Great River Road-North Bicycle Tour

Wisconsin's portion of the Great River Road (Highway 35) can lay claim to the most beautiful views and scenic overlooks along the entire Mississippi River. Here the river carved a deep gorge through the layered limestone. Towering bluffs stand out against green-forested valleys. Just east of Hwy. 63, an historical marker points out an unusual landmark; a stone pattern shaped like a bow and arrow created on a distant hillside by early Native Americans. The section between Prescott and Stockholm contains some of the most challenging hills in the state. Riding east between Bay City and Maiden Rock, the road rises 450 feet in two-and-a-half miles. The reward is a stunning view of Lake Pepin below; the Mississippi fills the valley from bluff to bluff. Just east of Pepin, a natural dam created by the delta of the Chippewa River backs up the waters of the Mississippi for 24 miles creating the lake. Riding along the Mississippi isn't all work, though. The laid-back character of Wisconsin river towns invites you to linger. Local antique shops are wonderful places to explore. Quaint cafes en-route are essential refueling stops, each with its own unique character. Numerous wayside parks and historical sites offer a chance to rest for the next hill, or just kick back and watch the river flow.