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News and Notes from The Great River Road | |||||||||
![]() ThisWeek - 4 Weeks - Search - Index - ...Full Story Here![]() Selena Diggs Editor (608) 267-2094 office Selena.diggs (at) dot.wi.gov Ken Harwood Publisher ![]() | |||||||||
Great River Road Named Country’s Best Scenic Route | |||||||||
![]() The route curves alongside the Mississippi River for its entire 2,340-mile length, starting near Lake Itasca and finishing in the bayou at New Orleans. Along the way, travelers pass by the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion. In central Minnesota, just like the river, the route curls through Clearwater, St. Cloud, and Sartell. Compared to the slow-moving, muddy Mississippi seen further south, this area gives drivers a chance to see picturesque rapids and currents. The Great River Road sits atop the USA Today 10Best list. It beat out some of the most iconic drives in the country, including California’s Pacific Coast Highway, the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Smoky Mountains, Route 66, and Door County, Wisconsin... SEE ALSO... Great River Road named Best Scenic Drive in America...Full Story Here ![]() | |||||||||
How to plan a (road) trip along the Mississippi River where the water isn`t the only star | |||||||||
![]() See this vital waterway from the Great River RoadThe Mississippi River is a mighty waterway. It carries hundreds of millions of tons of freight every year, is home to a diverse population of fish, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, functions as a guide for migratory birds, and provides drinking water to loads of people. While you can cruise down the river itself, imagine a more land-centric approach by driving across stretches of the Great River Road.How does the Great River Road work?What to expect along the way......Full Story HereKen Notes: Great Read.... ![]() | |||||||||
Highway 35 will be closed between County N and County E in Ferryville | |||||||||
![]() Highway 35 is closed between County N and County E in Ferryville, WI for resurfacing, bridge, and culvert work. A posted detour route will utilize WIS 27 and WIS 171. WIS 35 will be open during the day with temporary lane closures under flagging operations, and the road will be completely closed from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly. Nighttime traffic will be detoured via La Crosse Street/WIS 16 to 3rd Street North/US 53 to Monitor Street. Key details: Project: Resurfacing, bridge, and culvert work.
Ken Notes: The Detour is a very scenic drive and not too far out of your way day or night. ![]() | |||||||||
The Great River Road | |||||||||
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Tank Creek Bridge on Great River State Trail closed after fire | |||||||||
![]() The historic bridge went up in flames on Thursday evening, May 15, 2025. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident, but the bridge couldn`t be saved. DNR officials report that the structure is a total loss, and they`re still investigating what caused the fire. Here`s the tricky part for trail users: because of the bridge`s location, there`s currently no alternative route available. And if you`re wondering when it might be replaced, you`ll have to stay tuned. The DNR hasn`t yet established a timeline or budget for replacement... Ken Notes: Sad news. We need a fix ASAP.... ![]() | |||||||||
DOT providing water taxi service with Lansing Bridge closed indefinitely | |||||||||
![]() The 94-year-old bridge was also closed last year for emergency repairs.LANSING, Iowa (WLCX) – With the bridge connecting Wisconsin to Iowa in western Wisconsin closed indefinitely, the Iowa Department of Transportation is lining up alternate ways across the Mississippi River. Beginning June 4, a free water taxi service will be provided to help people cross the river while the Lansing Bridge, also known as the Blackhawk Bridge, is closed.... ...Full Story Here ![]() | |||||||||
First-ever National Mississippi River Day frames the river as `the great connector` | |||||||||
Michael Anderson views the Mississippi River as the country`s great connector. It flows through 10 states — both red and blue — weaving its way through major population centers and small towns. Millions of Americans drink from it, and live, work and play on its banks. For that reason, Anderson believes it`s high time the river had its day. This year, it will.
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Wisconsin Mississippi River Interpretive Centers | |||||||||
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13 Wisconsin Restaurants Worth the Drive, According to Culinary Experts | |||||||||
![]() Chef ShackBAY CITY -- Owners/chefs Carrie Summer and Lisa Carlson operate this 12-seat seasonal restaurant 40 miles southeast of the Twin Cities and a block from the Mississippi River. The couple – who started with food trucks in Minneapolis – spend their winters traveling (this year, Japan) to inspire the menus. Open Fri-Sat nights, reservation only, prices vary... Hmong’s Golden Egg RollsLA CROSSE -- Wisconsin’s growing population of Hmong are adding their voice to our immigrant foodways. A good example of that is this unassuming spot, which serves egg rolls (as you’d expect), pho, deep-fried tilapia and Hmong-style sausage with sticky rice. “It’s our favorite place to stop if we’re cruising around that area,” says Ircink. $12-$20...The Breakfast Club & PubLA CROSSE -- An homage to the 1985 John Hughes movie, the casual spot serves breakfast all day (it closes at 2 p.m.) and leans into its ’80s pop culture inspiration. I love the memorabilia, from the menu item names to the posters in the restrooms. They have the original movie running on TVs (DVD, apparently!), and you can play trivia at your table while waiting for your food. It’s a great place for families. Reasonable pricing, very good food and service. I’d definitely go there for the atmosphere alone. $7-$15 ...PRAIRIE DU CHIEN -- In the warmer months, Faiola likes to stop for two burgers with their poached, thinly sliced onions, and eat them at nearby Lawler Park on the Mississippi River. $7... | |||||||||
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7 Off-The-Grid Wisconsin Towns To Visit In 2025 | |||||||||
![]() The Stockholm Pie and General Store serves savory pies like beef pasty and sweet staples like double lemon, made fresh daily and sold until gone. At Abode Gallery, rotating exhibits include ceramic installations, abstract quilts, and glasswork from Upper Midwest artists. Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery, a few minutes uphill, pours dry hard ciders pressed from local apples. The Palate café hosts monthly dinners with fixed menus and regional chefs. Each business operates with limited hours, making timing and advance planning essential... ![]() | |||||||||
Tourism Sites and Event Calendars | |||||||||
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Other links | |||||||||
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Other Tourism Sites
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