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GREAT River Road Voted Ultimate Summer Road Trip In America
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
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TABLE OF CONTENTS PIERCE county ................5 Prescott, Diamond Bluff, Hager City, Bay City, Maiden Rock
PEPIN county ..................7 Stockholm, Pepin
BUFFALO county ............9 Nelson, Alma, Cochrane, Buffalo City, Fountain City
WISCONSIN GREAT RIVER ROAD MAP ..........13 & 14 TREMPEALEAU county 15 Trempealeau, Centerville
LaCROSSE county ........17 Holmen, Midway, Onalaska, LaCrosse
VERNON county ..........19 Stoddard, Genoa, Victory, DeSoto
CRAWFORD county ......21 DeSoto, Ferryville, Lynxville, Prairie du Chien
WELCOME 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 Post readers in 2012. This stunning drive on Wisconsin State Highway 35 stretches 250 beautiful miles along the Mississippi River and winds through 33 charming, historic towns that are just waiting to be explored. This year is the 75th Anniversary of the Great River Road, making it the perfect time to enjoy all the events, recreation, culinary experiences and breathtaking views that this National Scenic Byway offers. Whether you choose to tour by bike or boat, hike the bluffs or shop the boutiques, or just seek out solitude at a relaxing inn, we promise a fun and memorable getaway. As you page through this visitor guide, you will find plenty of useful information to help you plan your trip. More resources and great travel information are also available at TravelWisconsin.com, or download the Travel 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.
GRANT county ..............23 Wyalusing, Bagley, Glen Haven, Cassville, Potosi, Tennyson, Dickeyville, Kieler
Sincerely,
Stephanie Klett Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
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, www.kcg_creative@live.com Publisher: St. Paul Pioneer Presss Design: Molly Ballis Advertising information for the 2014 Wisconsin Great River Road Visitor Guide at info@wigreatriverroad.org Visit www.wigreatriverroad.org for more information about events and to order additional travel guides
Wood-Fired Pizza on the Farm Enjoy naturally grown, local ingredients in the outdoors where kids can play & adults can relax. Live music in the gardens. Check our website for current schedule.
Picnic Style or Take-Out May & Sept: Fridays 4:30-9pm June, July, Aug: Thursdays & Fridays 4:30-9pm
S2257 Yaeger Valley Road, Cochrane, WI 608-626-2122 • SuncrestGardensFarm.com
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Welcome To The Wisconsin Great River Road CELEBRATE OUR 75TH ANNIVERSARY ALONG THE WISCONSIN GREAT RIVER ROAD Throughout 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 traveling winding two-lane roads along the Mississippi River, through river valleys or up to the top of the river bluffs. Visit the enchanting, historic river towns and enter into a time when life centered around Main Street and small town values. Enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you from all sides with a hike, a kayak trip, a bicycle ride or just look out over the Mississippi River Valley views from the top of a bluff. Established in 1938 by President Roosevelt from existing local roads, auto tours & state trunk roads along the Mississippi River, this collection of roads is one of the oldest, longest and most unique scenic byways in North America. The Great River Road offers respite to millions of travelers seeking a getaway – from a leisurely day’s drive to an extended vacation. Nearly 3,000 miles long and running through 10 states along the Mississippi River to 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 of recreational options to all who journey it for three-quarters of a century and counting. In Wisconsin, the Great River Road is the state’s only National Scenic Byway; voted Prettiest Drive: Ultimate Summer Road Trip in the UnitedStates in 2012. Travel the Wisconsin segment of the Great River Road along the Mississippi River and enjoy beautiful river & bluff views … offering some of the best viewing and road trip opportunities along the entire length of the 3000 mile Great River Road system. A green pilot’s wheel symbol on white signs 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 anniversary events sponsored by our 33 river town communities and 8 river counties. Wisconsin’s only National Scenic Byway, this national treasure is located on Wisconsin’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 Ultimate Summer Road Trip! For more information on the Wisconsin Great River Road or for specific information on 75th Anniversary Events, 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.
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PIERCE COUNTY
Prescott, Diamond Bluff, Hager City, Bay City, Maiden Rock
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Great River Road Interpretive Center at Freedom Park 200 Monroe Street, Prescott, Wisconsin 54021 Phone: 715-262-0104 Email: info@freedomparkwi.org Web: www.freedomparkwi.org
HISTORICAL SITES: Village Park, Historic Tourist Park & Camping, Maiden Rock Bow & Arrow Formation State Historical Marker, Bay City Pierce County Courthouse National Historical Marker, Ellsworth Plum City State Historical Marker, Plum City PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Mississippi River National River & Recreation Area, National Park Service Kinnickinnic State Park Trenton Bluff Prairie State Natural Area Kinnickinnic River Gorge and Delta State Natural Area Rush River Delta State Natural Area Morgan Coulee Prairie State Natural Area Plum Creek Woods State Natural Area POINTS OF INTEREST: Great River Road Interpretive Center, Freedom Park, Prescott Mississippi River Bridge to Hastings, MN Mississippi River Bridge to Red Wing, MN
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PEPIN COUNTY Stockholm, Pepin
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Pepin Village Hall 508 2nd Street, Pepin, Wisconsin 54759 Phone: 715-442-3011 Web: www.pepinwisconsin.com
HISTORICAL SITES: Stockholm Park, Historic Tourist Park & Camping Laura Ingalls Wilder Wayside, Cabin & State Historical Marker, Pepin Maiden Rock State Historical Marker, Stockholm Fort St Antoine Site State Historical Marker Lake Pepin State Historical Marker Pepin County Courthouse & Jail (last wooden courthouse) National & State Historical Marker, Durand PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Chippewa River State Trail (bike & pedestrian), Durand Walkways Out Into Lake Pepin, Harbor at Pepin Five-Mile Bluff Prairie State Natural Area Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area Nine Mile Island State Natural Area Lower Chippewa River State Natural Area POINTS OF INTEREST: Pepin Depot Museum, Pepin Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, Pepin
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BUFFALO COUNTY Nelson, Alma, Cochrane, Buffalo City, Fountain City
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Wings Over Alma Visitor Center 118 North Main Street, Alma, Wisconsin 54610 Phone: 608-685-4067 Email: info@almawisconsin.com Web: www.almawisconsin.com
HISTORICAL SITES: City of Alma National & State Historic District, Alma Beef Slough State Historical Marker, Alma Fountain City State Historical Marker, Fountain City PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Buffalo River State Trail (bike & pedestrian), Mondovi Merrick State Park, Fountain City Lower Chippewa River State Natural Area Tiffany State Natural Area, Nelson Nelson-Trevino Bottoms State Natural Area, Nelson Trempealeau Meadow State Natural Area POINTS OF INTEREST: Lock & Dam #4 with Railroad Bridge, Alma Lock & Dam #5A, Fountain City Great Alma Fishing Float, Alma Wings Over Alma Nature & Art Center, Alma Buena Vista Overlook, Alma Castlerock Arms & Armory Museum, Alma Elmer’s Car & Toy Museum, Fountain City State Normal School & Museum, Alma Mississippi River Bridge to Wabasha, MN Mississippi River Bridge to Winona, MN
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Local Artists 10 am – 4 pm Thursday thru Sunday
109 South. Main St., Alma WI
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CAR FERRY
GREAT RIVER ROAD INTERPRETIVE CENTERS
Cassville Car Ferry from Cassville, WI to Millville, IA in Grant County
Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center Prescott, WI in Pierce County
MISSISSIPPI RIVER LOCKS & DAMS
Riverside Museum La Crosse, WI in La Crosse County
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
Villa Louis, State Historical Site Prairie du Chien, WI in Crawford County Fort Crawford Museum Prairie du Chien, WI in Crawford County Stonefield, State Agricultural & Historical Site Cassville, WI in Grant County Potosi Brewing Company Potosi, WI in Grant County
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
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Buffalo, Trempealeau, La Crosse, Vernon, Crawford & Grant Counties
Mississippi River Bridge from La Crosse, WI to La Crescent, MN Mississippi River Bridge from Crawford Co, WI to Lansing, IA
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge Buffalo & Trempealeau Counties
Mississippi River Bridge from Prairie du Chien WI to Marquette, IA Mississippi River Bridge from Grant County, WI to Dubuque, IA
VISITOR CENTERS Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center Prescott, WI, in Pierce County Wings Over Alma Visitor Center Alma, WI, in Buffalo County Onalaska Center For Commerce & Tourism Onalaska, WI in La Crosse County La Crosse Area Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center La Crosse, WI in La Crosse County La Crosse Visitor Information Center La Crosse, WI in La Crosse County Prairie du Chien Regional Tourism Center Prairie du Chien, WI in Grant County
