I also grew up in Wisconsin and Iowa. Iowa's road system may be comprehensive but a very substantial fraction of those are unpaved gravel roads. Wisconsin's roads are paved.

In both cases it depends on the area of the state and how populous. Far southern Iowa near Whatcheer for example is mostly gravel with paved roads only in the cities and major highways, but by contrast nearly the entire corridor area is well paved. Same for most of the Boone area.

Wisconsin is no different in that. Most of Jackson, Levis, BRF, and that whole area is gravel except for major highways and in town. Pretty poorly maintained gravel at that.

The roads do seem disorganized and wandering, but much of that is because the roads are built wherever they won’t flood since we’re nothing but marshes, wetland, lakes, rivers and ponds

The point is that the roads in Iowa are straight and regular.

Most roads in Wisconsin are paved, but the paving quality varies depending on whether a state, county, or “town” (it’s a trick!) road. Property taxes in Wisconsin are also reputedly higher.