While we certainly wouldn’t recommend taking your car for a spin through Lake Michigan, you can venture a bit further north for a unique experience.
On Lake Winnebago in Oshkosh, what would typically be an hour-long drive around the lake has been transformed into a 20-minute shortcut thanks to the lake freezing over, officially creating an “ice highway.”
According to 26 Northeast Wisconsin, a team of dedicated volunteers has established this ice highway connecting Oshkosh to Quinney. This new route significantly reduces travel time for local commuters in the area.
However, don’t expect traditional road markings. The ice road features a remarkable navigation system using trees.
A highway completely marked by trees
The trees lean toward the closest shore, and multiple trees together indicate how many miles out you are from either side, while five trees mark the halfway point across Lake Winnebago.
Most importantly, if a tree is lying on its side, that’s a warning to stay away from that area.
It’s worth noting that the ice highway is not static. Volunteers frequently adjust the path to avoid cracks that form in the ice, sometimes relocating it three to four times in a single day.
While this ice highway significantly saves travel time, it’s essential to remember that no ice is 100% safe. Use your own judgment before taking this one-of-a-kind route across Lake Winnebago.