MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – An effort to boost tourism along the Lakeshore is underway.
The “Scenic Highway 42” initiative is designed to get people away from the freeway, and experience what some call one of the most beautiful drives in the state.
The journey could begin in downtown Manitowoc, where drivers experience main street shopping, museums, and a trip along the Mariner’s Trail.
“We’ve always felt a lot of people use Interstate 43 to get from one place to another. We feel like we give an alternative to that, that allows people to really experience Wisconsin, in a much greater way,” said Jason Ring, Manitowoc Area Visitor and Convention Bureau Executive Director.
Ring tells FOX 11 four communities, and the State Department of Tourism are teaming up to promote the Lakeshore.
“As you go north to Two Rivers, the small town downtown feel is really apparent., where you have parks there. You have some of the city buildings, but you have great restaurants in downtown Two Rivers.”
There are lighthouses along the way. At 113 feet, Rawley Point Lighthouse is the tallest of its kind on the entire Great Lakes. About 20 miles to the north, is Kewaunee. The city offers downtown dining, and a renovated harbor area, complete with a familiar piece of local history.
“If you haven’t visited the tug Ludington, it’s a really neat part of our maritime culture along Lake Michigan here,” said Ring.
North of Kewaunee, Highway 42 takes a detour, as road construction diverts drivers from a summer project.
“That’s when we have to get work done, because the weather is right for it. It stinks that it interferes with tourism traffic. Generally it’s not as bad as most things make it out to look,” said Ring.
The last stop on the Scenic Highway 42 trip is Algoma, known for its sandy Crescent Beach and Boardwalk, and the signature red pierhead light at the end of the breakwall nearby.
“Wisconsin’s oldest winery is here. Von Stiehl. And we have the Ahnapee Brewery, out of a garage which is a very unique location. And then all our wonderful little boutique shops and restaurants we have,” said Kay Smith, Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.
Smith tells FOX 11 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, tourists are taking shorter trips, and possibly turning the Lakeshore into a vacation destination.
“They’re driving in their cars. So we want to alert them to the fact that it’s gorgeous here. You don’t have to go somewhere that’s really crowded to enjoy all of the beautiful things that are here.”
Coincidentally the scenic Highway 42 drive stretches about 42 miles from Manitowoc to Algoma.
It has been promoted as part of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour for years.
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