Wisconsin’s State Trunk Highway System offers travelers a sprawling network of scenic byways that wind through some of the Midwest’s most captivating landscapes. Designated as a State Scenic Byway, this collection of routes showcases Wisconsin’s remarkable diversity — from the rolling dairy farmlands of the Driftless Area to the towering bluffs along the Mississippi River, and from dense northern hardwood forests to the sparkling shores of the Great Lakes.

Along the way, drivers encounter charming small towns with historic downtowns, covered bridges, and roadside cheese shops that define Wisconsin’s character. Watch for dramatic overlooks above river valleys, stretches of wildflower-lined corridors in summer, and the fiery palette of sugar maples each autumn. Wildlife sightings are common — bald eagles soar above the river bluffs while sandhill cranes wade through wetland preserves.

Key stops include state parks with hiking trails and waterfall viewpoints, lakeside communities perfect for a leisurely lunch, and heritage sites that tell the story of Wisconsin’s logging and agricultural past.

The best time to drive is mid-September through mid-October, when fall color transforms the countryside into a postcard. Allow a full day or more to explore at a relaxed pace — this is a drive meant to be savored, not rushed.

Explore Nearby

• Plum Island Range Front Light — Lighthouse in Wisconsin
• Plum Island Range Rear Light — Lighthouse in Wisconsin
• Newport State Park — Dark Sky Site in Wisconsin
• Grand Traverse Island State Park — State Park in Wisconsin
• Peninsula State Park — State Park in Wisconsin