Wisconsin Great River Road 2013

GREATRiver RoadVoted Ultimate Summer Road Trip In America

GRR brochure_Layout 1 5/9/13 4:08 PM Page 1

33 river towns

1 kayak

1,728 photos

2 fishing poles

2 stuffed foxes

3 antique teapots

1 riverboat ride

250 miles

1 amazing drive

The American road trip is still alive, the way it used to be. The Wisconsin Great River Road is a flowing route steeped in values and breathtaking scenery. This 250-mile byway has 33 timeless river towns laden with food, fuel and lodging. Recently voted the prettiest drive by Huffington Post readers, it’s a journey you can’t miss. Learn more about the Wisconsin Great River Road at wigrr.com or to experience more Wisconsin fun, visit travelwisconsin.com

www.wigreatriverroad.org2

Welcome to the Mississippi River & Wisconsin’s Only National Scenic Byway … the Great River Road!

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Wisconsin’s Great River Road,which was voted the “prettiest drive in America” by Huffington Postreaders in 2012. This stunning drive on Wisconsin State Highway 35stretches 250 beautiful miles along the Mississippi River and windsthrough 33 charming, historic towns that are just waiting to be explored.

This year is the 75th Anniversary of the Great River Road, making it theperfect time to enjoy all the events, recreation, culinary experiences andbreathtaking views that this National Scenic Byway offers. Whether youchoose to tour by bike or boat, hike the bluffs or shop the boutiques, orjust seek out solitude at a relaxing inn, we promise a fun and memorablegetaway.

As you page through this visitor guide, you will find plenty of useful information to help you plan your trip. More resources and great travelinformation are also available at TravelWisconsin.com, or download theTravel Wisconsin iPhone or Android app for fun on the go.

We invite you to discover travel on Wisconsin’s Great River Road, and on behalf of Wisconsin’s Tourism industry, we look forward to welcoming you.

Sincerely,

Stephanie KlettSecretary, Wisconsin Department of Tourism

TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOMEPIERCE county ................5Prescott, Diamond Bluff, HagerCity, Bay City, Maiden Rock

PEPIN county ..................7Stockholm, Pepin

BUFFALO county ............9Nelson, Alma, Cochrane, Buffalo City, Fountain City

WISCONSIN GREAT RIVERROAD MAP ..........13 & 14

TREMPEALEAU county 15Trempealeau, Centerville

LaCROSSE county ........17Holmen, Midway, Onalaska,LaCrosse

VERNON county ..........19Stoddard, Genoa, Victory, DeSoto

CRAWFORD county ......21DeSoto, Ferryville, Lynxville,Prairie du Chien

GRANT county ..............23Wyalusing, Bagley, Glen Haven,Cassville, Potosi, Tennyson, Dickeyville, Kieler

Wisconsin Mississippi River Parkway Commission, 410 Veterans Memorial Dr.,La Crosse, WI 54601, 800.658.9424

Cover artwork contribution: Main photo, Jay Olson

Editor & Photography: KCG Creative Consulting & Design,[email protected]

Publisher: St. Paul Pioneer PresssDesign: Molly Ballis

Advertising information for the 2014 Wisconsin Great River Road Visitor Guideat [email protected]

Visit www.wigreatriverroad.org for moreinformation about events and to order additional travel guides

Wood-Fired Pizza on the FarmEnjoy naturally grown, local

ingredients in the outdoors wherekids can play & adults can relax.

Live music in the gardens. Check our website for current schedule.

S2257 Yaeger Valley Road, Cochrane, WI608-626-2122 • SuncrestGardensFarm.com

Picnic Style or Take-OutMay & Sept: Fridays 4:30-9pm

June, July, Aug: Thursdays & Fridays 4:30-9pm

www.wigreatriverroad.org 3


CELEBRATE OUR 75TH ANNIVERSARY ALONG THE WISCONSIN GREAT RIVER ROADThroughout 2013 celebrate 75 years of traveling the Wisconsin Great River Road National Scenic Byway. Take a

short drive and you will step into another day and time travelingwinding two-lane roads along the Mississippi River, through rivervalleys or up to the top of the river bluffs. Visit the enchanting,historic river towns and enter into a time when life centeredaround Main Street and small town values. Enjoy the naturalbeauty that surrounds you from all sides with a hike, a kayak trip,a bicycle ride or just look out over the Mississippi River Valleyviews from the top of a bluff.

