Great River Road National Scenic Byway” is a fantastic route that spans roughly 3,000 long hauls of roads and roadways, offering one of the stylish times of the time to drive through it during the beautiful afterlife season. This route hugs the Mississippi River, stretching from Minnesota to Louisiana.
September is a month celebrated across all 10 countries along the route, marking the appearance of afterlife leafage, seasonal lodestones , and crop carnivals along the Great River Road. Look for green and white airman wheel signs, and you will know you are on the right track. Â
Driving through the northern corridor of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa via the Great River Road promises stunning views of amber, bobby and fiery red geographies. It’s the perfect time for a fall trip when premises and scenic spots present their stylish, trees display their vibrant afterlife colors, and eagles soar above. And in fascinating swash municipalities, you will find cozy bakeries that offer a breath of fresh air along with your mess.Â
What can you see and do on the Great River Road in Wisconsin?
Discovering Wisconsin’s Great River Road
Wisconsin’s Great River Road is the state’s premier scenic byway, stretching along Wisconsin Highway 35 and passing through over 30 major swash municipalities.
 Start your trip near the southwestern corner of the state in Kieler. Some of the original lodges in this charming area include the unique Dickeyville Grotto & Sanctuaries, an out-of-door art cavern filled with set up objects, caves, and puppets. near Hazel Green boasts the 3- Mile House Supper Club, a major spot serving up old- fashioned pets like brandy Alexanders, fried walleye, and Kate Fish, along with housekeeper- grilled steaks.
  Heading north along the Great River Road towards Potosi, known as the” Catfish Capital of Wisconsin,” you will find the Potosi Brewing Company, established in 1852, a working brewery offering not only seasonal beers and a noon mess but also housing the Great River Road Interpretive Center and Transportation Museum, as well as the ABA National Brewery Museum.
Cassville & Prairie du Chien Exploration
Take a diversion to Cassville for a visit to Nelson Dewey State Park, perched 500 bases above the Mississippi, furnishing stirring views of the swash. also explore Ferryville, known as the” First Community on the Mississippi,” a 25- acre National Historic Landmark quarter with over a dozen structures, including a magnificent puritanical manse, a form demesne, and the remnants of Fort Crawford.
 While in the city, savor a study in Wiley’s Fish & rubbish, a pleasurable little shop in Prairie du Chien offering everything from Kate Fish Bologna to original flesh. Their hand- dipped rubbish curds, treble and fresh, are a must-try. However, the River District Hotel and Waterfront Hotel Saint Feriole Island Park are hard, offering respite amidst the background of the War of 1812.
 If a late stay in Prairie du Chien is in order. Keep driving northward alongside the Great River Road, cherishing the camera-ready swash dens and soaring scars that are the hallmark of Wisconsin’s Drift less Area. It’s absolutely stunning.
 When you reach La Crosse, treat yourself to the Grandad Bluff overlook for splendid autumnal lookouts( and a piece of Minnesota and Iowa too). Also, it’s time for pie at the Gil rubbish plant Outlet in Cuba City, just north of La Crosse. Sample award- winning Wisconsin crapola produced by original cheesemakers, including the notorious treble rubbish curds, perfect for gorging on the road.
 Continue driving northward towards Trempealeau, where Perrot State Park offers hiking, camping, picnicking, and raspberry- watching in a stunning natural setting. The 500- bottom scars give an admiration- inspiring background, particularly during the fall season when the afterlife colors of the northern hardwoods are at their stylish.
 Mississippi River’s Hidden Gems in Wisconsin
Fountain City, resting alongside the Mississippi and nestled in limestone scars, is a fascinating stop known for its 19th- century shorefront structures filled with shops, cafes, and lodging. The Alma Hotel Restaurant is staying with fine wines, offering a pleasurable menu of comforting dishes and diurnal specials like broasted funk. The place has a rich history, having opened its doors in 1894.
