Travel Destinations Wisconsin Top Things to Do Along Wisconsin's Great River Road Wisconsin’s 250-mile stretch of the Great River Road leads to small Mississippi River towns with hiking, fishing, birding, shopping and dining with a view. Check out our guide for what to do, where to eat and where to stay along Wisconsin's Great River Road. By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 14, 2023 Great River Road. Photo: John Noltner What to Do Birding The Wings Over Alma Nature Center and Prescott's Great River Road Visitor Center share info on the best viewing spots for bald eagles and other wildlife. Renovations are underway to freshen the visitor center, including new exhibits and a remodeled gift shop. Buena Vista Park. John Noltner Buena Vista Park Follow signs from State-35 along County-E, or walk from Second Street to reach a park 500 feet above Alma for a great view of the Mississippi River. Great Alma Fishing Float Flip a sign to signal the fishing crew to pick you up and take you to this floating island of docks; there, go fishing and snack at The Float Cafe. Great River Road Wine Trail Visit one or more of eight wineries. 8 Midwest Wine Trails Featuring Charming Small Towns and Scenic Views John Noltner La Crosse Queen The paddle-wheeler departs on narrated sight-seeing cruises from La Crosse. Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum Learn about the Little House in the Big Woods author and see a re-creation of the wooden cabin where she was born in Pepin. Where to Eat and Drink Maiden Rock Winery and Cidery The complex and surprising ciders include the sweet Honeycrisp Hard and robust Scrumpy. The Monarch Public House Wisconsin's oldest bar (open since 1894), the Monarch in Fountain City serves old Irish family recipes, such as potato soup. Muddy Waters. John Noltner Muddy Waters Bar and Grill Live blues and three decks overlooking the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers appeal to Prescott diners as much as the steaks, seafood, pasta or smoked ribs. Nelson Cheese Factory The 19th-century dairy building holds a modern shop with wine, cheeses and ice cream. Pier 4 Cafe and Smokehouse One step above a river shack, it serves the tangy sauces and smoky flavors of Memphis-style barbecue but overlooks Alma's Lock and Dam No. 4. John Noltner The Stockholm Pie Company and General Store The slices of peanut butter fudge, double lemon or apple pie are large enough to be lunch, but also try the hearty potpies and quiches at this Stockholm eatery. The Stone Barn The restored barn of a farm 10 miles northeast of Nelson is home to a seasonal pizzeria, serving thin-crust slices in a bucolic setting with indoor and outdoor seating. Where to Stay Blue Door Inn A sense of history settles around guests as solidly as original 1853 rock walls, carved into a Mississippi River bluff in Alma. The Charmant Hotel. The Charmant Hotel Savor free truffles at check-in inside a retired 1898 candy factory in La Crosse. The Charmant embellishes its legacy with framed candy tins decorating guest rooms and an elevator shimmering like a golden Willy Wonka ticket. Road Trip Tips Combine your Wisconsin Great River Road trip with Minnesota destinations just a bridge away across the Mississippi, like Red Wing, Winona and Wabasha, where you can explore attractions such as the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, the Pottery Museum of Red Wing and the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit