From Our Wisconsin Magazine - The Mighty Mississippi and more on Wisconsin`s west coast

By Julie Gilkay, Managing Editor "Our Wisconsin"- YOU KNOW it`s going to be a good day when pie is involved. And when there`s pie in the morning and in the afternoon, it`s absolutely exceptional, no matter how you slice it…

…Rather than taking the biking trail that starts on Second Street, we opted to drive to the 500-foot river bluffs and Buena Vista Park via County Road E. There, we took in panoramic views overlooking the Mississippi River and the historic downtown while munching on apples and sandwiches we packed. It`s the perfect spot for a picnic and to marvel at the immensity of the majestic river…

…From Alma, we hopped on the Wisconsin Great River Road and went north. Traveling 250 miles along the Mississippi and through 33 historic riverside communities, it is Wisconsin`s portion of the 10-state Great River Road National Scenic Byway.

After getting sidetracked and making a quick stop at the adorable and wildly popular Nelson Cheese Factory and Creamery, we had come to our destination—charming Stockholm. Steeped in Swedish roots, the village has a population of about 80 and is located on the banks of Lake Pepin.

Lake Pepin, at around 2 1niles wide, is the widest navigable portion of the Mighty Mississippi...