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This area is a paradise for foodies, and there’s a great restaurant there called the Driftless Cafe. More than 200 organic farms call Vernon County home. Located just 45 minutes from the lively river town of La Crosse and less than 2 hours from state capital of Madison, this area is home to the most organic farms in the state. Viroqua is a southern Wisconsin hidden gem. No matter the season, there’s always something for active visitors to Wisconsin’s West Coast. Other area activities are fishing, kayaking, boating, swimming, biking, hiking, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing. There’s usually live music, too, along with activities to keep both kids and adults entertained. This beautiful farm serves up unreal 100 percent grass-fed beef patties and Wisconsin beer in its charming valley location. Harbor View is where I have my birthday dinner every year try the halibut with black butter caper sauce or the delightful garlic roasted chicken.Īgritourism fans should check out Burger Night at Together Farms in Mondovi, just a little inland from the river.
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Please note that this spot is open seasonally and does not accept reservations, so prepare to enjoy a wait in the pretty chairs in front of the building. The town of Pepin is home to another must-stop restaurant: Harbor View Cafe. This tiny town of 500 is home to the Chef Shack, where a James Beard-nominated female chef serves up tasty morsels that vary based on the season. One of these noteworthy eateries can be found in Bay City, which rests on Lake Pepin’s northern shoreline. There’s even an associated wine trail, so vino enthusiasts can get to know the Upper Mississippi River Valley American Viticultural Area.įoodies should make time for the area as well, since there are some world-class restaurants hidden in the verdant bluffs. Roadtrippers will love the winding drive along State Highway 35, sometimes called the Great River Road. Lake Pepin is a fascinating place: Waterskiing was invented there, cute historic river towns dot its pretty shores, and you can visit at any time of the year. It is without a doubt my favorite place on the planet, and it’s somewhat off the tourist trail even though it’s just over an hour from the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metropolitan area. I know the area well, since I grew up just an hour from the lake’s shores, and my family has a lake house there. Lake Pepin is a natural reservoir situated in the Upper Mississippi River Valley it forms the widest natural part of the river and part of the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. I’ll start with my very favorite Wisconsin destination, the beautiful Lake Pepin region. This beautiful destination borders two Great Lakes and offers numerous hidden gems just waiting to be explored.įrom scenic Elkhart Lake to the striking Apostle Islands, here are some of the Badger State’s most stunning spots.
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But there’s more to the Midwestern state of Wisconsin than meets the eye. America’s Dairyland is known for producing great cheese and beer.
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