Highway 23 (Wisconsin)
Encyclopedia
State Trunk Highway 23 is a state highway in the U.S. state
of Wisconsin
. The route is signed as a north–south route from Shullsburg
to Reedsburg
and as an east–west route from Reedsburg to Sheboygan
. With the exception of freeway segments between Sheboygan Falls
and Sheboygan, an expressway
segment between Sheboygan Falls and near Greenbush
, a freeway concurrency
with I-39, and an expressway segment concurrent with U.S. Route 151, the highway is generally either two-lane surface road or urban multilane arterial. WIS 23 provides access to several important Wisconsin destinations, such as the House on the Rock
, the Wisconsin Dells
area and various state parks.
, five miles (8 km) east of Shullsburg, and passes north through Darlington
. WIS 23 shares one mile (1.6 km) of road with WIS 81 starting at Avon
, just south of the city, and ending in Darlington. WIS 23 passes through rolling hills in the town of Willow Springs
and enters Iowa County
ten miles (16 km) north of the city. From the county line, WIS 23 turns northwestward to Mineral Point
. WIS 39 joins the route one mile (1.6 km) southeast of the city, and turns west off in the downtown area. WIS 23 turns northeast and joins US 151 for a four-mile (6 km) expressway concurrency. WIS 23 turns off US 151 at a trumpet interchange and passes through downtown Dodgeville
. The highway junctions with WIS 191 in the city and crosses US 18
on the north side. Access to Governor Dodge State Park
is provided off WIS 23. The highway passes the House on the Rock nine miles (14 km) north of Dodgeville. WIS 23 passes Tower Hill State Park
at the Sauk County
line.
WIS 23 passes through Spring Green
upon entering Sauk County and crosses US 14
just north of the village. The highway passes through Plain
about six miles (10 km) north of US 14 and Loganville
another eleven miles (18 km) further north. WIS 154 joins the route in Loganville. then turns off the route to the east three miles (5 km) further north.
and follows the route east for six miles (10 km), before turning off northeast and stair-stepping in that direction toward Lake Delton
. The highway passes through Mirror Lake State Park
just prior to entering the village via Monroe Avenue. WIS 23 joins US 12
west and both routes turn north into the heart of the Wisconsin Dells tourism district along Wisconsin Dells Parkway
north - passing attractions such as Noah's Ark Waterpark the Wisconsin Ducks boat tours, and Tommy Bartlett's Thrill Show
WIS 23 turns at the junction with WIS 13 and WIS 16 with both routes following it eastbound along Broadway Street through downtown Wisconsin Dells and into Columbia County
WIS 13 turns north and WIS 16 turns south just east of the city and WIS 23 turns north into Adams County
two miles (3 km) east of Wisconsin Dells. The highway then turns east, passing near Big Spring
on the way into Marquette County
after a six mile (10 km) journey through Adams County. WIS 23 stair-steps northeast to Endeavor
where it joins I-39/US 51
for six miles (10 km) before turning east off the interstate five miles (8 km) east of Oxford
. WIS 23 passes through Montello
and crosses WIS 22 before turning northeast and entering Green Lake County
six miles (10 km) northeast of Montello.
WIS 23 joins WIS 73 south in Princeton
and both routes stair-step southeast for three miles (5 km) before WIS 73 turns south. WIS 23 passes north of Green Lake
and is joined by WIS 49 south northeast of the city. There is a Business WIS 23 that uses Lawson Dr in Green Lake. the highway concurrency of 23 and 49 enters Fond du Lac County
two miles (3 km) east of Green Lake. WIS 49 splits to the south and WIS 44 north joins WIS 23 briefly in Ripon
, turning north after a one mile (1.6 km) concurrency. WIS 23 continues east, and crossing WIS 26 in Rosendale
. As the highway enters Fond du Lac
it junctions with US 41
and becomes Johnson St., the main east-west thoroughfare through the city. WIS 23 crosses US 45
in the city center and US 151 on the east side. After a twelve mile (19 km) rural stretch from Fond du Lac, WIS 23 enters Sheboygan County The route passes near Greenbush
about four miles (6 km) into the county, then becomes a freeway about two miles (3 km) northwest of Plymouth
. Around Plymouth, access is provided to CTH C, WIS 67, and WIS 57. In Sheboygan Falls, an interchange is present at WIS 32. WIS 23 junctions with I-43
at a cloverleaf interchange
just west of Sheboygan. The freeway segment ends a mile east of Interstate 43 at North 25th Street, with an exit at Taylor Drive. WIS 23 follows Kohler Memorial Drive and the straight-line portion of Erie Ave into the city, continuing as a divided highway until three blocks before its termination at WIS 28 south and WIS 42 north.
at its junction with WIS 10. The route to the east of that point still exists as it is today. The route was extended in the early 1920s to the southwest, following its present routing from Packwaukee through Kilbourn (present day Wisconsin Dells), Reedsburg and Dodgeville, then along present day US 151 from Dodgeville to Dubuque, Iowa
via Mineral Point and Platteville
. Later in that decade, the route was truncated back to Dodgeville when US 118 was signed, but then extended again - this time along its current route when US 118 became part of US 151.
WIS 23 was relocated in the Sheboygan area to bypass Plymouth and Sheboygan Falls. Plans for this existed as early as 1972.
Proposals were considered that would have rerouted WIS 23 around Lake Delton by following CTH H from Reedsburg directly to Wisconsin Dells, but the village of Lake Delton did not support the plan due to pressure from local businesses.
WisDOT is currently studying the possible expansion of WIS 23 from Fond du Lac to Plymouth to a four-lane expressway. An Environmental Impact Statement
draft was presented in 2004 and the bypass route that follow the existing alignment was chosen in 2005.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
. The route is signed as a north–south route from Shullsburg
Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Shullsburg is a city in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,246 at the 2000 census. The city is located within the Town of Shullsburg.-Geography:...
to Reedsburg
Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Reedsburg is a city in Sauk County, Wisconsin, along the Baraboo River. The population was 10,014 at the 2010 census. The city is in the Town of Reedsburg, but is politically independent...
and as an east–west route from Reedsburg to Sheboygan
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
-Airport:Sheboygan is served by the Sheboygan County Memorial Airport, which is located several miles from the city.-Roads:Interstate 43 is the primary north-south transportation route into Sheboygan, and forms the west boundary of the city. U.S...
. With the exception of freeway segments between Sheboygan Falls
Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin
Sheboygan Falls is a city in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, United States whose population was 6,772 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Sheboygan, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
and Sheboygan, an expressway
Limited-access road
A limited-access road known by various terms worldwide, including limited-access highway, dual-carriageway and expressway, is a highway or arterial road for high-speed traffic which has many or most characteristics of a controlled-access highway , including limited or no access to adjacent...
segment between Sheboygan Falls and near Greenbush
Greenbush, Wisconsin
Greenbush is a town in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,773 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Sheboygan, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area. The census-designated place of Greenbush is located in the town...
, a freeway concurrency
Concurrency (road)
A concurrency, overlap, or coincidence in a road network is an instance of one physical road bearing two or more different highway, motorway, or other route numbers...
with I-39, and an expressway segment concurrent with U.S. Route 151, the highway is generally either two-lane surface road or urban multilane arterial. WIS 23 provides access to several important Wisconsin destinations, such as the House on the Rock
House on the Rock
The House on the Rock, originally opened in 1959, is a complex of architecturally unique rooms, streets, gardens and shops designed by Alex Jordan, Jr...
, the Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells is a city in south-central Wisconsin, with a population of 2,418 as of the 2000 census. It straddles four counties: Adams, Columbia, Juneau, and Sauk. The city takes its name from the dells of the Wisconsin River, a scenic, glacially formed gorge that features striking sandstone...
area and various state parks.
Shullsburg to Wisconsin Dells
WIS 23 begins at WIS 11 in Lafayette CountyLafayette County, Wisconsin
Lafayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 16,137. Its county seat is Darlington.-Geography:According to the U.S...
, five miles (8 km) east of Shullsburg, and passes north through Darlington
Darlington, Wisconsin
Darlington is a city in and the county seat of Lafayette County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 2,451 at the 2010 census. The city is surrounded by the Town of Darlington.-History:...
. WIS 23 shares one mile (1.6 km) of road with WIS 81 starting at Avon
Avon, Wisconsin
Avon is a town in Rock County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 586 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Avon is located in the town.-Geography:...
, just south of the city, and ending in Darlington. WIS 23 passes through rolling hills in the town of Willow Springs
Willow Springs, Wisconsin
Willow Springs is a town in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 632 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Calamine is located in the town.-Geography:...
and enters Iowa County
Iowa County, Wisconsin
Iowa County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 22,780. Its county seat and largest city is Dodgeville.Iowa County is part of the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:According to the U.S...
ten miles (16 km) north of the city. From the county line, WIS 23 turns northwestward to Mineral Point
Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Mineral Point is a city in Iowa County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,617 at the 2000 census. In 2008 the city's population had taken a decline and is currently only 2,462, but still the second most populous community in Iowa County...
. WIS 39 joins the route one mile (1.6 km) southeast of the city, and turns west off in the downtown area. WIS 23 turns northeast and joins US 151 for a four-mile (6 km) expressway concurrency. WIS 23 turns off US 151 at a trumpet interchange and passes through downtown Dodgeville
Dodgeville, Wisconsin
Dodgeville is the most populous city and county seat of Iowa County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 4,698 at the 2010 census, making it the 9th largest city within the Madison metropolitan area. The Greater Dodgeville Area however had a population of 6,529...
. The highway junctions with WIS 191 in the city and crosses US 18
U.S. Route 18 in Wisconsin
In the U.S. state of Wisconsin, U.S. Route 18 runs east–west across the southern part of the state. The highway serves as major connecting route between Madison and the southwest corner of the state...
on the north side. Access to Governor Dodge State Park
Governor Dodge State Park
Governor Dodge State Park is a Wisconsin state park in Dodgeville in Iowa County, Wisconsin. Named after Henry Dodge, the first governor of the Wisconsin Territory, the park contains geologic features indicative of the Driftless Area...
is provided off WIS 23. The highway passes the House on the Rock nine miles (14 km) north of Dodgeville. WIS 23 passes Tower Hill State Park
Tower Hill State Park
Tower Hill State Park is a state park of Wisconsin, USA, which contains the reconstructed Helena Shot Tower. The original shot tower was completed in 1832 and manufactured lead shot until 1860...
at the Sauk County
Sauk County, Wisconsin
Sauk County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 55,225. Its county seat and largest city is Baraboo. Sauk County is included in the Baraboo Micropolitan Statistical Area and in the Madison Combined Statistical Area....
line.
WIS 23 passes through Spring Green
Spring Green, Wisconsin
Spring Green is a village in Sauk County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,444 at the 2000 census. The village is located within the Town of Spring Green.-Geography:Spring Green is located at ....
upon entering Sauk County and crosses US 14
U.S. Route 14 in Wisconsin
In the U.S. state of Wisconsin, U.S. Route 14 runs northwest-southeast across the western to southwest portions of the state. It links La Crosse and the southwestern portion of the state with Madison and Janesville...
just north of the village. The highway passes through Plain
Plain, Wisconsin
Plain is a village in Sauk County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 792 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Plain is located at ....
about six miles (10 km) north of US 14 and Loganville
Loganville, Wisconsin
Loganville is a village in Sauk County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 276 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Loganville is located at ....
another eleven miles (18 km) further north. WIS 154 joins the route in Loganville. then turns off the route to the east three miles (5 km) further north.
Wisconsin Dells to Sheboygan
After another four miles (6 km), WIS 23 joins WIS 33 and becomes an east–west route in ReedsburgReedsburg, Wisconsin
Reedsburg is a city in Sauk County, Wisconsin, along the Baraboo River. The population was 10,014 at the 2010 census. The city is in the Town of Reedsburg, but is politically independent...
and follows the route east for six miles (10 km), before turning off northeast and stair-stepping in that direction toward Lake Delton
Lake Delton, Wisconsin
Lake Delton is a village located on the Wisconsin River in Sauk County, Wisconsin, United States. As of the 2000 census, the village had a total population of 1,982, but in 2009, it had an estimated population of 3,081 which is a 55.4% increase. It also makes it the largest community in the Dells...
. The highway passes through Mirror Lake State Park
Mirror Lake State Park
Mirror Lake State Park is a Wisconsin state park in the Wisconsin Dells region. It contains Mirror Lake, a narrow reservoir with steep sandstone sides up to tall. The lake has a surface area of and an average depth of . Recessed out of the wind, the water of Mirror Lake is usually calm and...
just prior to entering the village via Monroe Avenue. WIS 23 joins US 12
U.S. Route 12 in Wisconsin
In the U.S. state of Wisconsin, U.S. Route 12 runs east–west across the western to southeast portions of the state...
