3 Fall Getaways on the Great River Road

Fall is the perfect excuse to take the scenic route. Follow Wisconsin's Great River Road as colorful bluffs rise above the Mississippi River and welcoming small towns invite you to linger a little longer. Stop for a handcrafted treat, hike to scenic overlooks and make memories together that will stay with you long after the leaves have fallen.

Flavorful Food & Drink

The Great River Road is a foodie’s dream come true. Savor fall’s bounty with seasonal beverages along your journey at stops like the National Brewery Museum and Potosi Brewing Company, home of craft-brewed beers like Oktoberfest and Steamboat Shandy. Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery serves up orchard-fresh, locally-sourced ciders on a beautiful bluff just a short drive from Lake Pepin. And be sure to visit the road’s many wineries, like Elmaro Vineyard,  Seven Hawks Vineyard and Villa Bellezza Winery.

Along the shores of Lake Pepin, Harbor View Cafe is a seasonal favorite overlooking the marina with beautiful waterfront views. The ever-changing menu highlights fresh ingredients, from homemade soups and fresh-baked bread to beautifully prepared fish and unforgettable desserts. Grab a seat on the patio and soak up a spectacular Lake Pepin sunset while sharing a memorable meal together.

In La Crosse, Huck Finn's on the Water is a go-to stop for a classic Wisconsin fish fry. Grab a table outside, enjoy views of the river and choose between crispy walleye or catfish while boats glide past. It's the kind of relaxed meal that turns an ordinary afternoon into one you'll be talking about all weekend.

In Prairie du Chien, history is always on the menu at Pete's Hamburger Stand. Family-owned since 1909 and still using founder Pete Gokey's original hamburger recipe, this beloved roadside stop has welcomed generations of travelers. Order a burger, choose a table outside and enjoy a timeless Wisconsin tradition before continuing your journey along the river.

For a memorable culinary detour, make your way to Chef Shack in Bay City. Founded by James Beard Award–nominated chefs Lisa Carlson and Carrie Summer, this cozy weekend-only restaurant serves rustic French-inspired dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients, many grown by the owners themselves. The menu changes often, making every visit a delicious surprise—and one well worth the stop.

Scenic Outdoor Adventures

Whether you’re driving, walking, paddling or biking, fall foliage comes alive on the dramatic bluffs of the Great River Road. Bring bikes along to explore the Great River State Trail, or rent them from River Trail Cycles for easy adventuring.

The scenic byway also includes several stunning Wisconsin State Parks, including Nelson Dewey State Park with its striking scenic overlook, Perrot State Park complete with a boardwalk on Trempealeau Bay and Wyalusing State Park, known for its blufftop campsites and Native American burial mounds. For stunning panoramas that combine views of the leaves and the Mississippi River, visit Alma’s Buena Vista Overlook/Hiking Trail and La Crosse’s Grandad Bluff.

Discover Charming Detours

The Great River Road is brimming with historic points of interest that make for fascinating stops – discover some on a walk through the Alma National Historic District, marked by its 220 historic buildings that tell the story of early Wisconsin. For a dose of Wisconsin literary history, visit Pepin’s Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, which honors the beloved writer.

For a good, old-fashioned fall day, pick apples and choose pumpkins and jams to take home at Ecker’s Apple Farm and Shihata’s Orchard. Continue the theme with a tasty caramel apple from The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor.

The Great River Road has plenty of accommodations that are steeped in history and act as cozy respites on chilly fall days, like La Crosse’s Charmant Hotel, Alma’s Blue Door Inn and Wilson Schoolhouse Inn, also located in La Crosse.

Keep exploring this autumn with these 3 Charming Door County Escapes for Fall!