...Full Story Here

There is still a chance to discover the Cassville Ferry this fall, which is an historic and scenic way to cross the Mississippi River. Operating since 1836, this ferry connects the Wisconsin and Iowa Great River Roads, offering visitors a unique experience. Enjoy the beauty of the river and the surrounding landscapes while reliving a piece of history.

Connecting two National Scenic Byways

And Then!

Cassville car ferry to serve Lansing & De Soto in off-season

LANSING - Some welcome news broke last week that the Cassville Car Ferry will be deployed to ferry passengers, after the Blackhawk Bridge in Lansing is demolished this fall. 

The ferry will carry passenger cars and pick-up trucks from the Lansing Marina, across the navigation channel, and to the area where the Army Corps of Engineers has their sand pile...

...Mayor Verdon of Lansing confirmed that the 16-car Cassville Car Ferry will serve in Lansing during its off season. He said the service will be offered free of charge, 16 hours per day, seven days per week...

   ...Full Story Here

Selena Notes: There is also a lot to do in Cassville. Check out this link.

   ...Full Story Here

Ken Notes: If you have not been, you must add Freedom Park to your list of Great River Road Destinations.

It happens every year as autumn approaches. When the weather begins to cool, I get itchy feet and a burning desire to travel to see fall foliage. Last year was no exception, but my time was limited. Where to go for a quick trip?

The Great River Road, or at least a piece of it in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Running alongside the Mississippi River, this National Scenic Byway winds through 10 states, nearly 3,000 miles, from the river’s headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. I’d mapped out a sliver of it.

Eschewing the interstate highways, my husband and I drove west on Illinois Route 64, North Avenue in our western suburbs. We reached the river in Savanna and turned north on Illinois Route 84...

The Great River Road was also mentioned in this national article. 

   ...Full Story Here

Ken Notes: Of course a fall drive up or down the Great River Road is a given, I love fall in Wisconsin...

MAP		Discover Wisconsin Great River Road Video
Here`s to Being Here: Great River Road | Sights to See Along the Mississippi

   ...Full Story Here   ...Full Story Here

MASON CITY, Iowa — Travelers using the Iowa 9/Wisconsin 82 bridge over the Mississippi River in Lansing should prepare for upcoming closures, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s District 2 Office.

The bridge, along with Iowa 26 north of it, will close from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on September 9 and September 10, weather permitting. This closure will allow crews to set up heavy equipment and construct a crane on the Iowa side for the new bridge`s steel framework.

For updates on the new Mississippi River Bridge construction and the existing bridge status, visit iowadot.gov/lansingbridge or follow the project on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LansingBridge/.

SEE ALSO:

Progress being made for ferry plans ahead of Lansing bridge closure

Lansing businesses prepare for Mississippi Bridge closure

   ...Full Story Here

Sherry Notes: We are all following this closely and are meeting with our elected official as well. We will keep you in the loop.

   ...Full Story Here

Four of our members were able to attend the National Mississippi River Parkway Commission meeting on 9/9/25 - 9/23/25 in Baton Rouge, LA.(Sherry Quamme - Chairperson, Tracy Fishnick - Marketing Committee Chairperson, Francis Schelfhout - Chair of our Technical Committee and Co-Chair of the National MRPC Transportation Committee, Andrew Nussbaum - WIMRPC Marketing Comm. and WI Dept. of Tourism.).

   ...Full Story Here

   ...Full Story Here

The Mississippi River stretches for around 2,400 miles from central Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Every year, 30 to 50 paddlers attempt to travel its length.

Shawn Hamerlinck made the journey by kayak. A teacher had planted the idea for the trip in his mind years ago, as a way to see ecosystems along the length of the Mississippi River.

He started on May 24, 2025, and paddled, on average, 12 to 14 hours per day. 

For him, the undertaking was personal. 

Others who do it try to use it for advocacy. Five friends who took off on Sept. 1, 2025, are traveling under the banner of the Drift South Expedition and plan to do citizen science, education and fundraising along the way. 

Whatever the motivation, it’s sure to be an adventure...   ...Full Story Here

Ken Notes: GREAT read!

Mayors call for better disaster mitigation programs, announce tool that will compile information on drought, flooding and river levels

Mayors along the Mississippi River are pushing for changes in how the federal government prevents and responds to disasters.

As national politicians look at ways to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, a coalition of mayors are hoping to inform the process while also finding ways to tackle problems themselves.

“Emergency response is not becoming something that is needed less,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “Emergencies and crises, they are indeed happening more often. And so we all need to be prepared.”

Congress is currently drafting legislation that seeks to streamline the process for receiving aid while also asking states to invest in mitigation and private insurance policies. It also would elevate FEMA to a cabinet-level agency. At the same time, a council created by President Donald Trump is reviewing the agency and recommending changes...

SEE ALSO:

Mississippi River Basin communities launch new disaster relief effort

Mississippi River mayors want FEMA reform to include wetlands to fight floods

   ...Full Story Here

 

All of our sponsors!
Comming Soon...

   ...Full Story Here

LA CROSSE, Wis. (Sept. 15, 2025) – Boater Clayton Weber of West Salem, Wisconsin, caught a total of 10 bass weighing 37 pounds, 1 ounce, over two days to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine at the Mississippi River – La Crosse Presented by Lew’s . The tournament, hosted by Explore La Crosse, was the fifth and final event of the season for the BFL Great Lakes Division. Weber earned $5,831 for his victory...

Oconomowoc’s Steve Lopez Wins Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Championship on Mississippi River

Wisconsin pro earns $100,000 payday with final-day five-bass limit weighing 16 pounds, 10 ounces...

   ...Full Story Here

Grant County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Wisconsin Great River Road Facebook Page	Crawford County Events Calendar Visitor Guide
La Crosse County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Trempealeau County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Buffalo County Events Calendar
Pepin County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Pierce County Events Calendar Google Map	Vernon County Events Calendar Visitor Guide

   ...Full Story Here

Great River Road Resources

Wisconsin Great River Road Website

Wisconsin Great River Road 2025 Visitors Guide

All-American Great River Road National Scenic Byway

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

Other Tourism Sites

Monroe County

Events Calendar

River Pool Maps

   ...Full Story Here