west and both routes turn north into the heart of the Wisconsin Dells tourism district along Wisconsin Dells Parkway
Wisconsin Dells Parkway
The Wisconsin Dells Parkway is a 4.5 mile section of road that runs from Interstate 90/Interstate 94 in Lake Delton, Wisconsin to the intersection of Wisconsin Highway 13 and Wisconsin Highway 16 in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. It is concurrent with U.S. Route 12 the entire time, picking up...
north - passing attractions such as Noah's Ark Waterpark the Wisconsin Ducks boat tours, and Tommy Bartlett's Thrill Show
Tommy Bartlett's Thrill Show
Tommy Bartlett's Water Ski & Jumping Boat Thrill Show, more commonly known as the Tommy Bartlett Show, is a popular tourist attraction in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. The show was created in 1952 by Wisconsin showman Tommy Bartlett as a traveling group of entertainers, based in Chicago, Illinois...
WIS 23 turns at the junction with WIS 13 and WIS 16 with both routes following it eastbound along Broadway Street through downtown Wisconsin Dells and into Columbia County
Columbia County, Wisconsin
-Unincorporated communities:*Anacker*Belle Fountain*Durwards Glen*East Friesland*Harmony Grove*Ingle*Keyeser*Lake Wisconsin*Leeds*Lowville*Marcellon*North Leeds*Okee*Otsego-External links:***...
WIS 13 turns north and WIS 16 turns south just east of the city and WIS 23 turns north into Adams County
Adams County, Wisconsin
Adams County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Sources differ as to whether its name is in honor of the second President of the United States, John Adams, or his son, the sixth President, John Quincy Adams. As of 2000, the population of Adams County was 18,643. Its county seat is...
two miles (3 km) east of Wisconsin Dells. The highway then turns east, passing near Big Spring
Big Spring, Wisconsin
Big Spring is an unincorporated community located in the town of New Haven, Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. Big Spring is east-northeast of Wisconsin Dells....
on the way into Marquette County
Marquette County, Wisconsin
Marquette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 15,832. Its county seat is Montello.-Geography:...
after a six mile (10 km) journey through Adams County. WIS 23 stair-steps northeast to Endeavor
Endeavor, Wisconsin
Endeavor is a village in Marquette County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 440 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Endeavor is located at ....
where it joins I-39/US 51
U.S. Route 51 in Wisconsin
In the U.S. state of Wisconsin, U.S. Route 51 runs north–south down the central part of the state...
for six miles (10 km) before turning east off the interstate five miles (8 km) east of Oxford
Oxford, Wisconsin
Oxford is a village in Marquette County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 536 at the 2000 census. The village is located within the Town of Oxford.-Geography:Oxford is located at ....
. WIS 23 passes through Montello
Montello, Wisconsin
Montello is a city in and the county seat of Marquette County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,397 at the 2000 census. The Fox River flows through the city...
and crosses WIS 22 before turning northeast and entering Green Lake County
Green Lake County, Wisconsin
Green Lake County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 19,105. Its county seat is Green Lake. The center of population of Wisconsin is located in Green Lake County in the city of Markesan.-Geography:...
six miles (10 km) northeast of Montello.
WIS 23 joins WIS 73 south in Princeton
Princeton, Wisconsin
Princeton is a city in Green Lake County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,504 at the 2000 census. The city is located within the Town of Princeton, though it is politically independent.-Transportion:...
and both routes stair-step southeast for three miles (5 km) before WIS 73 turns south. WIS 23 passes north of Green Lake
Green Lake, Wisconsin
Green Lake is a city in Green Lake County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,100 at the 2000 census. The city is located on the north side of Big Green Lake. The city of Green Lake is the county seat for the county of Green Lake...
and is joined by WIS 49 south northeast of the city. There is a Business WIS 23 that uses Lawson Dr in Green Lake. the highway concurrency of 23 and 49 enters Fond du Lac County
Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin
Fond du Lac County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 97,296. Its county seat is Fond du Lac. The United States Census Bureau's Fond du Lac Metropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Fond du Lac County. The county name is French for "bottom of the...
two miles (3 km) east of Green Lake. WIS 49 splits to the south and WIS 44 north joins WIS 23 briefly in Ripon
Ripon, Wisconsin
Ripon is a city in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 6,828. The City of Ripon's official website claims the city's current population to be 7,701. The city is surrounded by the Town of Ripon....
, turning north after a one mile (1.6 km) concurrency. WIS 23 continues east, and crossing WIS 26 in Rosendale
Rosendale, Wisconsin
Rosendale is a village in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 923 at the 2000 census. The village is located partially within the Town of Rosendale and partially within the Town of Springvale.-History:...
