Great River Road Adventure
Discover Wisconsin’s Mississippi Valley
Itinerary Summary
Explore some of the oldest communities in Wisconsin along one of America’s great scenic byways, the Great River Road. Enjoy the beauty or the river and the bluffs, visiting historic towns along the way. Whether your group is interested in nature, history, scrumptious dining or craft beer, this part of western Wisconsin has everything for an unforgettable itinerary.
Day 1 – Dickeyville and Mineral Point
As you begin your travels into Wisconsin, stop and stroll around the Dickeyville Grotto, an extraordinary collection of shrines and grottos adorned with colorful stones, glass and shells. This peaceful and fascinating site is a favorite stop for its intricate mosaics and patriotic and religious themes.
Continue to Pendarvis, a historic site just outside of Mineral Point, where you’ll find preserved 19th-century stone buildings reflecting the area’s lead mining heritage and the Cornish people who settled there. Take a walking tour of the historic district and enjoy views of the scenic countryside.
Day 2 – Platteville and Potosi
Start the morning in Platteville and delve into its mining history. Visit the Mining & Rollo Jamison Museum, tour the 1845 Bevans Lead-Zinc Mine, ride in a 1931 mine train (weather permitting) and discover the history of the Upper Mississippi Valley Mining District. Explore exhibits on the nature, culture and history of the region, and take the one-hour tour of the underground. View The World’s Largest ‘M,’ a limestone landmark weighing approximately 400 tons. Constructed in 1937, the giant ‘M’ measures 241 feet by 214 feet. The letter represents the first mining school in Wisconsin. Travelers can climb the 290 steps beside the ‘M’ and enjoy a panoramic view of the Tri-State area.
The next stop is Potosi, a charming Mississippi River village on the Great River Road. Begin with a visit to Potosi Brewery for a tour of the historic brewing operation (since 1852) and taste some local craft brews. At the brewery visit the world-class National Brewery Museum, which showcases an eclectic collection of beer bottles and cans, glasses, trays, coasters and advertising materials. Visit the Potosi Area Historical Society to learn about the town’s heritage, especially the importance of the Mississippi River in its development.
Day 3 – Prairie du Chien and La Crosse
This morning head up the Great River Road to Prairie du Chien, a town at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. Here in the second-oldest town in Wisconsin, visit the Fort Crawford Museum, a historic military site that tells the story of the early frontier days and the role Fort Crawford played in defending the region. Engaging interpreters will take you on a journey through time as you tour Villa Louis. An 1871 Italianate-style mansion, it is one of the most authentically furnished Victorian houses in America. The home boasted the innovative modern conveniences of indoor plumbing and steam heat, making it comfortable as well as stylish. Today the mansion has been meticulously restored to its 1890s appearance, standing as a showcase of Victorian architecture and design.
Continue on the Great River Road to La Crosse with a drive up Grandad Bluff, where you’ll get a breathtaking panoramic view of the Mississippi River and the surrounding valley. It’s a perfect spot for group photos and sightseeing.
Day 4 – La Crosse Area
This morning head to Norskedalen, a Norwegian heritage center and nature preserve. The center features old log cabins, an authentic Norwegian chapel and exhibits that celebrate the area’s Scandinavian heritage. You can take a guided tour to learn about the region’s early settlers, enjoy the nature trails and explore the cultural history.
Return to La Crosse and complete your time on the Mississippi with a leisurely sightseeing cruise aboard the La Crosse Queen paddlewheeler.
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