Featured Local Attractions:
Pepin, WI
Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Birthplace
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum features many items Laura and her family would have recognized and recalls the era in which she lived.
Complete with gift shop, the museum is ideally located along State Highway 35 (The Great River Road) at 306 Third Street in Pepin, Wisconsin. The museum is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. from May 15th through October 17th, then Friday, Saturday, Sunday through October. We're closed for the winter months.
In 1996, Pepin became the official starting point of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Highway, which links Laura Ingalls Wilder sites across the upper Midwest.
http://lauraingallspepin.com
Train Depot Museum & Park
Restored Pepin railroad depot, full of railroad and steamboat memorabilia.. Volunteer staff on hand to help bring the past alive. Souvenirs. Donations accepted.
http://www.travelwisconsin.com/history-heritage/pepin-depot-museum-200513
Pepin Marina & Yacht Club
The Pepin Yacht Club (PYC) is a non-profit organization geared to promoting education, safety and camaraderie primarily for sailboats, but for boats of all kinds. The PYC was incorporated in 1980 and has grown in membership to 50 boats.
http://www.pepinyachtclub.org
Town of Pepin, Wisconsin
Our village is known around the world as the birthplace of famous children's author Laura Ingalls Wilder whose first book, Little House in the Big Woods, described her time here. Our village is located on Lake Pepin, the widest and, many say, most beautiful spot on the Mississippi River. We are all that; but so much more. Spend a little time on our website and we think you might be tempted to take a drive to visit us. We're located on the historic Great River Road.
www.pepinwisconsin.com
Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyard
The winery name – Bellezza, the Italian word for beauty – is inspired by our area's stunning river bluffs and sparkling Lake Pepin views. Building materials and colors were taken from the landscape in order to create a space that would live in harmony with its surroundings. The architectural style is inspired by century old villas of southern Europe, with several stucco and stone buildings surrounding a central piazza.
http://www.villabellezza.com
Rush River Produce (Blueberry Farm)
Rush River Produce is the premier U-pick Blueberry farm for Western Wisconsin and Southern Minnesota. A fun family experience for kids of all ages. Come visit us – we are a beautiful scenic drive from Minneapolis & St. Paul, or Rochester, Minnesota (1 to 1.5 hours), Menomonie/Eau Claire, Wisconsin (about an hour) or just 15 minutes from downtown Red Wing, MN along the Mighty Mississippi River, at Lake Pepin.
http://www.rushriverproduce.com
Sail Lake Pepin
Join us for a Lake Pepin cruise aboard the 31-foot sloop Messenger. Catch a sunny afternoon breeze, or glide through the quiet elegance of a Lake Pepin evening... the voyage is yours.
www.SailPepin.com
Paul & Fran's Grocery Store
A full-line grocer with a small-town country atmosphere.
http://paulandfransgrocery.com/index.html
Restaurants
Harbor View Cafe
Since 1980, our critically acclaimed restaurant has provided elegant, eclectic food in a congenial and casual atmosphere. High quality, fresh ingredients go into everything we make: from homemade soups and breads, to seafood, meat and vegetarian entrees, to show-stopping desserts.
http://www.harborviewpepin.com
Pickle Factory Restaurant
The Dove family assumed ownership of the "Pickle" in July, 2013. Steve and Marianne look forward to continuing the tradition of great food and service, along with their children, Danielle and Chad. The Pickle Factory underwent a renovation with an interior facelift the end of November, 2013
http://www.pepinpicklefactory.com
Pepin Garden Pub & Grill
This spring will be our 10th season at the Garden Pub & Grille. Though we've just wrapped up a successful 2013 season, we're already thinking about 2014. There's always lots to do like testing new menu items, recruiting staff, planning events and, of course, scheduling our exciting live music nights.
http://pepingardenpub.com
Cucina Ceci
Enjoy the finest in Italian cuisine at Pepin's newest restaurant! Cucina Ceci serves authentic Northern Italian food in a fun, upbeat locale.
https://www.facebook.com/CucinaCeci
Home Made Cafe
“...It's right on Hwy. 35, the two-lane artery that connects towns along the river -- channels the kind of Main Street USA eateries that glorified all-American scratch cooking and are now little more than memories."
