Rustic Roads of Wisconsin
June 20th, 2009Before you conclude that ‘rustic roads’ are a clever title for ‘unimproved roads’, take a look at Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads program, initiated in 1973. For “those who prefer a road less-traveled, Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads have provided hikers, bikers, and motorists a peaceful escape into some of the finest four-season scenery the Midwest has to offer”. Thirty years later, the 100th rustic road was designated bringing the total designated miles over 500 with 54 counties of the state.
Pictured below in Ozaukee County, a team of horses proceeds down Hawthorne Road (2 miles long). Lined with oak, maple, and weeping willow trees, it is the only gravel road in the city of Mequon.
Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads guides are always available when you stay at the Port Washington Inn. Many of our guests venture west to Monches Farm and Holy Hill which are part of a natural kettle area with several rustic roads including portions of St. Augustine Road, Monches Road, Emerald Road, Shamrock Lane, and Donegal Road (12+ miles in total). Northwest in Sheboygan County near the Kettle Moraine State Forest is Rustic Road County S (2.4 miles), very near the Wade House State Historic Site and the Wesley Jung Carriage Museum.