STATE PARKS Kinnickinnic State Park Pierce County, WI Merrick State Park Fountain City, WI in Buffalo County Perrot State Park Trempealeau, WI in Trempealeau County Great River State Trail (bike & pedestrian) Trempealeau to Onalaska, WI in Trempealeau & La Crosse Counties Wyalusing State Park Wyalusing, WI in Grant County Nelson Dewey State Park Cassville, WI in Grant County
Platteville Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center Platteville, WI in Grant County
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National Wildlife Refuges The Upper Mississippi River serves as a major flyway for waterfowl, bald eagles abound and you may get a rare glimpse of some of Wisconsin's endangered species such as the trumpeter swan or the peregrine falcon. On June 1, 2009 RAMSAR designated the Upper Mississippi River Floodplain Wetland a Wetland of International Importance, the 27th US wetland to receive this designation and the 2nd in Wisconsin.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL WILDLIFE & FISH REFUGE
Buffalo, Trempealeau, La Crosse, Vernon, Crawford & Grant Counties Braided streams, backwater lakes, and running sloughs are waiting to be explored. Located in four states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois along the Mississippi River. Established in 1924 as a refuge for fish, wildlife and plants and a breeding place for migratory birds, it encompasses one of the largest blocks of floodplain habitat in the lower 48 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 covers just over 240,000 acres and extends 261 river miles from north to south at the confluence of the Chippewa River in Wisconsin to near Rock Island, Illinois. Website: www.fws.gov/refuge/upper_mississippi_river/
TREMPEALEAU NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE At our back door are two National Wildlife Refuges: the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife & Fish Refuge and the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.
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Trempealeau & Buffalo Counties Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge is nestled along the eastern edge of the mighty Mississippi River. The scenic drive to the refuge along the Wisconsin Great River Road/National Scenic Byway entices travelers along the way. Established in 1936 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as "a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife." The original refuge consisted of a 706.9 acre upland portion with open areas of former hay, pasture, and croplands and was expanded in 1979 to 6,226 acres. Website: www.fws.gov/refuge/trempealeau/
TREMPEALEAU CO Centerville, Trempealeau
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Trempealeau Chamber of Commerce Post Office Box 242 24455 3rd Street, Trempealeau, Wisconsin 54661 Phone: 608-534-6780 Email: chamber@trempealeau.net Web: www.trempealeau.net
HISTORICAL SITES: Mississippi River Parkway: First Project State Historical Marker Trempealeau Main Street National Historic District Trempealeau Platform Mounds National Historic District Trempealeau Lakes Mound National Historic District Decorah Peak State Historical Marker Perrot’s Post State Historical Marker Brady’s Bluff State Historical Marker Galesville Bridge State Historical Marker PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS: Trempealeau National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Perrot State Park, Trempealeau Trempealeau Mountain State Natural Area POINTS OF INTEREST: Great River State Trail (bike & pedestrian), Trempealeau to Onalaska Lock & Dam #6, Trempealeau Tremplo Fishing Float, Trempealeau
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History Along The River Road The route of the Wisconsin Great River Road is history itself. As an ancient migratory trail it has been the link for native people throughout the heartland of America. While early explorers and pioneers traveled the Mississippi River as the easiest mode of transportation, once settled they used these migratory trails to travel by land between communities. This trail eventually became the Wisconsin Great River Road. Today there are 33 historic river towns remaining, each has a story to tell, each made a contribution to our history. Many historic markers have been placed by the Wisconsin Historical Society throughout the 8 river counties that border the Mississippi River to commemorate events, forts, fur-trading, Mississippi River rafting, 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. Visit the local historical societies and museums along the Wisconsin Great River Road to discover the history of exploration, native people, pioneers and the settlement of Wisconsin’s Upper Mississippi River.
