Wisconsin Great River Itinerary
Embark on the Wisconsin Great River Road Trip and explore the beautiful sights and attractions along the 445km route from Dubuque to Minneapolis. Start in Dubuque and drive through Prairie du Chien, La Crosse, and Alma. Enjoy the picturesque views of the Wisconsin River, the Mississippi River, and the Great River Road. Stop to explore the historical sites, state parks, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The best time of year to drive this route is from May to October for the best weather and road conditions. It's a great trip for all drivers, and can be done on a moderate budget. Enjoy the drive and the sights along the way!
3
number of days
445 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Dubuque
Distance 445 km
Driving time 5.9 h
Pace: fast
133.6 kWh
Airports
ORD
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RFD
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Dubuque, Iowa, is a great starting point for the Wisconsin Great River Road Trip. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Dubuque offers a wealth of activities and sights to explore. For nature-lovers, there are numerous parks, trails, and outdoor activities such as fishing and kayaking. Tourists can also visit the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium or take a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator for beautiful views of the city.
For those flying in, the closest international airport to Dubuque is the Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ). From there, visitors can rent a car and make their way to Dubuque. Once in the city, Dubuque offers a number of different car rental options to help you get around.
No trip to Dubuque would be complete without a visit to the historic downtown area. Here, visitors can explore the city's many shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The city also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with several bars and pubs offering live music and entertainment.
Dubuque is a great starting point for the Wisconsin Great River Road Trip. With its gorgeous views, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities, Dubuque is sure to provide a memorable experience.
1
Dubuque
- Prairie du Chien
Distance 119 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: fast
35.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip along the Mississippi River? Start your journey in Dubuque, Iowa, and drive 74 miles to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Along the way, you'll get to explore some of the most interesting places in the area.
First, you'll come across Potosi, a small town with a rich history. Here, you can visit the Potosi Brewery, the oldest brewery in Wisconsin, and the National Brewery Museum. You can also take a tour of the historic Potosi Riverfront and learn about the area's mining and logging history.
Next, you'll reach Prairie du Chien, a charming town located on the banks of the Mississippi River. Here, you can explore the many shops and restaurants, as well as the historic Fort Crawford Museum. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront and admire the stunning views.
This is just one of the many stages of your road trip. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" section of this stage. So, buckle up and get ready for a fun-filled road trip!
Prairie du Chien - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Prairie du Chien
- La Crosse
Distance 97 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: fast
29.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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The road trip stage from Prairie du Chien to La Crosse is a great way to explore the Midwest. The route is around 60mi (96.5km) long and takes less than 2 hours to drive. On the way, you will find a lot of interesting places to visit.
In Prairie du Chien, you should definitely check out the Villa Louis Historic Site, a mansion built in the late 1800s. The house is furnished with original furniture and offers a unique glimpse into the past. You can also visit the Effigy Mounds National Monument, which features Native American mounds and artifacts.
In La Crosse, you can explore the Riverside Park, which offers stunning views of the Mississippi River. The park is also home to the Grandad Bluff, a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. You can also visit the La Crosse Queen, a paddlewheel boat offering sightseeing tours of the river.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
La Crosse - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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3
La Crosse
- Alma
Distance 88 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: fast
26.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from La Crosse to Alma, a journey of just 55 miles (88 km) and less than 1 hour of driving. Start by exploring the Great River Bluffs State Park, where you can enjoy a scenic view of the Mississippi River Valley and its rugged bluffs. The park is home to several hiking trails, and there are also opportunities for fishing and bird watching. Be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding countryside.
Continue your journey to Alma, a charming town located along the banks of the Mississippi. Here you can visit the Alma Aquatic Center and the Alma Historical Museum, both of which offer interesting insights into the area's history and culture. You can also take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the fresh air and stunning views of the river.
This is just one of the many stages of an incredible road trip. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Alma - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Alma
- Minneapolis
Distance 141 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: fast
42.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your road trip in Alma, United States and enjoy the journey to Minneapolis! This 88mi drive will take you fewer than 2 hours, so you can take your time to explore the most interesting places along the way.
In Alma, take a moment to appreciate the historical sites and monuments. Make sure to take a few pictures of the monuments and buildings, so you can remember your trip afterwards.
On your way to Minneapolis, you will pass through some interesting towns and villages. Make sure to take a break and explore each of them. You can find some great restaurants and cafes in each of them.