Established in 1938 by President Roosevelt from existing localroads, auto tours & state trunk roads along the Mississippi River,this collection of roads is one of the oldest, longest and mostunique scenic byways in North America. The Great River Roadoffers respite to millions of travelers seeking a getaway – from aleisurely day’s drive to an extended vacation. Nearly 3,000 mileslong and running through 10 states along the Mississippi Riverto the Gulf of Mexico, the Great River Road has offered a

gateway to the river valley’s great history, the blending of cultures and a host ofrecreational options to all who journey it for three-quarters of a century andcounting.

In Wisconsin, the Great River Road is the state’s only National Scenic Byway;voted Prettiest Drive: Ultimate Summer Road Trip in the UnitedStates in2012. Travel the Wisconsin segment of the Great River Road along the Mississippi River and enjoy beautiful river & bluff views … offering some ofthe best viewing and road trip opportunities along the entire length of the3000 mile Great River Road system. A green pilot’s wheel symbol on whitesigns marks the way for travelers who come from all 50 states and over 60 foreign countries every year.

During 2013 everyone will experience something special as we all celebrate 75 Years On The Road! You’ll enjoy festivals, events, natural outdoor recreation, historic sites, national historic districts and 75th anniversaryevents sponsored by our 33 river town communities and 8 river counties.

Wisconsin’s only National Scenic Byway, this national treasure is located onWisconsin’s western shore. Along the Mississippi River, travel the road,

stay overnight in any of our 33 historic river town communities in quaint restored historic buildings or modern hotel/motel options in our larger cities. You won’t be disappointed and you‘ll experience the UltimateSummer Road Trip!

For more information on the Wisconsin Great RiverRoad or for specific information on 75th AnniversaryEvents, beautiful scenic lookouts, historic sites, dining,lodging, shopping, events or other amenities or attractions along the route visit our website at www.wigreatriverroad.org or call for information at 800-658-9424.

Welcome To The Wisconsin Great River Road



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Great River Road Interpretive Center at Freedom Park200 Monroe Street, Prescott, Wisconsin 54021Phone: 715-262-0104Email: [email protected] Web: www.freedomparkwi.org

HISTORICAL SITES:Village Park, Historic Tourist Park & Camping, Maiden RockBow & Arrow Formation State Historical Marker, Bay CityPierce County Courthouse National Historical Marker, Ellsworth

Plum City State Historical Marker, Plum City

PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS:Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish RefugeMississippi River National River & Recreation Area, National Park Service

Kinnickinnic State ParkTrenton Bluff Prairie State Natural AreaKinnickinnic River Gorge and Delta State Natural AreaRush River Delta State Natural AreaMorgan Coulee Prairie State Natural AreaPlum Creek Woods State Natural Area

POINTS OF INTEREST:Great River Road Interpretive Center, Freedom Park, PrescottMississippi River Bridge to Hastings, MNMississippi River Bridge to Red Wing, MN

PIERCE COUNTYPrescott, Diamond Bluff, Hager City, Bay City, Maiden Rock




ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Pepin Village Hall508 2nd Street, Pepin, Wisconsin 54759Phone: 715-442-3011Web: www.pepinwisconsin.com

HISTORICAL SITES:Stockholm Park, Historic Tourist Park & CampingLaura Ingalls Wilder Wayside, Cabin & State Historical Marker, Pepin

Maiden Rock State Historical Marker, StockholmFort St Antoine Site State Historical MarkerLake Pepin State Historical MarkerPepin County Courthouse & Jail (last wooden courthouse) National & State Historical Marker, Durand

PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS:Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish RefugeChippewa River State Trail (bike & pedestrian), DurandWalkways Out Into Lake Pepin, Harbor at PepinFive-Mile Bluff Prairie State Natural AreaMaiden Rock Bluff State Natural AreaNine Mile Island State Natural AreaLower Chippewa River State Natural Area

