Wisconsin River Wayside

It's thought-provoking to see such a charming creek at this pleasant roadside park and picnic area and consider how it gathers tributaries and becomes a big river flowing into the Mississippi and Gulf of Mexico. Author Holling Clancy Holling used a traveling turtle to trace the Wisconsin's origins here and its journey to the gulf in Minn of the Mississippi (1951), a companion to his classic Paddle-to-the-Sea Great Lakes picture book. The story of Minn's and the carved canoe's journeys weaves in lots of natural history and geography in annotated illustrations. (Each is available in paperback for $12.)
Nearby Lac Vieux Desert where the Wisconsin River begins. The exact outlet can be seen by taking a short path from the parking/picnic area and interesting historical marker on West Shore Drive.

Wayside is on U.S. 45's west side just south of Land O'Lakes. To reach path and marker on the lake, from the state line, go about 2 miles south on U.S. 45, turn east (left) onto CR E. In 2 1/2 miles or so, look for Minnow Bucket bait shop on left, turn left onto West Shore Drive just after it. Look for picnic area on right.

Return to Land O'Lakes

Best of the Best U.P. Maps

Incredibly Useful!
Hunt's Map Guide to the Upper Peninsula • Favorite hikes, beaches, restaurants, shops, lighthouses, scenic drives, waterfalls, & much more
• 13 detailed U.P. maps
• Full color, on sturdy, water-resistant paper
• Folds out to 12”x38”
• Only $6.95
To learn more & buy online, click here