-Rick Nelson, Star Tribune
http://www.thehomemadecafe.com
2 Old Guys County Store
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Old-Guys-County-Store/226866987351551
Nelson, WI
Nelson Creamery
The founders of the Nelson Cheese Factory made cheese for over 100 years. While we no longer make cheese, the offerings have been expanded to include cheese from Wisconsin and around the world as well as fine wines and a gourmet selection of food.Our ice cream cones are a favorite with all visitors and our selection of sandwiches, soups and salads are fresh and delicious.A selection of gift boxes are available for shipping seasonally.
http://www.nelsoncheese.com
J&J Barbeque
We are a small family run BBQ business that got it’s start in 1970 when we had our first hog roast on our farm in Oronoco, Minnesota. In 1978 we moved to South Carolina were we bought our first hog roaster and started roasting pigs for parties and events. This is where we perfected our southern style pork bbq with the mustard base sauce that we use today.
www.jandjbbq.com
Alma, WI
Fall to Winter is a beautiful season to visit Buffalo County and Alma, Wisconsin. Snowflakes are falling, the Mississippi River is beginning to freeze and the wintering Bald Eagles have arrived. There are lots of stores to visit in Alma with great ideas for your holiday gift giving ... all make Alma the fall vacation destination of Buffalo County.
www.almawisconsin.com
Riecks Lake Park
Rieck's Lake is located at the confluence of the Buffalo and Mississippi Rivers and is best known as a central staging area for Tundra Swans when they are in migration, but the park offers so much more. Beautiful sunrises start your day and if you are traveling in the summer months you may experience the morning mist as it rises from the water. Located 3 miles northwest of Alma on Wisconsin Hwy 35 (the Great River Road), the area is handicapped accessible and provides a large parking lot that accommodates several vehicles.
http://www.wingsoveralma.org/visitalmathecenter/rieckslakepark.html
Buena Vista Park, Overlook & Trail
Buena Vista Park is a natural treasure not to be missed. Located 500 feet above Alma, it’s a small park with a big view of the Mississippi River for several miles to the north and south. According to Better Homes & Gardens magazine, "Buena Vista Park is one of the river valley's finest natural balconies."
http://www.wingsoveralma.org/visitalmathecenter/buenavistaparktrail.html
Wabasha, MN
National Eagle Center
The National Eagle Center is a world-class interpretive center located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Wabasha, MN. We are home to five rescued eagles, four bald eagles and one golden eagle. During a visit to the National Eagle Center, you can experience these magnificent creatures up close.
http://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/eagle-center-wabasha-mn-about/
Lark Toys
For over a quarter of a century, LARK Toys has offered remarkable toys, most notably our own handmade heirloom wooden toys. With over 20,000 sq. ft. to explore, we’re one of the largest family owned & operated specialty toy stores in the country.
http://www.larktoys.com
Coffee Mill Ski & Snowboard Resort
Coffee Mill, named after a historic navigational point along the mighty Mississippi, offers the best of coulee skiing with a unique "bowl" arrangement for convenient lift accessibility and protection from cold winter winds.
Extra long slopes combined with high capacity chairs provide a skiing experience second to none.
From the gentle slopes of Chippewa to the radical pitch of O'Chute, each run is obscured from the next by an abundant growth of birch, oaks, and pines. Modern snowmaking and daily grooming insure great snow throughout the season.
The majestic area offers fantastic views of river valleys and two states with unparalleled beauty.
www.coffeemillski.com
Flour Mill Pizzeria
Flour Mill Pizzeria offers awesome Pizza, Pastas, Specialty Salads, Hot Sub Sandwiches, Appetizers, and a full bar, all with beautiful riverview seating, inside or out! - See more at:
http://www.wabashamn.org/business-directory/listing/135/32#sthash.Nq1HnDrV.dpuf
Maiden Rock, WI.
You're driving along the Mississippi on the Great River Road with the bluffs rising above you on one side and the expanses of Lake Pepin on the other.
Sights and natural beauty, counted as some of the most beautiful in the country, are around each curve.
This is Maiden Rock country. Maiden Rock township and village: a quiet, historic river and railroad settlement surounded by rolling farmland and creek gullies rustling with wild turkey and deer set at the Mississippi's edge, providing shelter and wetlands for thousands of birds on their yearly journeys along the Mississippi Flyway.
www.maidenrock.org
Stockholm, WI.
Escape down the winding Great River Road to the village tucked along the shores of the mighty Mississippi. Peek in and become part of one of the most vibrant and growing cultural scenes around.
There is nothing small about the experience you will have in Stockholm Wisconsin.
Come see how big Stockholm really is..
www.stockholmwisconsin.com
Red Wing, MN.
Nestled amidst the scenic bluffs of the upper Mississippi River, is a thriving regional center for tourism, medical care, industry and technology offering an abundance of natural resources in a historic setting that honors the past and celebrates the future of Red Wing, Minnesota.
http://www.red-wing.org
Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Birthplace
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum features many items Laura and her family would have recognized and recalls the era in which she lived.
