
Most Scenic Road Trips in Madison, Wisconsin, United States
1. Capital City Trail
A scenic bike route connecting Madison's lakeshores, parks, and neighborhoods, showcasing the city's vibrant atmosphere.
- Lakeside Views: Offers stunning views of Lake Monona and Lake Mendota
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Friendly: Designed for pedestrians and cyclists, allowing for an eco-friendly exploration.
- Cultural Diversity: Passes through diverse neighborhoods showcasing Madison's rich cultural tapestry
2. Highway 12 from Madison to Mineral Point
A picturesque drive through rolling hills, quaint villages, and unique art galleries.
- Scenic Countryside: Drives through the beautiful Driftless Region of southwestern Wisconsin
- Artistic Destinations: Visit art galleries, pottery studios, and sculpture parks along the route.
- Historical Landmarks: Discover historical sites like the Pendarvis Historic Site and Mineral Point's Victorian-era homes
3. Taliesin Drive in Spring Green
A scenic drive through the picturesque town of Spring Green, home to Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin estate.
- Architectural Marvel: Experience the unique and inspiring architecture of Taliesin
- Natural Beauty: Drives through rolling hills, wooded valleys, and scenic bluffs overlooking the Wisconsin River.
- Cultural Significance: Explore the birthplace of the American Organic Architecture movement
4. Southern Wisconsin Scenic Byway (Highway 151)
A scenic drive through the rolling hills of southern Wisconsin, featuring vineyards, orchards, and historic sites.
- Agri-tourism Destinations: Visit local vineyards, apple orchards, and farms for tastings and tours.
- Historical Landmarks: Discover historical sites like the Eagle Farmstead and the Cross Plains Veterans Memorial
- Scenic Natural Beauty: Enjoy the breathtaking views of the rolling hills, farmlands, and wooded valleys.
5. Lake Wisconsin Scenic Byway (Highway 23)
A scenic drive along Lake Wisconsin, showcasing the area's natural beauty and charming small towns.
- Scenic Lakeshore: Drives along the beautiful shores of Lake Wisconsin
- Charming Small Towns: Visit picturesque small towns like Baraboo and Port Edwards.
- Historical Sites: Discover historical sites like the Devil's Lake State Park and International Crane Foundation
6. Dells of the Wisconsin River
A scenic drive through a unique geological formation, featuring towering sandstone formations and crystal-clear waters.
- Geological Wonders: Experience the unique beauty of the sandstone formations
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy activities like boating, hiking, and fishing.
- Scenic Natural Beauty: Marvel at the crystal-clear waters flowing through the sandstone formations
7. Governor Dodge State Park
A scenic drive and hike through a beautiful state park, featuring rugged hills, deep valleys, and crystal-clear lakes.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Explore over 28 miles of hiking trails through the park.
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy the breathtaking views of the rugged hills, deep valleys, and crystal-clear lakes.
- Historical Sites: Discover historical sites like the old stone quarry and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Campground
8. Wisconsin River Scenic Byway
A scenic drive along the Wisconsin River, featuring rolling hills, picturesque towns, and stunning natural beauty.
- Scenic River Views: Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Wisconsin River.
- Picturesque Towns: Visit charming small towns like Sauk City and Prairie du Sac.
- Scenic Natural Beauty: Marvel at the rolling hills, farmlands, and wooded valleys along the route.
9. Ice Age National Scenic Trail
A scenic hike through Wisconsin's beautiful landscapes, showcasing glacial formations and diverse ecosystems.
- Glacial Formations: Experience the unique beauty of the glacial formations.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Explore diverse ecosystems like forests, prairies, and wetlands.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Enjoy over 1,000 miles of hiking trails throughout the state.
10. Stevens Point Area Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through central Wisconsin, featuring rolling hills, picturesque villages, and unique attractions.
- Scenic Countryside: Drives through the beautiful Driftless Region of central Wisconsin.
- Unique Attractions: Visit unique attractions like the Stevens Point Sculpture Park and the Whiting Falls.
- Picturesque Villages: Discover charming villages like Amherst, Rosholt, and Junction City.
11. Northwestern Wisconsin Scenic Byway (Highway 63)
A scenic drive through northwestern Wisconsin, featuring beautiful lakes, dense forests, and charming small towns.
- Scenic Lakeshore: Drives along the picturesque shores of Lake Superior.
- Dense Forests: Explore the beautiful forests and wildlife of northwestern Wisconsin.
- Charming Small Towns: Visit charming small towns like Hayward, Cable, and Ashland.
12. Great River Road (Highway 35)
A scenic drive along the Mississippi River, showcasing the region's natural beauty, history, and culture.
- Scenic River Views: Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Mississippi River.
- Historical Sites: Discover historical sites like the National Eagle Center and the Effigy Mounds National Monument.
- Cultural Experiences: Experience the rich cultural heritage of the area's Native American tribes and French settlers.
13. Potawatomi State Park
A scenic park along Lake Michigan, featuring sandy beaches, rugged bluffs, and diverse ecosystems.
- Scenic Beach: Enjoy the beautiful sandy beach of Lake Michigan.
- Rugged Bluffs: Explore the rugged bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Discover diverse ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and sand dunes.
14. Apostle Island National Lakeshore
A scenic drive and boat tour through a beautiful national lakeshore, featuring sea caves, lighthouses, and historic sites.
- Sea Caves: Explore the stunning sea caves along the shoreline.
- Lighthouses: Visit historic lighthouses like the Devil's Island Lighthouse and Outer Island Light.
- Historical Sites: Discover historical sites like the Sea Cave, the Grandmother Bay Beach, and the Mainland Visitor Center.
15. Peninsula State Park
A scenic drive and hike through a beautiful state park, featuring sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and diverse ecosystems.
- Scenic Beach: Enjoy the beautiful sandy beach of Green Bay.
- Rugged Cliffs: Explore the rugged cliffs overlooking Green Bay.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Discover diverse ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and sand dunes.