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Spectacular Sights and Things To See On The Great River Road!
The Wisconsin Great River Road runs through 33 river towns for 250 miles of sights, attractions, and places to visit. These towns are home to spectacular sights and unique things to see and are worth the stop for any Great River Road traveler looking to experience the true essence of the road. Here are some of the best things to see along the way on your next road trip.
Buena Vista Overlook
Buena Vista Overlook can be found within Buena Vista Park in the charming river town of Alma, Wisconsin. The overlook gives a stunning view of the Mississippi River, where visitors can watch boats and barges near Lock & Dam #4 and see the sand islands and backwater areas. The park also has places for hiking and picnicking.
Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden and Museum
Built between 1959 and 1974 by artist Herman Rusch, the Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden and Museum feature nearly 40 large concrete, stone, and rock sculptures. A tour of the area will reveal the unconventional materials that Rusch used to create his art, as well as several sculpted flower beds. You can find the sculpture garden and museum along the river road in Cochrane, Wisconsin
Kinstone
Kinstone is a one-of-a-kind stop on the Great River Road near Fountain City, Wisconsin. This site is 30-acres of stone structures, natural buildings, native prairie, oak savanna, and scenic views of the Mississippi River. Come to enjoy this modern megalithic site and stay awhile for the tranquility and peace you may find while walking the grounds.
Elmer’s Auto & Toy Museum
Stop in to see pedal cars, antique toys and tools, and classic muscle and antique cars and trucks at Elmer’s Auto & Toy Museum on the Great River Road. This Fountain City attraction located on top of Eagle Bluff is a great place to take the family for an enjoyable detour and offers one of the best views of the Mississippi River Valley.
Riverside International Friendship Gardens
Located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the Riverside International Friendship Garden celebrates La Crosse’s sister-city communities in China, Germany, France, Russia, Norway, Ireland, and Cameroon. Come see the beautiful gardens for free, each featuring unique flora from these communities. The gardens are a perfect place to refresh after driving a while with places to sit and enjoy the natural beauty.
Shrine Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe
The Shrine Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe is a beautiful, spiritual destination for visitors to find solace and strength. It is a place for the reception of the sacraments or for reflecting on personal milestones. Anyone can visit to see the beautiful chapels, statues, gardens, and devotional areas, and it is a great stop along the river road for a peaceful and undisturbed break.
Dickeyville Grotto
The beautiful grotto found in Dickeyville, Wisconsin is another unique sight along the river road. Located on Holy Ghost Parish grounds, it features the works of a Catholic priest who was the pastor from 1918 to 1931. The grotto consists of several religious and patriotic shrines with stone and mortar creations adorned in colored glass, gems, antique heirlooms, seashells, and other similar materials.