POINTS OF INTEREST:Pepin Depot Museum, PepinLaura Ingalls Wilder Museum, Pepin

PEPIN COUNTYStockholm, Pepin



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Wings Over Alma Visitor Center118 North Main Street, Alma, Wisconsin 54610Phone: 608-685-4067Email: [email protected] Web: www.almawisconsin.com

BUFFALO COUNTYNelson, Alma, Cochrane, Buffalo City, Fountain City

HISTORICAL SITES:City of Alma National & State Historic District, AlmaBeef Slough State Historical Marker, AlmaFountain City State Historical Marker, Fountain City

PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS:Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish RefugeBuffalo River State Trail (bike & pedestrian), MondoviMerrick State Park, Fountain CityLower Chippewa River State Natural AreaTiffany State Natural Area, NelsonNelson-Trevino Bottoms State Natural Area, NelsonTrempealeau Meadow State Natural Area

POINTS OF INTEREST:Lock & Dam #4 with Railroad Bridge, AlmaLock & Dam #5A, Fountain CityGreat Alma Fishing Float, AlmaWings Over Alma Nature & Art Center, AlmaBuena Vista Overlook, AlmaCastlerock Arms & Armory Museum, AlmaElmer’s Car & Toy Museum, Fountain CityState Normal School & Museum, AlmaMississippi River Bridge to Wabasha, MNMississippi River Bridge to Winona, MN


10 am – 4 pmThursday thru Sunday

109 South. Main St., Alma WI

Local Artists




www.facebook.com/WIGreatRiverRoad


CAR FERRYCassville Car Ferry from Cassville, WI to Millville, IA in Grant County

MISSISSIPPI RIVER LOCKS & DAMS

Lock & Dam #4, Alma, WI in Buffalo County

Lock & Dam #5A, near Fountain City, WI in Buffalo County

Lock & Dam #6, Trempealeau, WI in Trempealeau County

Lock & Dam #7, near La Crosse, WI in La Crosse County

Lock & Dam #8, Genoa, WI in Vernon County

Lock & Dam #9, near Lynxville, WI in Crawford County

MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGES

Mississippi River Bridge from Prescott, WI to Hastings, MN

Mississippi River Bridge from Pierce County, WI to Red Wing, MN

Mississippi River Bridge from Nelson, WI to Wabasha, MN

Mississippi River Bridge from Buffalo County, WI to Winona, MN

Mississippi River Bridge from La Crosse, WI (Interstate 90) to Minnesota

Mississippi River Bridge from La Crosse, WI to La Crescent, MN

Mississippi River Bridge from Crawford Co, WI to Lansing, IA

Mississippi River Bridge from Prairie du Chien WI to Marquette, IA

Mississippi River Bridge from Grant County, WI to Dubuque, IA

VISITOR CENTERSGreat River Road Visitor & Learning CenterPrescott, WI, in Pierce County

Wings Over Alma Visitor CenterAlma, WI, in Buffalo County

Onalaska Center For Commerce & TourismOnalaska, WI in La Crosse County

La Crosse Area Travel Wisconsin Welcome CenterLa Crosse, WI in La Crosse County

La Crosse Visitor Information CenterLa Crosse, WI in La Crosse County

Prairie du Chien Regional Tourism CenterPrairie du Chien, WI in Grant County

Platteville Travel Wisconsin Welcome CenterPlatteville, WI in Grant County

GREAT RIVER ROAD INTERPRETIVE CENTERSGreat River Road Visitor & Learning CenterPrescott, WI in Pierce County

Riverside MuseumLa Crosse, WI in La Crosse County

Villa Louis, State Historical SitePrairie du Chien, WI in Crawford County

Fort Crawford MuseumPrairie du Chien, WI in Crawford County

Stonefield, State Agricultural & Historical SiteCassville, WI in Grant County

Potosi Brewing CompanyPotosi, WI in Grant County

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGESUpper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish RefugeBuffalo, Trempealeau, La Crosse, Vernon, Crawford & Grant Counties

