Follow The Wisconsin River Along This Scenic Drive Through Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s namesake river has always beckoned travelers. The Wisconsin River runs more than 400 miles through the state, from the far, wild Northwoods to the rural dairy county in the south. The lower section of the river bends westward toward the Mississippi River and it’s skirted by a wonderful scenic driving route. The 100-mile drive is called Scenic Byway 60 and it follows the river through Wisconsin’s gorgeous Driftless Region on Highway 60. Here’s what you need to know about the scenic drive in Wisconsin.

Scenic Byway 60 starts in Lodi, pop. 3,100, a city in Columbia County that was founded in the mid-1800s as a mill town. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Madison.

Google / Carla Wiessing

The route follows state Highway 60 west and will take you near some gorgeous natural areas like Gibraltar Rock, a 68-acre park with 200-foot cliffs that offer sweeping views of the river valley.

Alltrails / Leah Krawczyk

It continues through Sauk City and Prairie du Sac, twin communities that are known as Sauk Prairie. They are good places to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. There are plenty of nearby walking and hiking paths that trace the shore of the river.

Alltrails / Pokey Jo

Heading westward on Highway 60, you’ll enter Spring Green. Famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright helped put this community on the map. You can take a bridge across the river to see his masterpiece home, Taliesin.

Facebook / Taliesin Preservation

A number of small communities will greet you on the next section of Highway 60. Foodies will enjoy this part of the drive – some of the state’s best cheese factories and wineries can be found in this rich farmland.

Facebook / Wild Hills Winery

The route terminates in Prairie du Chien, a Mississippi River port city that’s one of the state’s oldest communities. If you love history, you’ll want to take in the city’s many historic buildings and museums.

Facebook / Prairie du Chien

Learn more about Scenic Byway 60, also called the Lower Wisconsin River Road, on the route’s official website. If you enjoy scenic drives, here’s an unforgettable trip up the Door County peninsula that you won’t want to miss.