Wisconsin Road Trip

Close your eyes and think back to the vacations of your childhood. Chances are at least one of your fondest, most memorable trips involves travelling across the countryside in a car with your family. Such nostalgic road trips are fast becoming a lost tradition in our modern, fast-paced society. Everywhere we go, we rush to arrive at our final destination with little regard for experiencing the journey along the way. While the families of the yesteryear may have had an ultimate destination in mind, they were also much more likely to take the proverbial time to “stop and smell the roses.” They piled the family into the station wagon and drove, stopping along the way to experience quaint roadside dining and shopping, explore the historical sites and admire the breath-taking scenic overviews. Games such as “I Spy,” and other classics were played as the ever-changing scenery rolled by the windows. For a change of pace this summer, you and your family should give some thought to re-embracing the distinctly American tradition of the road trip. Load the kids up in the car, bring along a few travel games and your favorite snacks and let the road take you where it will.

If you are looking for a spot to truly recapture the charming nostalgia of your childhood; a chance to explore gorgeous scenery and welcoming towns, consider taking a trip along the Lower Wisconsin River from Prairie Du Chien to Sauk City, Wisconsin. While Wisconsin offers many wonderful destinations such as Milwaukee, Green Bay and the Hayward Lakes Region, Route 60 along the Lower Wisconsin River is an experience not to be missed as you travel to or from your ultimate destination in the great state of Wisconsin. Measuring at 100 miles, the trek from Prairie Du Chien to Sauk City leads travelers through a stretch of Wisconsin filled with historic sites, architecturally significant structures and some of the most beautiful scenery North America has to offer. While the distance of this route is relatively short, families may want to consider more than one day for this trip in order to fully experience the many historic and scenic opportunities along the way, especially when factoring extra time for side trips off the main road.

Starting in Prairie Du Chien, visitors would be remiss if they failed to take the opportunity to tour the Villa Louis. A National Historic Landmark, the Villa Louis, also known as the Dousman Mansion, sits on St. Feriole Island just outside of Prairie Du Chien. Originally, this land was occupied by Native Americans who used the grounds to construct burial mounds to honor their dead. In 1814, the Siege of Prairie du Chien was fought at the current site of the Villa Louis by American and British soldier feuding over the land in the War of 1812. In the early to mid 1800′s, the land on which Villa Louis now sits was occupied by Fort Crawford. Ultimately, the Villa Louis mansion was constructed on the site in 1871. Originally conceived in a Greek Revival style, the Villa Louis was remodeled and redecorated in the mid-1880′s to reflect the influence of the British Arts and Crafts movement. In addition to the main mansion house, there are numerous outbuildings and gardens to explore in and around the grounds of Villa Louis. Be sure to check before planning a visit to this historic masterpiece; the historical society stages a re-enactment of the Siege of Prairie Du Chien and also hosts a fascinating carriage driving competition annually each September.

Travelers on this scenic trek will then want to drop down Route 35 South to Route 60 East. From there, Route 60 winds its way along the banks of the Lower Wisconsin River through the geographically diverse and beautiful countryside of southern Wisconsin. The Wyalusing State Park sits along the banks of the great Mississippi River, allowing visitors to take some time to explore the natural beauty of this extraordinary region through its trails and scenic overlooks. Cutting a deep swath of valley through the Driftless Area hills, the Lower Wisconsin River shelters many species of plants and animals in its numerous nature preserves. Throughout the summer months, the Lower Wisconsin Sate Riverway Board offers visitors the chance to explore various sections of the river in replicated voyageurs canoes. This canoe trip stops along the sandbars of this magnificent river so that guides can highlight significant points of interest.

While the natural backdrop of the river valley itself is spectacular, there are other attractions along this beautiful route as well. Travelling a little further northeast on Route 60, visitors will next want to plan a stop at the Kickapoo Indian Caverns. Described as a beautiful Indian shelter carved by ancient underground seas, the Kickapoo Indian Cavern offers the rare opportunity to experience history and nature simultaneously. The cement pathways are safe and well-lit; easy to traverse for most visitors. Stalactite caverns, onyx and a turquoise room are all among the beautiful wonders of nature visitors will witness here. The site is completed by an excellent historical museum featuring artifacts and information from the Native Americans who once inhabited this region.

Continuing northeast along the river, visitors can stop by Boscobel, Wisconsin on the southern side of the river to get a bite to eat at the aptly named ‘Unique Café.’ With a wide array of menu items, this café is a welcome respite from the typical roadside fare. Further up Route 60, near Port Andrew, Wisconsin, lies Eagle Cave. This onyx cave is known for both its beauty and its excellent camping facilities, making it an ideal spot to stop for folks seeking an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate under the clear night skies of Wisconsin. After taking a break (or a night) to experience the natural beauty and glistening onyx of Eagle Cave, visitors can begin the final leg of their journey toward the architectural masterpieces and historical sites associated with the famous Frank Lloyd Wright.

A brief trek off of Route 60, travelers can visit Richland Center, Wisconsin where Frank Lloyd Wright is believed to have been born in 1867. Frank Lloyd Wright was an architect who designed a multitude of structures from the Guggenheim Museum in New York City to residential homes throughout the country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Richland Center, Wisconsin, visitors can admire the A.D. German Warehouse, an imposing brick building designed by Wright here at the place of his birth. Further north along Route 60, just outside of Spring Green, Wisconsin, lies the famous Taliesin, frequently cited as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s quintessential masterpieces. Wrights architectural genius was only matched perhaps by the notoriety of his personal life. In spite of being married with six children, Wright left his family, subsequently designing Taliesin as a home for himself and his mistress, Mamah Cheney. Mamah Cheney was tragically murdered in the dwelling along with six other people when a servant set fire to the home and killed everyone in sight with an axe in 1914. Wright’s second attempt to construct a dwelling here met with a similar fate when a fire again destroyed the structure in 1925. However, Wright preserved and re-built the dwelling one last time, creating Taliesin III, which visitors can tour today.

Just south of Taliesin on Route 23 lies the House on the Rock, a Resort and Attraction all in one. ‘The Attraction’ was created as the vision of Alex Jordan, features a stunning array of eclectic, unique collections and sights to startle your senses. From miniature dollhouses to an incredible 360 degree overlook of the valley, the ‘Attraction’ is truly a sight to behold. After a day touring this memorable attraction, visitors can relax in the comfortable accommodations available at the resort, complete with amenities such as a submarine themed indoor pool, a golf course, a restaurant, lounge and even a day spa for those seeking a truly luxurious experience.

Proceeding toward Sauk City, just north of Spring Green, lie the splendors of Natural Bridge State Park. With the largest naturally occurring rock arch in the state of Wisconsin, the Natural Bridge State Park is an amazing example of the beauty of the Wisconsin wilderness. Weathered by wind and water over thousands of years, the sandstone of central Wisconsin has gradually eroded here to create a thirty-five foot high naturally occurring bridge. Here, archeologists have found evidence of civilization from thousands of years ago, such as pieces of charred artifacts, under the shelter of the rock croppings.

Arriving in Sauk City, travelers will be delighted by the welcoming Midwestern charm of this quaint community. With cozy cafes and comfortable inns, Sauk City is a great spot to relax and unwind after spending several days on the open road. Plan a visit to the Wollersheim Winery of the adjacent Prairie Du Sac or the magnificent Tripp Memorial Museum of Prairie Du Sac, a structure included on the National Register of Historic Places. Kick back and enjoy a calmer pace of life here in this appealing Midwestern locale.

Wild and wonderful, a road trip through Wisconsin is sure to create terrific family memories to last a lifetime. Instead of rushing to your next destination, experience the journey along the way. Experience the joy of the open road here in the great state of Wisconsin.

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