Trempealeau National Wildlife RefugeBuffalo & Trempealeau Counties

STATE PARKSKinnickinnic State ParkPierce County, WI

Merrick State ParkFountain City, WI in Buffalo County

Perrot State ParkTrempealeau, WI in Trempealeau County

Great River State Trail (bike & pedestrian)Trempealeau to Onalaska, WI in Trempealeau & La Crosse Counties

Wyalusing State ParkWyalusing, WI in Grant County

Nelson Dewey State ParkCassville, WI in Grant County

The Upper Mississippi River serves as a majorflyway for waterfowl, bald eagles abound and youmay get a rare glimpse of some of Wisconsin'sendangered species such as the trumpeter swanor the peregrine falcon. On June 1, 2009 RAM-SAR designated the Upper Mississippi RiverFloodplain Wetland a Wetland of InternationalImportance, the 27th US wetland to receive thisdesignation and the 2nd in Wisconsin.

At our back door are two National WildlifeRefuges: the Upper Mississippi NationalWildlife & Fish Refuge and the TrempealeauNational Wildlife Refuge. The NationalWildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fishand Wildlife Service, manages a national net-work of lands and waters set aside to conserveAmerica’s fish, wildlife, and plants.

National WildlifeRefuges

UPPER MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL WILDLIFE & FISH REFUGE Buffalo, Trempealeau, La Crosse, Vernon, Crawford & Grant CountiesBraided streams, backwater lakes, and running sloughs are waiting to be explored. Located in four states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois along the MississippiRiver. Established in 1924 as a refuge for fish, wildlife and plants and a breeding place formigratory birds, it encompasses one of the largest blocks of floodplain habitat in the lower48 states. Bordered by steep wooded bluffs that rise 100 to 600 feet above the river valley,the Mississippi River corridor and refuge offer scenic beauty, a wild character, and productive fish and wildlife habitat unmatched in the heart of America. The refuge coversjust over 240,000 acres and extends 261 river miles from north to south at the confluenceof the Chippewa River in Wisconsin to near Rock Island, Illinois. Website: www.fws.gov/refuge/upper_mississippi_river/

TREMPEALEAU NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Trempealeau & Buffalo CountiesTrempealeau National Wildlife Refuge is nestled along the eastern edge of the mightyMississippi River. The scenic drive to the refuge along the Wisconsin Great RiverRoad/National Scenic Byway entices travelers along the way. Established in 1936 byPresident Franklin D. Roosevelt as "a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds andother wildlife." The original refuge consisted of a 706.9 acre upland portion with openareas of former hay, pasture, and croplands and was expanded in 1979 to 6,226 acres.Website: www.fws.gov/refuge/trempealeau/


HISTORICAL SITES:Mississippi River Parkway: First Project State Historical Marker

Trempealeau Main Street National Historic DistrictTrempealeau Platform Mounds National Historic DistrictTrempealeau Lakes Mound National Historic DistrictDecorah Peak State Historical MarkerPerrot’s Post State Historical MarkerBrady’s Bluff State Historical MarkerGalesville Bridge State Historical Marker

PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS:Trempealeau National Wildlife & Fish RefugeUpper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish RefugePerrot State Park, TrempealeauTrempealeau Mountain State Natural Area

POINTS OF INTEREST:Great River State Trail (bike & pedestrian), Trempealeau to OnalaskaLock & Dam #6, TrempealeauTremplo Fishing Float, Trempealeau

TREMPEALEAU COCenterville, Trempealeau

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Trempealeau Chamber of CommercePost Office Box 24224455 3rd Street, Trempealeau, Wisconsin 54661Phone: 608-534-6780Email: [email protected] Web: www.trempealeau.net


The route of the Wisconsin Great River Road is history itself. As anancient migratory trail it has been the link for native people through-out the heartland of America. While early explorers and pioneers trav-eled the Mississippi River as the easiest mode of transportation, oncesettled they used these migratory trails to travel by land between com-munities. This trail eventually became the Wisconsin Great RiverRoad. Today there are 33 historic river towns remaining, each has astory to tell, each made a contribution to our history.

Many historic markers have been placed by the Wisconsin HistoricalSociety throughout the 8 river counties that border the MississippiRiver to commemorate events, forts, fur-trading, Mississippi Riverrafting, logging and historic sites. National Historic Districts, sites &buildings were preserved for the nation.

A few are provided here but there is so much more to explore. Visitthe local historical societies and museums along the Wisconsin GreatRiver Road to discover the history of exploration, native people, pioneers and the settlement of Wisconsin’s Upper Mississippi River.

Bow & Arrow Formation State Historical Marker, Bay City, Pierce Co

Laura Ingalls Wilder Wayside, Cabin & State Historical Marker, Pepin, Pepin Co

City of Alma National Historic District, Buffalo CoTrempealeau Main Street National Historic District, Trempealeau Co

City of La Crosse National Historic Districts, La Crosse CoNorskadalen Nature & Heritage Center, Coon Valley, La Crosse & Vernon Co

Goose Island National Archaeological Site, Stoddard, Vernon CoVilla Louis National & State Historical Site & Marker, Prairie du Chien, Crawford Co

Fort Crawford State National & State Historical Site & Marker, Prairie du Chien, Crawford Co

Stonefield State Historic Site, Nelson Dewey Plantation, Cassville, Grant Co

Cassville Mississippi River Ferry, Grant Co

History Along The River Road


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:La Crosse Area Convention & Visitors Bureau410 Veterans Memorial Drive, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54610Phone: 800-658-9424Email: [email protected] Web: www.explorelacrosse.com

HISTORICAL SITES:Norskedahlen Nature & Heritage Center, Coon ValleyCity of La Crosse Historic Districts

PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS:Grandad Bluff City Park & Overview, La CrosseUpper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish RefugeMyrick Hixon Eco Park, La Crosse

POINTS OF INTEREST:Great River Road Interpretive Center: Riverside Museum, La Crosse

Great River State Trail, Onalaska to TrempealeauMcGilvray Bridges (pedestrian), HolmenChildren’s Museum, La CrosseUS Fish & Wildlife Visitor Center, Onalaska

LaCROSSE COUNTYHolmen, Midway, Onalaska, La Crosse


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Onalaska Center for Commerce & Tourism1101 Main Street, Onalaska, Wisconsin 54650Phone: 800-873-1901 or 608-781-9570Email: [email protected] Web: www.discoveronalaska.com

Wineries & VineyardsWith almost 20 wineries nestled along the Wisconsin Great RiverRoad and its 8 river counties, there is ample opportunity to sip andswirl your way along the Mississippi River. Many wineries have their own vineyards allowing these wineries to produce authentic and original wines. They are home to several award winning wines and the Upper Mississippi River Valley American Vitaculture Area.Travel safely, designate a driver and enjoy a delightful glass of wine as you make your way along the Great River Road.

VALLEY VINEYARD* Prescott, Pierce County � www.valleyvineyardltd.comVINO IN THE VALLEY Maiden Rock, Pierce County � www.vinointhevalley.com MAIDEN ROCK WINERY & CIDERYStockholm, Pepin County � www.maidenrockwinerycidery.com VILLA BELLEZZAPepin, Pepin County � www.villabellezza.com DANZINGER VINEYARDS & WINERY* Alma, Buffalo County � www.danzingervineyards.com SEVEN HAWKS VINEYARDFountain City, Buffalo County � www.sevenhawksvineyards.comELMARO VINEYARD* Trempealeau County � www.elmarovineyard.com SANDSTONE RIDGE VINEYARD & WINERY* Osseo, Trempealeau & Jackson Counties � www.sandstoneridge.com TENBA RIDGE WINERYBlair, Trempealeau County � www.tenbaridgewinery.net DNA VINTNERS La Crosse, La Crosse County � www.dnavintners.comLOST ISLAND LLC Onalaska, La Crosse County � www.lostislandwine.comWINESITTER BREW HOUSEHolmen, La Crosse County � www.thewinesitters.comBRANCHES WINERYWestby, Vernon County � www.brancheswinery.com VERNON VINEYARDSViroqua, Vernon County � www.vernonvineyards.com SPURGEON VINEYARDS & WINERYHighland, Grant County � www.spurgeonvineyards.com BAUER-KEARNS WINERYPlatteville, Grant County � www.ilovebkwines.com SINNIPEE VALLEY VINEYARD Kieler, Grant County � www.sinnipeevalleywinery.comWHISPERING BLUFFS WINERYPotosi, Grant County � www.facebook.com/WhisperingBluffsWineryWHISPERING WINDS WINERYFennimore, Grant County � www.whisperingwindswinery.com*Indicates Wisconsin Accredited Winery which produces wines with 75% or more Wisconsin grown grapes and who has submitted their application to WGGA for approval.

