Relax and enjoy the scenic beauty and unique culture of the Upper Mississippi River Valley and Great River Road, a national scenic by-way rated among the top scenic areas in America! We’ll journey through hardwood forests and picturesque farmland, then to historic river towns and spectacular overlooks of the river valley. Along the way, your group can choose to visit wildlife refuges and nature parks, apple orchards, wineries, and vineyards, the National Eagle Center, the lock and dam navigation system, art museums and galleries, and a magical toy shop that is among the largest in the country. Stroll one of the parks, beaches, or marinas along magnificent Lake Pepin, take memorable photos from scenic overlooks of the broad river valley, its steep bluffs, and sky-blue waters, and experience unique shopping in historic river towns that line both sides of the mighty river. Enjoy lunch at an historic Wisconsin creamery or dine at one of several restaurants with inspiring river views.

Highlights & Options

5 to 8 Hours Roundtrip ~ Trolley or Motor Coach Transportation

  • Great River Road National Scenic Byway ~ Rated Most Scenic Drive in America in 2012
  • Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge ~ Backwaters, Bird-watching & Nature
  • Lock and Dam Navigation System ~ Watch Boats & Barges “Lock Through”
  • Marine Art Museum ~ Renowned Art Museum with Collections Dedicated to Water, Sea, & River Themes
  • LARK Toys & Hand-carved Carousel ~ Largest Family-Owned Toy Store in the U.S
  • National Eagle Center ~Live Eagle Feeding & Veterans’ Program, Photos & Museum
  • Historic Nelson Creamery ~ Lunch & Refreshments on the Outdoor Patio
  • Great River Road Wine Trail ~ Danzinger, Villa Bellezza, Falconer, or Whitewater Wineries & Vineyards
  • Buena Vista or Frontenac State Park ~ Scenic Overlooks of the Mississippi River Valley
  • Lake City Marina & Scenic Lake Pepin ~ Birthplace of Water Skiing
  • Historic River Towns ~ Winona, Wabasha, Red Wing (MN); Alma, Pepin, Stockholm (WI)
  • Pearl of the Lake Paddleboat Cruise ~ Captain’s Talk, Cocktails, Snack bar or Dining