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News and Notes from The River
Roz Schnick, 2024 National MRPC Stewardship Award
- Rotary International
- The National Mississippi River Parkway Commission
- Wisconsin and Minnesota State Departments of Natural Resources
- The Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative-Mayors
- US Forestry Service
These and any others came together to sign an official proclamation and agreement on Sept. 28, 2023 to further work on formally and officially achieving improved pollinator habitat creating the National Great River Road Pollinator Trail.11 Must-Visit Wisconsin State Parks, According to Locals and Pros
...Perrot State Park, Trempealeau
The main attraction at Perrot State Park is, undoubtedly, the Mighty Mississippi. The 1,200-acre park sits at the confluence of that magnificent waterway and the Trempealeau River. Many of the 12.5 miles of trails here weave through prairie and afford sweeping views from bluffs; some have steep stretches with stairs. Beyond hiking, the park offers strong recreational options: Bicyclists can hop on the 24-mile Great River State Trail directly from the campground, and there are seasonal canoe rentals and even a canoe trail to follow. (The park also offers an adaptive kayak with a launching chariot for people with limited mobility.) In winter, several trails are groomed for cross-country skiing. ...
...Wyalusing State Park, Bagley
Hugging the western Wisconsin border along the Mississippi River, Wyalusing State Park is one of the state’s oldest parks. Here, you can hike, bike and camp; picnic on top of sky-high bluff overlooks; go fishing, boating and birdwatching; or even visit Native American burial grounds or the on-site astronomy center. Camping is very popular here, with a unique setting 500 feet above the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. In fact, the camping availability app, The Dyrt, ranked Wyalusing #7 on their Best Places to Camp in the Midwest list in 2024...
Explore 5 Historic Towns Along The Great River Road
It’s time to roll down the windows, feel the breeze, and soak in views as you take a family cruise through some of Wisconsin’s oldest towns. Buckle up because you’re in for an adventure along the Great River Road, one of Wisconsin’s national scenic byways.
The entire road traverses 3,000 miles through 10 states, and our 250-mile stretch takes you through 33 historic Wisconsin towns. Each town has a storied history and unique features ranging from scenic overlooks to standout restaurants to meaningful activities for the entire family. Here are some can’t-miss spots along the way....
...Full Story HereNew manmade island in the works on Mississippi River
RED WING, Minn. — There are many beautiful sights along the Mississippi River, everything from the water to the landscape around it, and soon, there will be another addition."Lake Pepin is filling in, so, it`s continuing to come in, sediment is filling it in, we`re losing places to even put that material," Rylee Hince, executive director of the Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance, said. "The corps doesn`t know what to do with that material from the channel, this is one opportunity for a beneficial use project."
Hince says this project will benefit the species that occupy the space and rely on it for shelter, acting as a way to boost the ecosystem. There`s also an added benefit for the residents living near the lake.
...Full Story Here
The Great River Road
16 songs inspired by the Mississippi River
... by Johnny Cash, Tina Turner, Eric Church and more
- "Big River," by Johnny Cash (bonus points if you add this rocking cover by The Secret Sisters)
- "Shenandoah," by Trampled by Turtles
- "My Home Is In The Delta," by Muddy Waters
- "Crossing Muddy Waters," by John Hiatt
- "Roll On Mississippi," by Charley Pride
- "Coast," by Shane Smith & the Saints
- "Proud Mary," by Ike & Tina Turner
- "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man," by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn
- "An Alien in Minneapolis," by Ondara
- "Living in the Mississippi Valley," by Julian Lage and Chris Eldridge
- "Mississippi Heavy Water Blues," by Barbecue Bob
- "Mornings In Memphis," by Justin Townes Earle
- "Mississippi Moon," by Eric Church
- "Watching The River Go By," by John Hartford
- "Ol` Man River," by Paul Robeson
- "Miss The Mississippi And You" by Merle Haggard & The Strangers
Discover Wisconsin Does The Great River Road
Last but not least, The Great River Road Scenic Byway serves as a Wisconsin classic when it comes to scenic drives. This 250-mile byway winds along the Mississippi River and goes through over 30 river towns.
The colors along this scenic byway burst in the fall, providing some of the best views of fall foliage in Wisconsin. Many of these towns are the oldest in the entirety of the Midwest, so be ready to get your history on! This drive isn’t just a history lesson though, it’s a place for foodies, wine maniacs, outdoor enthusiasts, and the easygoing alike. If you’re looking for the best places to visit along The Great River Road, be sure to check out our ‘The Wisconsin Great River Road – An All American Road’ , where we highlight some of our favorite destinations along the scenic byway...
Selena Notes: Please check the link for all the DW videos....
One Of America`s Most Underrated Highway Drives Is A Scenic Route Crossing 10 States
There`s no better way to experience America`s scenic beauty than with a classic road trip. While stunning and storied U.S. road trip routes like the historic Route 66 or the beach-lined Pacific Coast Highway get all the glory, the unsung routes deserve just as much attention. Stretching across 10 states and covering 3,000 miles, the Great River Road is considered the longest scenic byway in the U.S. and amongst the most underrated.Dotted with hundreds of riverside villages, historic sites, and miles of awe-inspiring scenery, the route runs along the mighty Mississippi from Minnesota to Louisiana, spanning some of the country`s most beautiful and renowned destinations. Whether you aspire to drive all of its 3,000 miles or opt for a bite-sized portion of the journey, a trip down the all-American Great River Road is perfect for a family-friendly road trip or a solo bucket list tour of the Midwest. Buckle up and get ready to travel the greatest river road in the United States.
Upper Mississippi River refuge celebrates 100 years of protection for fish, wildlife and habitat
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the core of a major flyway for migrating birds and one of the most visited refuges in the U.S. Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts saved it from being drained 100 years ago, but the next century brings new challenges.
High up on a bluff above the Mississippi River, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist positions a spotting scope to get a closer view of a marsh. It’s teeming with ducks.
Mallards, northern pintails and gadwalls dunk the front halves of their bodies under the surface to reach aquatic plants and mollusks. Further out, near the main river channel, a flotilla of American White Pelicans catch fish in their yellow bills, while Canada Geese fly in v-formations above.
In November, colder temperatures will draw even more birds, including tundra swans, says Billy Reiter-Marolf.
“Just in this area alone, we counted a peak of about 350,000 birds,” he said. “… Up and down the refuge, we get millions of waterfowl throughout the fall migration.”...
...Full Story Here
Wisconsin Mississippi River Interpretive Centers
Embracing the summer travel season at The Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center
Discover Wisconsin’s La Crosse & Beloit, fall getaways for Chicagoans
As fall settles into the Midwest, Chicagoans like me begin craving a peaceful escape from the city. Luckily, just a short drive away, La Crosse and Beloit, Wisconsin, offer the perfect mix of natural beauty and small-town charm. Whether you`re up for outdoor adventures, fall festivals, or cozy dining, these two towns provide the ultimate autumn getaway.La Crosse: a river town full of fall beauty
Grandad Bluff Park
Ken Notes: Nice to see Chicago press cover La Crosse and the river...
Other links
Great River Road Resources
Wisconsin Great River Road
The Wisconsin Great River Road – Discover Wisconsin
Great River Road Tripadvisor
Tourism Sites
Grant County
Crawford County (Driftless Wisconsin)
Vernon County
La Crosse County
Trempealeau County
Buffalo County
Pepin County
Pierce County
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