Stories of the Wisconsin Great River Road

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1 Stories of the Wisconsin Great River Road

The audio tour is available at no charge and can be downloaded from www.wigreatriverroad.org. The Wisconsin Great River Road is one of the best drives in the Midwest.

2 Welcome to the Wisconsin Great River Road! This booklet is designed as a broad overview to complement the Wisconsin Great River Road Audio Tour entitled, The Story of the Great River A Historic Tour of the Wisconsin Great River Road. The audio tour is available at no charge and can be downloaded from The Wisconsin Great River Road is one of the best drives in the Midwest. This designated National Scenic Byway runs for 250 miles from Prescott in the north to Kieler in the south. The Wisconsin Great River Road passes through 33 historic river towns and borders some of the most important wetlands in the United States. Photo by Dr. Abdul K. Sinno, author of Treasures of the Mississippi: Panoramas and Poetic Reflections. View more beautiful scenes along the Great River Road at Photo: Windows to Grace (De Soto, WI). I have several friends from Milwaukee, Chicago, and Madison. The first time each of them came here they said, Wow! I never knew this was in Wisconsin. Terry Mesch, Pepin, WI Few places in America have the scenic splendor of the Wisconsin Great River Road. For most of its route, the Wisconsin Great River Road is bordered by the Mississippi River on one side and towering bluffs on the other. At regular intervals throughout the route, you will have opportunities to drive to the top of the high bluffs for panoramic views of the valleys below, many of which are protected wildlife refuges, state hunting lands and state parks. Any auto tour along the Wisconsin Great River Road should include plenty of time to stop and explore the nature areas, scenic overlooks, river towns and the numerous historic sites, museums, monuments and markers. Small-town shops also offer excellent art and antique shopping. You should set aside at least two days to drive the entire route, though many people take a full week or more. Along the Wisconsin Great River Road, the Mississippi River offers fantastic fishing, boating, hunting, birdwatching, bicycling, camping and hiking. Numerous boat launches and trails along the Wisconsin Great River Road make it easy to experience the river s natural activities. Plan your Wisconsin Great River Road journey today. For more information on activities and attractions along the Wisconsin Great River Road, and to download your audio tour, visit or call See page 6 for more information on exploring the 33 river towns of the Wisconsin Great River Road

Scenery Some of the Best Views in the Midwest The wide valley through which the Mississippi River travels was formed thousands of years ago by the massive torrents of water produced by the melting

3 Scenery Some of the Best Views in the Midwest The wide valley through which the Mississippi River travels was formed thousands of years ago by the massive torrents of water produced by the melting glaciers. Over the centuries, the meandering river sculpted the floodplain below, producing an elaborate maze of channels, islands and sloughs. Viewed from above, the effect is of a great mosaic of forest, river and wetlands. Throughout the Wisconsin Great River Road, you ll find dozens of opportunities for panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley. Listed here are a few of the best spots for panoramic views and amazing photo opportunities. For more information, visit Freedom Park, Prescott Part of Prescott s fantastic Great River Road Interpretive Center, this scenic overlook allows you to gaze up and down the river valley from atop a 400-foot bluff. Buena Vista Park, Alma Located on the bluffs high above Alma, this is widely regarded as one of the best views along the Wisconsin Great River Road. This overlook affords great views of Lock and Dam #4 and the picturesque town of Alma. Perrot State Park, Trempealeau Named after the 17th-century French explorer Nicholas Perrot, this overlook from Brady s Bluff affords fantastic views of Trempealeau Mountain, a bluff surrounded by the Mississippi River. Grandad Bluff, La Crosse See panoramic views of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin, including the city of La Crosse, spread out below as you gaze out over one of the widest sections of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Larson Bluff, Lynxville This scenic overlook soars above Pool 9, one of the wildest and most beautiful stretches of the Mississippi River. It s a great place to view migratory waterfowl. Wyalusing State Park, Bagley View the place where the Wisconsin River meets the Mississippi River. The view from this overlook at the top of the bluffs is the same view recorded by the explorers Marquette and Joliet when they arrived here in Nelson Dewey State Park, Cassville Enjoy a stunning view and excellent eagle watching opportunities from the former estate of Wisconsin s first governor, Nelson Dewey. The Point in Potosi Unlike the other scenic overlooks on this list, this finger of land that juts out into the Mississippi River gives you a water-level view of the vastness of the Mississippi River Valley. It is a great place for birdwatching in the spring and fall. Lake Onalaska, Onalaska Take your picture with Sunny the Sunfish at this 7,700-acre lake on the Mississippi River surrounded by bluffs. Photo: A windswept beach in Pepin offers great sunset views. The Point Road in Potosi is located on a peninsula that goes out into the Mississippi River. Within a stretch of 250 miles, it is as far out as you can be on the River without exactly being in a boat. It is not only a unique perspective of the River, but it is an absolutely stunning area for birdwatching. Frank Fiorenza, Potosi, WI

iver Towns RThe Wisconsin Great River Road connects you with 33 historic river towns.

