Trans-Wisconsin Trail

Background

Embarking on an exhilarating journey, the route commences in the rustic charm of Galena, IL, destined towards the North. Traversing a diverse blend of tarmac, gravel, and dirt roads, this journey also encompasses fragments of verdant forest trails. All roads forming this route are public, eliminating the requirement for any permits.

A major draw of this route is its accessibility to an array of accommodations. Remote camping spots for the wilderness lovers, RV parks for the nomadic spirits, and hotels for those seeking comfort are interspersed throughout its entire stretch.

In the early stages, the road meanders along the mighty Mississippi River, even plunging into its lower reaches at one instance. This path offers travelers a rich tapestry of sights, from quaint villages to inspiring landscapes.

As one propels northwards, the route shifts more inland, unfolding the majestic views of State Forests. The journey is as diverse as the wildlife inhabiting these regions, offering a different spectacle at every turn. The constant throughout this voyage is the breathtaking scenery that never fails to awe and inspire.

Trans-Wisconsin Trail

The Route

Staging Ground

Our adventure commences at the Palace RV Campground, a serene sanctuary nestled just north of the historic Galena, discreetly tucked off the main road behind the Ramada Inn.

Exploring Galena

Galena is a charming town teeming with rich history and an assortment of boutique shopping options. It’s notable for being home to the General U.S. Grant Home, a must-see for all history enthusiasts.

Reservation Details

Please note that prior reservations are essential to secure your spot at the Palace RV Campground. We can coordinate this with everyone once we confirm all the participants.

Pete Sweetser

Pete not only serves as a trainer and guide, but he is also our Club's Vehicle Transport Consultant. For many years, Pete has been teaching Border Crossing simulations, hosting the "Borders and Bribes" round table and teaching Advanced On and Off-Road Driving.

Born in the UK, Petes first adventures were undertaken with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets on training camps across the UK and abroad. Planning, Navigation and survival skills were learned at an early age, culminating with the award of a Royal Air Force Flying Scholarship. Pete learned to fly before he could drive.

Pete spent almost 20 years working for UK Customs experiencing all aspects of Customs procedures and spent his last 10 years as a specialist Investigator. It was in Customs he was trained in advance driving techniques.

Getting the itch to travel and inspired by First Overland, Pete completed a global overland expedition from London to Malaysia in an ex Camel Trophy 110 with his wife Michele. They rounded off the adventure with a trip across America ending up in New York just after 9-11. His was one of the first expeditions to drive their own vehicle into China from Nepal and out through Laos. In his spare time he co-founded the Camel Trophy Owners Club and organized their liaison with Camel Trophy management and the Land Rover factory. His off road driving was honed by Camel Trophy competitors such as Bob Ives, from the 1989 UK winning team and Duncan Barbour of the Event Staff.

Having moved to the USA he worked for Land Rover dealerships for 17 years. Almost all of those as a coveted Guild member. He participated in Trek and trained all his staff to utilize the “off road course” at the dealerships. He also built an off road course at the dealership for customer driving days.

He is NPTC off road certified, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Tread Lightly Master trainer. Pete now consults for TV, Film and expeditions on Customs issues, procedures and logistics and extensively with 7P Overland on 4x4 training.

Day 1

• We will depart from Palace Campground at 9am, heading directly to the Point of Beginning in Wisconsin. This landmark is significant as it represents the starting point for all land surveys in the state.

• Our journey will take us through some rustic farmland and then alongside the scenic Mississippi River.

• Traveling across gravel trails and unimproved roads, with a stretch of dirt path thrown in, our route brings us to Lansing. Here, we’ll cross the river using the historic Black Hawk Bridge.

• While our initial plan is to reach Soldiers Grove and set up camp there, we’re open to adapting depending on how many stops we need to make along the way. If we find ourselves ahead of time, we might continue our drive to Viola for a different camping experience.

Days 2 & 3

• The journey from Soldiers Grove to Clark County involves an all off-pavement drive, primarily on gravel forest roads. The terrain becomes increasingly intriguing as we proceed. The exact park where we halt will be determined by the time available.

• As we head northwards, we encounter a variety of forest trails of different grades across several state parks. Each of these parks offers remote camping opportunities, however, the facilities are quite primitive.

Day 4

• Clark County Stop

• The journey involves a drive through the national forest trails of Chequamegon-Nicolet and Kimberly Clark. The route continues through Bayfield County Forest, similar to the previous day’s journey, and concludes at Point Detour.