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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, Bualo Co Trempealeau Main Street National Historic District, Trempealeau Co City of La Crosse National Historic Districts, La Crosse Co Norskadalen Nature & Heritage Center, Coon Valley, La Crosse & Vernon Co Goose Island National Archaeological Site, Stoddard, Vernon Co Villa 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
LaCROSSE COUNTY Holmen, Midway, Onalaska, La Crosse
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: La Crosse Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 410 Veterans Memorial Drive, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54610 Phone: 800-658-9424 Email: info@explorelacrosse.com Web: www.explorelacrosse.com
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Onalaska Center for Commerce & Tourism 1101 Main Street, Onalaska, Wisconsin 54650 Phone: 800-873-1901 or 608-781-9570 Email: info@discoveronalaska.com Web: www.discoveronalaska.com HISTORICAL SITES: Norskedahlen Nature & Heritage Center, Coon Valley City of La Crosse Historic Districts PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS: Grandad Bluff City Park & Overview, La Crosse Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Myrick Hixon Eco Park, La Crosse POINTS OF INTEREST: Great River Road Interpretive Center: Riverside Museum, La Crosse Great River State Trail, Onalaska to Trempealeau McGilvray Bridges (pedestrian), Holmen Children’s Museum, La Crosse US Fish & Wildlife Visitor Center, Onalaska
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Wineries & Vineyards With almost 20 wineries nestled along the Wisconsin Great River Road and its 8 river counties, there is ample opportunity to sip and swirl 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.com VINO IN THE VALLEY Maiden Rock, Pierce County ❘ www.vinointhevalley.com MAIDEN ROCK WINERY & CIDERY Stockholm, Pepin County ❘ www.maidenrockwinerycidery.com VILLA BELLEZZA Pepin, Pepin County ❘ www.villabellezza.com DANZINGER VINEYARDS & WINERY* Alma, Buffalo County ❘ www.danzingervineyards.com SEVEN HAWKS VINEYARD Fountain City, Buffalo County ❘ www.sevenhawksvineyards.com ELMARO VINEYARD* Trempealeau County ❘ www.elmarovineyard.com SANDSTONE RIDGE VINEYARD & WINERY* Osseo, Trempealeau & Jackson Counties ❘ www.sandstoneridge.com TENBA RIDGE WINERY Blair, Trempealeau County ❘ www.tenbaridgewinery.net DNA VINTNERS La Crosse, La Crosse County ❘ www.dnavintners.com LOST ISLAND LLC Onalaska, La Crosse County ❘ www.lostislandwine.com WINESITTER BREW HOUSE Holmen, La Crosse County ❘ www.thewinesitters.com BRANCHES WINERY Westby, Vernon County ❘ www.brancheswinery.com VERNON VINEYARDS Viroqua, Vernon County ❘ www.vernonvineyards.com SPURGEON VINEYARDS & WINERY Highland, Grant County ❘ www.spurgeonvineyards.com BAUER-KEARNS WINERY Platteville, Grant County ❘ www.ilovebkwines.com SINNIPEE VALLEY VINEYARD Kieler, Grant County ❘ www.sinnipeevalleywinery.com WHISPERING BLUFFS WINERY Potosi, Grant County ❘ www.facebook.com/WhisperingBluffsWinery WHISPERING WINDS WINERY Fennimore, 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 Trail http://wiswine.com/itineraries/driftless-region Southwest Wisconsin Wine Trail www.franklinvictorianbb.com/the-area-wi-wineries Trails To Wine www.trailstowine.com/wisconsin.html#winery-5693 Wisconsin - America’s Wine Trails www.americaswinetrails.com/wine-trails/wisconsin-wineries/ Wisconsin – Bed & Breakfast Wine Trail www.wbba.org/wisconsin-wine-trail.php Wisconsin - Wine Trail Traveler www.winetrailtraveler.com/wisconsin/wisconsin.php
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Ernest Francis Stephenson, Master Cheese Maker
Cheese Factories Where but Wisconsin can you visit so many working cheese factories? There are several along the Wisconsin Great River Road, and various retail outlets, many of them in operation for over 100 years. Stop awhile and enjoy the curds … these Wisconsin made products won’t get any fresher or “squeakier” than this! Wisconsin is the top cheese-producing state in the country, churning out 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 Creamery Pierce County ❘ www.ellsworthcheesecurds.com FALCON FOODS (UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN RIVER FALLS) Pierce County ❘ www.uwrf.edu/ANFS/FalconFoods WEATHERVANE CREAMERY Pierce County ❘ www.facebook.com/WVCreamery EAU GALLE CHEESE FACTORY Pepin County ❘ www.eaugallecheese.com NELSON CHEESE FACTORY Buffalo County ❘ www.nelsoncheese.com CHIPPEWA VALLEY CHEESE Trempealeau County ❘ www.chippewavalleycheese.com ORGANIC VALLEY Vernon County ❘ www.organicvalley.coop PASTURE PRIDE CHEESE Vernon County ❘ www.pasturepridecheese.com WESTBY CO-OP CREAMERY Vernon County ❘ www.westbywi.com HIDDEN SPRINGS CREAMERY Vernon County ❘ www.hiddenspringscreamery.com NORDIC CREAMERY Vernon County ❘ www.nordiccreamery.com MOUNT STERLING CHEESE CO-OP Crawford County ❘ www.buygoatcheese.com STILL MEADOWS FARMS Crawford County ❘ www.celebrationfarm.net CARR VALLEY CHEESE COMPANY Grant County ❘ www.carrvalleycheese.com GILE CHEESE-CARR CHEESE FACTORY Grant County ❘ www.gilecheese.com MEISTER CHEESE COMPANY Grant County ❘ www.meistercheese.com MONTFORT DAIRY PRODUCTS (Wisconsin Farmers Union Specialty Cheese Co. LLC) Grant County ❘ www.wfucheese.com
