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How about a relaxing drive?
Area’s rustic roads showcase natural beauty As society cautiously emerges from restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, the list of acceptable activities is growing. Throughout the two-month Safer-at-Home shutdown people were encouraged to get outside, exercise and enjoy nature. While that’s great for many people, others continue to seek activities that are perhaps a little less taxing. Toward that end, may we suggest a relaxing drive on one of the many Rustic Roads in the Geneva Lakes Area? How many of us have traveled or even know where Snake Road, South Road, Cranberry Road or Back Road are located and where they lead? These lesser-known roads are a part of the Rustic Road System, which was created by the Wisconsin State Legislature in 1973 as a way to preserve some of the scenic, smaller, and less-traveled roads that represent the spirit of Wisconsin’s countryside. The first Rustic Road, designated in 1975, was appropriately called Rustic Road 1, and is just north of Medford in the northwest quadrant of the state. Rustic Road 1 crosses through hills and valleys that were created by the last Wisconsin glacier nearly 12,000 years ago. Since that first designation, the number of Rustic Roads has increased to more than 100. The roads cover a total of 720 miles and are found in 59 of the state’s 72 counties. They tend to be short from two miles to a maximum of 37 miles, but most in our area are approximately 6 to 10 miles in length. The roads are marked by brown and
yellow signs with an outline of the state and the words Rustic Road. The route itself is designated by a number with an R in front to prevent it being confused with regular state highways. The distance the route covers is also listed. In order to qualify as a Rustic Road, there are criteria that must be met. It must have outstanding natural features along its borders such as rugged terrain, native vegetation, or wildlife. It must be a lightly traveled local access road. It cannot be scheduled for any major improvements, which would change its character. Rustic Roads may be dirt, gravel, or paved and are open to automobiles, motorcycles, bicyclists, and hikers looking for a scenic country ride or walk. Maximum speed limits are 45 miles per hour but local jurisdictions may lower them. Many are posted at 30 mph. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation oversees the rustic roads program but the roads themselves remain under local jurisdiction. It is a partnership between the state and local authorities that focuses on preservation and promotion of these country roads. There are four Rustic Roads in the immediate Geneva Lake area and each is an interesting route, with a rural flavor even though they are just a few miles away from the businesses and busyness of Lake Geneva. For more on the Rustic Roads system, including the new Rustic Roads Guide interactive guide, visit wisconsindot.gov and search for “Rustic Roads.”
With small hills and curves, this serenely wooded Rustic Road presents a quiet route from Highway 50 to Highway 36 near Lake Geneva. SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes
4
JUNE 2020
GENERAL MANAGER
Sue Z. Lange EDITOR IN CHIEF
Ed Nadolski ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Vicki Vanderwerff CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Heidi Schulz SALES
Pete Hansen Tamera Hamilton SPECIAL SECTIONS
Karen Dubinsky DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Tom Flatow
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