Things to do in Ferryville, WI

The National Fish Hatchery and Great River Road Interpretive Center focuses on the recovery of endangered aquatic species, education and providing fish for area waters. The hatchery is open for tours during business hours 8 am – 3:30 pm and the Interpretive Center is open from 9 am – 4 pm daily. A boardwalk path takes visitors on a self-guided tour through a marsh with native plants, dragonflies, frogs and wildlife, easily seen.

The GRR Interpretive Center opened to the public on June 1, 2018. Built as a collaborative effort with the National Scenic Byways Program and the US Fish and Wildlife Service with the mission to educate and inform GRR travelers on the unique geography, natural history and local history of the region, while instilling a conservation message to the public. It has a “living roof” with native plantings to help insulate the structure. There are 3 levels in the building and a small theater. A bluff wall exhibit with bird mountings such as the American Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon show the natural habitat and local landscape. An interactive exhibit with changing content allows the user to search for information about the Great River Road, history and early culture of the region. Exhibits go beyond the story of the Hatchery, featuring significant histories of the area, including the pearl button industry and the Battle of Bad Axe-the final battle of the Black Hawk War. In April 2020 a new exhibit opened in the Center, documenting the history of the construction of Lock & Dam #8 – Genoa, a Works Progress Administration Program (WPA of the Depression Era.)

Just over 2 miles long, the trail up Sugar Creek Bluff in Ferryvlle, WI (take North Buck Creek Road off Hwy 35) brings you to a magnificent view of he Mississippi River and the Great River Road. Part of the Mississippi Valley Conservancy, this trail will reward hikers with wildlife viewing as well as being a great location for birding and viewing the local flora. The prairie at the top of the trail is a great spot for spying Bald Eagles, Hawks, Turkey Vultures, migrating birds in season and much more.

Sugar Creek Bluff contains a rich prairie flora with such species as prairie drop-seed, big and little blue-stem, New Jersey tea, flowering spurge, prairie coreopsis, bird’s-foot violet, downy painted-cup, and bastard-toadflax. Red oak, white oak, shagbark hickory, white ash, and basswood dominate the dry-mesic forest. The forest ground flora is diverse and includes numerous spring ephemerals and early summer species including spring beauty, dutchman’s-breeches, hepaticas, bloodroot, columbine, and toothwort. Sugar Creek Bluff was designated a State Natural Area in 2002.

For 20 years, Mississippi Valley Conservancy has been working to make Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area near Ferryville in Crawford County a star among its land conservation projects in Western Wisconsin. Thanks to prairie restoration, wetland improvement, invasive species removal and trail work, the bluff and its companion wetland can reward visitors with wildlife sightings and blooming flowers such as hoary puccoon, leadplant or monkey-flower. The rare cerulean warbler and red shouldered hawk are among the birds you may see there.

Hikers will also find, at the prairie overlook, an expansive panoramic view of the Mississippi River and the bluffs beyond. Barge and other river traffic are part of the view. Hawks, eagles and turkey vultures may drift by, soaring on the thermals rising from the bluffs. In any season, the view is beautiful.

Mini-Mart, Deli and Cheese Store in the heart of Ferryville. Store features a large variety of Wisconsin cheeses and meats. The deli has a large selection of made to order sandwiches along with soups and great pizza. Cup of coffee and donuts to go. All bread for the subs is baked fresh daily! Large selection of breakfast sandwiches. Convenience store items include bread, milk, chips, pop, beer, etc. You can also purchase your hunting & fishing licenses and gas is available 24 hours daily. Movie rentals available. Cheese Gift Boxes can be ordered anytime by emailing or calling. Ferryville Cheese also sells basic fishing bait.

Winter Hours:
Monday – Thursday 5AM – 8PM
Friday – Saturday 5AM – 9PM
Sunday 6AM – 8PM

Summer Hours:
Monday – Thursday 5AM – 9PM
Friday – Saturday 5AM – 10PM
Sunday 6AM – 9PM

Saturday’s 9 AM – 3 PM
May – October 28, 2023

 

Featuring burgers, specials, beverages & brews. Wisconsin Burger & California Burger, sweet potato fries and always good company. Check out the “horse races”. Overlooks the Mississippi River.

Hours:
Serving 9AM – 12:30PM Friday & Saturday
11AM – 11PM Sunday – Thursday