Great River Road Wine Trail www.greatriverroadwinetrail.org Great River Wine Trail www.thegreatriverwinetrail.com Driftless Region Area Wine Trailhttp://wiswine.com/itineraries/driftless-region Southwest Wisconsin Wine Trailwww.franklinvictorianbb.com/the-area-wi-wineries Trails To Wine www.trailstowine.com/wisconsin.html#winery-5693 Wisconsin - America’s Wine Trailswww.americaswinetrails.com/wine-trails/wisconsin-wineries/Wisconsin – Bed & Breakfast Wine Trail www.wbba.org/wisconsin-wine-trail.php Wisconsin - Wine Trail Travelerwww.winetrailtraveler.com/wisconsin/wisconsin.php

Cheese FactoriesWhere but Wisconsin can you visit so many working cheese factories?There are several along the Wisconsin Great River Road, and variousretail outlets, many of them in operation for over 100 years. Stopawhile and enjoy the curds … these Wisconsin made products won’t getany fresher or “squeakier” than this!

Wisconsin is the top cheese-producing state in the country, churningout almost 1.18 billion kilos annually. As the sole state to offer a Master Cheesemaker program, it's rivaled by only France in international competitions.

ELLSWORTH CO-OP CreameryPierce County � www.ellsworthcheesecurds.com FALCON FOODS (UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN RIVER FALLS) Pierce County � www.uwrf.edu/ANFS/FalconFoodsWEATHERVANE CREAMERYPierce County � www.facebook.com/WVCreamery EAU GALLE CHEESE FACTORYPepin County � www.eaugallecheese.comNELSON CHEESE FACTORYBuffalo County � www.nelsoncheese.com CHIPPEWA VALLEY CHEESETrempealeau County � www.chippewavalleycheese.com ORGANIC VALLEYVernon County � www.organicvalley.coop PASTURE PRIDE CHEESEVernon County � www.pasturepridecheese.com WESTBY CO-OP CREAMERY Vernon County � www.westbywi.com HIDDEN SPRINGS CREAMERY Vernon County � www.hiddenspringscreamery.com NORDIC CREAMERYVernon County � www.nordiccreamery.com MOUNT STERLING CHEESE CO-OPCrawford County � www.buygoatcheese.comSTILL MEADOWS FARMSCrawford County � www.celebrationfarm.net CARR VALLEY CHEESE COMPANYGrant County � www.carrvalleycheese.com GILE CHEESE-CARR CHEESE FACTORYGrant County � www.gilecheese.com MEISTER CHEESE COMPANYGrant County � www.meistercheese.com MONTFORT DAIRY PRODUCTS (Wisconsin Farmers Union Specialty Cheese Co. LLC)Grant County � www.wfucheese.com


Ernest FrancisStephenson,

Master Cheese Maker

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Vernon County Tourism Council, Driftless WisconsinPhone: 608-648-2700Web: www.driftlesswisconsin.com

HISTORICAL SITES:Norskadalen Nature & Heritage Center, Coon ValleyGoose Island National Archaeological Site, StoddardDams on the Mississippi State Historical Marker, GenoaBattle of Bad Axe State Historical Marker, DeSotoChief Win-no-Shik, the Elder, State Historical Marker, DeSoto

PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS:Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish RefugeBlackhawk County Park, DeSotoMt Pisgah Hemlock-Hardwoods State Natural AreaBattle Bluff Prairie State Natural AreaCoon Creek Cliffs State Natural AreaKickapoo Valley Reserve State Natural AreaBergen Bluffs State Natural AreaRomance Prairie State Natural AreaTunnelville Cliffs State Natural Area

