Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive

The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is a designated scenic route in southeastern Wisconsin that links the two units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The route traverses through scenic and historic areas, including landscape shaped by glaciers from the latest ice age, known as the Wisconsin glaciation.

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive
Map
Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive highlighted in green
Route information
Length115 mi[1] (185 km)
Major junctions
South endJct State Park Rd and Kettle Moraine Rd near Whitewater
North end CTH-P / CTH-J near Elkhart Lake
Location
CountryUnited States
StateWisconsin
Highway system
Northern terminus

Route description

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Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive generally follows county and local roads. It begins near Whitewater – at the southern expanse of the Kettle Moraine State Forest's southern unit (42°45′56″N 88°42′18″W / 42.76556°N 88.70500°W / 42.76556; -88.70500), the drive takes a northeast trek and passes through six counties: Walworth, Jefferson, Waukesha, Washington, Fond du Lac, and Sheboygan. The route's northern terminus is near Sheboygan County Broughton Marsh Park northwest of Elkhart Lake (43°50′53″N 88°02′29″W / 43.84806°N 88.04139°W / 43.84806; -88.04139).[2]

History

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The idea of a route along the Kettle Moraine was believed to be conceived in the early 1940s by the Kettle Moraine Committee of the Izaak Walton League – Milwaukee Chapter, which was the backbone behind the development of the Kettle Moraine State Forest units. The first surveying of the area did not begin until 1946. The Wisconsin Highway Commission approved the route in 1948 and the first paving project was completed in 1950.[1]

Attractions along the drive

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The drive passes by various opportunities for recreation and tourism in the Kettle Moraine area. Access is provided to sightseeing, hiking, biking, camping, cross-country skiing and fishing facilities.[3]

The following state parks and forests are accessible via the scenic drive – from south to north:[1]

The following historical sites are accessible via the scenic drive – from south to north:[1]

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Major intersections

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CountyLocationmikmDestinationsNotes
WalworthTown of WhitewaterR and W Townline Road
  CTH-P
Town of La Grange  CTH-O
  CTH-HSouthern end of CTH-H overlap
Community of La Grange  US 12
JeffersonPalmyra 
 
WIS 59 west
Western end of WIS 59 overlap
  CTH-E
Town of Palmyra  CTH-HNorthern end of CTH-H overlap
JeffersonWaukesha
county line
PalmyraEagle
town line
  CTH-Z

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. "WDNR – Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive". Archived from the original on 25 July 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  2. ^ Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. "WDNR – Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive (Driving Directions)" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 August 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  3. ^ Internet KMoraine. "The Drive". Northern Kettle Moraine. Archived from the original on 4 August 2007. Retrieved 26 July 2007.
  4. ^ Simon, Brian (21 December 1999). Kettle Moraine Ride. Retrieved on 2007-08-26 from "Kettle Moraine Ride". Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 27 August 2007..
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