Scenic Overlook - Jackson Country Rest Area Interstate 94

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.