bluffs and cliffs and stop every so often for stunning views of the river valley below. There are charming towns and tons of state history along the way as well.
2. Highway 77 from Minong to Hayward
Wisconsin 77, WI-77, Minong, WI, USA
Flickr/Tom Kelly
Way up north, this beautiful stretch meanders through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and is extra stunning when the leaves are changing.
3. Barron County Rustic Highway 83
Narrow Gauge Road, Narrow Gauge Rd, Barronett, WI 54871, USA
Flickr/Aaron Carlson
Called "Narrow Gauge Road" locally, it's built on what used to be a lumber rail line. It intersects the Ice Age trail and goes through acre after acre of forest that's truly stunning.
4. Lake Shore Road from Manitowoc to Sheboygan
Lakeshore Rd, Two Rivers, WI 54241, USA
Flickr/AaronCarlson
You can hug the shore of Lake Michigan for nearly the whole ride on quiet country roads that occasionally find a small town but mostly traverse farmland and peeks at Lake Michigan. You'll find yourself dreaming of buying a home up here.
5. Door County Highway 57
Wisconsin scenic drives
Wisconsin 57, WI-57, Sturgeon Bay, WI, USA
Flickr/Elvis Kennedy
There are two main highways up into Door County and this is the one that comes out of Green Bay and heads to Sister Bay. Lake views, forest and more make this a super-interesting drive.
6. Highway 131 from Gays Mills to Tomah
Wisconsin 131, WI-131, Gays Mills, WI, USA
Flickr/John W. Iwanski
Alternate options include Highway 14 through Viroqua. Any winding road through the Driftless area is going to be worthwhile, but I chose 131 because it goes through the Kickapoo Valley Reserve State Natural Area and next to Wildcat Mountain State Park. The Driftless area's unique geography makes for a gorgeous drive.

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7. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive
Wisconsin scenic drives
Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, Kettle Moraine Scenic Dr, West Bend, WI, USA
Flickr/Susan Ruggles
This is actually a 115 mile stretch that crosses through 50,000 acres of Southern and Eastern Wisconsin. You can start in Elkhart Lake or at Whitewater Lake and get an expansive view of this part of the state.
8. Highway 2 through Ashland
U.S. Route 2, U.S. Rte 2, Ashland, WI, USA
Flickr/Doug Lieberum
Highway two comes out of the UP and cuts across the Northern part of the state over to Superior. At Ashland, it follows right along the Lake Superior coast at Chequamegon Bay and it's a really wonderful drive.
9. Lake Drive/Highway 32 in Milwaukee
Wisconsin 32, WI-32, Milwaukee, WI, USA
Flickr/TheKarenD
Starting at Doctors Park up in Fox Point and following the Lake Michigan shoreline to downtown is one of the prettiest and most interesting drives. Not only will you get awesome views of the lake, but you'll meander through some of the oldest and most elaborate homes in Wisconsin.
10. Highway 42 from Manitowoc to Maplewood
WI-42, Manitowoc, WI, USA
Flickr/ChuckZacharias
The other of Door County's two highways, this one you can pick up down in Manitowoc and take all the way to Gills Rock at the tip.
11. Highway 60 from Prairie du Chien to Lodi
Old State Highway 60, Old State Hwy 60, Bridgeport, WI 53821, USA
Flickr/Joshua Mayer
This state highway follows along the Lower Wisconsin River and is a state Scenic Byway. You'll pass through some interesting small towns, including Spring Green.
12. Highway 13 from Ashland to Parkland
State Highway 13, State Hwy 13, Ashland, WI, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
This highway edges around the whole Bayfield Peninsula, giving you views of Madeline Island, the Apostle Islands and two different Lake Superior bays. This is arguably the prettiest drive in the entire state.

Check out this YouTube video Travel Wisconsin highlighting some of the best driving roads in Wisconsin.

There’s so much to love about the magnificent local landscape. What do you think – do these places rank among the very best scenic drives in Wisconsin? Would you add any Wisconsin scenic drives to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Looking for more reasons to get out and see Wisconsin? Check out our article, 9 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Wisconsin Before You Die, for additional scenic drives in Wisconsin that will take your breath away.

Before you hit the highways or search “scenic drives near me,” be sure to read our previous article highlighting some of the best must-have road trip items needed for an easy breezy trip.

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 In Wisconsin

Nikki Rhoades | April 12, 2020

What are the best roadside attractions in Wisconsin?

The Badger State is, as you may imagine, a pretty quirky place. Our people are truly unique, but our landscape of 65,498 square miles hides surprises that just might make you do a double take. The best roadside attractions in Wisconsin include a Hodag monster that allegedly causes mischief, the largest lager six pack in the world, and a 20,000 pound ball of twine. It’s almost safe to say that you never know what you’ll discover in Wisconsin. Here are some more roadside attractions in Wisconsin that are worthy of a visit:

  • Dickeyville Grotto & Shrines, Dickeyville
  • Mars Cheese Castle, Kenosha
  • Jurustic Park, Marhsfield
  • World's Largest Muskie, Hayward
  • Pinkie the Elephant, DeForest
  • Crash site of Korabl-Sputnik 1, Manitowoc
  • Bessie The Cow, Janesville
  • World's Largest Talking Loon, Mercer
  • Dr. Evermor's Sculpture Park, North Freedom
  • Bronze Fonz by Gerald P. Sawyer, Milwaukee
  • Green Monster, Monaco


Be sure to read our previous article telling you more about the best roadside attractions in Wisconsin.

Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Wisconsin?

Believe it or not, there are many incredible scenic backroads in Wisconsin. Our vast state hosts unique vistas and landscapes, and visitors and locals alike struggle to resist the allure of features like Great Lakes, rivers, hills, farmland, and more. Our landscape is a surprise to many, but locals assert that any country road here is full of charming views. You might encounter scenic views as you road trip to a waterfall, or you might catch the sun setting into the horizon at a magical hour as you’re leaving town. If you’re less enthused about just setting out with a positive attitude to see what you may discover, don’t be afraid to ask locals for some suggestions!

Are there other similar things to do in Wisconsin when you have a free afternoon?

When it comes to things to do in Wisconsin, locals and visitors alike are in for a treat. There are many natural attractions worth visiting in the area, ranging from hiking to the state’s highest point at Timms Hill to enjoying a float trip along our prettiest water features on a warm summer day.

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