We’re westbound for Wisconsin’s Great River Road–designated as a National Scenic Byway, named an All-American Road, and known as the Happiness Highway. Winding for 250 miles through 33 picturesque communities, the Great River Road has many must-stops along the way! Tag along as we highlight 10 must-tour towns on Wisconsin’s Great River Road!
1 – La Crosse
Up first: La Crosse, Wisconsin!
Begin your open-road adventure at Dahl Auto Museum, home to the treasured history of automobiles and roadways in America, including the Great River Road.
As the 1930s rolled in, more and more Americans owned automobiles, creating a demand for better roads. In 1936, the state of Missouri began searching for opportunities for tourism and recreation throughout the state, forming a planning commission.
With the initial idea of forming a roadway along the Mississippi River, they asked the linked nine states to join in on the road-building venture. By 1938, the Mississippi River Parkway Planning Commission formed and decided that the river and the road must court each other. The road became a great success, for local communities and tourists alike.
Today, at the Dahl Auto Museum, visitors have the one-of-a-kind opportunity to walk among the same cars that first traveled on the Great River Road. Even cooler? From the museum, you can hop on and ride the road yourself, making your own cherished memories along the way.
2 – Prescott
Next stop: Prescott, Wisconsin!
As you ride along Wisconsin’s Great River Road through Prescott, make a pit stop at Freedom Park – Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center. This is no ordinary pit stop–it’s the touch point for travelers down the Great River Road for the state of Wisconsin!
On-site, you’ll be greeted with friendly faces, who are there to help you plan the perfect trip along the Great River Road. Need a map? They have them all! Looking for travel tips and advice? They’ve got the best!
But they offer more than just the inside scoop on where to go and what to do along the Great River Road. They’re also a learning center with several environmental programs–all family-friendly and free!
While you’re there, get out and explore the 3 acres of pristine bluff property that showcases the Mississippi River–a designated migratory fly zone. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles, trumpeter swans, pelicans, and more.
3 – Stockholm
Stop 3: Stockholm, Wisconsin!
Our top 10 tour continues in Stockholm, home to spectacular views and sweet and savory treats! For breathtaking views, Maiden Rock Bluff is a must along Wisconsin’s Great River Road. Hike to the very top and discover the panoramic overlook of Lake Pepin.
After soaking up the scenery, indulge in the sweet and savory treats of the one-and-only Stockholm Pie & General Store–home to world-famous pies! They have it all from pie cookies to pie flights. The best part? Everything is made by hand and from scratch. Pair the sweet with the savory and enjoy one of their splendid lunch specials.
4 – Pepin
Stop 4: Pepin, Wisconsin!
The flavors just keep flowing the further you go on Wisconsin’s Great River Road! In Pepin, there are a few must-stops, especially for foodie lovers. At Villa Bellezza, the smooth wines are overflowing! With 26 fine wines, ranging from red and whites to dry and sweets, there’s a preference for every profile. The perfect pairing? CHEESE!
Just outside of Pepin, in Nelson, make a quick and cheesy stop at Nelson Cheese Factory. This delicatessen offers over 200 cheeses from Wisconsin and abroad, plus more dairy favorites including ice cream!
5 – Fountain City
Stop 5: Fountain City, Wisconsin!
Fountain City is a fan-favorite stop on the Great River Road for foodies and nature lovers alike! For foodies, The Monarch Public House is right up your alley. It’s known as Wisconsin’s oldest operating tavern, and home to all things Irish, from the delicious food to the lively atmosphere!
For nature lovers, make your way to Kinstone, just outside of Fountain City. Explore and dwell in the unique stone sanctuary. It’s a place designated for discovery, contemplation, and reflection. Not to mention, a place for epic sunsets.
6 – Trempealeau
Off we go to Trempealeau, Wisconsin!
Our tour along Wisconsin’s Great River Road continues in Trempealeau, where more delightful foodie stops and natural wonders await!
Up first, Elmaro Vineyard! Elmaro Vineyard is a unique, family-run winery nestled in the secluded bluffs notorious to western Wisconsin. Whether you like full dry, full sweet, or something in between, Elmaro has something just for you.
The tour along Wisconsin’s Great River Road wouldn’t be complete without stopping by a supper club, but not just any supper club–Sullivan’s Supper Club! Sullivan’s has been around since 1968 and is still recognized for both its impressive views and menus. A quick tip: Pair your meal with a signature ice cream drink.
As you make your way out of town, swing through Thomson for an unforgettable visit to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge–home to an impressive 240,000 acres of protected habitat.
7 – Genoa
Stop 7: Genoa, Wisconsin!
Fishing fanatics, Genoa is your go-to town along Wisconsin’s Great River Road! Trust us, it’s reel-ly worth the stop!
First things first, grab your gear at Captain Hooks Bait & Tackle, operating for nearly 23 years! They’ve got all the bait, tackle, and equipment you need–from live bait to made-in-house lures. Once you’re geared up, head to the famous Clement’s Fishing Barge and cast out for a chance at a Mississippi River trophy!
Speaking of fish, you’ll want to add the Genoa National Fish Hatchery to your list. With a mission to restore threatened and aquatic species, this federal hatchery raises and stocks several species of fish all over the United States.
Not only will you have the chance to learn about the fish within the Mississippi River but also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with them.
8 – Prairie du Chien
Stop 8: Prairie du Chien!
Don’t worry, history buffs, we haven’t forgotten about you! Our next stop along Wisconsin’s Great River Road is ALL about the history. Prairie du Chien is actually the second oldest community in the entire state of Wisconsin!
Not to mention, the town is full of unique attractions and historic structures waiting to be discovered. Of the most noteworthy historic structures is Villa Louis–the first state Historic Site and original home of the Dousman family. In fact, around 90% of the belongings found inside are authentic to the family.
9 – Cassville
Stop 9: Cassville, Wisconsin!
Right down the road from Prairie du Chien lies another historical town that will truly take you back in time–Cassville. The small town of Cassville holds its own historical treasures, including Stonefield–the home of Nelson Dewey, who was the first Governor of Wisconsin.
As you make your way into Stonefield village, you’ll feel as though you are back in time, coming into town. Within the village, there are 40 different buildings to explore, such as a cheese factory, creamery, church, general store, and even a schoolhouse.
But wait, there’s more! The village is home to the State Agricultural Museum, which showcases Wisconsin’s largest collection of farming tools and equipment. It even houses the oldest tractor in North America!
10 – Potosi
Last stop: Potosi, Wisconsin!
Even though the tenth and final stop on our Great River Road tour has come, we’ve saved some of the best for last…
Make Potosi Brewing Company your final destination and enjoy an ice-cold brew of choice. On-site, you can enjoy more than just a refreshment…Unwind at the attached restaurant and outdoor beer garden.
Uncover more and venture to the upper levels, where you’ll find the National Brewing Museum and Potosi Great River Road Interpretive Center. Potosi Brewing Company is a one-stop shop and the perfect place to end your great and mighty road trip along the Great River Road.
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Plan your next road trip and ride Wisconsin’s Great River Road! Stop along these top ten towns for a taste of history, nature, and local flavor. We’ve got you started, now it’s your turn to tour the picturesque communities found along the Great River Road.
This is only a taste of a few towns! See more by watching the Discover Wisconsin episode, ‘The Wisconsin Great River Road – An All American Road’ below:
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Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