VERNON COUNTY Stoddard, Genoa, Victory, DeSoto
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Vernon County Tourism Council, Driftless Wisconsin Phone: 608-648-2700 Web: www.driftlesswisconsin.com
HISTORICAL SITES: Norskadalen Nature & Heritage Center, Coon Valley Goose Island National Archaeological Site, Stoddard Dams on the Mississippi State Historical Marker, Genoa Battle of Bad Axe State Historical Marker, DeSoto Chief Win-no-Shik, the Elder, State Historical Marker, DeSoto PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Blackhawk County Park, DeSoto Mt Pisgah Hemlock-Hardwoods State Natural Area Battle Bluff Prairie State Natural Area Coon Creek Cliffs State Natural Area Kickapoo Valley Reserve State Natural Area Bergen Bluffs State Natural Area Romance Prairie State Natural Area Tunnelville Cliffs State Natural Area POINTS OF INTEREST: Lock and Dam #8, Genoa Clements Fishing Barge, Genoa Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa
Tourist Parks At the beginning of the century, pioneering auto tourists had few places along the open road where they could rent a room after a day’s drive. The majority of established hotels were located downtown and allowed for easy access to the railroad. This was not an ideal situation for motorists, who were unwilling to leave their automobiles in the livery stable and did not want to enter the hotel lobby after a day of dusty travel. A growing number of motorists began bringing their own gear and creating makeshiftcamps along the roadside. The Wisconsin Great River Road was no 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, sheltered eating and recreation areas, and electrical hookups. By 1923, Wisconsin had an estimated 300 auto camps. Continued on next page
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Tourist Parks Today Four Historic Tourist Parks Remain Along The Wisconsin Great River Road: MAIDEN ROCK: VILLAGE PARK Tents and RV camping, $8 nightly, $12 with electrical hook up. Boat launch. STOCKHOLM: STOCKHOLM PARK Tent 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 PARK Tent 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 picnic shelters, ball diamond and playground. FERRYVILLE: SUGAR CREEK CAMPGROUND Tent and RV camping, $10 nightly with electricity. Single water source. Campfire pit but all campfire wood MUST be locally purchased. Kid's playground, volleyball court & 2 picnic shelters.
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CRAWFORD COUNTY DeSoto, Ferryville, Lynxville, Prairie du Chien
HISTORICAL SITES: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Villa Louis National & State Historical Site & Marker, Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce 211 South Main Street, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin 53821 Prairie du Chien Fort Crawford State National & State Historical Site & Phone: 800-732-1673 Marker, Prairie du Chien Email: info@prairieduchien.org Web: www.prairieduchien.org PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Blackhawk County Park, DeSoto Sugar Creek Village Park, Historic Tourist Park & Camping, Ferryville La Riviere Park, Prairie du Chien St Feriole Island, Prairie du Chien POINTS OF INTEREST: Mississippi River (Lake Winneshiek) Observation Deck, Ferryville Lock and Dam #9, Lynxville Larson Blu Overlook, Lynxville Great 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
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GRANT COUNTY Wyalusing, Bagley, Glen Haven, Cassville, Potosi, Tennyson, Dickeyville, Kieler
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Platteville Area Chamber of Commerce & Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center 275 Business Highway 151 West, Exit 18 Platteville, WI 53818 Phone: 608-348-8888 Email: chamber@platteville.com Web: www.platteville.com
HISTORICAL SITES: Stonefield Historic Site, Nelson Dewey Home Site & Wisconsin State Agricultural Museum, Cassville Denniston House, State Historic Marker, Cassville Potosi Brewery & National Brewery Museum, Potosi PARKS, REFUGES & NATURAL AREAS: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Wyalusing State Park, Wyalusing Nelson Dewey State Park, Cassville Grant River Recreation Area, Potosi POINTS OF INTEREST: Great River Road Interpretive Center, Stonefield Historic Site, Cassville Great River Road Interpretive Center, Potosi Brewery, Potosi Mississippi River Car Ferry, Cassville Dickeyville Grotto, Dickeyville
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