Once you reach Minneapolis, you can explore the city and its attractions. Make sure to take a look at the iconic landmarks, such as the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
Remember that more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip and make sure to take lots of pictures!
Minneapolis - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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Minneapolis
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The beautiful city of Minneapolis, Minnesota is the perfect ending point to the Wisconsin Great River Road Trip. Located on both banks of the Mississippi river, Minneapolis is a vibrant city with plenty to offer.
Start off your visit to Minneapolis by exploring the downtown area. Take a stroll along the stone arch bridge, visit the Mill City Museum, and explore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Visit the Walker Art Center for some of the best contemporary art in the area. With over 40,000 works of art, it's sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Another great way to get a feel for Minneapolis is to take a boat tour on the Mississippi. See the city from a different perspective and check out the city skyline. You can also take a walking tour of the historic district and learn more about the city's history.
Minneapolis is home to some of the best shopping in the area. Stop by the Mall of America for some of the best brands and stores. The nearby Uptown area also offers a great selection of shops and restaurants.
For those traveling by air, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is the closest international airport.
Minneapolis is the perfect ending point for the Wisconsin Great River Road Trip. With plenty of things to see and do, it's sure to be a memorable experience.
Wisconsin Great River at a glance
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Start:
Dubuque
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End:
Minneapolis
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Distance:
445 km
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Stay:
3 days
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Getting there:
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD),
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Hopefully, our Wisconsin Great River Road Trip gave you multiple inspirations for your future holiday excursions.
Our itinerary can be used as a foundation that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting stopovers of your choice.
If you are planning on travelling by car in Wisconsin, there are a number of important road rules to follow and a list of things to be mindful of to turn your adventure into pure pleasure.
These tips will also become useful for tourists who are considering renting a car or camper rental in Wisconsin.
There are a number of traffic rules to be remembered while on a tour around Wisconsin.
When moving around Wisconsin in a car, try to avoid spirits at any price.
Holidaymakers ought to remember that the allowed consumption limit is very low and cannot exceed 0.5‰.
In order to avoid speeding offence, it is best to never exceed 40km/h, which is the maximum speed when driving around the build-up areas.
In undeveloped areas, holidayers can travel at the maximum allowed speed of 72km/h.
Avoid driving faster than the speed limit of 129km/h while on motorways.
It is best to equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and drive with your headlights on at daytime for your own safety.
The majority of holidaymakers wonder about the costs of the whole trip.
The total expenses during the whole tour may vary depending on the budget option that you are interested in.
A wide range of budget options is presented below.
If you go for the budget option, you have to pay the maximum of 63 EUR for fuel to cover the planned 5 stages while travelling around Wisconsin.
Economy accommodation options can cost holidayers roughly 242 EUR.
If this option is your target, you will spend roughly 216 EUR on restaurants and food.
Travellers will have to pay around 135 EUR if they are interested in the cheapest car hire option as well.
Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to about 521 EUR without vehicle rental and 656 EUR with car rental.
Holidayers who seek greater comfort and the standard option should be prepared to pay the maximum of 75 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the trip.
Cost amounting to 352 EUR can be expected by all travellers who are considering standard overnight stays.
The slightly increased standard in comparison to the budget option entails expenditures amounting to around 324 EUR.
Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental car should expect a cost of about 162 EUR.
Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay more or less 913 EUR for the whole itinerary, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle hire will spend more or less 751 EUR.
Holidaymakers who would like to benefit from the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium option.
When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 1,409 EUR for drivers who are considering vehicle rental and 751 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle.
Travellers who would like to cover the road trip in a premium hire vehicle can expect a cost of roughly 270 EUR.
If you are interested in the highest standard of the trip, you will pay about 113 EUR for fuel.
Holidayers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their adventure should expect to pay about 594 EUR for accommodation and about 432 EUR for food and restaurants.
Our trip is also excellent for camper enthusiasts.
When it comes to this travel means, the expenses are more or less 675 EUR.
Travellers will spend roughly 125 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the trip.
Holidaymakers who will go for camper rental should expect to pay more or less 165 EUR for overnight stays and roughly 216 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the above-mentioned costs in detail.
The best travel opportunity when exploring the part of Wisconsin showed in our road trip idea is between May and October.
There are countless intriguing adventures that are available on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip opportunities.
Hopefully, the great variety of travel opportunities will surely live up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists.