Experience Driving South
Enjoy a scenic drive visiting interesting and informative attractions that appeal to the entire family. Featured on this Tour are points of historical interest and natural beauty. There’s even a chance to visit a premier shopping outlet sure to impress anyone connected with the outdoors. Use this guide to plan your day trip along this historically rich area of the Midwest.
Return to Ferryville Along the Iowa Great River Road (H-I)
Begin your return trip back to Ferryville continuing along the Iowa Great River Road west of the Mississippi River. This short trip offers some of the most scenic terrain in Iowa. Pass through Harper’s Ferry and Lansing before crossing the bridge back to Wisconsin.
(A) Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area
This small (77 acres), secluded natural area is located at the south edge of Ferryville. Nature lovers will enjoy the rich variety of trees and plants native to this area.
Sugar Creek Bluff is owned by the Mississippi Valley Conservancy and was designated a State Natural Area in 2002. Access is free
(B) Lynxville Lock and Dam No. 9
Located on Mississippi River mile marker 647.9, 8 miles south of Ferryville near Lynxville, Wisconsin
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Built and operated by US Army Corps of Engineers.
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Constructed and placed in operation in July 1937.
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Dam consists of concrete structure 811 feet long with five roller gates and eight tainter gates. Earth embankment 9,800 feet long with a grouted overflow spillway 1,350 feet long.
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Lock is 110 feet wide by 600 feet long.
(C) Kickapoo Indian Caverns
Largest show cave in Midwest. Centuries old Indian shelter carved by underground river, maze of chambers and tunnels created by water flowing through bedrock limestone over thousands of years.
Open May 15 through October 31, rain or shine. Cameras welcome.
Hwy 60 - Rhein Hollow Road, Wauzeka, WI 53826
608-875-7723
(D) Villa Louis
The Victorian Country Estate of Wisconsin’s first Millionaire Hercules Dousman. Get a glimpse of the life few experienced in the late 19th century.
Located 30 minutes south of Ferryville on Highway 35 in the heart of Prairie du Chien.
521 Villa Louis Road
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
608-326-2721
(D) Mississippi River Sculpture Park
Wisconsin’s second oldest settlement now offers an opportunity to journey through 12,000+ years of human history as it influenced those who shaped this section of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Admission to the park is free. New sculptures are placed on display as they are completed so be sure to visit often.
Located 30 minutes south of Ferryville adjacent to Villa Louis on St. Feriole Island.
(D) Fort Crawford Museum
The museum boasts more than 50 exhibits in 3 buildings, which reflect the historical society’s mission to tell the story of Prairie du Chien with emphasis on Fort Crawford, especially the amazing story of Dr. William Beaumont, the famous medical pioneer, often referred to as the “Father of American Physiology”.
The leader of the Sauk Indian Nation, Black Hawk, surrendered after the Battle of Bad Axe in Prairie du Chien and was briefly imprisoned at Fort Crawford. The bars from his prison cell window are on display on the grounds today.
717 S. Beaumont Road
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
608-326-6960
(D) Cabela's
Cabela’s retail outlet offers in-store events and special discounts on many weekends. Store features a Bargain Cave for those who are budget conscious.
Located 30 minutes south of Ferryville on Highway 35 at the north end of Prairie du Chien.
33901 State Hwy 35
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
608-326-5600
(E) Wyalusing State Park
Where the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers Meet
At 500 feet above the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. One of Wisconsin oldest parks, Wyalusing features Indian burial mounds, canoe trail, 23.7 miles of hiking trails, 7.7 miles of mountain bike trails, bird watching, cross-country ski trails.
County Highway C just south of the Wisconsin River Bridge.
Located 45 minutes south of Ferryville.
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13295 State Park Ln
Bagley, WI 53801
608-996-2261
Stonefield Village and Governor Dewey Estate
A Museum of Agricultural History, Village life, and the estate of Governor Nelson Dewey.
Stonefield celebrates Wisconsin’s rich agricultural heritage. You can learn about the rise of turn-of-the-century dairy farming and the development of modern farm implements, including tractors, reapers and threshing machines.
Experience the sights and sounds of the railroad — the era’s most important transportation. Discover the grand summer estate of Wisconsin’s first governor, Nelson Dewey. Explore Stonefield today to see what made the state become “America’s Dairyland.”
Located 90 minutes south of Ferryville.
12195 County Road VV
Cassville, WI 53806
608-725-5210
(F) Casino Queen Marquette
Cross the bridge from Wisconsin to Iowa to continue your adventure starting with a little excitement. Casino Queen knows exactly what you want! Great gaming action mixed with down-home service of a small town along one of the most scenic areas of the Mississippi River.
Located 40 minutes south of Ferryville.
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100 Anti Monopoly
Marquette, Iowa 52158
1-888-523-9582
(G) Pikes Peak State Park
Yes, this is the same Zebulon Pike after whom was named the more famous Pikes Peak in Colorado, but this is the original!
From the top of the 500-foot bluff, the confluence of the Wisconsin River and the mighty Mississippi is seen to the south. To the north, the view of the bridges connecting Iowa and Wisconsin is breathtaking.
Pikes Peak State Park is located in the Paleozoic Plateau that was missed by the glaciers that flattened and molded so much of Iowa. Pikes Peak State Park is a hiker’s delight.
Located 45 minutes south of Ferryville.
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15316 Great River Road
McGregor, Iowa 52157
563-873-2341
(G) Spook Cave
Spook Cave offers a unique underground river experience. You will encounter a cave that will reflect no seasonal temperature change, always at 47 F. The air you breath is so fresh, clean, so pollution-free.
Located one hour south of Ferryville.
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13299 Spook Cave Road, McGregor, Iowa 52157
563-539-4114
(H) Effigy Mounds National Monument
“…one of the finest mound groups in all America…”
An “Effigy Mound” American Indian culture developed over 1,000 years ago placing thousands of earthen mounds across the landscape of what (today) includes parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois.
Over 200 mounds are preserved intact within the Monument; 31 are effigies in the shape of bears and birds – commemorating the passing of loved ones and the sacred beliefs of these ancient peoples.
Located 45 minutes south of Ferryville. Although our address is “Harper’s Ferry,” we are actually located much closer to (4 miles north) of McGregor and Marquette, Iowa.
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151 Hwy 76
Harpers Ferry, Iowa 52146
563-873-3491