Travel on Wisconsin’s highway system was adventurous in 1924. Few roads were paved, and wet and dry weather alike caused problems on the state’s gravel, dirt, and sand roads.
However, this did not dim the view of the Wisconsin Highway Commission, which proclaimed the state “The Playground of the Middle West” in its efforts to lure people to vacation in the state. It offered this highway map and an accompanying tour booklet for 25 cents. The map alone cost 5 cents.
The commission boasted, “It’s harder to get lost in Wisconsin than to find the way in many states.” The developing highway system helped create tourism for Door County and other coastal areas. This effort also provided a boost to recreational development, which still plays a major role in Wisconsin’s Great Lakes communities.