DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – For those looking to get out on the road, a popular stretch of highway in Door County is now considered a National Scenic Byway.
After more than 10 years in-the-making, federal, state, and local officials marked the designation Thursday afternoon.
The 66-mile route covers state highways 42 and 57 in the northern part of the county.
The large red and silver scissors sliced the ribbon at Lakeside Park in Jacksonport Thursday afternoon.
The new National Scenic Byway is open for business.
“Obviously it’s great for Door County, great for the state, and just another great accolade for us to help market Door County to those that like to drive, and take a national scenic byway,” said Jon Jarosh, Destination Door County.
“It makes it easy for us in the tourism industry, because a designated route is really delivering to a visitor, or a local resident, kind of a package deal of experiences along the way,” said David Spiegelberg, Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
The route begins near Sturgeon Bay, and heads north. From the street side shops in Egg Harbor, to the bayside view in Ephraim, to the goats on top of the grass roof at Al Johnson’s Restaurant in Sister Bay, the scenic byway is filled with Door County favorites. Along the way, there are 12 information stands to help.
“The purpose of the kiosks is that each one is different. And it’s geared toward the intrinsic qualities that make those communities what they are, and so different from the next one,” said Ann Miller, Door County Coastal Byway Chair.
“I think anything that we can do to protect our environment, and share that with people and understand the history, and tradition of Door County, is a great thing,” said David Lienau, Door County Board Chair.
Near the northern-most part of the trip, Jarosh points out another Door County original.
“We call it the windy road. The curvy road. Whatever you call it. It doesn’t have a formal name, but local legend is that landscape architect Jens Jensen who founded The Clearing, kind of helped inspire the curviness, to help people slow down and enjoy nature. Now it’s part of the National Scenic Byway program. Yes, we’re very excited about it.”
According to the Department of Tourism, there are about 150 Byways across the country.
There are three in Wisconsin.
The second is near Lake Superior, and the third runs along the Mississippi River.
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