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2025 Update
Rustic Road 60 is considered one of the most scenic in the State. It has been highlighted in newspapers up and down the state as well included in a PBS documentary and on the cover of the State Rustic Road Guidebook in 2024. Start the video at 1:05:22.
Historic Sign Project Help us raise money for our historic sign project!
The Clio Historic Sign and Website Project- giving people a way to learn about the history of the area as they drive the road.
Discover the Hidden History of Rustic Road 60
Have you ever driven past an old building, a bait shop, or a forgotten resort and wondered about its story?
Now, The Clio app brings that history to your fingertips. Our project will place historic signs along Rustic Road 60, each with a QR code. A quick scan instantly takes you to a webpage detailing the fascinating history of the very spot you're standing. Even better, you can use The Clio to design your own custom historic tour through the Northwoods, focusing on your specific interests as you travel from community to community.
Uncovering the Secrets of Rustic Road 60
Rustic Road 60 (Vilas County CTH K) is one of the most scenic drives in Wisconsin. While beautiful in every season, its hidden history is easy to miss. Without knowing where to look, you'd drive right past places of incredible significance.
Did you know Star Lake was once the largest town in Vilas County? Where were the houses? Why did people settle there, and why did they leave?
Did you know the Hodag has roots in Star Lake, not just Rhinelander? Eugene Shepard, who owned a resort on Ballard Lake, advertised "the only Hodag in captivity!" His claim was so convincing that even the Smithsonian came to investigate.
And that's just for starters! There are countless stories we want to share, including:
Star Lake's One-Room Schoolhouse (now Old Schoolhouse Gallery and Museum)
Historic family resorts
The former Aqualand Theme Park
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camps
The Planing Mill
Fredrickson's Bait Shop
The historic experimental forest
The Star Lake Store
Railroad history—Star Lake was the "End of the Line" for the famous Hiawatha train, and we'll feature its Replica Train Depot now part of "The Old Milltown Depot" next to the Schoolhouse.
The Star Lake Cemetery
Help Us Bring These Stories to Life
There are innumerable historic sites along Rustic Road 60 that you would miss if not for this project. Help us create the historic signs that will bring these fascinating stories to life for every traveler.
Update on Status of Road and Vegetation Maintenance- 6/1/2024
Almost two years ago, the the Save our Rustic Road group and County representatives developed a plan for vegetation management, road repair and improvement of the Rustic Road (the "Plan"). Although the County Highway Committee refused to formally approve or commit to comply with the Plan, Troy Schalinske expressed his commitment to the plan with the following comment: “Let me prove the doubters wrong, as I deliver on each of my commitments.”
In April 2024, the Highway Commissioner provided an update on the status of timing and status of projects impacting the Rustic Road. All are consistent with the Plan, although the timing of some of the work has slipped significantly.
Repaving of the Rustic Road: The timeline of repaving of the Rustic Road (CTH K from CTH N to CTH M) has slipped significantly because of funding constraints. The County is currently assessing project priorities for 2025 around the county. Troy Schalinske indicated that although the status of the bond financing is on track, at this time the repaving of the Rustic Road has been rescheduled tentatively to 2027. He indicated that this may need to be split over multiple years depending on funding.
Wedging: With the delayed repaving project, the Highway Department will explore the possibility of wedging sections of the Rustic Road needing repair to maintain road quality.
Culvert Replacement: The County is still evaluating the timing for culvert replacements and most likely will replace them just before repaving the Rustic Road.
Brushing: The County does not plan to brush the Boulder Junction segment of the CTH K this summer. Troy Schalinske indicated that when they do brush that segment of the road, it will be done responsibly.
We will continue to closely monitor vegetation and road maintenance and improvements on the Rustic Road and keep the community informed.
Save Our Rustic Road
STATUS UPDATE SUMMARY- 1/20/2023
Over the last year, Representatives of the Save our Rustic Road group and County representatives have had extensive discussions on Vilas County’s treatment of Rustic Road 60, County Highway K between Star Lake and Boulder Junction (the “Rustic Road”). These discussions have resulted in a mutually developed plan for vegetation management, road repair and road improvement of the Rustic Road going forward.
Despite our best efforts, the County Highway Committee refused to enter into a formal agreement with Save Our Rustic Road or to formally approve the plan. Nevertheless, the Vilas County Highway Commissioner Troy Schalinske has assured the Save Our Rustic Road group that he is committed to managing the Rustic Road in accordance with the mutually-developed Rustic Road management plan.
Although we had hoped to get formal approval of the plan by the Highway Committee or a more unambiguous commitment, we remain optimistic that our community’s collective efforts have produced a highly positive result, protecting the beauty of this truly unique road. Troy Schalinske expressed his commitment to the plan with the following comment: “Let me prove the doubters wrong, as I deliver on each of my commitments.”
Rest assured, the Save Our Rustic Road group and the community will be monitoring activity on the Rustic Road closely. We look forward to celebrating each commitment upheld by the Highway Department, but are ready to rekindle community support, our public-relations campaign and possibly legal efforts if things deviate from the mutually developed plan.
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