Great River Road: Wisconsin to Galena

The Great River Road follows the Mississippi through Wisconsin on WIS 35, with bluffs on one side and barge channels on the other. Maiden Rock, Alma, Trempealeau and La Crosse come early; Prairie du Chien and Cassville follow, then Galena just over the Illinois line. Wyalusing and Perrot state parks give views of the river. It suits cyclists, birders and fall drivers.

The stops

1. Start

   Prescott, WI

2. Town

   Prescott

   Where the St. Croix meets the Mississippi.

3. Viewpoint

   Maiden Rock

   Bluff overlooking Lake Pepin.

4. Town

   Alma

   Single-street river town; climb Buena Vista Park for the view.

5. Town

   Trempealeau

   River village next to Perrot State Park.

6. Park

   Perrot State Park

   Bluff trails above the river.

7. Town · Overnight

   La Crosse

   Biggest city on the route; good for lunch.

8. Town

   Genoa

   Tiny town with a fish hatchery and lock and dam.

9. Town

   Prairie du Chien

   Historic fur-trade town.

10. Park

    Wyalusing State Park

    River overlook where the Wisconsin joins the Mississippi.

11. Town

    Cassville

    Ferry and Stonefield Historic Site nearby.

12. Town · Overnight

    Galena

    Well-preserved 19th-century downtown on a hillside.

13. Finish

    Galena, IL

Where to stay

• Night 1

  La Crosse

  Perrot State Park campground · La Crosse hotels

• Night 2

  Prairie du Chien

  Wyalusing State Park campground · Prairie du Chien motels

• Night 3

  Galena

  Galena inns and B&Bs · Chestnut Mountain Resort area

When to go

Sep–Oct for foliage and eagles; May–Jun for wildflowers

On the road

Floods occasionally close sections; check state DOT. Bald eagle watching is best in winter near locks and dams.