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Highway 27 (Wisconsin)
Encyclopedia
State Trunk Highway 27 is a state highway in the U.S. state
of Wisconsin
. The highway spans a length of 294 miles (473.1 km) and is generally two-lane local road with the exception of urban multilane arterials within some cities. Earlier routing of the highway had it reaching Superior
along the present US 53 and Fennimore
along the present US 61 and following I-94
between Black River Falls
and Osseo
.
and Mount Sterling
. After entering Vernon County
, WIS 27 converges with Wisconsin Highway 82 and turns northeast in Fargo
. The two highways continue concurrent for seven miles (11 km) and turn northwest onto US 14
and US 61. WIS 82 turns east off the concurrency in downtown Viroqua
at the junction with WIS 56 west. WIS 27 turns north off the concurrency with the U.S. Highways in Westby
and crosses into Monroe County
near Newry
. The highway crosses WIS 33 in Cashton, Wisconsin
and passes through Melvina
before crossing I-90
just south of Sparta
. In downtown Sparta, WIS 27 crosses WIS 16. The junction is also the west terminus of WIS 21 and the point where WIS 71 west joins WIS 27 heading north. WIS 71 west follows WIS 16 east. WIS 71 turns westward off the highway near Four Corners. WIS 27 enters Jackson County
seven miles (11 km) north of the WIS 71 West junction.
WIS 27 junctions with US 12
east on the south side of Black River Falls. The two highways run concurrent through the city and junction with WIS 54 in the city center and I-94 on the north side. US 12 and WIS 27 cross WIS 95 in Merrillan
and enter Clark County four miles (6 km) north of Merrillan. The two highway pass through Humbird
and turn west onto US 10
and pass back into Jackson County. After entering Eau Claire County
, US 12 and WIS 27 turn northwest off US 10 in Fairchild
. WIS 27 turns north off US 12 in Augusta
. The highway crosses WIS 29 five miles (8 km) north of the Chippewa County
line in Cadott
. and junctions with WIS 64 in Cornell
. WIS 27 enters Rusk County
five miles (8 km) north of Holcombe
.
The entire stretch of WIS 27 is due north–south and passes through only one city, Ladysmith
, midway through the county. WIS 27 crosses US 8 in Ladysmith. Eleven miles after crossing into Sawyer County
, WIS 27 turns west onto WIS 70 in Ojibwa
. The two highways pass through Radisson
and Couderay
along a stair-stepped northwest trek. WIS 27 turns north off the concurrency near Sand Lake
The highway junctions with US 63 and WIS 77 in Hayward
. WIS 77 west follows WIS 27 north for three miles (5 km) north of Hayward. WIS 27 enters Bayfield County seven miles (11 km) north of the WIS 77 west junction. WIS 27 passes through the county for 13 miles (20.9 km) before turning west into Douglas County WIS 27 turns north again and continues to its north terminus is at a junction with US 2
in Brule
in the early 1920s. It was extended to follow the current routing through Hayward (with the exception of the portion through Rusk and Sawyer counties to Radisson) - where it followed present day WIS 77 and US 53 (then WIS 11) to Superior in 1924. When US 61 was added in the late 1920s, WIS 27 was re-routed to Fennimore
from Viroqua until 1932 - when it was restored to its original routing to Prairie du Chien. The present route in Rusk and Sawyer Counties was opened in the late 1940s and the section north of Hayward was rerouted along the present alignment in 1948. The section of WIS 27 between Black River falls and Augusta was rerouted to follow I-94 between Hixton
and Osseo in 1967, but was relocated back to the section following US 12 in 1972.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
. The highway spans a length of 294 miles (473.1 km) and is generally two-lane local road with the exception of urban multilane arterials within some cities. Earlier routing of the highway had it reaching Superior
Superior, Wisconsin
Superior is a city in and the county seat of Douglas County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 26,960 at the 2010 census. Located at the junction of U.S. Highways 2 and 53, it is north of and adjacent to both the Village of Superior and the Town of Superior.Superior is at the western...
