Many scenic drives in Wisconsin are absolutely gorgeous. You can find roads that will take you deep into cheese country, past red dairy barns and herds of Holstein cattle. Other drives will take you into vast wild forests and over timeless covered bridges. But for sheer beauty and dramatic sweeping views, it’s hard to beat the drives in eastern Wisconsin along the Lake Michigan shoreline. One driving route along the lakeshore is one of the best road trips you can take in America. Just look for signs marking Highway 42. Gas up your car - here’s what’s waiting for you ahead on this scenic road trip in Wisconsin.
While many Wisconsin drivers might think of Highway 42 as the pathway into the beautiful Door County, this gorgeous route is a little further south, right along the Lake Michigan shoreline. If you’re heading to Door County from Milwaukee or Chicago, you can take this route north – it will take a little longer but it’s worth it!
This stretch of Highway 42 passes through four Wisconsin lakefront cities – it will take you through Manitowoc, Two Rivers, Kewaunee, and Algoma. The highway parallels the lake. In some places it’s right next to the lakeshore and you’re never more than a short side trip away from a beach or lake vista.
Along Highway 42 you’ll pass a wonderful mix of natural and manmade attractions. For example, you’ll pass five lighthouses on the drive, including Manitowoc’s North Breakwater Light. It’s a great place to stretch your legs or take a photo.
There are some interesting museums along the route, including the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. It’s home to an actual World War II submarine, similar to the ones that were built here to support the war effort.
If you love a great beach, Highway 42 will help you find one. In Two Rivers, Neshotah Beach is 50 acres of sand that feels like heaven on a warm summer day.
While this is a driving trip, you’ll want to spend some time on foot – the highway will take you near some iconic hiking spots. The beautiful Mariners Trail is a paved path that runs between Manitowoc and Two Rivers. It’s just steps from the highway!
Wisconsin Highway 42 is a state highway that travels through a big stretch of eastern Wisconsin – it runs a total of 138 miles, so if you want to extend your trip you can drive all the way to Northport in Door County. Once you’ve taken in the beauty of Highway 42, here are some more scenic Wisconsin drives that you’ll want to take.
Looking for packing inspo? Check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List before you hit the road!
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