Galleries, Art Fairs, and Festivals On The Wisconsin Great River Road
The Wisconsin Great River Road has some great opportunities to explore the arts along the Mississippi River. Support local artists by checking out these galleries, art fairs, and art festivals along the river road on your next road trip. You may find a unique art piece for your home during your travels, or discover your next favorite artist!
Pump House Regional Arts Center
The Pump House Regional Arts Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin is an arts and culture center on the Wisconsin Great River Road located in the historic downtown area of the city. The Pump House has a mission of cultivating the visual, literary and performing arts in the La Crosse community by providing admission free galleries and diverse art programming for all ages and skill levels. Their building houses 3 art galleries, a 140 seat theatre, an art classroom with a poetry studio, and other meeting spaces that are open to the public. You can visit the Pump House to spend some time in the galleries looking at the art, catch a show in the theatre, or attend a class or workshop such as their popular Pump House Paint & Pour workshop, pottery classes, and more. The Pump House Regional Arts center also hosts the annual Artspire Art Fair & Sale each summer in La Crosse, highlighting local area artists and bringing the community together for a great event.
Alma Music and Arts Festival
Every Labor Day weekend, Wisconsin Great River Road travelers can stop in Alma, WI for the Alma Music and Arts Festival. Held at the Alma Beach and Marina right on the banks of the Mississippi River, the festival brings together the community for live music, food, art, and family-friendly activities. Local artists and artisans will have their art and goods for sale, and kids can enjoy face painting and other crafts and activities. Festival goers can also look forward to live performances by local musicians and various food vendors for a full day of art, music, food, and fun on the Mississippi.
Stockholm Art Fair
In Stockholm, WI art enthusiasts can enjoy the annual Stockholm Art Fair, a summertime tradition that has taken place on the shores of Lake Pepin for over 40 years. The art fair features over 100 artists and their works of art ranging from paintings, jewelry, clay, and photography to glass, sculpture, fiber, wood, leather, and more. Many of the artists are locally or regionally based, so the art fair is also a great opportunity to support local artists by purchasing one of their pieces and finding out more about their work. You can enjoy the view of Lake Pepin in Stockholm Village Park while strolling through the art booths, trying food from local vendors, and listening to a diverse line-up of regionally based musicians.
Fall Fresh Art Tour
The Fall Fresh Art Tour across Pepin and Pierce counties is an epic three day art excursion near the Wisconsin Great River Road. The tour travels to twenty one different home art studios and galleries throughout the two counties, winding through scenic back roads in the countryside during peak fall colors. The tour is self-guided, so you can travel at your own pace, and highlights twenty one area artists each year showcasing their unique works of art. The Fall Fresh Art Tour is a great way to enjoy the beauty of fall in Wisconsin and the touring the picturesque villages of the two counties while supporting local artists and viewing inspiring art.
