The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is a designated scenic route in southeastern Wisconsin that links the two units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The route traverses through scenic and historic areas, including landscape shaped by glaciers from the latest ice age, known as the Wisconsin glaciation.
The idea of a route along the Kettle Moraine was believed to be conceived in the early 1940s by the Kettle Moraine Committee of the Izaak Walton League – Milwaukee Chapter, which was the backbone behind the development of the Kettle Moraine State Forest units. The first surveying of the area did not begin until 1946. The Wisconsin Highway Commission approved the route in 1948 and the first paving project was completed in 1950.[1]
Attractions along the drive
The drive passes by various opportunities for recreation and tourism in the Kettle Moraine area. Access is provided to sightseeing, hiking, biking, camping, cross-country skiing and fishing facilities.[3]
The following state parks and forests are accessible via the scenic drive – from south to north:[1]
The north terminus and the northernmost several miles of pavement was part of the original track circuit for Road America in 1950. The corner at the north terminus was called the "Marsh Turn", and it is marked with a historical marker. There is also a historical marker along the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive in the city of Elkhart Lake marking the site of the 1951 and 1952 start/finish line.[4]
Gallery
March 2013 on the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive in the Southern Unit
^Internet KMoraine. "The Drive". Northern Kettle Moraine. Archived from the original on 4 August 2007. Retrieved 26 July 2007.
^Simon, Brian (21 December 1999). Kettle Moraine Ride. Retrieved on 2007-08-26 from "Kettle Moraine Ride". Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 27 August 2007..
