By Star-News staff

BROWN/KEWAUNEE COUNTIES – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has released its new 2023 Rustic Roads Guide, which offers nearly 125 backroad trips.

The 2023 Rustic Roads Guide also showcases Wisconsin’s Scenic Byways — five non-interstate highway routes that explore Door County, the Mississippi River, lower Wisconsin River, Wolf River and Lake Superior.

“These roadways offer visitors and locals alike the opportunity to explore all our state has to offer, from the natural beauty along the roads to the communities they pass through,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “We’re proud of our commitment to invest in our local roads, bridges, and infrastructure and to continue supporting these programs that bolster our state’s travel and tourism industry, which continues to be a major economic driver for our state. Wisconsin has countless hidden gems to explore and enjoy, and this guide will help you find the next one.”

The Rustic Road program began in Taylor County in 1975 and has grown to 750 miles of scenic country roads through 61 counties.

Brown and yellow signs mark these routes, which range from two to 37 miles long.

Rustic Road R-7 in Kewaunee County includes portions of Hrabik Road, Cherneyville Road, Sleepy Hollow Road and Pine Grove Road between WIS 29 and County Highway AB.

In Brown County, R-8 makes a loop off County Highway IR, following Sunrise Road, Pine Lane and Westview Road.

R-40, in Brown County, includes Trout Creek Drive, North Pine Tree Road, Centennial Centre Boulevard, Forest Road and Hill Drive between County Highway J and County Highway FF.

Brown County’s R-47, on Old Plank Road forms a loop west of WIS 57.

“Both the Rustic Roads program and Wisconsin’s Scenic Byways are the result of local collaboration, and we are thankful for the ongoing efforts that make these programs so strong,” said WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson. “We are ready to work with community leaders anywhere in the state to show there is always one more great destination in Wisconsin.”

“Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads and Scenic Byways are the perfect routes for making road trip memories,” said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. “This guide is sure to help inspire people to explore the friendly communities and natural beauty Wisconsin is known for throughout the state.”

For a copy of the guide, visit https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/travel/road/rustic-roads/guide.pdf or call the Wisconsin Department of Tourism at 1-800-432-8747.