along the present US 53 and Fennimore
Fennimore, Wisconsin
Fennimore is a city in Grant County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,387 at the 2000 census. The city's area was separated from the town of Fennimore, which remains as an adjacent rural area.-Geography:...
along the present US 61 and following I-94
Interstate 94 in Wisconsin
In the U.S. state of Wisconsin, Interstate 94 runs east–west through the western, central and southeastern portions of the state.-Route description:A total of of Interstate 94 lie in Wisconsin....
between Black River Falls
Black River Falls, Wisconsin
Black River Falls is a city in Jackson County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 3,622 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Jackson County. The Ho-Chunk Nation has its administrative center in Black River Falls.-History:...
and Osseo
Osseo, Wisconsin
Osseo is a city located in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Buffalo River. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 1,669.-Geography:...
.
Route description
In southern Crawford County, WIS 27 begins at a junction with US 18, WIS 60 and WIS 35 in Prairie du Chien. The highway turns north after a three-mile (5 km) northeast stretch out of the city and passes through EastmanEastman, Wisconsin
Eastman is a village in Crawford County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 437 at the 2000 census. The village is located within the Town of Eastman.-Geography:Eastman is located at ....
and Mount Sterling
Mount Sterling, Wisconsin
Mount Sterling is a village in Crawford County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 215 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Mount Sterling is located at ....
. After entering Vernon County
Vernon County, Wisconsin
Vernon County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2009, the population estimate was 29,324. Its county seat is Viroqua.-History:...
, WIS 27 converges with Wisconsin Highway 82 and turns northeast in Fargo
Fargo, Wisconsin
Fargo is an unincorporated community located in the town of Franklin, Vernon County, Wisconsin, United States....
. The two highways continue concurrent for seven miles (11 km) and turn northwest onto US 14
U.S. Route 14 in Wisconsin
In the U.S. state of Wisconsin, U.S. Route 14 runs northwest-southeast across the western to southwest portions of the state. It links La Crosse and the southwestern portion of the state with Madison and Janesville...
and US 61. WIS 82 turns east off the concurrency in downtown Viroqua
Viroqua, Wisconsin
Viroqua is the county seat of Vernon County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 5,079 at the 2010 census. The city is located within the Town of Viroqua.-History:...
at the junction with WIS 56 west. WIS 27 turns north off the concurrency with the U.S. Highways in Westby
Westby, Wisconsin
Westby is a city in Vernon County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,045 at the 2000 census.-History:Westby was named after general store owner and Civil War Union soldier Ole T. Westby of Biri, Norway, where many of the city's Norwegian-American settlers originated...
and crosses into Monroe County
Monroe County, Wisconsin
Monroe County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 40,899. Its county seat is Sparta.-Geography:According to the U.S...
near Newry
Newry, Wisconsin
Newry is an unincorporated community in Vernon County, Wisconsin, United States, within the town of Christiana.-References:...
. The highway crosses WIS 33 in Cashton, Wisconsin
Cashton, Wisconsin
Cashton is a village in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,005 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Cashton is located at ....
and passes through Melvina
Melvina, Wisconsin
Melvina is a village in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 87 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Melvina is located at ....
before crossing I-90
Interstate 90 in Wisconsin
In the U.S. state of Wisconsin, Interstate 90 runs east–west through the western, central and southern portions of the state. A total of of Interstate 90 lie in Wisconsin.-Route description:...
just south of Sparta
Sparta, Wisconsin
Sparta is a city in and the county seat of Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States, along the La Crosse River. The population was 9,522 at the 2010 census.-Notable people:*William Hawley Atwell, U.S. District Court Judge in Texas*Larry Baumel, NASCAR...
