Camping
Roadside sites are provided for the safety, comfort, convenience and enjoyment of the traveling public. Activities which are not safety related are not compatible with the intended use of the roadside facility. Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) policy and
Wisconsin Statute 86.025 prohibits camping by any person on public highways or adjacent lands.
Long-Term Parking
Roadside sites are provided for the safety, comfort, convenience and enjoyment of the traveling public. Long-term parking at highway Safety Rest Areas is not allowed, as it is not consistent with the purpose and design of the facilities and can cause problems relative to the use and maintenance of the site. Long-term is defined as vehicles parked at a roadside facility for a 24-hour continuous period, or the time limit listed on the on-site signage, whichever is shorter. This applies to vehicles both occupied and unoccupied. If a vehicle is parked at a roadside facility for more than this time period, it will be reported to the State Patrol and the procedure for removal will begin.
Panhandling / Soliciting
Panhandling or unauthorized solicitation is not allowed at WisDOT roadside facilities. No receptacle or signage for donations, or receipt of contributions is allowed without a permit.
Service Animals
Under
Wisconsin Statue 106.52(1)(fm), and the
2005 Wisconsin Act 354, service animals (defined as an animal that is individually trained, or is being trained to work or perform tasks to benefit a person with a disability), including guide dogs and hearing dogs, are permitted to accompany the person with the disability (or service animal trainer) to all areas that are open to the general public. This includes restrooms, vending areas and information areas inside the facility.
Non-Service Animals
All animals other than service animals, whether in transport cages or not, are not allowed in the Safety Rest Area building. Non-service animals are to be confined either in the owner’s vehicle or may use the designated pet area when accompanied by the owner. All animals are to be on a leash while at the roadside facility premises.
Dumping
The disposal of household garbage, waste or hazardous materials on WisDOT property is prohibited under
Wisconsin Statute 287.81. This restriction applies to all roadside facilities, including trash and recycling receptacles located outside Safety Rest Areas as well as receptacles located inside the buildings.
Loitering / Trespassing
Wisconsin Statue 346.29 prohibits standing or loitering in roadways in a manner that interferes with traffic or involves soliciting rides from private vehicles. Additionally,
Wisconsin Statue 943.13 prohibits trespassing on property where access is restricted or notice against entry is clearly provided.
Hunting & Firearms
It is necessary to ensure that all WisDOT operated roadside facilities provide a safe environment for the traveling public at all times. This includes during hunting seasons. WisDOT policy and
Wisconsin Statue 167.31 prohibits hunting on highway right-of-way land—which includes roadside facilities. In addition, no person may load or discharge a firearm on roadside facility property (other than law enforcement officers).
Sale or Serving of Food, Beverages, Products & Services
Due to
Wisconsin Statute 84.25(11),
HMM Policy 08-05-01 and the
Randolph-Sheppard Act, the sale or provision of food, beverages, products, or services to motorists is prohibited at roadside facilities. Limited exceptions may be allowed where specifically authorized by WisDOT, including approved vending machine operations. Any authorized activity must receive prior approval, comply with all applicable guidelines, and be conducted in a manner that does not interfere with facility operations.
Geocaching
WisDOT, for safety and operational reasons, prohibits people from using any WisDOT site for geocaching purposes per
HMM Policy 08-05-01. Any “cache” found by staff will be disposed of promptly.
Posters & Travel Literature
Posters and travel literature will be provided and/or authorized by WisDOT for posting in display cases, on the walls, or any other public area of the site. The posting of travel information by local groups such as a local tourism promotion committee is considered on a case-by-case basis. Groups may submit copies of their proposed postings to
bhm.facilities@kapurinc.com and, if approved, only post generic travel information. No commercial advertising is allowed per
HMM Policy 08-05-01.