These beautiful communities are truly what make a Wisconsin Great River Road journey such an incredible experience. Photo by Dr. Abdul K.

View more beautiful scenes along the Great River Road at www.treasuresofthemississippi.

Because of the close proximity of the Mississippi River and the steep bluff faces, most of the main streets in these river towns stretch

That means much of the oldest and most beautiful architecture in these communities is easy to see and appreciate.

Throughout your journey, you ll feel like you re taking a step back in time as you visit communities composed of almost entirely

Explore the numerous shops, galleries, restaurants, hotels, bed & breakfasts and other distinctive businesses in abundance within the

4 iver Towns RThe Wisconsin Great River Road connects you with 33 historic river towns. Each of these communities has its own story to tell about the River. These beautiful communities are truly what make a Wisconsin Great River Road journey such an incredible experience. Photo by Dr. Abdul K. Sinno, author of Treasures of the Mississippi: Panoramas and Poetic Reflections. View more beautiful scenes along the Great River Road at Center photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Because of the close proximity of the Mississippi River and the steep bluff faces, most of the main streets in these river towns stretch directly along the Wisconsin Great River Road. That means much of the oldest and most beautiful architecture in these communities is easy to see and appreciate. These river towns show a unique community pride and respect for the past. Throughout your journey, you ll feel like you re taking a step back in time as you visit communities composed of almost entirely 19th-century architecture. Explore the numerous shops, galleries, restaurants, hotels, bed & breakfasts and other distinctive businesses in abundance within the river towns of the Wisconsin Great River Road. Find out more about shopping, dining, lodging and exploring the fascinating river towns along the Wisconsin Great River Road visit river towns Photo: Stonefield Village, near Cassville, retains its 19th-century architecture. Inset from left to right: Alma s downtown Historic District; La Crosse nightlife; Charming Stockholm, population 89. I cannot imagine living in a town 100 miles from the water, where it s just flat land. It just wouldn t have the same appeal as something on the River. Fred Huebsch, Prairie du Chien, WI

The Working River Perhaps the most alluring reason to travel the Wisconsin Great River Road is to experience a true working river.

The rivers water level is controlled by locks and dams, many visible along the Wisconsin Great River Road.

At Alma, Fountain City, Trempealeau, Genoa and just south of Lynxville, you ll find observation decks where visitors can view the huge barges, tugboats and pleasure

Photo: Active railways run along the entire length of the Wisconsin Great River Road.

Buena Vista Park, Alma. Oh, it s enjoyable. Like yesterday, we set out four gill nets and ended up with about 800 pounds of fish.

Mike Valley, commercial fisherman, Prairie du Chien the working river The Wisconsin Great River Road passes through communities where many residents still work the

5 The Working River Perhaps the most alluring reason to travel the Wisconsin Great River Road is to experience a true working river. Barge traffic, freight trains and the lock & dam system are all a major part of the Wisconsin Great River Road experience. The rivers water level is controlled by locks and dams, many visible along the Wisconsin Great River Road. This system allows commercial barge traffic to travel up and down the river. At Alma, Fountain City, Trempealeau, Genoa and just south of Lynxville, you ll find observation decks where visitors can view the huge barges, tugboats and pleasure craft passing through the locks. The best time of year for seeing commercial barge traffic is September, October and November, before the river freezes. Photo: Active railways run along the entire length of the Wisconsin Great River Road. Inset from left to right: A towboat pushes barges up the winding main channel; Fishing nets are hauled from the Mississippi River; Lock & Dam #4 as viewed from Buena Vista Park, Alma. Oh, it s enjoyable. Like yesterday, we set out four gill nets and ended up with about 800 pounds of fish. We had about 450 or 500 pounds of carp and buffalo, and then we had 300 pounds of sheepshead, snapping turtles and a soft-shelled turtle. Mike Valley, commercial fisherman, Prairie du Chien the working river The Wisconsin Great River Road passes through communities where many residents still work the river. In the audio tour, you ll learn about people who continue to fish the river commercially and hear stories of of the freshwater clamming industry, a relic of a bygone era. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad line along the Wisconsin Great River Road remains quite active. Between 75 and 80 trains pass along this route each day, making the Wisconsin Great River Road a favorite for railroad buffs

History and Archeology Some of Wisconsin s oldest communities are located along the Wisconsin Great River Road.

Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.

Valley for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans.

Towns like Prairie du Chien are full of remnants of the French culture which dominated the 17th-century Mississippi River.

Prescott, Onalaska and La Crosse have their roots in the logging boom of the late 1800s.

At regular intervals along the Wisconsin Great River Road, you ll find historic markers commemorating military battles, important events and significant features

The small towns along the Wisconsin Great River Road are full of historic buildings, and the charming streets of these communities invite exploration.

6 History and Archeology Some of Wisconsin s oldest communities are located along the Wisconsin Great River Road. Because of their close proximity to the Mississippi River, these were some of the first places settled by Europeans in the New World. Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Through the museums and historic sites along the Wisconsin Great River Road, you ll learn about the Native Americans who inhabited the Upper Mississippi River Valley for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. See the numerous mounds built by the Hopewell, discover the Oneota culture and learn about the Black Hawk War. Towns like Prairie du Chien are full of remnants of the French culture which dominated the 17th-century Mississippi River. Places like Potosi and Tennyson reflect the lead mining industry that shaped Wisconsin in the 19th-century. Prescott, Onalaska and La Crosse have their roots in the logging boom of the late 1800s. Numerous towns like Genoa and Stockholm reflect the nationalities of their European founders. At regular intervals along the Wisconsin Great River Road, you ll find historic markers commemorating military battles, important events and significant features in the landscape. You ll even get a chance to see the home of Wisconsin s first governor, Nelson Dewey. The small towns along the Wisconsin Great River Road are full of historic buildings, and the charming streets of these communities invite exploration. For more information on the historic sites along the Wisconsin Great River Road, and to download your FREE audio tour, visit history and archeology Photo: Many of the views along the Wisconsin Great River Road have remained unchanged for centuries. Inset from left to right: Historical display at Swarthout Museum, La Crosse; Ancient effigy mounds dot the landscape along the Wisconsin Great River Road; Reenactment in Prairie du Chien. As you re driving up and down the Great River Road, you should be aware that in the past, people have lived everywhere you re looking going back 12,000 years! Robert Ernie Boszhardt, Mississippi Valley Archeology Center

Photo: Scenic overlooks provide fantastic opportunities for viewing eagles, hawks and other raptors.

wildlife viewing opportunities; The white pelican has become a common sight on the larger pools; Birdwatching and counting are popular

This particular swan spends its summer up in the tundra areas of Canada and Alaska, then flies down and stops here to rest on its way

Bob Miller, Alma, WI Wildlife and Birds The Wisconsin Great River Road travels through some of the best birdwatching and wildlife viewing

Much of the journey overlooks the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, a continuous stretch of river, wetlands and

The abundance of top-quality wetland habitats makes the Wisconsin Great River Road the perfect destination for those seeking to observe the

Over 40% of North America s ducks, geese, swans and other waterfowl use the Mississippi River flyway during their migrations.

The area is most famous for bald eagles, which can be seen throughout the year, but are particularly plentiful during the winter months.

Road during the late fall. White pelicans also spend time in the larger pools. Main photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.

