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Enjoy a scenic drive visiting interesting and informative attractions that appeal to the entire family. Featured on this circuit are points of historical interest and natural beauty. There's even a chance to visit a premier shopping outlet sure to impress anyone connected with the outdoors. Use this guide to plan your day trip along this historically rich area of the Midwest.  (Map courtesy of Google Maps)
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Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area |
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This small (77 acres), secluded natural area is located at the south edge of Ferryville. Nature lovers will enjoy the rich variety of trees and plants native to this area. Sugar Creek Bluff is owned by the Mississippi Valley Conservancy and was designated a State Natural Area in 2002. Access is free. Additional information available at the Wisconsin DNR website. http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/sna/sna338.htm |
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Lynxville Lock and Dam No. 9 |
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 Located on Mississippi River mile marker 647.9, 8 miles south of Ferryville near Lynxville, Wis. Built and operated by US Army Corps of Engineers. Constructed and placed in operation in July 1937. Dam consists of concrete structure 811 feet long with five roller gates and eight tainter gates. Earth embankment 9,800 feet long with a grouted overflow spillway 1,350 feet long. Lock is 110 feet wide by 600 feet long.
Click here for a stunning photo of the backwaters below the dam. |
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Largest show cave in Midwest. Centuries old Indian shelter carved by underground river, maze of chambers and tunnels created by water flowing through bedrock limestone over thousands of years.
Open May 15 through October 31, rain or shine. Cameras welcome.
Hwy 60 on Rhein Hollow Road, Wauzeka, 608-875-7723 ,
www.kickapooindiancaverns.com |
 The Victorian Country Estate of Wisconsin's first Millionaire Hercules Dousman. Get a glimpse of the life few experienced in the late 19th century. Located 30 minutes south of Ferryville on Highway 35 in the heart of Prairie du Chien. 521 Villa Louis Road Prairie du Chien, WI 608-326-2721 villalouis.wisconsinhistory.org |
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Mississippi River Sculpture Park |
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Mississippi River Sculpture Park in Prairie du Chien Wisconsin's second oldest settlement now offers an opportunity to journey through 12,000+ years of human history as it influenced those who shaped this section of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Admission to the park is free. New sculptures are placed on display as they are completed so be sure to visit often. Located 30 minutes south of Ferryville adjacent to Villa Louis on St. Feriole Island. http://www.prairieduchiensculpturepark.com/ |
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A Noteworthy Summertime Tradition in downtown Prairie du Chien since 1909. Hamburgers cooked in water? With or without onions? In a free-standing "shanty" in the middle of the street? No tables or seating? Sounds weird but you have to try them and then you'll know why “once people try one, they can't stop. They have to keep coming back”. Across the street from Starks Sport shop at 118 W. Blackhawk Ave. Open from June thru third week of October.
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 The museum boasts more than 50 exhibits in 3 buildings, which reflect the historical society's mission to tell the story of Prairie du Chien with emphasis on Fort Crawford, especially the amazing story of Dr. William Beaumont, the famous medical pioneer, often referred to as the “Father of American Physiology”. The leader of Sauk Indian Nation, Black Hawk, surrended after the “Battler of Bad Axe, in Prairie du chien and was briefly imprisoned at Fort Crawford. The bars from his prison cell window are on display on the grounds yet today. 717 S. Beaumont Road Prairie du Chien, WI 608-326-6960 www.fortcrawfordmuseum.com |
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Cabela's retail outlet offers in-store events and special discounts on many weekends. Store features a Bargain Cave for those who are budget conscious. Located 30 minutes south of Ferryville on Highway 35 at the north end of Prairie du Chien. 33901 State Hwy 35 Prairie du Chien, WI 608-326-5600 www.cabelas.com Visit the Retail Stores tab from the main website to see the current schedule of events and specials. |
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WHERE THE WISCONSIN AND MISSISSIPPI RIVERS MEET  
At 500 feet above the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. One of the Wisconsin oldest parks, Wyalusing features Indian burial mounds, canoe trail, 23.7 miles of hiking trails, 7.7 miles of mountain bike trails, bird watching, cross-country ski trails.
County Highway C just south of the Wisconsin River Bridge. Located 45 minutes south of Ferryville. 608-996-2261 www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/wyalusing |
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Stonefield Village and Governor Dewey Estate |
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 A MUSEUM OF AGRICULTURAL HISTORY , VILLAGE LIFE AND THE ESTATE OF GOVERNOR NELSON DEWEY
Stonefield celebrates Wisconsin's rich agricultural heritage. You can learn about the rise of turn-of-the-century dairy farming and the development of modern farm implements, including tractors, reapers and threshing machines. Experience the sights and sounds of the railroad — the era's most important transportation. Discover the grand summer estate of Wisconsin's first governor, Nelson Dewey. Explore Stonefield today to see what made the state become "America's Dairyland." Located 90 minutes south of Ferryville. 12195 County Road VV Cassville, WI 53806 http://stonefield.wisconsinhistory.org/ |
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Lady Luck Casino, Marquette, Iowa |
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Cross the bridge from Wisconsin to Iowa to continue your adventure starting with a little excitement.
Lady Luck knows exactly what you want! Great gaming action mixed with down-home service of a small town along one of the most scenic areas of the Mississippi River. Located 40 minutes south of Ferryville. 100 Anti Monopoly Marquette, IA 52158
1-888-523-9582
www.ladyluckmarquette.com
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Yes, this is the same Zebulon Pike after whom was named the more famous Pikes Peak in Colorado, but this is the original! From the top of the 500-foot bluff, the confluence of the Wisconsin River and the mighty Mississippi is seen to the south. To the north, the view of the bridges connecting Iowa and Wisconsin is breathtaking. Pikes Peak State park is located in the Paleozoic Plateau” that was missed by the glaciers that flattened and molded so much of Iowa. Pikes Peal State park is hiker's delight. Located 45 minutes south of Ferryville. Contact Information
15316 Great River Road
McGregor, IA 52157-8558
ph. 563/873-2341
fax 563/873-3167 http://www.iowadnr.gov/parks/state_park_list/pikes_peak.html |
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Underground Boat Trip Spook Cave offers a unique underground river experience. You will encounter a cave that will reflect no seasonal temperature change, always at 47 F. The air you breath is so fresh, clean, so pollution free. 13299 Spook Cave Rd
McGregor, IA 52157 Located one hour south of Ferryville.
www.spookcave.com
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Effigy Mounds National Monument |
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“…one of the finest mound groups in all America...”
An “Effigy Mound” American Indian culture developed over 1,000 years ago placing thousands of earthen mounds across the landscape of what (today) includes parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois.
Over 200 mounds are preserved intact within the Monument; 31 are effigies in the shape of bears and birds - commemorating the passing of loved ones and the sacred beliefs of these ancient peoples 151 Hwy 76, Harpers Ferry, Iowa 52
563-873-3491
www.nps.gov/efmo
Located 45 minutes south of Ferryville. Although our address is "Harper's Ferry", we are actually located much closer to (4 miles north) of Mcgregor & Marquette, Iowa |
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Return to Ferryville along the Iowa Great River Road |
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Begin your return trip to Ferryville continuing along the Iowa Great River Road west of the Mississippi River. This short trip offers some of the most scenic terrain in Iowa. Pass through Harper's Ferry and Lansing before crossing the bridge back to Wisconsin. |
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South Circuit