in the north and Beloit in the south, I-43 plays an important role as a commuter highway. That said, visitors of Wisconsin will find I-43 equally useful in their travels—with portions of the interstate passing along the Lake Michigan shoreline and several inland lake towns.

Whether you’re

road-tripping

the Badger State or you’re a regular Milwaukee commuter, I-43 connects plenty of landmarks, museums, and restaurants to experience along your ride.

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What is an interstate highway?

As the name indicates, an interstate highway typically connects major metro areas through multiple states across America.

However, as with I-43, not all interstates pass through more than one state. This is because “interstate” can also mean the highway is federally funded. Thus, it is paid for by more than one state even though it only passes through one.

Each interstate follows a specific numbering system to help communicate its direction and importance. Those assigned even numbers usually indicate a west to east route while odd-numbered interstates indicate north to south. Interstates that play a more major role in national traffic will usually end in a zero or five.

What states does I-43 run through?

Interstate 43 is one of few interstates that only runs through one state:

Wisconsin

—191.55 miles

Like many interstates, I-43 has been in a constant state of development for several decades. Because it was not an original 1956 interstate highway, it has absorbed and replaced several existing roadways since it was commissioned in the 1970s. Today it is largely an amalgamation of U.S.141 along with some smaller state highways.

MORE:

Can you turn right on red in Wisconsin?

Major interchanges on I-43

Though I-43 may only travel through Wisconsin, it connects to several other major interstates that make a lengthier journey through the country. Here are some interchanges that might be helpful in your travels:

I-90—in Beloit, WI

I-39—in Beloit, WI

I-94—in Milwaukee, WI

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Best places to eat along I-43

I-43 may be a short stretch of highway, but it certainly has no lack of excellent restaurants to stop at along its route. From apple orchards to dairy farms, Wisconsin has a distinct home-grown and from-scratch eating scene that makes it difficult to choose between dining options!

Here’s just a small sample of the unique and delicious restaurants you can eat at along I-43:

Iron Duck Restaurant

in Green Bay, WI—Built from train boxcars, Iron Duck features craft cocktails and chef-curated American comfort food to create a memorable dining experience.

Susters Arcade

in Denmark, WI—Originally a tavern and bowling alley, Susters has been serving Wisconsin’s famous broasted chicken since 1909. Now in its fifth generation, this family-owned restaurant continues to be a local favorite.

Whispering Orchards & Cafe

in Cleveland, WI—Both an orchard and a restaurant, you can pick apples (and visit the wandering peacocks) and then enjoy a meal straight from the yard. It doesn’t get much fresher than this!

Kopp’s Frozen Custard

in Milwaukee, WI—Founded in 1950, Kopp’s is a Milwaukee landmark specializing in frozen custard and the largest burgers you will ever feast on.

Sobelman’s

in Milwaukee, WI—Housed in one of the original Schlitz taverns, Sobelman’s helped set a delicious tone for the Milwaukee burger and Bloody Mary scene.

LD’s BBQ

East Troy, WI

—If you’re in the mood for some smoked meats, LD’s serves slow-smoked favorites over 100% seasoned oak wood. Its many fans claim that this small BBQ joint may even outshine some of the more “famous” BBQ stops in the country.

Elizabeth’s Cafe

in Delavan, WI—Located in historic downtown Delavan, this classic cafe serves diner staples at a great price. It’s a perfect stop for a quick bite after visiting nearby Lake Delavan or shopping at Delavan’s brick main street.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint

in Beloit, WI—When you’re ready to treat yourself after a long day on the road, Merrill & Houston’s features high-quality steak and seafood in a rustic, historic atmosphere.

Pro Tip Always make sure to check the operating hours of each restaurant you plan on visiting! No one wants to arrive dreaming of that juicy burger only to realize the restaurant is closed for the night.

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What is there to do on I-43?

Traveling along Lake Michigan and through some of Wisconsin’s most well-preserved historic districts, I-43 contains a litany of cultural sights, landmarks, and attractions. Keep your eye out for shipwreck sites, lighthouses, old mansions, and covered bridges along the road. But for those who want to stretch their legs, here are some places worth stopping:

NEW Zoo & Adventure Park

in Green Bay, WI

National Railroad Museum

in Green Bay, WI

The Automobile Gallery

in Green Bay, WI

Bay Beach Amusement Park & Wildlife Sanctuary

in Green Bay, WI

Cherney Maribel Caves

in Maribel, WI

Wisconsin’s Maritime Museum

in Manitowoc, WI

Rahr West Art Museum

in Manitowoc, WI

Bookworm Gardens

Sheboygan, WI

(open May through October)

1860 Light Station

in Port Washington, WI

Milwaukee Art Museum

in Milwaukee, WI

Harley-Davidson Museum

in Milwaukee, WI

Whitnall Park

in Milwaukee, WI

Turtle Island Playground

in Beloit, WI

Logan Museum of Anthropology

in Beloit, WI

MORE:

How bad is Milwaukee traffic?

Find affordable car insurance with Jerry

Whether you’re getting ready for a Wisconsin road trip or you’re one of I-43’s regular commuters, it’s important to protect your car during the ride with quality

car insurance

Though shopping around for an affordable policy can seem tedious,

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Once you decide on a policy you like, simply select it through the app, and Jerry’s expert team of brokers will help handle all the transition calls and paperwork.

The average user ends up saving more than $800 a year on car insurance so it’s definitely worth a look to save some extra money for more broasted chicken on the road!

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