^Wisconsin 81 continues east on its new extension east from Interstate 39, July 2025.

Wisconsin Highway 81 is an east-west highway across the western half of southernmost Wisconsin. It runs from Beloit, along Interstate 39, to Cassville, along the Mississippi River. The western end in Cassville is at Wisconsin Highway 35, but vehicles can continue west into Minnesota via the ferry terminal in Cassville. Heading east from Cassville, Wisconsin Highway 81 winds its way up to Lancaster. Then it moves southeasterly to Platteville, where it joins Wisconsin Highway 80 south for a while. After Wisconsin Highway 81 splits off to continue east, it runs arrow-straight toward the east. That is, until it reaches Wisconsin Highway 23 in Darlington. After that, Wisconsin Highway 81 experiences more curves and Hills, passing through Argyle to reach Monroe. Highway 81 joins Wisconsin Highway 11 eastward from Monroe to near Brodhead, where Wisconsin Highway 81 opts for a more southern alignment (compared to that of Highway 11). Further onward, Highway 81 comes within a mile of the Illinois border, positioned so it can enter the border town of Beloit from the west. Highway 81 passes through downtown Beloit, and continues past its former endpoint at Interstates 39 and 90. A slight extension now brings Wisconsin Highway 81 two miles farther eastward, to Exit 2 off of Interstate 43.

My photo of a route marker for Wisconsin Highway 81 shows an eastbound trailblazer seen by those leaving the interchange with Interstates 39 and 90. Those proceeding east out of central Beloit will see this sign if they're using Highway 81. This photo was taken on the way to northwestern portions of Wisconsin in July 2025.
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