Two weekends ago, Mr. B and I packed the Jeep, loaded Nero, and set off for Pepin, WI, and the neighboring small towns. It was a proper road trip, and I couldn’t wait to show my husband the place I loved as a child.
Growing up, summer vacations often meant exploring Pepin and nearby farms with my mom and step-dad Greg. Greg’s family is from Stockholm, WI, and they keep a summer home in Pepin. When they invited us to join them, I jumped at the chance to introduce my city‑slicker husband and our dog to the country pace I remember so fondly.
Although it had been several years since I drove the six hours from Chicago, the route was familiar and welcoming. The Lake Pepin area is rich in attractions: the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum (Pepin was her childhood home and the setting for her first book), the National Eagle Center, and locations where the movie Grumpy Old Men was filmed. Red Wing is known for its boots, and Stockholm is a lively artists’ community.
Pepin did not disappoint. Despite frequent rain, we had a wonderful time visiting family and old friends; a gentle nostalgia lingered through the whole trip. There’s something restorative about large open spaces and fresh air. I often daydream about moving there permanently—at least for summers—though I admit the winters across the river can be harsher than Chicago’s.
One day we circled the entire lake, starting in Pepin and driving through Stockholm, Maiden Rock, Bay City, Red Wing, Lake City, Reads Landing, Wabasha, Nelson, and back to Pepin. You can follow the Great River Road signs to take the same scenic route. Along the way, small towns offered restaurants, quirky shops, and local festivals—Bay City had one event while Lake City celebrated Water Ski Days. We didn’t know anyone at these gatherings, but sometimes that’s part of the fun: grab a beer or a cider and enjoy people‑watching.
Traveling with locals opens doors to hidden gems. We took back roads through cornfields tucked into the Mississippi River bluffs and even spotted a black bear wandering through a field—both startling and thrilling. If you can, befriend someone who knows which county roads lead to memorable sights; you never know what you’ll encounter.
Below is a concise travel guide for the Lake Pepin area covering towns on both the Wisconsin and Minnesota sides. I didn’t visit every spot on this list during this trip, and some businesses don’t maintain websites—another reminder that part of Lake Pepin’s appeal is its authenticity. I’ll update this list after future visits; if you know a place I should include, let me know and I’ll try to check it out.
Lake Pepin Travel Guide
Pepin, Stockholm, Maiden Rock, Bay City, Red Wing, Lake City, Reads Landing, Wabasha, Nelson
Restaurants
Harbor View Cafe, 314 First St, Pepin, WI
Pickle Factory, 205 First St, Pepin, WI
Reads Landing Brewing Company, 70555 202nd Ave, Reads Landing, MN
Specialty Shops
Smiling Pelican Bakeshop, W3556 Highway 35, Maiden Rock, WI
Hallstrom’s Florist and Sweet Shop, 317 Bush St, Red Wing, MN
The Palate, W12102 State Hwy 35, Stockholm, WI
Nelson Cheese Factory, S237 State Road 35, Nelson, WI
Wineries and Cideries
Villa Belleza Winery, 1420 3rd St, Pepin, WI
Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery, W12266 King Lane, Stockholm, WI
Great River Road Wine Trail — a collection of wineries near the Upper Mississippi River spanning Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Villa Belleza and Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery are part of this trail—perfect for a multi‑day tasting route.
Scenery and Things to Do
Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, 306 Third Street, Pepin, WI
National Eagle Center, 50 Pembroke Ave, Wabasha, MN
Stockholm Art Fair — seasonal arts festival in Stockholm
Flyway Film Festival — regional film festival celebrating local and independent filmmakers
Accommodations
The area is rich in bed-and-breakfasts, inns, and campgrounds. Explore lodging options in each town to find the right fit.
St. James Motel, 406 Main St., Red Wing, MN
Great River Amish Inn, 311 3rd St/Highway 35, Pepin, WI
TansyHus, W12066 Second Street, Stockholm, WI
Pack a bag, get in the car, and head to Lake Pepin — charming towns, scenic drives, and small‑town hospitality await.