The Wisconsin Great River Road traces the mighty Mississippi River along the state’s western border, delivering one of the Midwest’s most spectacular drives. From the bluffs of Prescott, where the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers converge, to the rolling farmland near the Illinois border, this route showcases Wisconsin’s quieter, wilder side.

Towering limestone bluffs rise above the river, their faces streaked with age and draped in hardwood forest. Small river towns like La Crosse, Prairie du Chien, and Alma punctuate the journey with local charm — antique shops, riverside restaurants, and museums that tell stories of steamboat days and Native American heritage. Watch for bald eagles soaring above the water, particularly near the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge, one of the longest refuges in the country.

Stop at Grandad Bluff for panoramic views stretching into Minnesota and Iowa, or explore Wyalusing State Park where the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers meet. The route passes through the Driftless Region, an area untouched by glaciers, giving it a rugged, hilly character unlike anywhere else in the Midwest.

Visit in autumn when the bluffs ignite with color, or in spring when eagle watching peaks. Allow two full days to savor the journey.

Explore Nearby

• Governor Thompson State Park — State Park in Wisconsin
• Eagle River Recreation Management Area — Public Land
• Menominee River State Park and Recreation Area — State Park in Wisconsin
• Menominee Pier Light — Lighthouse in Michigan
• Peshtigo Reef Light — Lighthouse in Wisconsin