Complete with gift shop, the museum is ideally located along State Highway 35 (The Great River Road) at 306 Third Street in Pepin, Wisconsin. The museum is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. from May 15th through October 17th, then Friday, Saturday, Sunday through October. We're closed for the winter months.
In 1996, Pepin became the official starting point of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Highway, which links Laura Ingalls Wilder sites across the upper Midwest.
http://lauraingallspepin.com
Train Depot Museum & Park
Restored Pepin railroad depot, full of railroad and steamboat memorabilia.. Volunteer staff on hand to help bring the past alive. Souvenirs. Donations accepted.
http://www.travelwisconsin.com/history-heritage/pepin-depot-museum-200513
Pepin Marina & Yacht Club
The Pepin Yacht Club (PYC) is a non-profit organization geared to promoting education, safety and camaraderie primarily for sailboats, but for boats of all kinds. The PYC was incorporated in 1980 and has grown in membership to 50 boats.
http://www.pepinyachtclub.org
Town of Pepin, Wisconsin
Our village is known around the world as the birthplace of famous children's author Laura Ingalls Wilder whose first book, Little House in the Big Woods, described her time here. Our village is located on Lake Pepin, the widest and, many say, most beautiful spot on the Mississippi River. We are all that; but so much more. Spend a little time on our website and we think you might be tempted to take a drive to visit us. We're located on the historic Great River Road.
www.pepinwisconsin.com
Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyard
The winery name – Bellezza, the Italian word for beauty – is inspired by our area's stunning river bluffs and sparkling Lake Pepin views. Building materials and colors were taken from the landscape in order to create a space that would live in harmony with its surroundings. The architectural style is inspired by century old villas of southern Europe, with several stucco and stone buildings surrounding a central piazza.
http://www.villabellezza.com
Rush River Produce (Blueberry Farm)
Rush River Produce is the premier U-pick Blueberry farm for Western Wisconsin and Southern Minnesota. A fun family experience for kids of all ages. Come visit us – we are a beautiful scenic drive from Minneapolis & St. Paul, or Rochester, Minnesota (1 to 1.5 hours), Menomonie/Eau Claire, Wisconsin (about an hour) or just 15 minutes from downtown Red Wing, MN along the Mighty Mississippi River, at Lake Pepin.
http://www.rushriverproduce.com
Sail Lake Pepin
Join us for a Lake Pepin cruise aboard the 31-foot sloop Messenger. Catch a sunny afternoon breeze, or glide through the quiet elegance of a Lake Pepin evening... the voyage is yours.
www.SailPepin.com
Paul & Fran's Grocery Store
A full-line grocer with a small-town country atmosphere.
http://paulandfransgrocery.com/index.html
Restaurants
Harbor View Cafe
Since 1980, our critically acclaimed restaurant has provided elegant, eclectic food in a congenial and casual atmosphere. High quality, fresh ingredients go into everything we make: from homemade soups and breads, to seafood, meat and vegetarian entrees, to show-stopping desserts.
http://www.harborviewpepin.com
Pickle Factory Restaurant
The Dove family assumed ownership of the "Pickle" in July, 2013. Steve and Marianne look forward to continuing the tradition of great food and service, along with their children, Danielle and Chad. The Pickle Factory underwent a renovation with an interior facelift the end of November, 2013
http://www.pepinpicklefactory.com
Pepin Garden Pub & Grill
This spring will be our 10th season at the Garden Pub & Grille. Though we've just wrapped up a successful 2013 season, we're already thinking about 2014. There's always lots to do like testing new menu items, recruiting staff, planning events and, of course, scheduling our exciting live music nights.
http://pepingardenpub.com
Cucina Ceci
Enjoy the finest in Italian cuisine at Pepin's newest restaurant! Cucina Ceci serves authentic Northern Italian food in a fun, upbeat locale.
https://www.facebook.com/CucinaCeci
Home Made Cafe
“...It's right on Hwy. 35, the two-lane artery that connects towns along the river -- channels the kind of Main Street USA eateries that glorified all-American scratch cooking and are now little more than memories."
