MINNESOTA
KELLOGG
LARK Toys
North America’s largest independent specialty toy store has games, candy, antiques, and a world-class carousel. Off Co. Rd. 18, 507-767-3387
Whitewater State Park
A wonderland of bald eagles, year-round naturalist programs, fly fishing, a sandy swimming beach, and scenic campgrounds and trails. Hwy. 74 near Elba, 507-932-3007
John A. Latsch State Park
Climb the river-view trail to 500-foot Charity Bluff for a soaring view. 507-932-3007
WINONA
Sterling Motel
This 1950s inn is a retro roadside landmark on the north side of town. 1450 Gilmore Ave., 507-454-1120
Carriage House B & B
An 1870 home with four rooms—and bike rentals for cruising the college town. 420 Main St., 507-452-8256
Acoustic Café
A cozy coffeehouse for a latte and light lunch. 77 Lafayette St., 507-453-0394
Pieces of the Past
Handcrafted furniture and décor. 2nd and Lafayette Sts., 507-452-3722
Abby’s Soda Jerk
Old-fashioned candy shop and soda fountain with burgers and shakes. 119 E. 3rd St., 507-474-1001
Jefferson Pub & Grill
American fare and a long list of beers. 58 Center St., 507-452-2718
DAKOTA
Great River Bluffs State Park
Walk the 2.5-mile King’s Bluff Trail and see incredible vistas of the river valley. Off Co. Rd. 3, 507-643-6849
LA CRESCENT
Bauer’s Market
Nursery and market with apples and addictive chocolate-covered peanuts. 221 N. 2nd St., 507-895-4583
The Commodore Restaurant & Lounge
Loaded with nautical-themed character. 215 S. Chestnut St., 507-895-4557
The Ranch Motel
For the truly rustic. Think Thelma and Louise meets Fargo. Closed in winter. 200 S. Chestnut St., 507-895-4422
WISCONSIN
ALMA
Alma Leather
Workshop for custom-made leather backpacks, purses, and clothing. 121 N. Main St., 608-685-4775
Alma Hotel
Main Street’s year-round inn with its own restaurant and bar. 201 N. Main St., 608-685-3380
Art & Soul
Browse the gallery for fine art and imports. Closed in winter. 303 N. Main St., 888-672-8188
Kate & Gracie’s
Grab a window booth and spy on the eagles over sophisticated comfort food. 215 N. Main St., 608-685-4505
J.R. General Mercantile
Bulk foodstuffs and pioneer kitchen gadgets. 325 S. Main St., 608-685-3886
Water Lily Gifts
Full of candles and home accents. 111 N. Main St., 608-685-4911
Beef Slough Store
Find collectibles, cabin décor, candies, and espresso drinks. 200 S. Main St., 608-685-4555
The Commercial
Chic blankets, baby clothes, art, jewelry, and an urban boutique feel. 305 S. Main St., 608-685-4104
Laue House Inn
Old endearing B & B. 1111 S. Main St., 608-685-4923
Fountain City
Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden
Your eye will find these quirky exhibits in no time. S2727 Prairie Moon Rd., Cochrane, 608-687-8250
Merrick State Park
A lazy spot for fishing and waterfowl that’s just north of town. 608-687-4936
Holmes Landing
It doesn’t get more riverfront than this perfect pit stop. 119 S. Main St., 608-687-3095
The Monarch Public House
Welcoming travelers since 1894 for beer, wine, and Irish/American fare. 19 N. Main St., 608-687-4231
Hawks View Cottages
A good base in the hills for birders and kayakers. 330 S. Hill St., 866-293-0803
River City Kayaks
This quirky store sells sleek wood kayaks and hosts paddling socials. 123 Main St., 608-687-8158
Hillside Fish House
If it swims, it’ll be at this impossible-to-miss restaurant. Hwys. 35 and 54, eight miles south of town. 608-687-6141
TREMPELEAU
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
Explore the inhabited forest, prairie, and grasslands or canoe down the quiet river passage. Hwy. 35, 608-539-2311
Perrot State Park
Campers head to this 1,400-acre park under the bluffs where the Trempealeau and Mississippi Rivers meet just north of town. Hwy. 35, 608-534-6409
Trempealeau Hotel
Historic hostelry with cottages, suites, and a screened-porch dining room. 150 Main St., 608-534-6898
Sullivan’s Supper Club
Fine dining and cocktails by the river. 608-534-7775
Great River State Trail
A friendly twenty-four-mile hike/bike trail that weaves through the Mississippi River bottomlands. 608-534-6409
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