We drove through Wisconsin on our summer 2017 trip to visit national parks in the Upper Midwest and the Dakotas. Along the way, we stopped at a rest area that also was signed for a scenic view. What we found was a rather unique feature at the Jackson County Rest Area on westbound Interstate 94. Known as Rest Area 54 by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), it is located six miles west of the Millston exit at mile marker 122.5. Besides the usual restrooms, tourist information brochures, and picnic area, this rest area has a 1/3 mile walking trail that includes a 560 foot boardwalk along the side of Belle Mound (called Bell Mound by WisDOT) to a viewing platform of the Black River Valley. The rest area was relocated in 1988 to include the scenic view. The trail has a solid surface of either concrete, asphalt, or lumber planking and climbs at a gradual pace, so it is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. This is a great place to stop and stretch your legs during a long drive.
Picnic tables |
Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officers' Tribute |
Flowerbed |
Another flowerbed |
Topographic map with GPS route |
Elevation profile |
Trailhead |
Black River Valley commercial history |
Wide paved path through the woods |
Timber retaining wall |
Retaining walls on both sides |
Even with a nice trail, some people take shortcuts |
Another retaining wall |
The path to the right may lead to the top of Belle Mound, but we didn't explore it |
Beginning of the boardwalk |
Continuing on the boardwalk |
Viewing platform with benches |
Castle Mound (~1100' 4.6 miles) |
Bruce Mound (1355' 14 miles) |
Sunbeams |
Returning to the rest area |
Entry to the rest area and trail is free.
The Wisconsin DOT website for the rest area is http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/travel/road/rest-areas/54-black-river-falls.aspx.
Thank you, this was very helpful, this will be a great stop to stretch our legs on our cross country road trip.
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