Appreciating western Wisconsin
July 15th, 2008,How wonderful it is with summer at its height. The sun is out today, the purple blooms of our clematis are brilliant, and memories of a beautiful drive through the countryside of western Wisconsin on Sunday and Monday are still strong in my mind.
Our short trip took us only 100 miles or so from our home in Minnesota to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the largest city in western Wisconsin. We approached from the west, on scenic roads. Well, nearly every road is scenic in this beautiful area. Our route took us through Red Wing, Minnesota, to Highway 63, then Highway 72 and County Road C to Eau Claire. It’s a beautiful route through farming country and forest-covered hills, passing through the towns of Ellsworth, Rock Elm, Elmwood, Downsville, and Dunn. It includes some very hilly, thickly forested country – an area that was not covered by the most recent glaciers, and terrain that most people probably do not associate with the Midwest.
July 15th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Pictures?
July 16th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Alas, we were driving with our children and either in a hurry to get to our location, or with our hands full when we stopped, and I did not take out the camera.
August 8th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I have driven through that beautiful part of Wisconsin before.
I remember the little town of Ellsworth, very quaint.
It’s stunning, and I didn’t stop to take pictures either but I sure
enjoyed the drive!
It has always been a part of Wisconsin that I want to visit again.
So, I recommned to anyone drive from Red Wing and go East across the MIssissippi towards Ellsworth, WI and then North to Cumberland, Wisconsin. Do it this fall! You won’t be disappointed.
Julie Fetch- a Midwestern Scenic Drive Advocate