Wisconsin's Scenic Byways

An ArcGIS Online StoryMap by WisDOT

Terms of Use

This StoryMap contains information about Wisconsin Scenic Byways. This data was created for use by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Any other use or recompilation of the information, while not prohibited, is the sole responsibility of the user. WisDOT expressly disclaims all liability regarding fitness of the use of the information for other than WisDOT business. No liability, either expressed or implied, is assumed by WisDOT, or their employees, for the accuracy of the data delineated herein. For all  WisDOT Maps legal notices, disclaimer, and terms of use. 


Overview

The Wisconsin Scenic Byways Program is a voluntary program that identifies a system of roads that are officially designated by the WisDOT Secretary as Wisconsin Scenic Byways. These byways are recognized for their outstanding aesthetic qualities and for their exceptional scenic views. These views are formed through a combination of landforms, man-made features, vegetation, and bodies of water that are visible from the road.

The Scenic Byways program is similar but separate from WisDOT’s  Rustic Roads  program. Typically, Rustic Roads are lightly-traveled town or county roads that offer bikers, hikers and other travelers a leisurely opportunity to see native terrain and wildlife in a rural setting.

For Wisconsin  Rustic Roads  enthusiasts, there is also an  Interactive Rustic Roads ArcGIS Online map  to make your travel planning easier.


Lower Wisconsin River Road


Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway - National Scenic Byway


Wisconsin Great River Road - All-American Road


Door County Coastal Byway - National Scenic Byway


Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway


What is a Scenic Byway?

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation  Scenic Byways Program  was developed in 2005 with public input to identify, through local government initiatives, highway routes with outstanding scenic characteristics and other related qualities and resources that provide travelers with an exceptional travel experience. The Wisconsin Scenic Byways Program is a voluntary program that identifies a system of roads that are officially designated by the WisDOT Secretary as Wisconsin Scenic Byways. These byways are recognized for their outstanding aesthetic qualities and for their exceptional scenic views. These views are formed through a combination of landforms, man-made features, vegetation, and bodies of water that are visible from the road.

Anyone with an interest in their community and in promoting the area’s scenic, historic, recreational and educational resources can participate in the Scenic Byways program.

A designated Wisconsin State Scenic Byway can be comprised of any combination of the following types of roadways:

  • Any numbered state or federal highways (other than interstate highways)
  • Connecting highways (as described in  section 340.01(9), Wis. Stats .)
  • County Highways
  • Local roads

The byway route must be at least 30 miles long, be proposed by a local government sponsor, and meet Wisconsin Scenic Byway criteria as outlined in section  84.106, Wis. Stats .

For the complete application process and benefits of the Wisconsin State Scenic Byway Program please visit  https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/travel/road/scenic-ways/app.aspx 

The Scenic Byways program is similar but separate from WisDOT’s  Rustic Roads  program. Typically, Rustic Roads are lightly-traveled town or county roads that offer bikers, hikers and other travelers a leisurely opportunity to see native terrain and wildlife in a rural setting.