Ever feel that itch to hit the road just to see what’s around the next bend? Pepin County is that spot at the intersection of scenic and unexpected. This is small-town Wisconsin at its best! Whether you’re cruising the Great River Road in peak fall color, watching ice sparkle on the Mississippi, chasing spring trilliums, or finding your summer sweet spot on Lake Pepin, one thing’s for sure: Pepin County knows how to show off in every season! Start reading and find your next favorite spot along the river.
Fall
The rumors are true…Pepin County’s most popular season is fall, and it’s for good reason. Nothing beats the colorful hills, cool air along the Mississippi River, and endless fall festivities!
Must-Attend Events
Before you plan your adventure, add these events to your fall calendar! Start with the Fresh Art Tour: cruise scenic roads, poke into local art studios, and discover river-inspired creativity. Motorcycle enthusiasts, you won’t want to miss the legendary Flood Run on the Great River Road.
Then explore Laura Days, celebrating the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder with family fun, food, and old-fashioned contests. If you’re a beer lover, circle Brews on the Chippewa, and if you’re a wine or cider fan, Pepin Nouveau at Villa Bellezza and a stop at Maiden Rock Cidery & Orchard belong on your list.
Outdoor Experiences
For the outdoor crew, fall is the season for soaking up scenery and spotting wildlife. The Mississippi Flyway comes alive with migrating birds. Feeling even more adventurous? Embark on the Tiffany Bottoms Train Ride, a tucked-away treasure for birding. Not to mention, it’s the ultimate place to watch fall unfold.
Holiday Shopping
With the holidays approaching, stocking your sleigh in Pepin County is easy. Don’t miss Women’s Weekend in Stockholm, Durand Dazzle Days, Doe on the Go, and the Christmas Market (recently crowned Wisconsin’s prettiest!) at Villa Bellezza. It’s a tradition you won’t want to miss, complete with twinkling lights and smooth wine in hand!
Delicious Dining
Round out your fall adventure at a few local hangouts. In the mood for pizza? You won’t have to go far…After shopping at the Christmas Market, dine at Villa Bellezza il Forno. More from-scratch favorites await at Harbor View Café. And for a home-style meal, swing by Captain’s Legacy. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert, and indulge in a slice of Stockholm Pie Company’s famous pie!
Winter
‘Tis the season—hygge season! That Danish word for cozy, content, and comfortable couldn’t describe Pepin County winters any better. Whether you prefer bundling up for the outdoors or curling up fireside, this is the time to slow down and soak in the beauty of Wisconsin’s Great River Road in winter.
Local Attractions
For those itching to explore, head to Maiden Rock to see the shimmering Rush River Ice Sculptures—a fairytale frozen right here in Pepin County. Or, drop a line on the mighty Mississippi or Chippewa Rivers for ice fishing that’s as relaxing as it is rewarding. You might just reel in a story or two to take home.
Seasonal Events
Nothing melts the winter blues quite like Winterfest in Pepin! Skate across Lake Pepin’s giant ice carousel, snowshoe glowing luminary trails, and laugh over friendly games of broomball and sledding races, to name a few highlights. With art projects, fishing, and cocoa by the fire, it’s one of those “bundle up and make memories” kind of weekends at YMCA Camp Pepin.
Sweets & Treats
After braving the cold, treat yourself to something sweet and warm. Cozy up at Allaire House or Little Larke Bakery in Stockholm, grab a latte and snack at Batter and Bowls or Bearfish Brew in Durand, and don’t even think about skipping the legendary Stockholm Pie Company & General Store!
Cozy Getaways
Who says you have to leave? Winter’s the perfect excuse to extend your stay and make it a weekend retreat right here in Pepin County. In Durand, cozy up at Junebug Vacation Rentals—a spacious home complete with a game room, full kitchen, and peaceful woodland views just minutes from downtown.
Near Stockholm, unwind at Stockholm Haus, where sleek Scandinavian design meets comfort, featuring a pool, firepit, and plenty of room to relax. And in Pepin, right along the Great River Road, Pepin Motel offers that classic small-town hospitality with easy access to local shops, diners, and beautiful Lake Pepin views.
Spring
Spring in Pepin County is truly one of the most beautiful times of year. Toward the end of April, trilliums—the native wildflowers—start popping up everywhere, blanketing the bluffs in white and waking up the pollinators ready for the season ahead. It’s a fresh start you can see, hear, and feel!
Can’t Miss Events
Kick off spring in Stockholm at the Trillium Festival, a local tradition celebrating this special flower. Motorcycle fans, start your own tradition by joining the Flood Run on the Great River Road. And if thrifting is your thing, team up with a friend for the 100 Miles of Thrift Sales on Hwy 10 or the 100-Mile Garage Sale around Lake Pepin. You never know what you might find!
Sightseeing
Aside from the blooming flowers, spring brings back the migratory birds. Head to the Mississippi Flyway for some top-notch birdwatching—you might even take the Tiffany Bottoms Train Ride to enjoy the scenery. If the weather’s not cooperating, the Pepin County Heritage Center and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Wayside Cabin are great indoor stops. History buffs, you’ll also want to visit the Pepin Depot Museum and Stockholm Institute.
Spring Shopping
Spring is also prime time for shopping local! In Durand, check out Stargazers Variety for anything you might need. Pepin offers gems like BNOX Jewelry Studio and Tin Roof Boutique. And in Stockholm, don’t miss Art Orchard, Indigo Swan, and Lavender Bluff Farm for unique finds.
Summer
Sweet summertime means Lake Pepin season is just around the corner! This scenic stretch of the Mississippi is a favorite spot for every kind of water and land activity you can imagine.
Water Activities
Whether you’re paddling the Chippewa River in a kayak, tubing lazily downstream, camping on a sandbar, or just soaking up the sun, Pepin County has several boat and canoe landings to get you on the water! Need a rental? Corral Bar & Riverside Grill has kayaks and canoes ready to go. Want to try your luck fishing? Book a trip with Eagle’s Cliff Fishing Guide Service. And don’t forget to check out Cruise Pepin for a relaxing ride on the lake!
Land Activities
Back on land, the county boasts three State Natural Areas with well-marked hiking trails—Maiden Rock Bluff and Five Mile Bluff offer jaw-dropping views, and Holden Park invites you for leisurely walks. The Chippewa River State Bike Trail is a favorite for riders, winding through river bottoms, sandstone bluffs, and wetlands as it stretches from Durand all the way to Eau Claire. To make it an outdoor escape, pitch a tent or hook up an RV at Lake Pepin, Holden Park, and Tarrant Park.
Summer Festivities
The summer calendar in Pepin County is packed! The countywide Fresh Art Tour kicks things off, followed by Durand FunFest and Scandihootenanny in Stockholm. You can’t miss the Stockholm Art Fair and Blues On The Chippewa either. Other fun events include countywide Dairy Breakfasts, the County Fair, Arkansaw Creek Park Day—home to the famous Duck Race.
Foodie Favorites
After a day of fun, refuel with Corral Bar & Riverside Grill or Panther Drive-In in Durand. For a waterfront meal, the Pickle Factory Waterfront Grill in Pepin serves great food with a view. And be sure to grab a cold craft beer at Durand Brewing Company, the county’s only microbrewery.
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Pepin County is a year-round treasure along the Great River Road. From vibrant fall colors and cozy winter moments to blooming springs and summer lake days, there’s always something waiting around the bend.
*This article is brought to you by Friends of the Wisconsin Great River Road and Wisconsin DOT.
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Hailey Marien: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