. In downtown Sparta, WIS 27 crosses WIS 16. The junction is also the west terminus of WIS 21 and the point where WIS 71 west joins WIS 27 heading north. WIS 71 west follows WIS 16 east. WIS 71 turns westward off the highway near Four Corners. WIS 27 enters Jackson County
Jackson County, Wisconsin
Jackson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2009, the population estimate was 19,886. Its county seat is Black River Falls. Jackson County was formed from Crawford County in 1853.-Geography:According to the U.S...
seven miles (11 km) north of the WIS 71 West junction.
WIS 27 junctions with US 12
U.S. Route 12 in Wisconsin
In the U.S. state of Wisconsin, U.S. Route 12 runs east–west across the western to southeast portions of the state...
east on the south side of Black River Falls. The two highways run concurrent through the city and junction with WIS 54 in the city center and I-94 on the north side. US 12 and WIS 27 cross WIS 95 in Merrillan
Merrillan, Wisconsin
Merrillan is a village in Jackson County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 585 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Merrillan is located at ....
and enter Clark County four miles (6 km) north of Merrillan. The two highway pass through Humbird
Humbird, Wisconsin
Humbird is an unincorporated census-designated place located in Clark County, Wisconsin, United States. Humbird is located on U.S. Route 12 north-northwest of Merrillan, in the town of Mentor. Humbird has a post office with ZIP code 54746...
and turn west onto US 10
U.S. Route 10 in Wisconsin
In the U.S. state of Wisconsin, U.S. Route 10 runs east–west across the central part of the state. It runs from the Prescott Drawbridge over the St...
and pass back into Jackson County. After entering Eau Claire County
Eau Claire County, Wisconsin
Eau Claire County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2010, the population estimate was 98,736. Its county seat is Eau Claire....
, US 12 and WIS 27 turn northwest off US 10 in Fairchild
Fairchild, Wisconsin
Fairchild is a village in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 564 at the 2000 census. The village is located within the Town of Fairchild.-Geography:Fairchild is located at ....
. WIS 27 turns north off US 12 in Augusta
Augusta, Wisconsin
Augusta is a city in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,550 at the 2010 census. The city is located entirely within the Town of Bridge Creek.-Geography:Augusta is located at ....
. The highway crosses WIS 29 five miles (8 km) north of the Chippewa County
Chippewa County, Wisconsin
Chippewa County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 55,195. Its county seat is Chippewa Falls. The United States Census Bureau's Eau Claire Metropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Chippewa County...
line in Cadott
Cadott, Wisconsin
Cadott is a village in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 1,345 at the 2000 census.-History:Originally named "Cadotte Falls", It was founded in 1875 by Robert Marriner a Pinoeer Enterpriser. Marriner named it after Jean Baptiste Cadotte, son of French Canadian fur...
. and junctions with WIS 64 in Cornell
Cornell, Wisconsin
Cornell is a city in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 1,466 at the 2000 census. It is located on the Chippewa River, upstream from Lake Wissota and Chippewa Falls.-Attractions:Brunet Island State Park is adjacent to the city...
. WIS 27 enters Rusk County
Rusk County, Wisconsin
Rusk County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 15,347. Its county seat is Ladysmith. Founded in 1901, Rusk County was originally named "Gates" County. It was formed out of the northern portion of Chippewa County....
five miles (8 km) north of Holcombe
Holcombe, Wisconsin
Holcombe is an unincorporated census-designated place located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States. Holcombe is located on the Chippewa River north-northeast of Cornell, in the town of Lake Holcombe. Holcombe has a post office with ZIP code 54745. As of the 2010 census, its population was...
.
The entire stretch of WIS 27 is due north–south and passes through only one city, Ladysmith
Ladysmith, Wisconsin
Ladysmith is a city in Rusk County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 3,932 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Rusk County. It is the former location of Mount Senario College, which closed in 2002 due to significant debt. For the 2006-2007 school year, part of the former campus...
