The Scenic Drive To Cave Point Is Almost As Beautiful As The Destination Itself

One of the most photographed spots in the entire state is Cave Point County Park, and if you’ve visited, you understand why. Waves crash into a rocky bluff here, surging into sea caves that are incredible to see in any season. Nearby, Whitefish Dunes State Park is also incredible, with a sweeping stretch of wild Lake Michigan beach. While many people rush to see these sights, it’s worth taking the scenic route to reach them. Rustic Road 9 in Wisconsin travels the lakeshore toward these spots, and it’s one of Door County’s prettiest drives.

The state of Wisconsin has a network of official rustic roads that have been recognized for their scenic beauty. They are marked with brown and yellow signs, and they are located throughout Wisconsin.

One of the best is in Door County, just north of Sturgeon Bay. It’s called Rustic Road 9. It’s just east of another scenic route, the Door County Coastal Byway.

Locals might just call this road Glidden Drive or County Highway T. It’s a 6.7-mile stretch between Brauer Road and Whitefish Bay Road, and it’s a beautiful little road – and unlike some of the county’s other routes, it’s not packed with stores, restaurants, and gift shops.

The road gives drivers a sense of what Door County was like before scores of tourists arrived, and the county was a top vacation destination.

That’s not to say there’s nothing of interest on this drive. This route traces a rocky shoreline, passing sand dunes, dense forest, and streams that provide natural habitat for trout and smelt.

The road also passes an old saw mill, a log cabin, and a sweeping view of Lake Michigan. And of course, when you finish the drive you’ll be near Whitefish Dunes State Park and Cave Point County Park.

Interested in seeing more scenic byways in Wisconsin? Check out this YouTube video by Travel Wisconsin highlighting some of the best scenic drives in our state.

https://youtu.be/gDhKp910akg

Learn more about Rustic Road 9 and Wisconsin’s other rustic roads on the state Department of Transportation website. Once you’ve experienced this drive, there’s one more road you’ll want to drive in Door County. Just be sure to hang on to the wheel!

Also, before you cruise the highways, be sure to read our article about the ultimate road trip packing list for all your must-have items to make your trip a breeze.