Road trip here I come-I've always wanted to explore the upper Wisconsin area (not door county, btdt)- I live near the IL-Wi border and thought about hoping in the car and heading towards the ashland/bayfield apostle islands area. What would be a good scenic route and what are the things I must see.

I guess it depends on whether or not you want to get to your destination quickly or enjoy the journey. While most people would probably drive straight up the middle of the state, I prefer to head west and drive along the Mississippi River, then meander through small towns. The Wisconsin Dept of Transportation has a web site about the state's "Rustic Roads" that you may want to check out.http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/scenic/maps.htm
While you are on the site you will also want to check and see where the current road construction is.

If you like scenic drives, then make sure to make time to drive along the North Shore, north of Duluth, MN...up to Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse. From Ashland, Duluth is about 1 1/2 hours away.

Rather new site designed to get the info in one place. http://www.wisconsinbirds.org/trail/overview.htm

Are you staying in Bayfield? I love that town. Take the ferry across to Madeline Island.

By the way, the Apostle Islands made the 1001 places you should see before you die.

I too grew up near the WI-IL border and after college my first job was in Port Wing, WI. I made the journey from state border to Lake Superior many times. It would help a little if I knew what kinds of things you like to do and how much time you had.

I guess I would recommend making kind of a loop, starting north on I90 but then go either up or back home on I 35/51 and then the other way on I 94 to 53. There are multiple state parks to visit. Even if you just want to get out and walk around for a little while.

On the I94 route: some of my favorite places to stop are in Osseo at the Norske Nook for a piece of pie or meal. http://www.norskenook.com/

Amincon Falls near Superior is wonderful and the Brule River Area is fantastic if you do any canoeing. I have not been there for years but there are canoe rental places that will give you everything you need, take you down river and then pick you up. A few of the little rapids were kind of challenging ( I had only been canoeing once before) but be sure to get out where they specify as I know the rapids get really rough as the river gets closer to the Lake. http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/...findapark.html

The little towns on Highway 13 are quite quaint, It has been years since I was there but Cornucopia had a few little shops, a famous Russian church and a general store right out of history. http://www.cornucopiawisconsin.org/ Herbster had a nice public beach that ran for miles, nice to watch the sunsets from.

Bayfield is lovely, be sure to take the car ferry to Madeline Island.( make sure you have plenty of gas in your car, I drove over once low on gas and the gas station on the island was closed for the night!) In Bayfield there are many charter rentals to the outer islands and sea kayak trips. Big Bay state park on Madeline Island had wonderful easy hiking trails.
Nice swimming beach but even in summer it is almost too cold for swimming.

On the highway 51/39 route the Minocqua area is pretty famous. Tons of shops and great restaurants, lots of lakes, fishing etc. Beautiful scenery. Not far off of 51 is the village of Three Lakes and we always enjoyed the Three Lakes vinery. nice tour, love the strawberry rhubarb wine. Closer to Ashland, Copper Falls State Park is beautiful.

Ok, I'm heading out on Friday and I've made note of the neat places ya'll suggested. I will report back once we are home. It's been a few months since I posted this question but Naples was calling my name.

I'm actually going to stay in Silver City MI but explore Bayfield while I'm up there. Does anyone have any advice on the Porcupine State Park in Mi.