. As the highway enters Fond du Lac
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Fond du Lac is a city in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, United States. The name is French for bottom of the lake, for it is located at the bottom of Lake Winnebago. The population was 42,203 at the 2000 census...
it junctions with US 41
U.S. Route 41 in Wisconsin
In the U.S. state of Wisconsin, U.S. Highway 41 runs north–south the eastern side of the state. It enters from Illinois at Pleasant Prairie, and runs north to its northern terminus at the Michigan border at Marinette, WI.-Route description:US-41 is a freeway for nearly 70% of its route...
and becomes Johnson St., the main east-west thoroughfare through the city. WIS 23 crosses US 45
U.S. Route 45 in Wisconsin
In the U.S. state of Wisconsin, U.S. Route 45 runs north–south through the eastern and northern portions of the state.-Route description:...
in the city center and US 151 on the east side. After a twelve mile (19 km) rural stretch from Fond du Lac, WIS 23 enters Sheboygan County The route passes near Greenbush
Greenbush, Wisconsin
Greenbush is a town in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,773 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Sheboygan, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area. The census-designated place of Greenbush is located in the town...
about four miles (6 km) into the county, then becomes a freeway about two miles (3 km) northwest of Plymouth
Plymouth, Wisconsin
Plymouth is a city in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, along the Mullet River. The population was 7,781 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Sheboygan, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is located within the Town of Plymouth, but is politically independent...
. Around Plymouth, access is provided to CTH C, WIS 67, and WIS 57. In Sheboygan Falls, an interchange is present at WIS 32. WIS 23 junctions with I-43
Interstate 43
Interstate 43 is a intrastate Interstate Highway located entirely within the U.S. state of Wisconsin, connecting Interstate 39 and Interstate 90 in Beloit with Milwaukee and U.S. Route 41 and U.S. Route 141 in Green Bay. I-43 is the 5th longest intrastate Interstate Highway of the Interstate...
at a cloverleaf interchange
Cloverleaf interchange
A cloverleaf interchange is a two-level interchange in which left turns, reverse direction in left-driving regions, are handled by ramp roads...
just west of Sheboygan. The freeway segment ends a mile east of Interstate 43 at North 25th Street, with an exit at Taylor Drive. WIS 23 follows Kohler Memorial Drive and the straight-line portion of Erie Ave into the city, continuing as a divided highway until three blocks before its termination at WIS 28 south and WIS 42 north.
History
The original 1918 routing of WIS 23 ended the route on the western terminus at PackwaukeePackwaukee, Wisconsin
Packwaukee is a town in Marquette County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,574 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated communities of Buffalo Shore Estates and Packwaukee are located in the town.-Geography:...
at its junction with WIS 10. The route to the east of that point still exists as it is today. The route was extended in the early 1920s to the southwest, following its present routing from Packwaukee through Kilbourn (present day Wisconsin Dells), Reedsburg and Dodgeville, then along present day US 151 from Dodgeville to Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque is a city in and the county seat of Dubuque County, Iowa, United States, located along the Mississippi River. In 2010 its population was 57,637, making it the ninth-largest city in the state and the county's population was 93,653....
via Mineral Point and Platteville
Platteville, Wisconsin
Platteville is the largest city in Grant County in southwestern Wisconsin. The population was 11,224 at the 2010 census, growing 12% since the 2000 Census. Much of this growth is likely due to the enrollment increase of the University of Wisconsin–Platteville...
. Later in that decade, the route was truncated back to Dodgeville when US 118 was signed, but then extended again - this time along its current route when US 118 became part of US 151.
WIS 23 was relocated in the Sheboygan area to bypass Plymouth and Sheboygan Falls. Plans for this existed as early as 1972.
Proposals were considered that would have rerouted WIS 23 around Lake Delton by following CTH H from Reedsburg directly to Wisconsin Dells, but the village of Lake Delton did not support the plan due to pressure from local businesses.
WisDOT is currently studying the possible expansion of WIS 23 from Fond du Lac to Plymouth to a four-lane expressway. An Environmental Impact Statement
Environmental impact statement
An environmental impact statement , under United States environmental law, is a document required by the National Environmental Policy Act for certain actions "significantly affecting the quality of the human environment". An EIS is a tool for decision making...
draft was presented in 2004 and the bypass route that follow the existing alignment was chosen in 2005.