For additional information, story ideas or photography, contact the Promotion Committee of the Wisconsin Great River Road at info@wigrr.com or (608) 534-6780. Visit our website at http://www.wigreatriverroad.com.
This summer, Americans are poised to take a well-earned vacation or two. If they can’t go abroad, they have a myriad of choices right here on U.S. soil. But because nothing screams “summer!” like a full tank of gas and the open road, the Huffington Post set their eye on identifying the best U.S. road trip routes.
Through a series of votes by the Huffington readers comparing several beautiful iconic drives in the United States, they voted for their favorite. The winner with was the Wisconsin Great River Road National Scenic Byway along the Mississippi River. From Big Sur Coastal Drive in California to Hana Highway in Hawaii, the Wisconsin Great River Road beat out some heavy competition for favorite drive.
“We’re thrilled that through this recognition people will now learn what we’ve known all along, that there is nothing like the Great River Road. It never gets old no matter how many times you drive it. We couldn’t be more proud of this achievement,” Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett said. “We congratulate all of the businesses and tourism organizations along the Great River Road for this well-deserved honor and for their foresight and vision to make this more than just a drive but a destination.”
Stretching for 250 miles from Prescott to Kieler along the western shore of Wisconsin the Great River Road travels through 33 historic river towns as you drive through soaring bluffs with magnificent views of the Mississippi River. The Mississippi is widely known as a destination for outstanding scenery, excellent fishing and recreational boating and superb bird watching.
Visitors will discover an entire town on the National Historic Register, a restored 19th century brewery home to the National Brewery Museum, Indian mounds, the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder, an art fair that draws thousands from around the region, as well as small town eateries offering delicious food and lots of local atmosphere. But these leisure time activities are only part of the story. The Upper Mississippi River is also a working river. This hard-working authenticity, with up-close viewing of locks and cargo laden barges, is what makes a journey down the Wisconsin Great River Road so unique and enjoyable.
The Wisconsin Great River Road is the only National Scenic Byway in Wisconsin and is a segment of the National Great River Road, which runs for 3,000 miles through ten states, from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. A green Pilot’s Wheel Symbol on white signs marks the way for travelers.
For more information about the Wisconsin Great River Road or for specific information on beautiful scenic lookouts, as well as lodging, dining, specialty shops and other amenities and attractions along the route visit our website at http://www.wigreatriverroad.com.
