Historically, as large parcels of land fronting on township roads were sub-divided to create lakeside communities, single-lane private roads were carved through pastures and woodlots to reach the new lots. Most communities around the shoreline of Mississippi Lake have evolved in this fashion.

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These private roads at some point connect to township roads, but until that point the maintenance and upkeep of the private roads is not a municipality responsibility. Instead, a variety of community / road / ratepayers / etc. associations have been formed to carry out a number of activities such as: clearing snow, replacing surface material, grading, and clearing brush to create turn-outs and improve sight-lines in an effort to make the road safe for residents, guests and service vehicles.

With roughly two-thirds of the shoreline properties suitable for year-round living, private roads must withstand heavy traffic like propane trucks, garbage trucks, and emergency response vehicles.