Black River Falls

Hats off to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation

This is one of our favorite rest areas on the entire drive between Chicago and Minneapolis: Rest Area 54 on I-94, just west of Black River Falls, Wisconsin. It’s only accessible if you’re heading westbound — there’s no matching stop on the eastbound side — so keep an eye out for it if you’re headed toward Minneapolis.

Beyond the usual rest area amenities, there’s a short trail leading to a scenic overlook on Belle Mound, including a 550-foot boardwalk along the way. It climbs gradually to a viewing platform with a genuinely beautiful vista over the Black River Valley — a great excuse to stretch your legs and take in some hills on a drive that’s otherwise pretty flat.