Great River Road Extended Trip (2–3 Days)
Day 1 – Nature, Parks & Scenic Views
Morning
Begin in La Crosse with breakfast downtown.
Head to Grandad Bluff for panoramic morning views of the valley.
Drive north on Hwy 35 to Perrot State Park (Trempealeau) and hike Brady’s Bluff.
Midday
Lunch at the Historic Trempealeau Hotel (river views + classic bites).
Continue north to Kinstone in Fountain City – where stone circles, labyrinths, and overlooks are abundant.
Afternoon
Stop at Merrick State Park (Fountain City) for a short walk along the river backwaters.
Drive up to Alma, then head to Buena Vista Park Overlook for a sweeping river view.
Evening
Drive back south and get dinner at Sullivan’s Supper Club (Trempealeau) which provides a Wisconsin supper club experience with river views.
Overnight in La Crosse at the historic Charmant Hotel.
Day 2 – Foodie Finds, Orchards & On-the-Water Fun
Morning
Start your day by heading across the river to Winona, MN and grab donuts at Bloedow’s Bakery.
Return to WI for apple-picking at Ecker’s Apple Farm (Trempealeau) and cider tasting.
Midday
Stop at Ferguson’s Orchards (Galesville) for more apple fun or pumpkins if in season.
Eat a late lunch in Holmen at a Hacienda Vieja Mexican Grill & Bar.
Afternoon
Explore the Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (Onalaska) – a great spot for birdwatching and eagle sightings.
Stop and snap a photo with Sunny the Sunfish (Onalaska) while overlooking the river valley.
Head back to La Crosse for a La Crosse Queen Paddlewheel Cruise or walk through Riverside Park and grab some delicious ice cream at The Pearl.
Evening
Casual riverside dinner at Huck Finn’s on the Water or Red Pines Bar & Grill.
Overnight at the historic Charmant Hotel in La Crosse.
Day 3 – Scenic Loop & Farewell Flavors (Half-Day Option)
Morning
Start your day out with breakfast in La Crosse at JavaVino, then drive north to Nelson Cheese Factory (Nelson) for cheese, ice cream, and road snacks.
Continue to Maiden Rock Bluff (Stockholm) for cliffside views and eagle spotting.
Midday
Lunch at Suncrest Gardens Pizza Farm (Cochrane) if it’s open (seasonal) or The Golden Frog (Fountain City)
Begin return trip with scenic Hwy 35 views.
Optional Afternoon Add-On (if staying 3 full days):
Cross into Minnesota to see Sugar Loaf Bluff (Winona) and/or hike Great River Bluffs State Park before heading home.
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