http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/road-rustic-s460.jpgWisconsin’s tourism industry saw another record-breaking year in 2023.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), today announced the publication of the 2024 Rustic Roads Guide. The latest edition features two new roads and the work of talented local photographers from around the state, including the cover image of the Aurora Borealis over Rustic Road 60 in Vilas County. This comes as yesterday, Gov. Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Tourism announced Wisconsin’s tourism industry saw another record-breaking year in 2023, with $25 billion in total economic impact, surpassing the previous record year of $23.7 billion set in 2022.

“Wisconsin has quiet, rural roads all over that take visitors and travelers alike to some of the most beautiful scenes our state has to offer,” said Gov. Evers. “The new Rustic Roads Guide reflects years of local efforts to welcome travelers to explore all of Wisconsin, and I want to thank the state and local officials, photographers, and all those involved who have worked to keep this great program growing.”

Rustic Roads is one of WisDOT’s oldest programs. The program began in Taylor County in 1975 and now features approximately 760 miles of scenic, lightly traveled country roads through 61 counties. Unique brown and yellow signs mark the routes of all officially designated rustic roads, which range from two miles to 37 miles in length and have a maximum speed limit of 45 miles per hour.

“Wisconsin’s Scenic Byways and Rustic Roads are both the result of working with local leaders, 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.”

Earlier this year, Gov. Evers and WisDOT announced the addition of two new additions to the Rustic Roads Program. Rustic Road 125, which spans 9.4 miles near the American Birkebeiner Trail in Northwestern Wisconsin’s forests, and Rustic Road 126, which crosses Honey Creek in Walworth County and passes what was once a one-room schoolhouse.

“A road trip on Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads and Scenic Byways is a great way to turn down the noise and tune in with loved ones,” said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. “Whether you seek them out or just happen on one in your travels, these roadways guide travelers to scenic views, unexpected destinations, and memory-worthy experiences.”

The 2024 Rustic Roads Guide also features the Scenic Byways Program, which highlights non-interstate highways primarily along Wisconsin waterways, allowing travelers to explore more of the state’s beauty, recreation, and cultural or historic attributes.

For a free copy of the 2024 edition of Wisconsin Rustic Roads, visit https://www.travelwisconsin.com/order-guides or contact the Wisconsin Department of Tourism at 1-800-432-8747.

Additional information about the Rustic Roads Program and the nomination process is available here.