Facility Overview

Wisconsin Rest Area 82 (Westfield) is a state-maintained highway safety rest area and public parking facility situated directly alongside Interstate 39 in Marquette County, Wisconsin. Designed to accommodate long-distance interstate travel, the site features an expansive open-air surface lot with distinct, separated circulation loops for passenger vehicles and oversized commercial haulers. Because it is completely open-air with no overhead barriers or parking deck structures, there are no vertical clearance restrictions in the designated truck and recreational vehicle corridors. The facility readily accommodates compact cars, full-size pickup trucks, passenger vans, large motorhomes, campers, and 53-foot commercial semi-trailers.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Rest Area 82 serves as a vital transit and relief hub along the central Wisconsin corridor connecting southern points like Madison, Portage, and the Wisconsin Dells with central and northern hubs like Stevens Point, Wausau, and the Northwoods. While predominantly serving highway transit, the facility is conveniently located near several regional recreational and natural points of interest:

• Village of Westfield: Located approximately 3 miles south off Exit 113, offering local diners, fueling options, convenience grocers, and essential traveler services.
• Lawrence Lake & Lawrence Creek State Natural Area: Situated roughly 5 to 7 miles west, popular for trout fishing, scenic hiking trails, and wildlife viewing.
• Coloma & Ice Age National Scenic Trail: Located approximately 8 miles north, providing access to trailheads along Wisconsin's premier scenic hiking route.
• Wisconsin Dells: Located approximately 35 miles southwest via I-39 and I-90/94, making this an ideal staging and rest point before reaching the waterpark capital.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are seamlessly integrated directly with Interstate 39 via high-speed deceleration and acceleration lanes designed for highway-speed merges. Motorists peel off directly into a clearly demarcated one-way circulatory roadway that splits into passenger vehicle parking on the inner loops and wide-radius, heavy-duty pull-through bays on the outer perimeter. There is no direct public transit or passenger rail service at this rural highway facility; transportation is exclusively automotive and commercial freight via I-39, with rapid regional connections to State Highway 21, State Highway 23, and US Highway 51.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Free 24/7 Public Parking: Complimentary safety rest parking maintained around the clock by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).
• Dedicated Oversized Vehicle Bays: Long, drive-through stalls designed for semi-trucks, tour buses, and travel trailers without tight turnaround maneuvers.
• Heated Restrooms & Running Water: Year-round, climate-controlled flush restroom facilities with drinking fountains and accessible stalls.
• Picnic Grounds & Green Spaces: Shaded outdoor picnic tables, trash receptacles, and open grassy lawns for stretching and dining.
• Pet Relief Areas: Dedicated perimeter grass zones equipped for walking leashed pets and service animals.
• Vending & Travel Info: On-site vending machines with snacks and beverages, alongside informational bulletin boards and state travel maps.
• High-Visibility Lighting & Security: Well-illuminated roadways and pathways to promote safety during overnight and early-morning stops.
• ADA Accessibility: Level walkways, curb ramps, and designated handicap parking stalls situated closest to the facility building.

Ideal For

• Long-Haul Truck Drivers: Commercial CDL operators needing compliant rest breaks, log resets, or brief sleep intervals in wide pull-through lanes.
• Family Road Trips & Vacationers: Travelers journeying between Chicago/Milwaukee/Madison and the Northwoods or Upper Peninsula.
• RV Campers & Tow Vehicles: Drivers with travel trailers, fifth wheels, and large motorhomes requiring spacious maneuvering room.
• Commuters & Field Technicians: Regional workers traveling central Wisconsin needing a clean, quiet pit stop to stretch or check messages.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Parking is entirely free of charge with no permits, tickets, or mobile app reservations needed. As a state-operated safety rest area, parking is permitted for short-term rest, driver fatigue relief, and staging; long-term unattended vehicle storage or extended overnight camping is prohibited under state regulations. Commercial truck bays tend to fill quickly during late evening hours (typically after 8:00 PM), so drivers requiring mandatory rest are advised to arrive early. Winter travelers should exercise caution during freezing weather, as open rural stretches along I-39 can experience blowing snow and ice buildup around entry ramps.