Take a Road trip on Wisconsin's Rustic Roads

Wisconsin's Rustic Road system was established in 1975, with the intention of preserving some of the states historic or picturesque back and country roads. The roads are identified by a brown sign, with yellow writing. Each is assigned a number, from 1 to 3 digits, and referred to as R#, to keep them separated from the local state trunk highways.

The roads are nominated by locals or travelers, following the following guidelines (Taken from the Wisconsin DOT Website);

1. Should have outstanding natural features along its borders sud as rugged terrain, native vegetation, native wildlife, or include open areas with agricultural vistas which singly or in combination set this road apart from other roads.

2. Should be a lightly traveled local access road, one which serves the adjacent property owners and those wishing to travel by auto, bicycle or hiking for purposes of recreational enjoyment of its rustic features.

3. Should be not be now scheduled for or anticipating for major improvements which would change its rustic characteristics.

4,. Should have, preferably, a minimum of 2 miles and, where feasible, should provide a closed loop or connect to major highways at both ends of the route.

The roads themselves can be paved, dirt or gravel, and are often 1 or a very narrow 2 lanes. Due to the low traffic volume, however, there are few issues with passing or oncoming cars. By law, the maximum speed limit on a rustic road is 45 mph, though local authorities can limit the maximum speed further, as low as 25 mph, though I have seen signs for dirt roads as low as 15. With some of the road surfaces, these speeds are actually good ideas.

Wisconsin also sponsors a Rustic Road Program, where you can ride a motorcycle to 10 rustic roads, take a picture with the motorcycle and Rustic Road sign, send them to the DOT and obtain a patch. 25 roads will earn a certificate. Some motorcyclists complain about the lower speed limits on the roads, though many still enjoy the program and obtain at least the patch, over the years managing to ride all the roads in the state.

There have not been any books published about the roads since 1995, when there were actually only 67 roads in the state. There are now over 100, spread across the entire state. Website references are also scarce apart from a map and small burbs about each of the roads, but information is available by contacting the Wisconsin DOT.