The Great River Road stretches from the origin of the Mississippi River in Minnesota and follows the river all the way to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. It is a collection of scenic roads that make for one amazing road trip. The itinerary below explores the Wisconsin portion of the Great River Road. This Wisconsin Great River road trip itinerary takes 2 days moving at a moderate pace and extends approximately 250 miles. The trip goes through some amazing Midwest towns that have a variety to offer the weekend tourist.
Top Ten Things to do and see:
- Buena Vista Park
- Potosi Brewing company
- Great River Road Wine Trail
- Bird watching
- Downtown La Crosse
- Grandad Bluff
- Little House Wayside
- Eat amazing food at local restaurants
- Antique and Art shops
- Go boating
Itinerary for the Wisconsin Great River Road
Day 1 – Potosi to La Crosse
Start your Wisconsin Great River Road trip in Potosi Wisconsin. If you start your day later, you can begin with a visit to the Potosi Brewing company and the National Brewery Museum. In addition to the beer, Paula highly recommends the root beer float.
Head north on Wisconsin highway 133. Next, stop in Cassville for a scenic vista and a visit to the Stonefield State Historic Site for a trip to 1800s era Wisconsin.
Continue north to Wyalusing and stretch your legs at the Wyalusing State Park.
Next, head to Prairie du Chien and experience the Villa Louis Historic center or the Fort Crawford Museum. Or if you’ve worked up an appetite, stop in to eat in the downtown area.
Continue heading north on highway 35 stopping at the scenic viewing points along the way, like the World’s Largest Six-pack.
Once you reach La Crosse, enjoy the views from Grandad Bluff. Additionally, you can get a different perspective of the river with a river tour on the La Crosse queen. If it is dinner time, you can purchase a dinner tour as well. Or if you would prefer to eat dinner in downtown La Crosse, enjoy one of the amazing restaurants such as Buzzard Billy’s, Piggy’s or the Dublin Square Irish Pub. You can also enjoy the several wineries and breweries in La Crosse or the various downtown bars. La Crosse is a convenient and popular place to spend the night.
Day 2 – La Crosse to Hager City
Start your day and head north to Trempeleau and take in the views at Perrot State Park. Continue north to Fountain City. If you need a snack, grab a bite from Bloedow Bakery or if you’re ready to eat lunch early stop at the Monarch Public House.
Next, stop in Alma to take in the view from Buena Vista Park. If you have extra time in Alma, take a side trip to Danzinger Vineyards for some wine with a view.
After continuing to drive north, stop in Pepin to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and wayside. You should have worked up a good appetite for lunch by now so you can enjoy a stop at J&J Barbeque.
Continue on to Stockholm and Maiden Rock, stopping at the Maiden Rock Winery and Cidery if you have time. Stretch your legs by exploring the downtown areas and the charming shops. Don’t forget to stop in to the Smiling Pelican Bakeshop for dessert.
Last stop for the night is Hager City. Enjoy diner at the Hager Heights Drive-In if the weather permits outdoor eating. If not, head across the mighty Mississippi River and grab pizza and brews at the Red Wing Brewery.
Want to adjust the itinerary?
If you have extra time, we recommend slowing the pace and designating a driver so you can enjoy the Great River Road wine trail. You can gather a wine passport and stamps along the road as you sample wines and ciders. You can also take more times for longer hikes and more small town shopping.
If you don’t have two days, both days make a great day trip if you live in Wisconsin or Minnesota. You can also add time to this trip by making a loop by traveling the Wisconsin side of the Great River Road and then crossing the Mississippi to travel the Minnesota side.
