The Best Road Trip Ever: Balsam Lake to Clayton, Wisconsin
Are you looking for a fun and adventurous way to see Wisconsin? Look no further than a road trip from Balsam Lake to Clayton! This scenic drive is filled with breathtaking views and exciting destinations. You won't want to miss out on these top places to see along the way.
So, pack your bags, hop in your car, and let's hit the open road!
Second Star to the Right, and Straight on 'Til Morning
St. Croix River - As you leave Balsam Lake and drive east on Highway 8, you'll cross over the St. Croix River. Take a moment to stop at one of the many scenic pull-offs to admire the view. The St. Croix River is a National Wild and Scenic River and is known for its crystal-clear water and stunning scenery.
Taylors Falls - Just a few miles east of the St. Croix River, you'll find Taylors Falls. This charming town offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, including rock climbing, hiking, and tubing down the St. Croix River. Take a break from driving and spend a few hours exploring the town's many boutiques and restaurants.
Interstate State Park - Just north of Taylors Falls, you'll find the beautiful Interstate State Park. This park is home to incredible glacial potholes, stunning waterfalls, and hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the St. Croix River. Don't forget your camera!
Osceola and St. Croix Falls - As you head south on Highway 35, you'll pass through the charming towns of Osceola and St. Croix Falls. Both towns offer plenty of quaint shops and eateries to explore.
Clayton, Wisconsin - Your final destination is Clayton, Wisconsin. This small town offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. Don't miss the local farmers' market, where you can sample fresh produce from local growers.
The Ultimate Wisconsin Cheese Tour
Brunkow Cheese - As you leave Balsam Lake on Highway 46, you'll pass through the small town of Almena. Make a stop at Brunkow Cheese to sample some of the best cheese in the state. This family-owned business has been producing cheese in Wisconsin for over 100 years.
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery - No Wisconsin road trip would be complete without a stop at the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery. This creamery is famous for its cheese curds, which are made fresh daily. Be sure to try the garlic and dill flavor - it's a local favorite!
Knoke's Chocolates and Nuts - As you drive south on Highway 63, make a stop at Knoke's Chocolates and Nuts in Hayward. This family-owned candy shop offers a wide variety of treats, including homemade fudge and locally sourced nuts.
Nelson Cheese Factory - Just a short drive from Clayton, you'll find the Nelson Cheese Factory in Nelson, Wisconsin. This cheese factory has been in operation since 1910 and offers a wide variety of cheeses, including cheddar, colby, and monterey jack.
Wisconsin Dairy State Cheese Company - Your final stop on the cheese tour is the Wisconsin Dairy State Cheese Company in Rudolph, Wisconsin. This cheese factory offers free cheese samples and a wide variety of specialty cheeses, including jalapeno cheddar and buffalo wing cheddar.
A History Buff's Dream
Siren Area Historical Society Museum - As you leave Balsam Lake on Highway 70, make a stop at the Siren Area Historical Society Museum in Siren, Wisconsin. This museum offers exhibits on the history of the area, including the lumber industry and the railroad.
Potato River Falls - Just a few miles north of Gurney, Wisconsin, you'll find Potato River Falls. This stunning waterfall is surrounded by lush forest and is a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Iron County Historical Museum - As you drive south on Highway 13, make a stop at the Iron County Historical Museum in Hurley, Wisconsin. This museum offers exhibits on the history of mining in the area, including displays on the mining equipment and the lives of the miners.
Ashland Historical Museum - Just a short drive from Hurley, you'll find the Ashland Historical Museum in Ashland, Wisconsin. This museum offers exhibits on the history of the area, including displays on the Native American tribes that lived in the area and the arrival of European settlers.
World's Largest Penny - Your final stop on this history-filled road trip is the World's Largest Penny in Woodruff, Wisconsin. This giant penny was created in 1953 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the state of Wisconsin. Don't forget to snap a photo!
A Journey Through Time
Amery Classic Theatre - As you leave Balsam Lake on Highway 46, make a stop at the Amery Classic Theatre in Amery, Wisconsin. This historic theater was built in 1936 and still shows movies on its original projector.
Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park - Just a short drive from the Amery Classic Theatre, you'll find Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park in Danbury, Wisconsin. This living history museum offers a glimpse into life in the area during the fur trade era.
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College - As you drive south on Highway 27, make a stop at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College in Hayward, Wisconsin. This college offers courses on Ojibwe language and culture, and hosts the annual Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Pow-Wow.
Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad - Just a short drive from Washburn, Wisconsin, you'll find the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad in Trego, Wisconsin. Take a ride on a vintage train and step back in time to the golden age of rail travel.
Duluth, Minnesota - Your final destination on this journey through time is Duluth, Minnesota. This city offers plenty of opportunities to explore history, including the Glensheen Mansion, the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, and the Great Lakes Aquarium.
From Balsam Lake to Clayton: A Road Trip You Won't Forget
There you have it - the top places to see when driving from Balsam Lake to Clayton. Whether you're a nature lover, a cheese enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a fun road trip, this route has something for everyone. So, pack your bags, hit the open road, and let the adventure begin!