Road trips are one of our favorite things and road trips along scenic drive make them even better! So, of course we know some of the Best Places along the Mississippi River to stop at! You can imagine how much we love traveling along the Great River Road which traverses Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and more along the Mississippi River! Check out these stops for an epic road trip!
1. Maiden Rock Apples, Winery, & Cidery – Stockholm, Wisconsin
This unassuming cidery is a great place to spend some time! Get to know the owners, learn their story, and taste their ciders & wines. Plus, stroll through their gift shop and we’re sure you’ll find some extra special treats.
2. Nelson Cheese Factory (Nelson Creamery) – Nelson, Wisconsin
Our car will break and stop for a couple things: a local brewery and ice cream, so of course the Nelson Cheese Factory (and Creamery) with their homemade ice cream is a favorite stop of ours! Plus, the offer a large variety of local and international cheeses!
3. Buena Vista Park & Overlook -Alma, Wisconsin
Of course, no trip along the river is complete without amazing views and the views from the Buena Vista Park & Overlook will not disappoint. Plus, it’s not well known so it’s not crowded! Spend time just taking it all in!
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4. Riverwalk Park – La Crosse, Wisconsin
The best views in La Crosse are at Riverwalk Park! You can enjoy the beautiful views of the river while also enjoying the fountain, sculptures, and beautiful gardens! It’s a great place to watch the sun set.
5. World’s Largest 6-Pack – La Crosse, Wisconsin
I love finding the “World’s Largest” spots in the US and no trip along the Mississippi is complete without catching the World’s Largest 6-Pack which is on the grounds of City Brewery. They are definitely a sight to see.
6. Driftless Area Education & Visitors Center – Lansing, Iowa
Learning about the importance of the Mississippi River to the Midwest and beyond is very important. The Driftless Area Education & Visitors Center does an amazing job of this! It’s a great stop for kids & adults plus the views from the deck can’t be beat!
7. Pikes Peak State Park – McGregor, Iowa
Whether you visit Pikes Peak for the views of the river or to hike to Bridal Veil Falls, you won’t be disappointed with a stop at this great state park! The hike to the falls is “easy” with wood plank walk-ways, so kids and adults alike can make this 1 mile (round-trip) trip.
8. Eagle Point Park – Dubuque, Iowa
Probably our all-time favorite spot along the Mississippi River is Eagle Point Park in Dubuque. You can catch amazing views of the Mississippi, walk through beautiful gardens, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch a barge or two move through Lock & Dam #11.
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9. Port of Dubuque River Walk – Dubuque, Iowa
On a sunny day the Port of Dubuque River Walk is a great place to enjoy a stroll. Not only do you get to enjoy views of the water, but they offer several larger than life public art sculptures to enjoy and it is beautifully landscaped. At one end you’ll enjoy the Dubuque Star Brewery Complex & Shot Tower.
10. Moore Local on the River – Bellevue, Iowa
We actually fell in love with Moore Local and much more in Bellevue, but you can’t beat a delicious coffee shop. The modern feel of Moore Local and lots of local offerings make this a great stop along the river! Make sure to stroll the entire Riverwalk while you’re there!
11. Island Life – Sabula, Iowa
You can’t drive the Great River Road or visit the shores of the Mississippi River without stopping by Sabula, the only island in Iowa! While there isn’t necessarily a lot to see on the island, a drive around it is a must. We did enjoy stopping by Island City Harbor and browsing their gift shop! We hear a restaurant is in the future, which we’ll be back to experience!
12. Go Fish Marina Bar & Grill – Princeton, Iowa
Who doesn’t love dinner or lunch with a view?! That is exactly what you’ll get at Go Fish Marina Bar & Grill! It doesn’t hurt that they offer delicious food and cold drinks either! T raved about his fish & chips!
13. Ice Cream, U Scream – Dubuque, Iowa
Ice cream is my favorite and Ice Cream, U Scream is one of my very favorite places to get it! This also means that there is bound to be more than one ice cream stop on this list of best places along the Mississippi River. They offer a mocha chocolate ice cream that makes my mouth water just thinking about it! Plus, the retro ice cream and soda fountain feel adds to the experience.
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14. Mines of Spain – Dubuque, Iowa
As if we haven’t given you enough places to enjoy great views of the Mighty Mississippi, we have one more on our list of the best places to visit. Mines of Spain offers many miles of hiking, but also the Julien Dubuque Monument Tower, which offers great views of the river.
15. City Meat Market – New Albin, Iowa
Our last great stop is an unlikely one, but a great one nonetheless! The City Meat Market offers meat (obviously), but also a large variety of food, hardware type items, old fashioned candy, etc. We recommend the beef jerky! This stop will take you back in time and add a special something to your trip!
Explore the Mississippi River with These Awesome Stops
Traveling along the Mississippi River is a great road trip and with these 15 great stops, you’re bound to have a wonderful road trip! Whether you want to have a delicious meal, take in beautiful scenery, grab ice cream, or more, there is something for everyone along the Mighty Mississippi!
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Thanks for sharing this great list!
You’re so welcome! THanks for stopping by!
The 6 pack of La Crosse really needs to be repainted!
It does, but it’s still super neat to see regardless!