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Rest areas and waysides

Serving our travelers' needs

• Rest areas in Wisconsin
• History of rest areas

Welcome to Wisconsin's rest areas and waysides. Our facilities can be found along the highways throughout the state, providing motorists a convenient opportunity to stop and rest. Rest areas are located on the Interstate highway system and other major four-lane highways and are open all year round. Waysides are generally located on two-lane highways and are usually open seasonally. We make every effort to make your visit enjoyable.

Our 30 rest areas have:

• Handicap accessibility
• Ample car and truck parking
• Clean restroom facilities
• Drinking water
• Picnic areas
• Telephones
• Weather monitors at most locations
• A place to walk your pet
• Snacks, soft drinks or newspapers from the vending services located at most locations
• Road maps, literature and other traveler information
• Historical facts and events are commemorated on Wisconsin Historical Marker plaques located on-site

Our waysides are more rustic in nature and feature parking, toilet facilities, drinking water and picnic areas on a smaller scale. Many waysides are located in scenic locations for your enjoyment. Waysides are generally open seasonally.

An entire team of people work cooperatively behind the scenes to keep our rest areas and waysides clean, safe and in good working order. Local Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRP) provide the day-to-day maintenance at each rest area and some waysides. The CRP's provide employment for people with disabilities who might otherwise have limited employment opportunities. Rehabilitation For Wisconsin (RFW), a private non-profit organization, is responsible for direction of the CRP's at each rest area. Counties are responsible for snow plowing at rest areas and waysides and the maintenance of some waysides. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Bureau of Highway Operations is responsible for overseeing the state-wide rest area and wayside operation.

Our rest areas and some waysides feature recycling areas for your convenience. Please use the trash containers and recycling bins and help keep Wisconsin's rest areas and waysides clean. We hope that you enjoy your visit.

E-mail comments - Send us your comments. Please indicate which rest area you visited and the date and time you were there. Thank you.

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All external hyperlinks are provided for your information and for the benefit of the general public. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation does not testify to, sponsor or endorse the accuracy of the information provided on externally linked pages.

Contact Rehabilitation For Wisconsin (RFW) for lost items, questions or comments about a specific rest area. (RFW Web site)

Questions about the content of this page:
Robert Spoerl, robert.spoerl@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: October 7, 2009