Paddle your way out of the Twin Cities and make a splash at the Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center at Freedom Park in Prescott, Wisconsin.
Right where the St. Croix River joins the Mississippi!
This spot is overflowing with info about the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.
Fill your brain (and your bill!) with facts for the journey ahead: knowledge is the best travel buddy for any duck!
Paddle down the Wisconsin side, trust me, you’re in for a feather-ruffling treat.
This sparkling stretch is like the Mississippi’s own crown jewel, glimmering blue thanks to all the sassy sediment the Chippewa River delivers.
It’s a duck’s dream come true: wide open water, shimmering sunlight, and scenery so pretty I might preen my feathers twice.
Here’s a secret from our Bobber: plan a stop in Redwood for one of his top hidden gems: Bayside Steakhouse.
This cozy, casual spot is a bar and grill with a view that’ll make you want to preen your feathers: boats gliding by, river breezes, and that unmistakable feeling of being part of something special.
Now, I may not have eyes to soak in the view, but the locals can’t stop quacking about the fantastic atmosphere!
Bayside has been making a splash in the Red Wing community for years.
From what I’ve gathered, they treat every customer like family, just the way a flock should.
There’s nothing better than a place that values friendship and togetherness. Now that’s the true spirit of the river!
Word on the waves is that Bayside serves up steaks and burgers so good, they’ll have your beak twitching with excitement.
It’s the kind of place where everyone knows your name!
Who knows, you might even waddle away with a new friend or two after digging into those delicious eats.
Next stop: the artsy town of Alma!
Waddle into the Wings Over Alma Nature and Art Center.
A quack-tastic place to learn about the river’s wild side and see how local artists turn river life into masterpieces.
With so much beauty and creativity swirling around, even a rubber duck like me gets inspired to try a splash of painting!
After soaking up all that art, it’s time to stretch those webbed feet! Waddle with me to Buena Vista Park!
The views from here are so stunning, you’ll feel like the king (or queen!) of the entire pond.
Hungry? Let’s make a pit stop at Bill’s Talk of the Town.
The locals are constantly chirping about their favourite river stories over tasty bites, and if you ask nicely, they might share a legendary fish tale or two!
Ready for some quirky river trivia? As you paddle out of Alma, keep your eyes peeled for the famous Rock in the House in Fountain City!
The homeowners turned this wild event into an unforgettable roadside attraction.
In 1995, a 55-ton boulder went rolling downhill and crashed right into a house, talk about an unexpected guest!
Now, let me quack about a foodie favourite, Harbour View Café! It’s a legendary stop along our river route, and our Bobber swears by it.
It’s a cozy nook with front-row views of Lake Pepin and the mighty Mississippi, just the place for a duck to relax and soak up the sights.
Step inside and you’re greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of scratch-made dishes (yes, even my bill twitches!).
Since 1980, Harbour View has been serving up meals made with love, local ingredients, and a dash of river spirit.
And the menu? Oh, it’s a feast fit for a flock! Flaky fresh fish, tender meats, and veggie delights that’ll have you quacking for seconds.
Their homemade soups, dressings, and desserts are legendary. I can almost see the fluffy bread rolling out of the oven, ready to float your cares away.
Trust me, you’ll want to waddle out with a full belly and a happy heart.
Next we float farther south, making a splashy stop in Iowa — Stay Tuned!
NEVER MISS A
