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News and Notes from The Great River Road
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Selena Diggs
Editor
(608) 267-2094 office
Selena.diggs (at) dot.wi.gov
Ken Harwood
Publisher
Best Wisconsin Great River Road RV Parks & Campgrounds
Taking a Road Trip along the Wisconsin Mississippi Great River Road? To help you plan your trip, I review the top campgrounds for RV travelers or campers.
The list Campground Reviews is organized from South to North, beginning North of East Dubuque. At the end of the article is a Google Maps with links to each of the campgrounds we profiled.
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Not a complete list but a good start...
Six Finalists for Alice in Dairyland
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN — Six women have advanced to the finals of the 78th Alice in Dairyland competition. The candidates were announced by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) on Mar. 7 at the Crawford County Administration Building in Prairie du Chien.“This group of top candidates is about to take part in what is said to be the hardest job interview ever, and we will be lucky to have one of them as the 78th Alice in Dairyland. Once elected, she will make over 400 appearances and log over 40,000 miles on the road promoting all of Wisconsin agriculture,” Halei Heinzel, the 77th Alice in Dairyland, said.
The 78th Alice in Dairyland Finals will take place between May 15 and 17, with events in Gays Mills on Friday and the final program at the Prairie du Chien Area Performing Arts Center on Saturday. The winner will begin their term as Alice on July 7.
2025 Alice in Dairyland
Showcase & Finale
May 15 & 17
Crawford County
Corps of Engineers seeks public comment on Blackhawk Park riverbank stabilization
Located adjacent to the main channel of the Mississippi River, three miles south of De Soto, WI, Blackhawk Park is the largest public use facility in Pool 9 of the Mississippi River and many of the campsites at the park offer picturesque views of the river. Recreational activities available at the park include boating, camping, fishing and picnicking.
Ken Notes: Lets thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers fo all they do in support of our river!
Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine & Cheese Fest
Join us at the 2025
Between the Bluffs
Beer, Wine & Cheese Festival!
April 26, 2025 | 12PM - 6PM
Are You Ready to Celebrate the Return of the Legendary Festival! Purchase Your Tickets and Quench Your Thirst the Wisconsin Way! Cheers!
The Great River Road
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 Discover Wisconsin Great River Road Video |
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Here`s to Being Here: Great River Road | Sights to See Along the Mississippi |
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American Cruise Lines set to
return to La Crosse
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) - The City of La Crosse and American Cruise Lines have started a new partnership.The new 10-year docking agreement will see American riverboat cruise ships make their return to La Crosse after spending the last three years docking in Winona.
“It’s really great to have them back. We’ve worked well in the past with them, and I’m sure we’ll continue to work great in the future with them. It’s great to bring those people into La Crosse and show them what La Crosse has,” says City of La Crosse Parks Department facilities and marine operations manager Jim Flottmeyer.
Ken Notes: Fun to see these in Riverside Park. Now we have both American and Viking...
Find A New Favorite Fishing Spot This Year
There are lots of great places to fish in Wisconsin, including over 15,000 inland lakes, 42,000 miles of perennial streams and rivers, 1,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline and 260 miles of the Mississippi River. With so many places to choose from, picking the perfect place to wet a line can sometimes feel overwhelming.
The DNR`s new Wisconsin Fishing Finder is here to help!
The Wisconsin Fishing Finder works using any internet browser to give anglers access to various fishing information, including fishing regulations (including bag and length limits) for lakes and trout streams, boat launch locations and access points, lake habitat information, fish stocking data and more.
Grab your license, your gear and select a lake, river or stream to discover your next favorite water!
...Full Story Here
Cassville Ferry Sunset Cruises
The Pride of Cassville Ferry is an iconic part of our community and the area. During the day, it transports travelers between Cassville and Iowa across the mighty Mississippi River.GO ON SALE APRIL 15TH
Cruise Dates
8:00pm - 10:00pm
See All Cassville Events
including Derby Days
Saturday, May 3, 2025
...Full Story Here
Upper Mississippi River Refuge to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with Bird Walk
Wednesday, April 9
8441 Lytle Road, Onalaska, WI
Every spring, thousands of migratory songbirds stop by the Refuge on their journey north. The Refuge will be holding a free "bird walk" on Wednesday, April 9, where bird watchers can meet at the Brice Prairie Conservation Association Clubhouse (8441 Lytle Road, Onalaska, WI 54650.) before setting off on the Great River State Trail at 8:00 a.m.
Wisconsin Mississippi River Interpretive Centers
Help Birds During Spring Migration
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages bird watchers to enjoy the return of migratory birds to Wisconsin this spring and take a few simple steps to help our feathered friends.Because Wisconsin is next to the Mississippi River flyway and Great Lakes shorelines, more than 350 species of birds have been reported in May. In addition, our diverse grasslands, marshes and forests provide key habitats for migratory birds.
Give Birds A Hand This Spring
Native bird populations in the U.S. and Canada have declined by nearly 3 billion birds since 1970. We can help birds during this key time by taking a few small steps at home:
- Plant
native plants, including fruit-bearing native trees like serviceberry,
dogwood and cherry, which provide both food and cover.
- Take care
of bird feeders by cleaning them once every two weeks and attracting
the most species with a high-fat seed like black oil sunflower.
- Shut off exterior lights at night during peak migration.
- Reduce window collisions with external screens, markers or cords. Get DIY solutions from SOS Save Our Songbirds....
9 Most Beautiful Cities In Wisconsin
La Crosse
La Crosse, which is nestled directly by the enormous Mississippi River. It will astound you with its breathtaking views of the river and the high cliffs that surround it. There are so many cool parks in this area. Riverside Park is unquestionably the best. You`ll find a fantastic water feature, fantastic hiking routes, and breathtaking lookout points here. The Great River State Trail offers more than 24 miles of amazing biking routes that follow the river at every turn. It is a must-see for everyone who enjoys the great outdoors.
La Crosse stands out because of its position which puts you in the center of some of the most stunning natural beauty available. Your senses will be taken on a journey by the bike tracks themselves. As you ride through the meandering roads, you`ll be astounded by the way the Mississippi River`s glistening water meets the rich bluffs` foliage. La Crosse is a wonderful hidden treasure that will provide you with an exceptional experience when you`re looking for a respite from the bustle of city life...
...Full Story Here
Mayor Reynolds leads effort to safeguard freshwater resources along Mississippi River
LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Mayors from cities along the Mississippi River were in D.C. Thursday to emphasize the importance of the region.La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds is a co-chair of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative.
He joined 50 other mayors to ask legislatures to continue protections of the river, including the reestablishment of the Water Sub-cabinet.
The cabinet develops strategies to improve management of water resources across the nation.
The mayors say these protections are essential to ensure freshwater security in the future.
It`s resources also support 1,500,000 jobs and create nearly $500,000,000,000 in annual revenue...
Ken Notes: Nice to see this effort by local officials...
Our Visitor Guide Sponsors. Please check them out!
Fresh Art Spring Tour for 2025
Explore scenic backroads through woodlands, farmland, rolling hills and alongside the mighty Mississippi, her backwaters and tributaries. Use the Tour Map and watch for Fresh Art Tour signs posted along your journey. Enjoy spring`s artistry on a self-guided tour of our home studios and galleries located throughout the picturesque villages and countryside of Pepin, Pierce and Buffalo Counties.
7 Best American River Cruises for an Adventure Close to Home
Upper Mississippi River Cruise on American Cruise Line
Cruising from St. Louis to Minneapolis, this itinerary can check a whopping five midwestern states off of your bucket list — Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. It’s offered on four different ships, including the striking 150-passenger American Heritage paddlewheeler. Whichever you choose, you’ll spend your days immersing yourself in American history, diving deeper into the work of Mark Twain and exploring iconic sites such as the St. Louis Arch. Evenings include dinners of American fare, followed by local musicians who entertain with guitars, banjos and basses or perhaps a bluegrass singer.
Pros:
- Complimentary cocktails are served before dinner
- The cruise fare includes beer and wine with lunch and dinner, plus soda and water all day long
- On the newer ships, Aquavit Terrace serves up an American barbecue dinner on the top deck, complete with brisket and sausages, plus a raw bar full of regional oysters
- Elevators reach all decks, a real boon for those who need them
- The line has its own fleet of buses for use in port
...Full Story Here
DNR Launches The Wisconsin Fishing Finder
A New Web Tool To Help Anglers
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the launch of their new Wisconsin Fishing Finder, a comprehensive online fishing resource for anglers.
There are lots of great places to fish in Wisconsin, including over 15,000 inland lakes, 42,000 miles of perennial streams and rivers, 1,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline and 260 miles of the Mississippi River. With so many places to choose from, finding the place you want to fish is a little like finding a needle in a haystack. The Wisconsin Fishing Finder is here to help anglers find the fishing spot they are looking for.
Wisconsin Fishing Finder
Catch more fish on the Mississippi River with this tip
Ken Notes: This is an audio file for people fishing the river!
Tourism Sites and Event Calanders
...Full Story Here
Grant County
Crawford County
(Driftless Wisconsin)Vernon County
La Crosse County
Trempealeau County
Buffalo County
Pepin County
Pierce County
Monroe County
Other links
Great River Road Resources
Wisconsin Great River Road Website
Wisconsin Great River Road 2025 Visitors Guide
The Wisconsin Great River Road – Discover Wisconsin
Great River Road TripAdvisor
Explore La Crosse
Wisconsin Tourism Great River Road
National Website ExperienceMississippiRiver.com
MRPC Members Website National River Resources
Tourism Sites
Grant County
Crawford County (Driftless Wisconsin)
Vernon County
Events CalendarLa Crosse County
Trempealeau County
Buffalo County
Pepin County
Pierce County
Monroe County
River Pool Maps