Exploring the Northern Mississippi River Valley: A 7-Day Itinerary

Scenic River Drive Itinerary

• 🚗 This itinerary outlines a 200-mile loop drive through the Northern Mississippi River Valley, starting from Minneapolis/St. Paul and extending to La Crosse, Wisconsin.
• 🏞️ The route focuses on the upper half of the Mississippi River, characterized by scenic limestone bluffs rising 300-500 feet, braided channels, islands, and flood plain forests.
• 📅 The suggested week-long trip includes stops in Red Wing, Reeds Landing/Wabasha, Winona, and La Crosse, with a return loop via the Wisconsin side.

Red Wing: River Town Charm and History

• 💡 Red Wing, Minnesota, is a historic river town with a revitalized downtown featuring red brick storefronts and is known for the Red Wing Boot Company.
• ⛰️ Barn Bluff offers hiking trails with great views of the valley, and a paved multi-use trail along the Cannon River is ideal for biking.
• 🏛️ Explore local history at the Goodhue County History Center or the Alive Military Museum, and catch a show at the historic Sheldon Theatre.
• 👢 A unique attraction is the world's largest boot, a 16-foot-tall replica made by the Redwing Boot Company.
• 🦅 The Prairie Island Indian Community hosts a large powwow in July and offers river tours.

Wabasha & Lake Pepin: Eagles, Ice Fishing, and Water Skiing

• 🏞️ The stretch from Red Wing to Wabasha features Lake Pepin, a wide natural lake formed by the Chippewa River, popular for sailing and fishing.
• 🧊 Wabasha is known for its Grumpy Old Men Festival in February, which includes ice fishing contests and hot dish buffets.
• 🦅 The National Eagle Center in Wabasha is a highlight, offering close encounters with bald eagles, which congregate in the area due to open water.
• 🛶 Broken Paddle Guiding Company offers kayak tours through the backwaters, providing opportunities to see wildlife like bald eagles, hawks, and otters.
• 💧 Lake City is noted as the birthplace of water skiing, invented in 1922 by Ralph Samuelson.

Winona & La Crosse: Arts, Architecture, and Outdoor Adventures

• 🎨 Winona boasts a strong art scene, including the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and a summer Shakespeare Festival.
• 🏛️ Architectural highlights in Winona include the Egyptian Revival style Winona National Bank and the historic Steamboat Gothic style Bunnell House.
• 🍔 Lakeview Inn is a historic drive-up burger joint, and Waterfront Restaurant offers delicious seasonal dishes with river views.
• 🏞️ La Crosse offers extensive outdoor activities, including hiking in Hixon Forest and Granddad Bluff, and biking on the Great River State Trail.
• 🛶 Paddling opportunities include the La Crosse River and a water trail through the backwaters at Goose Island County Park.
• 🍺 La Crosse has a vibrant bar scene, with notable spots like the retro Starlight Lounge and the Beda Brew Pub with numerous beers on tap.

Return Journey: Charming Towns and Unique Attractions

• 🌉 On the return north, stops include Fountain City, home to Elmer's Auto and Toy Museum and the quirky Rock in the House attraction.
• 🍕 Near Fountain City, Suncrest Gardens offers a unique pizza farm experience with wood-fired pizzas made from farm ingredients.
• 🎨 Towns like Alma, Stockholm (an artist colony), and Maiden Rock offer charming shops, scenic views, and local wineries/cideries.
• 📚 Pepin, Wisconsin, is the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder, with a museum and replica cabin.
• 🚗 The drive back offers opportunities to explore small towns, enjoy local food, and appreciate the natural beauty of the Mississippi River Valley.