 Make a diversion from the Great River Road to visit Wisconsin’s Pizza granges, which feel like commodity out of a dream original granges that transfigure their fresh ranch produce into succulent pizzas using wood- fired ranges. In Cochrane, Suncrest Gardens Farm( just about half an hour north of La Crosse) does crop- to- crust pizzas and meat cut from their pasturage- raised creatures, all cooked in a wood- fired roaster.
 For pleasurable fun and games, enjoy pizzas, flesh, and potables from the ranch’s artisanal kitchen. Make your way to Pepin, where Laura Ingalls Wilder’s motherland is located, the author of the” Little House on the Prairie” books. Then, you will find the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and a replica of her Little House.
 In September, showcase any alternate vehicle you might have and you will be part of Laura Ingalls Wilder Days, a jubilee featuring food contests, cart lifts, spelling notions, square balls, and funk feasts. Before leaving Wisconsin, stop in the small city of Stockholm, home to the Stockholm Artisanal hutch( Population 78), a swash city that draws artists and handicrafts men who showcase their work in original shops, galleries, places, and cafes.
After landing images of the swash and scars at Village Park, stop by Stockholm Pie and General Store for lately ignited pies to take home. They offer gluten-free pies, mini pies, and scrumptious options. Or, fly home with a bag of locally produced apples, squash, double failures, or ground cherry adulation from Maiden Rock Winery and Cidery, or have cider, wine, or mead flown to your room at the Charming Stockholm Pie and General Store.
Exploring Alma: Art, Nature, and River Views
 Before departing, stay overnight in Alma at The Bodies Over Alma Nature and Art Center( Population 878), a swash city that engages artists and crafters who feature their workshop in original shops, galleries, places, and caffs. Village Park offers views of the swash and scars. subsequently, head to Blueberries, Cranberries, Double failures, or Ground Cherry Butter for mouthwatering snacks. They’re gluten-free, small, and succulent.Â
Take the scenic route north to the fascinating city of Alma, where you can enjoy the Pepin County literal Gallery and Stone field major point. Also, do not forget to try out the fascinating bakeries in Alma. Alma Hotel Restaurant serves excellent walleye feasts, brandy old fashioneds, and diurnal specials. Hike the gentle Mossy Hollow Trail for some cardio or climb the Stair Step thoroughfares, a series of 788 stairs connecting the megacity’s two streets.
However, drive up to the upper part of Buena Vista Park to reach the largest natural deck overlooking the Mississippi River, located about 500 bases above the swash megacity of Alma, If you prefer a lower heart- pounding experience. You will also find birdwatching and other wildlife- viewing openings at the Alma Nature and Art Center. Wisconsin is famed for its rubbish, and a visit to Nelson rubbish plant in Nelson, Wisconsin( Population 395), right off Highway 35, is a must-have.
 Alternatively, you might want to witness the wines at Villa Bellezza Winery. This winery is about a 10- nanosecond drive north from Nelson on the Great River Road. They offer inner and out-of-door seating, along with wine tasting. Make a visit to the community of Pepin( Population 837), which is notorious as the motherland of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of the” Little House on the Prairie” series. Do not miss the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, where you can explore her life and learn about her colonist adventures.
September Delights Along the Great River Road in Wisconsin
 In September, Pepin hosts Laura Ingalls Wilder Days, a jubilee celebrating the author’s life and times. It features a variety of conditioning like food contests, cart lifts, spelling notions, square balls, and, of course, the notorious funk feasts. Stockholm( Population 78) is another antique swash city along the Great River Road. This graphic  hall attracts artists and handicrafts men who display their work in original shops, galleries, homes, and bakeries. You can explore the fascinating shops and art galleries, or take in the beautiful views of the swash and scars at Village Park.
 Before you leave Stockholm, be sure to stop by Stockholm Pie and General Store, where you can pick up lately ignited pies to enjoy on your trip. They offer a range of pie options, including gluten-free and mini pies. still, visit Maiden Rock Winery and Cidery, If you are looking for some succulent potables to take home. They offer a variety of ciders, wines, and meads that you can buy and enjoy later.
 In summary, driving the Great River Road in Wisconsin during September offers a wealth of openings to enjoy the natural beauty, history, and original cuisine of the area. Whether you are interested in exploring major spots, savoring indigenous foods, or simply taking in the stunning decor, this scenic byway has a commodity to offer every rubberneck.
