Top Things to Do Along the Great River Road in Wisconsin

What to do

Bird-watching

This Wings Over Alma Nature Center and Prescott Great River Road Visitor Center share information about the best places to see bald eagles and other wildlife. Renovations are underway to refresh the visitor center, including up-to-date exhibits and a remodeled gift shop.

Buena Vista Park

Follow signs from State-35 along County-E or walk along Second Street to reach park 500 feet above Alma from where there is a magnificent view of the Mississippi River.

Great Alma Fishing Float

Turn the sign to signal the fishing crew to pick you up and take you this floating dock island; there, go fishing and grab a bite to eat at The Float Cafe.

Great River Road Wine Trail

Visit one or more of eight vineyards.

Queen of La Crosse

Paddle ship sets off on a guided sightseeing cruise from La Crosse.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum

Learn more about A miniature house in a huge forest author and see reconstruction of the wooden cottage where she was born in Pepin.

Where to eat and drink

Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery

Complex and surprising ciders including sweet Honeycrisp Hard and bold Scrumpy.

Public House of the Monarch

Oldest bar in Wisconsin (Open since 1894) Monarch Restaurant in Fountain City serves customary Irish family dishes like potato soup.

Muddy Waters Bar and Grill

Blues live and three terraces overlooking the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers are as appealing to Prescott guests as steaks, seafood, pasta or smoked ribs.

Nelson Cheese Factory

The 19th century dairy building houses newfangled wine, cheese and ice cream shop.

Pier 4 Coffee Shop & Smokehouse

One step above the cottage by the river, it serves hot sauces and smoky Memphis-style barbecue flavors but from the windows there is a view of the Alma lock and dam no. 4.

Stockholm Pie Company and General Store

Slices of hazelnut spread, double lemon, or apple pie are huge enough to eat for lunch, but you can also try the hearty cookies and quiches at this location. Restaurant in Stockholm.

Stone barn

A restored barn on a farm 10 miles northeast of Nelson is home seasonal pizzeria, serving skinny slices of cake in an idyllic setting with indoor and outdoor seating.

Where to stay

Blue Door Inn

Guests feel the spirit of history as solid as the original 1853 rock walls carved into the cliff above the Mississippi River at Alma.

Hotel Charmant

Enjoy free truffles while checking in a closed 1898 candy factory in La CrosseCharmant embellishes its legacy with framed candy tins adorning guest rooms and an elevator that shimmers like Willy Wonka’s golden ticket.

Car Travel Tips

Connect your Great River Road in Wisconsin tour to Minnesota destinations just a bridge across the Mississippi, such as Red Wing, Winona and Wabasha, where you can visit attractions such as the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, the Pottery Museum of Red Wing and the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona.