Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive History

In the early 1940s the Kettle Moraine Committee of the Milwaukee Chapter of the Izaack Walton League championed the development of the Kettle Moraine State Forest under the leadership of the late Attorney Raymond T. Zillmer. It is believed that the first discussions about the possibility of a scenic drive through the length of the Kettle Moraine area were in this committee. Some of the other interested people who urged the development of the drive included J. Walter Strong, Ralph Brown and Charles Broughton.

A view of Dundee Kame in 1962.
DNR Photo

The objective of a drive of this kind was to provide the most effective and scenic highway route which people could use to spend a day or possibly two, seeing the best in the way of natural features in the Kettle Moraine region. Furthermore, it was to be easily accessible from as many large cities as possible and lead past or near as many developed state parks and forests as possible.

It was not until 1946 that an actual study and survey of possible routes was started. At the direction of C. L. Harrington, Lowell G. Hansen and Clyde T. Smith began a careful examination of the entire district. In an effort to find the route with the most scenic beauty, every north, south, east and west road in the entire Kettle Moraine area was driven. Aerial photographs were also used.

After approval of the proposed route by the Conservation Commission in late 1946, the whole proposal was submitted for approval to the Wisconsin Highway Commission. In 1948, the Wisconsin Highway Commission approved the idea and route in principle. The Highway Commission joined with the Conservation Commission in designing the green acorn sign to be used to mark the drive, but the actual erection and maintaining of the signs fell to the Conservation Department (now the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources). The first paving project was completed in 1950.

For more information, ask Wisconsin State Parks, (608) 266-2181.