-Rick Nelson, Star Tribune
http://www.thehomemadecafe.com
2 Old Guys County Store
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Old-Guys-County-Store/226866987351551
Nelson, WI
Nelson Creamery
The founders of the Nelson Cheese Factory made cheese for over 100 years. While we no longer make cheese, the offerings have been expanded to include cheese from Wisconsin and around the world as well as fine wines and a gourmet selection of food.Our ice cream cones are a favorite with all visitors and our selection of sandwiches, soups and salads are fresh and delicious.A selection of gift boxes are available for shipping seasonally.
http://www.nelsoncheese.com
J&J Barbeque
We are a small family run BBQ business that got it’s start in 1970 when we had our first hog roast on our farm in Oronoco, Minnesota. In 1978 we moved to South Carolina were we bought our first hog roaster and started roasting pigs for parties and events. This is where we perfected our southern style pork bbq with the mustard base sauce that we use today.
www.jandjbbq.com
Alma, WI
Fall to Winter is a beautiful season to visit Buffalo County and Alma, Wisconsin. Snowflakes are falling, the Mississippi River is beginning to freeze and the wintering Bald Eagles have arrived. There are lots of stores to visit in Alma with great ideas for your holiday gift giving ... all make Alma the fall vacation destination of Buffalo County.
www.almawisconsin.com
Riecks Lake Park
Rieck's Lake is located at the confluence of the Buffalo and Mississippi Rivers and is best known as a central staging area for Tundra Swans when they are in migration, but the park offers so much more. Beautiful sunrises start your day and if you are traveling in the summer months you may experience the morning mist as it rises from the water. Located 3 miles northwest of Alma on Wisconsin Hwy 35 (the Great River Road), the area is handicapped accessible and provides a large parking lot that accommodates several vehicles.
http://www.wingsoveralma.org/visitalmathecenter/rieckslakepark.html
Buena Vista Park, Overlook & Trail
Buena Vista Park is a natural treasure not to be missed. Located 500 feet above Alma, it’s a small park with a big view of the Mississippi River for several miles to the north and south. According to Better Homes & Gardens magazine, "Buena Vista Park is one of the river valley's finest natural balconies."
http://www.wingsoveralma.org/visitalmathecenter/buenavistaparktrail.html
Wabasha, MN
National Eagle Center
The National Eagle Center is a world-class interpretive center located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Wabasha, MN. We are home to five rescued eagles, four bald eagles and one golden eagle. During a visit to the National Eagle Center, you can experience these magnificent creatures up close.
http://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/eagle-center-wabasha-mn-about/
Lark Toys
For over a quarter of a century, LARK Toys has offered remarkable toys, most notably our own handmade heirloom wooden toys. With over 20,000 sq. ft. to explore, we’re one of the largest family owned & operated specialty toy stores in the country.
http://www.larktoys.com
Coffee Mill Ski & Snowboard Resort
Coffee Mill, named after a historic navigational point along the mighty Mississippi, offers the best of coulee skiing with a unique "bowl" arrangement for convenient lift accessibility and protection from cold winter winds.
Extra long slopes combined with high capacity chairs provide a skiing experience second to none.
From the gentle slopes of Chippewa to the radical pitch of O'Chute, each run is obscured from the next by an abundant growth of birch, oaks, and pines. Modern snowmaking and daily grooming insure great snow throughout the season.
The majestic area offers fantastic views of river valleys and two states with unparalleled beauty.
www.coffeemillski.com
Flour Mill Pizzeria
Flour Mill Pizzeria offers awesome Pizza, Pastas, Specialty Salads, Hot Sub Sandwiches, Appetizers, and a full bar, all with beautiful riverview seating, inside or out! - See more at:
http://www.wabashamn.org/business-directory/listing/135/32#sthash.Nq1HnDrV.dpuf
Maiden Rock, WI.
You're driving along the Mississippi on the Great River Road with the bluffs rising above you on one side and the expanses of Lake Pepin on the other.
Sights and natural beauty, counted as some of the most beautiful in the country, are around each curve.
This is Maiden Rock country. Maiden Rock township and village: a quiet, historic river and railroad settlement surounded by rolling farmland and creek gullies rustling with wild turkey and deer set at the Mississippi's edge, providing shelter and wetlands for thousands of birds on their yearly journeys along the Mississippi Flyway.
www.maidenrock.org
Stockholm, WI.
Escape down the winding Great River Road to the village tucked along the shores of the mighty Mississippi. Peek in and become part of one of the most vibrant and growing cultural scenes around.
There is nothing small about the experience you will have in Stockholm Wisconsin.
Come see how big Stockholm really is..
www.stockholmwisconsin.com
Red Wing, MN.
Nestled amidst the scenic bluffs of the upper Mississippi River, is a thriving regional center for tourism, medical care, industry and technology offering an abundance of natural resources in a historic setting that honors the past and celebrates the future of Red Wing, Minnesota.
http://www.red-wing.org