POINTS OF INTEREST:Lock and Dam #8, GenoaClements Fishing Barge, GenoaGenoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa

VERNON COUNTYStoddard, Genoa, Victory, DeSoto

At the beginning of the century, pioneering auto tourists had fewplaces along the open road where they could rent a room after aday’s drive. The majority of established hotels were locateddowntown and allowed for easy access to the railroad. This wasnot an ideal situation for motorists, who were unwilling to leavetheir automobiles in the livery stable and did not want to enterthe hotel lobby after a day of dusty travel. A growing number ofmotorists began bringing their own gear and creating makeshift-camps along the roadside. The Wisconsin Great River Road wasno exception.

In an effort to entice auto tourists, many communities built municipal tourist camps in city parks. Neighboring towns begancompeting for tourists and added extra conveniences, including picnic tables, fireplaces, flush toilets, showers, shelteredeating and recreation areas, and electrical hookups. By 1923,Wisconsin had an estimated 300 auto camps.

Continued on next page

Tourist Parks



Continued from previous page

Tourist ParksToday Four Historic Tourist Parks Remain Along The Wisconsin Great River Road:MAIDEN ROCK: VILLAGE PARKTents and RV camping, $8 nightly, $12 with electrical hook up.Boat launch.

STOCKHOLM: STOCKHOLM PARKTent camping $12 nightly, RV camping $18 nightly. Restrooms,drinking water, 25 camping spots have 30-amp electrical service.Boat launch, fishing pier, small swimming beach, picnic tables.

ALMA: RIECK’S LAKE PARKTent and RV camping $15 nightly, $3 additional for electricity.Paved camping pad, fire pit, picnic table, showers. Boat launch &dumping facility nearby. Wildlilfe & birding viewing deck, 2 picnicshelters, ball diamond and playground.

FERRYVILLE: SUGAR CREEK CAMPGROUNDTent and RV camping, $10 nightly with electricity. Single watersource. Campfire pit but all campfire wood MUST be locally purchased. Kid's playground, volleyball court & 2 picnic shelters.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce211 South Main Street, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin 53821Phone: 800-732-1673Email: [email protected] Web: www.prairieduchien.org

HISTORICAL SITES:Villa Louis National & State Historical Site & Marker, Prairie du Chien

Fort Crawford State National & State Historical Site & Marker, Prairie du Chien

PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS:Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish RefugeBlackhawk County Park, DeSotoSugar Creek Village Park, Historic Tourist Park & Camping, Ferryville

La Riviere Park, Prairie du ChienSt Feriole Island, Prairie du Chien

POINTS OF INTEREST:Mississippi River (Lake Winneshiek) Observation Deck, Ferryville

Lock and Dam #9, LynxvilleLarson Bluff Overlook, LynxvilleGreat River Road Interpretive Center, Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien

Great River Road Interpretive Center, Fort Crawford, Prairie du Chien

Prairie du Chien Regional Tourism Center, Prairie du Chien

CRAWFORD COUNTYDeSoto, Ferryville, Lynxville, Prairie du Chien



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Platteville Area Chamber of Commerce

& Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center275 Business Highway 151 West, Exit 18Platteville, WI 53818 Phone: 608-348-8888Email: [email protected]: www.platteville.com

HISTORICAL SITES:Stonefield Historic Site, Nelson Dewey Home Site & Wisconsin State Agricultural Museum, Cassville

Denniston House, State Historic Marker, CassvillePotosi Brewery & National Brewery Museum, Potosi

PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS:Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish RefugeWyalusing State Park, WyalusingNelson Dewey State Park, CassvilleGrant River Recreation Area, Potosi

POINTS OF INTEREST:Great River Road Interpretive Center, Stonefield Historic

Site, CassvilleGreat River Road Interpretive Center, Potosi Brewery, PotosiMississippi River Car Ferry, CassvilleDickeyville Grotto, Dickeyville

GRANT COUNTYWyalusing, Bagley, Glen Haven, Cassville, Potosi,

Tennyson, Dickeyville, Kieler




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Wisconsin Great River Road 2013