Rib Lake in Taylor County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Rustic Road

Photographed By Keith L, September 15, 2011

1. Rustic Road Marker

Inscription. This historical marker commemorates the first official Rustic Road in Wisconsin following state legislation authorizing the maintenance and identification of scenic roadways under the State Rustic roads Board of the Department of Transportation. With its dedication September 27, 1975, this road became one of the first roads in the nation to be preserved for its rustic and scenic characteristics.

Rustic Road Number One winds for approximately five miles from this site, through outstanding forested glacial topography. When originally laid out as a town road in 1895, the surveyors attempted to follow surveyed section lines, but the road had to be curved around the numerous lakes it encountered.

The road has been witness to the cutting of the original pine and hardwood forest, the collection of hemlock bark for the now-defunct tanning industry, and the creation and later abandonment of dairy farms.

Rustic Road Number One is intended by the Rustic Roads Board to be the first of a state-wide network of Rustic Roads maintained for “unhurried, quiet and leisurely enjoyment.”

Erected 1976. (Marker Number 232.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles.

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In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 27, 1975.

Location. 45° 22.072′ N, 90° 8.545′ W. Marker is in Rib Lake, Wisconsin, in Taylor County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 102 and Berry Avenue, on the right when traveling east on State Highway 102. Five miles east of Rib Lake on State Hwy 102, on the south (right) side of the highway as you travel east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rib Lake WI 54470, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Rib Lake Lumber Company (approx. 4½ miles away); First Settlers of Ogema, Spirit and Hill (approx. 6.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 9.1 miles away).

Photographed By Paul F, September 3, 2009

2. Rustic Road Marker

Photographed By Keith L, September 15, 2011

3. Rustic Road Marker

Rustic Road Marker Pull-off image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith L, September 15, 2011

4. Rustic Road Marker Pull-off

Rustic Road Number One image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith L, September 15, 2011

5. Rustic Road Number One

Photographed By Paul F, September 3, 2009

6. Rustic Road Marker

Signs by Highway image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith L, September 15, 2011

7. Signs by Highway

Rustic Road R 1 • Historical Marker

Sign at Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith L, September 15, 2011

8. Sign at Marker

Wisconsin Department of Transportation • Custodial care and landscape maintenance at this location provided by Black River Industries while employing Wisconsin's citizens with disabilities • Program management services provided by Rehabilitation for Wisconsin, Inc.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,093 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 27, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on April 29, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 27, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 6. submitted on April 29, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. 7, 8. submitted on September 27, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.