, midway through the county. WIS 27 crosses US 8 in Ladysmith. Eleven miles after crossing into Sawyer County
Sawyer County, Wisconsin
Sawyer County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 16,196. Its county seat is Hayward.-History:The county is named for Philetus Sawyer, who represented Wisconsin in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate in the 19th century.-Geography:According to...
, WIS 27 turns west onto WIS 70 in Ojibwa
Ojibwa, Wisconsin
Ojibwa is a town in Sawyer County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 267 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Ojibwa is located in the town.-Geography:...
. The two highways pass through Radisson
Radisson, Wisconsin
Radisson is a village in Sawyer County, Wisconsin, United States, along the Couderay River. The population was 222 at the 2000 census. The village is located within the Town of Radisson and was named in honor of the early French explorer, Pierre-Esprit Radisson .-Geography:Radisson is located at ...
and Couderay
Couderay, Wisconsin
Couderay is a village in Sawyer County, Wisconsin, United States, along the Couderay River. The population was 96 at the 2000 census. The village is located within the Town of Couderay....
along a stair-stepped northwest trek. WIS 27 turns north off the concurrency near Sand Lake
Sand Lake, Sawyer County, Wisconsin
Sand Lake is a town in Sawyer County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 774 at the 2000 census. The census-designated place of Stone Lake is located partially in the town.-Geography:...
The highway junctions with US 63 and WIS 77 in Hayward
Hayward, Wisconsin
Hayward is a city in Sawyer County, Wisconsin, United States, next to the Namekagon River. The population was 2,129 at the 2000 census. The city is surrounded by the Town of Hayward.-Transportation:U.S...
. WIS 77 west follows WIS 27 north for three miles (5 km) north of Hayward. WIS 27 enters Bayfield County seven miles (11 km) north of the WIS 77 west junction. WIS 27 passes through the county for 13 miles (20.9 km) before turning west into Douglas County WIS 27 turns north again and continues to its north terminus is at a junction with US 2
U.S. Route 2 in Wisconsin
US Highway 2 is a part of the United States Numbered Highway System that runs from Everett, Washington, to St. Ignace, Michigan. The highway enters runs east–west across the northwestern part of the state and re-enters the state in the northeast part. It runs from the Richard I...
in Brule
Brule, Wisconsin
Brule is a town in Douglas County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 591 at the 2000 census. The town takes its name from the nearby Bois Brule River, which flows north into Lake Superior. The census-designated place of Brule and unincorporated communities of Bellwood and Winneboujou are...
History
When first added as part of the original Wisconsin state trunkline in 1918, WIS 27's northern terminus was at Sparta. It was extended further to WIS 12 at ShamrockShamrock, Wisconsin
Shamrock is an unincorporated community located in the town of Manchester, Jackson County, Wisconsin, United States. Shamrock is located along Wisconsin Highway 27 south-southeast of Black River Falls....
in the early 1920s. It was extended to follow the current routing through Hayward (with the exception of the portion through Rusk and Sawyer counties to Radisson) - where it followed present day WIS 77 and US 53 (then WIS 11) to Superior in 1924. When US 61 was added in the late 1920s, WIS 27 was re-routed to Fennimore
Fennimore, Wisconsin
Fennimore is a city in Grant County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,387 at the 2000 census. The city's area was separated from the town of Fennimore, which remains as an adjacent rural area.-Geography:...
from Viroqua until 1932 - when it was restored to its original routing to Prairie du Chien. The present route in Rusk and Sawyer Counties was opened in the late 1940s and the section north of Hayward was rerouted along the present alignment in 1948. The section of WIS 27 between Black River falls and Augusta was rerouted to follow I-94 between Hixton
Hixton, Wisconsin
Hixton is a village in Jackson County, Wisconsin, United States, along the Trempealeau River. The population was 446 at the 2000 census. The village is located within the Town of Hixton.-Geography:Hixton is located at ....
and Osseo in 1967, but was relocated back to the section following US 12 in 1972.