The Great River Road is one of the best scenic drives in the entire state with some of the most beautiful locales along this side of the Mississippi River.
Whether you are seeking a wild time with your best buds, a romantic getaway with that special someone, or you're a history buff interested in the region's expansive legacy, there is something for everyone here. Let's plan your next road trip as we stop at each prime location along the Great River Road.
1. Stockholm
Considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Midwest, Stockholm features an assortment of culinary and shopping establishments. Start off your day at the Bogus Creek Cafe for Swedish pancakes before doing some craft shopping at Antique Future and Ingebretsen's, among other shops. This small, cozy town has a lot to offer.
2. Pepin
Traveling further south we find the birthplace of the acclaimed author Laura Ingalls Wilder. Capture the beauty of the Wisconsin autumn by reserving a spot at Pepin Campgrounds, just blocks away from beautiful Lake Pepin. Once you arrive at Lake Pepin you can view the Pepin Marina, the only marina on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi.
3. Alma
Alma is the ideal location for anyone who appreciates wildlife and birdwatching. Explore along the coast of the Mississippi, which houses an assortment of fish, plants and natural sites. Once you have finished your kayaking along the river, head over to Buena Vista Park and Overlook for the best view in the area, overlooking the Mississippi 500 feet above Alma.
4. Trempealeau
Need somewhere both majestic and quaint for your next getaway? Let us recommend to you this vacation town. Take a hike around Perrot State Park just north of the town and appreciate the bluffs' green landscape. Later, reserve a stay at one of the many local cabins as you watch the beautiful sunsets.
5. La Crosse
There is just so much variety of fun to be had in La Crosse, you cannot pass up this bastion of the Mississippi. There are plenty of bar crawls and music festivals happening year-round, including Oktoberfest and Midwest Music Fest. Enjoy some of the many local eateries, such as Two Beagles Brewpub in Onalaska or Pickerman's Soup Cafe.
6. Genoa
If you prefer to avoid the bustle of the city, the perfect alternative is Genoa. New Orleans is not the only part of the Mississippi that has steamboats; Genoa has a long history of being a port town with stories of steamboats like "Bella Danger," which is said to have sunk nearby on the Mississippi. This unique locale and its historic legacy is sure to interest any history buff.
7. Prairie du Chien
Considered one of the most beautiful towns in Wisconsin for its terrific views of the Mississippi and majestic wildlife, the once great frontier of colonial times now thrives as a vintage town with an assortment of shops and lodging. Learn Wisconsin's history as you drink a brewski on a river cruise. There is sure to be something of value for everyone visiting this gorgeous location.
8. Cassville
Spend some time walking on one of the local sandy beaches along the scenic bluffs of Cassville - or maybe take a ferry ride down the Mississippi in the sun. There is a good chance you'll spot a bald eagle.
9. Potosi
Potosi Brewery offers a wide selection of beverages that have popularized the township. After checking out the famed brewery, head just a little south to the Potosi Recreation Area while appreciating the Mississippi River and soaking in some early autumn rays.
10. Nelson
We all know Wisconsin is known for its cheese, and Nelson does its part in this tradition as home to the Nelson Cheese Factory. Taste the delicacies of a large cheese and wine selection. The nicest part? There are plenty of small communities and parks to explore in between your food tastings.
We hope you enjoy these fantastic destinations. Who knows what other underappreciated gems you may discover along the Mississippi. Until next time, travel safe and have fun.
- Ken Virden is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.
Whether you are seeking a wild time with your best buds, a romantic getaway with that special someone, or you're a history buff interested in the region's expansive legacy, there is something for everyone here. Let's plan your next road trip as we stop at each prime location along the Great River Road.
1. Stockholm
Considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Midwest, Stockholm features an assortment of culinary and shopping establishments. Start off your day at the Bogus Creek Cafe for Swedish pancakes before doing some craft shopping at Antique Future and Ingebretsen's, among other shops. This small, cozy town has a lot to offer.
2. Pepin
Traveling further south we find the birthplace of the acclaimed author Laura Ingalls Wilder. Capture the beauty of the Wisconsin autumn by reserving a spot at Pepin Campgrounds, just blocks away from beautiful Lake Pepin. Once you arrive at Lake Pepin you can view the Pepin Marina, the only marina on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi.
3. Alma
Alma is the ideal location for anyone who appreciates wildlife and birdwatching. Explore along the coast of the Mississippi, which houses an assortment of fish, plants and natural sites. Once you have finished your kayaking along the river, head over to Buena Vista Park and Overlook for the best view in the area, overlooking the Mississippi 500 feet above Alma.
4. Trempealeau
Need somewhere both majestic and quaint for your next getaway? Let us recommend to you this vacation town. Take a hike around Perrot State Park just north of the town and appreciate the bluffs' green landscape. Later, reserve a stay at one of the many local cabins as you watch the beautiful sunsets.
5. La Crosse
There is just so much variety of fun to be had in La Crosse, you cannot pass up this bastion of the Mississippi. There are plenty of bar crawls and music festivals happening year-round, including Oktoberfest and Midwest Music Fest. Enjoy some of the many local eateries, such as Two Beagles Brewpub in Onalaska or Pickerman's Soup Cafe.
6. Genoa
If you prefer to avoid the bustle of the city, the perfect alternative is Genoa. New Orleans is not the only part of the Mississippi that has steamboats; Genoa has a long history of being a port town with stories of steamboats like "Bella Danger," which is said to have sunk nearby on the Mississippi. This unique locale and its historic legacy is sure to interest any history buff.
7. Prairie du Chien
Considered one of the most beautiful towns in Wisconsin for its terrific views of the Mississippi and majestic wildlife, the once great frontier of colonial times now thrives as a vintage town with an assortment of shops and lodging. Learn Wisconsin's history as you drink a brewski on a river cruise. There is sure to be something of value for everyone visiting this gorgeous location.
8. Cassville
Spend some time walking on one of the local sandy beaches along the scenic bluffs of Cassville - or maybe take a ferry ride down the Mississippi in the sun. There is a good chance you'll spot a bald eagle.
9. Potosi
Potosi Brewery offers a wide selection of beverages that have popularized the township. After checking out the famed brewery, head just a little south to the Potosi Recreation Area while appreciating the Mississippi River and soaking in some early autumn rays.
10. Nelson
We all know Wisconsin is known for its cheese, and Nelson does its part in this tradition as home to the Nelson Cheese Factory. Taste the delicacies of a large cheese and wine selection. The nicest part? There are plenty of small communities and parks to explore in between your food tastings.
We hope you enjoy these fantastic destinations. Who knows what other underappreciated gems you may discover along the Mississippi. Until next time, travel safe and have fun.
- Ken Virden is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.