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Due to ongoing changes, please check ahead with organizations and events before traveling. For more information on safe travel visit the CDC travel page.
Pepin County
Follow the Mississippi River through Pepin County and you’ll discover the quaint towns of Stockholm and Pepin. Filled with bed and breakfasts, charming inns, boutique shops, galleries, and excellent dining. Beyond the coziness of these little river towns, you will also discover the fun of the outdoors with much to do when you’re social distancing.
Lake Pepin
The largest lake on the Mississippi River. Lake Pepin was where water skiing was born and where, in season, you can take sailboat rides or even sailing instruction with Sail Pepin. Angling on the lake is a favorite pastime with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and sauger being just a few of the 89 species to be found (and some of the most fun to catch). In winter months eagle watching is at its peak. Eagles can often be found congregating where there is open water access and the leaves off the trees make it easier to spot where their spectacular nests are.
Tiffany Wildlife Area
Wildlife viewing is at its best in the bottomland hardwood forests that make up the Tiffany Wildlife Area and the floodplain forests within the Tiffany Bottoms State Natural Area, which is part of one of the largest deltas in the Midwest. Deer, ruffed grouse, and beaver are all prevalent. West of the Chippewa River you will find plenty of parking locations to access the area. While there aren’t a lot of hiking trails a great option for exploring the land is the Five Mile Bluff Prairie. The trail to the top is not much more than a footpath, but the views are spectacular at any time of year.
Bike Trails
Pepin County is full of ridges and valleys and low traffic country roads for a pure Wisconsin bike tour. For trail enthusiasts, the Chippewa River State Trail is a great option. Connecting Durand, WI with the city of Eau Claire, this rails to trails biking path offers 30 miles of low incline biking. And the trail doesn’t have to be a summertime trip. Winter biking, including fat biking, is welcome on all DNR State Trails. The trail is not groomed for snowmobiles, but they are welcome as well and must share the trail with more pedestrian users.
Ready for You
The local businesses of Pepin County are preparing for your visit with Covid-19 considerations in place. You’ll find take-outs, curbside pickups, and limited seating within public spaces to ensure the ability to safely social distance. Businesses are adapting. Stockholm Pie & General Store is now bringing pie to the people, with pop-up sales around the region. YMCA Camp Pepin has adjusted to serving families in their cabins, instead of the usual Summer Camp. They have winter cabin rentals too to enjoy their ski and snowshoe trails and sledding hill!
Winter 2020 Events
What: Stockholm’s Cruisin’ Christmas
When: Friday and Saturday nights in December
Where: Decorated buildings, houses, trees, and the Village Park in Stockholm, WI
About: Lights, snow sculptures, inflatables, and creative ideas
