Stockholm Pie & General Store | Stockholm, Wisconsin

Stockholm Pie & General Store is famous for its delicious homemade pies, made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. In addition to their famous pies, Stockholm Pie + General Store also offers a selection of locally made gifts and artisanal products, including pottery, jewelry, and home decor. Visitors can grab a slice of award-winning pie and browse the store’s offerings while taking in the quaint small-town charm of Stockholm. 

Villa Bellezza | Pepin, Wisconsin

This gorgeous winery is inspired by the vineyards of Italy and offers visitors a unique experience of Italian-style wines, a tasting room, a wine bar, and an Italian restaurant. Unlike any other winery I’ve visited in Wisconsin and the Midwest, Villa Bellezza is set on a picturesque landscape and offers stunning views of the Mississippi River.

Apart from the winery, Villa Bellezza offers an array of experiences to its visitors, including vineyard tours, wine tastings, private events, and weddings. Visitors can also enjoy the Italian-inspired architecture and atmosphere of the winery, which is reminiscent of the Mediterranean countryside.

Ingalls Museum & Big Woods Cabin | Pepin, Wisconsin

Located on scenic Lake Pepin, the widest navigable stretch of the Mississippi River, is beautiful Pepin, Wisconsin. It’s the birthplace of children’s author Laura Ingalls Wilder and here you’ll find the Ingalls Museum (open May-Oct), as well as the “Big Woods Cabin,” a replica of Ingalls Wilder’s birthplace, located about seven miles outside Pepin and open year-round.

Nelson Cheese Factory | Nelson, Wisconsin

What is a trip to Wisconsin without a stop at a cheese factory? 

Welcome to Nelson Cheese Factory in Nelson, Wisconsin. This cheese factory has been producing high-quality artisanal cheese since 1914. Visitors can sample a wide variety of cheeses, including cheddar, gouda, and blue cheese, all made with locally sourced milk. Take a tour of the factory and learn about the cheese-making process or simply relax and enjoy a cheese plate and a glass of wine on the factory’s outdoor patio. Nelson Cheese Factory is a must-stop destination for anyone looking to indulge in some of the best cheese that Wisconsin has to offer while exploring the Great River Road.

Suncrest Garden Pizza Farms | Cochrane, Wisconsin

Foodies are gonna love this one: Suncrest is a family-owned farm that grows a wide variety of fresh produce, which is then used to make delicious wood-fired pizzas on-site. Guests can enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere while dining on fresh, delicious pizza made with ingredients straight from the farm. In addition to their pizza, Suncrest Garden Pizza Farms also offers a selection of craft beer and homemade desserts. Visitors can wander through the farm’s gardens and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside while enjoying a delicious meal. 

Perrot State Park | Trempealeau, Wisconsin

At the confluence of the Mississippi and Trempealeau rivers, Great River Road travelers will find the stunning, scenic 1,200-acre Perrot State Park. The park sits among 500-foot bluffs, offering amazing views of the Mississippi River region, as well as outstanding options for recreation, including canoeing, kayaking and biking along the Great River State Trail. Visit the park’s nature center to learn about the area’s natural history and cultural importance to Native Americans, French explorers and others.

Grandad Bluff | La Crosse, Wisconsin

Grandad Bluff is a stunning natural landmark and popular destination for Great River Road travelers. Located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the bluff towers 590 feet above the city, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can reach the top of the bluff by car or hiking trail, and once there, can enjoy a picnic, take a scenic walk, or simply take in the stunning views. Grandad Bluff is especially beautiful during the fall, when the changing leaves create a riot of color across the valley. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for a picturesque spot to enjoy a picnic, Grandad Bluff is a must-see destination on the Great River Road.

Effigy Mounds National Monument | Harpers Ferry, Iowa

Hop on over to the Iowa side of the Great River Road to take in the fascinating Effigy Mounds National Monument. The monument contains more than 200 mounds built by Native Americans over 1,000 years ago in the shapes of animals and other figures. Visitors can explore the various hiking trails that wind through the monument, which offer stunning views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding landscape. In addition to the mounds, the monument also features a visitor center with exhibits on the area’s history and culture. 

Villa Louis | Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

One of my favorite historic sites in Wisconsin just so happens to be located along the Great River Road.

Villa Louis is a historic mansion located in Prairie du Chien–on an island actually called St. Feriole Island. The mansion was built in the mid-19th century and served as the home of the Dousman family, one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the region at the time. 

Today, the mansion is open to the public for tours, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the opulent lifestyle of the Victorian era. In addition to the mansion itself, the grounds also feature beautifully manicured gardens and a historic outbuilding complex. Villa Louis is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyles of the past while traveling along the Great River Road.

Pikes Peak State Park | McGregor, Iowa

Hop back over to the Iowa side of the Great River Road for one of the Midwest’s most breathtaking views. Pikes Peak State Park offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding bluffs, with several overlooks and hiking trails to explore. Visitors can also see the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers from the park’s overlooks. In addition to its natural beauty, the park also features a historic limestone kiln and a CCC-built stone shelter. 

Nelson Dewey State Park | Cassville, Wisconsin

Cassville’s Nelson Dewey State Park boasts stunning views of the Mississippi River, rolling hills, and bluffs that make the area famous. The land was once part of the Stonefield estate of Nelson Dewey, the state’s first governor. Today, the state park offers a campground with modern amenities, several picnic areas, hiking trails with breathtaking views, and excellent fishing opportunities. Nature enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the city will appreciate this itinerary stop along the Great River Road!

Potosi Brewing Company | Potosi, Wisconsin

Originally founded in 1852 along the Great River Road and just a stone’s throw from the Mississippi River, Potosi Brewing Company is definitely worth adding to your road trip itinerary. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of craft beers, many of which are made using locally sourced ingredients, in the brewery’s historic tasting room or outdoor beer garden. The brewery, which is one of the oldest in the U.S., also offers tours of its facilities, allowing visitors to learn about the history of the brewery and the beer-making process. In addition to its beer, Potosi Brewing Company also features a restaurant serving delicious pub fare and a museum dedicated to the history of brewing in the U.S. 

Havencrest Castle | Savanna, Illinois

For something more unique, check out the stunning and historic Havencrest Castle. Built in the early 20th century, the castle boasts an impressive array of architectural styles, including Tudor, Gothic, and Victorian, and is filled with exquisite furnishings and art. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle, which includes the grand ballroom, dining room, and various other rooms, each with their own unique style and decor. The castle also features beautiful gardens and a carriage house, as well as a gift shop and cafe. Havencrest Castle is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyles of the past while traveling along the Great River Road.

Mark Twain’s Hometown | Hannibal, Missouri

Hannibal, Mo., which sits about two hours north of St. Louis on the Mississippi River, was once home to a young lad by the name of Samuel Clemens. Now, you can visit this quaint river town and see how it celebrates the life and stories of Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. See where Twain lived and learn about his time here at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum. And, if you’re in town on the Fourth of July, be sure to catch National Tom Sawyer Days, which features a fence-painting competition, a frog-jumping contest and more.

The Gateway Arch | St. Louis, Missouri

What better spot to end your northern Great River Road Trip than with one of the nation’s most iconic road trip destinations?

The St. Louis Arch, also known as the Gateway Arch, stands at an impressive 630 feet tall and is the tallest man-made monument in the U.S. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis. The monument also features a visitor center with exhibits on the history and construction of the arch, as well as the history of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. The St. Louis Arch is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling along the Great River Road and seeking a memorable and breathtaking experience.