7 Photo: Scenic overlooks provide fantastic opportunities for viewing eagles, hawks and other raptors. Inset from left to right: Bald eagles are abundant along the Wisconsin Great River Road; Numerous observation decks provide fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities; The white pelican has become a common sight on the larger pools; Birdwatching and counting are popular activities. As you drive by Rieck s Lake Park, you ll notice an observation deck for watching the return of the tundra swan. This particular swan spends its summer up in the tundra areas of Canada and Alaska, then flies down and stops here to rest on its way south, sometimes for three to four weeks. It feeds on the arrowhead root and some other tubers in the bodies of water at Rieck s Lake Park. Bob Miller, Alma, WI Wildlife and Birds The Wisconsin Great River Road travels through some of the best birdwatching and wildlife viewing habitats in America. Over two-thirds of the Wisconsin Great River Road is surrounded by protected lands. Much of the journey overlooks the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, a continuous stretch of river, wetlands and forest from the mouth of the Chippewa River down to Rock Island, Illinois. The abundance of top-quality wetland habitats makes the Wisconsin Great River Road the perfect destination for those seeking to observe the spring and fall migration of waterfowl. Over 40% of North America s ducks, geese, swans and other waterfowl use the Mississippi River flyway during their migrations. More than 300 species of birds can be seen along the Wisconsin Great River Road. The area is most famous for bald eagles, which can be seen throughout the year, but are particularly plentiful during the winter months. Tundra swans are another popular attraction, with flocks of these large birds present at various points along the Wisconsin Great River Road during the late fall. White pelicans also spend time in the larger pools. Main photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. scenery and wildlife For a complete list of birding and wildlife viewing hotspots on the Wisconsin Great River Road, visit Many of these hotspots are also included in the Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail - Mississippi/Chippewa Rivers Region Guide, available from the Wisconsin Departments of Tourism and Natural Resources

8 Look for the Pilot s Wheel! All along your Wisconsin Great River Road journey, you ll find the green Pilot s Wheel logo on white signs. As you travel the 250-mile Wisconsin Great River Road, look for the Pilot s Wheel to guide your way. Lodging There are dozens of places to stay in the river towns along the Wisconsin Great River Road. From hotels and bed & breakfasts to cabins, campgrounds and houseboats, you ll find many lodging options along the Wisconsin Great River Road. Shopping and Dining For many visitors to the Wisconsin Great River Road, shopping is the top draw. Numerous shops, galleries and antique stores dot the Wisconsin Great River Road. Also, the communities of the Wisconsin Great River Road each have their own unique culinary specialties you ll discover some of the best restaurants in the Midwest! Fishing, Boating, Bicycling and Hiking There are numerous of boat launches, bicycle trails and fishing spots along the Wisconsin Great River Road. Much of the land along the Wisconsin Great River Road is open to the public. Photo: Observation decks allow visitors to view barges traveling through the locks. Wisconsin Great River Road Amenities Grid Communities For specific information about planning your Wisconsin Great River Road getaway, visit or call All photos in this book are copyrighted and may not be reproduced. RESTAURANT INFORMATION CENTER BED & BREAKFAST HOTEL/MOTEL CABIN/RESORT CAMPGROUND SPECIALTY SHOPS HISTORIC SITES & MUSEUMS Prescott x x x x x x x Maiden Rock Stockholm SCENIC AREA x x x x x x x x x x x x x Pepin x x x x x x x x Nelson x x x x x x Alma x x x x x x x x x x Fountain City x x x x x x x x Trempealeau Onalaska La Crosse x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Genoa x x x x x x x x x x x x x DeSoto Ferryville Prairie du Chien x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Wyalusing x x x Cassville x x x x x x x x x Potosi Dickeyville x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Kieler x x x x LOCK AND DAM Produced by: Pilch & Barnet, Inc

9 = River Crossing MILEAGE/ROUTE Approximate Mileage Prescott to Alma...70 miles Alma to La Crosse...50 miles La Crosse to Prairie du Chien...60 miles Prairie du Chien to Kieler...60 miles WI Great River Road...approx. 250 miles Follow the road signs marked with the green Great River Road Pilot s Wheel logo. RIVER CROSSINGS Interstate bridges crossing the Mississippi River along the Wisconsin Great River Road: Hwy 11 US 61/151 So. of Kieler to Dubuque, IA US 18 Prairie du Chien to Marquette, IA Hwy 82 So. of DeSoto to Lansing, IA US 14/61 La Crosse to La Crescent, MN I-90 La Crosse/Onalaska to MN Hwy 54 So. of Fountain City to Winona, MN Hwy 25 Nelson to Wabasha, MN US 63 Hager City to Red Wing, MN US 10 Prescott to Cottage Grove, MN Also cross the Mississippi on the Cassville Car Ferry which runs between Cassville & Millville, IA

Mississippi River Getaways: All New (Midwest Living) By "Midwest Living"

Mississippi River Getaways: All New (Midwest Living) By "Midwest Living" Mississippi River - Wikipedia, the free - The Mississippi River is the chief river of the largest drainage system on the North American