In Minnesota, what to see and do on the Great River Road?Â
Minnesota’s Great River Road Highlights
Minnesota’s Great River Road, gauging 565 long hauls along the Mississippi River, offers a splendid trip through American history, guests , and seaside municipalities.Â
 After crossing the swash from Hager City, Wisconsin, it heads south towards Iowa along Highway 61. Your first stop for exploring the fascinating shops on Main Street is Red Wing, and do not miss landing a picture with the 638- sized( and a half!) work charge at the Red Wing Shoe Company store and gallery. snare a new brace of hiking thrills and break them in at Frontenac State Park, where bald eagles resettle along the Mississippi Flyway during the fall, which is one of America’s topmost avian superhighways.
Exploring Minnesota’s Historic River Towns
 Stay at the state’s oldest hostel, the St. James Hotel in Red Wing, and savor a home- cooked breakfast at Bev’s Cafe before embarking on the 28- afar trip to Minnesota’s oldest megacity, Wabasha, west of the swash. Learn all about public catcalls at the National Eagle Center, and see eagles in action as they soar from the out-of-door observation platform. Take a break at Turning Waters Bed, Breakfast & Brewery for a craft beer and happy suds on the swash.
 In Winona, a phenomenon at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, home to all effects art- related to water. Great River scars State Park or Garvin Heights Stations are excellent places to catch original sights, with the ultimate producing wine from the grapes grown on the scars above Winona. Being a council city, it boasts plenty of cantina and dining options with affordable menus. Do not miss ordering a Lucy Burger, stuffed with rubbish, at the River Front Bar and Grill.Â
What to Explore and Experience Along Iowa’s Great River Road?
Exploring Iowa’s Scenic Great River Road
The Great River Road begins in New Albin, Iowa, but you will want to make your first stop a little south in Lansing, Iowa. The Drift less Area Education & Visitor Center offers stunning views of the various scars along the Mississippi River, as well as exhibits on original Native American lines, European settlers, and indigenous wildlife. subsequently, make your way to Safe House Saloon, an original favorite known for its craft beer selection and house- made thin- crust pizza.
 Harper’s Ferry is home to over 200 effigy mounds, some in the shape of creatures, created over 1,000 times ago by Native American lines. Effigy Mounds National Monument is a sacred point girdled by beautiful woods.
 Yellow River State Forest and Pikes Peak State Park are perfect for hiking and taking in scenic overlooks. However, a stop at Paper Moon on Main Street in McGregor is a must-have, If you have not done important shopping on your trip yet. It’s a kind of egghead book and gift store that sits just a block down from the swash.
Iowa’s Great River Road Highlights
 A little further than an hour’s drive from McGregor, Ball town, Iowa, known as Iowa’s Oldest Restaurant, is positioned right on the Great River Road. The Breitbach’s Country Dining has been run by the same family since 1852. They are notorious for their Iowa Fried Chicken and house- made pies by the afar. Be sure to travel until the River City, which boasts some of the stylish views of the Mississippi River Valley.Â
In nearby Dubuque, you’ll find the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, the largest museum and aquarium in the nation dedicated to the Mississippi River and its waters.
Before continuing, be sure to ride the Fenelon Place Elevator Company Funicular Railway for one last autumnal view after crossing the bridge from our starting point in Wisconsin, Lansing. Often called “the world’s steepest, shortest scenic railway,” you’ll have fantastic views of the river and the beautiful landscapes of three states from above the rail line.
Dubuque’s Historic Hotel & Spring Events
For a night’s stay, check into the historic Hotel Julien Dubuque. Rumor has it that it was one of Al Capone’s old haunts and even hosted Mark Twain and William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Today, it sits as a chic boutique hotel in the heart of Dubuque’s Old Main District.
If you can’t make the fall drive, consider planning a trip in the spring for the Rummage Along the River on May 17-18, 2024, where 70 miles of vintage sales will make for a fantastic springtime adventure!
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