Road trip: Where Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin meet

I'd definitely visit the Root River Valley in MN. Known as Little Switzerland (yea, a little exaggeration but a beautiful area). If you're going up the Miss through IA, cut over to Hwy 52 across MN border, then take 16 over to La Crosse. There's an old rr bed that's been converted to hike and bike trail for the whole distance. It's in the Valley so pretty level.

Would highly recommend Mrs B's Historic Inn in Lanesboro, MN, which includes a wonderful breakfast.

We have visited all the ones below. All are worth your time and in the general area you will be travelining in..

http://www.nps.gov/pipe/

http://www.nps.gov/efmo/

http://www.beautifulnauvoo.com/

http://www.granthome.com/

http://www.littlebrownchurch.org/

Oh! Now this area I know! I think it is one of the prettiest and most under-rated areas of the midwest.

If you are from the Chicago area then you problably already know all about the charming old town of Galena., Ill. There are many terrific small shops and wonderful restaurants too. If you are into history you can tour the home of President Grant or take on of the trolley tours.

Heading across the Mississippi into Dubuque we really enjoy the Mississippi River Museum with both indoor and outdoor exhibits. I believe it is affiliated with the Smithsonian. There are often boat rides available to take you on a scenic tour of the back waters of the Mississippi.

Next I would strongly suggest a stop at Wyalusing Park just south of Prairie du Chien, WI. You will have to pay small admission but there is a spectacular scenic overlook where the Mississippi River and the Wisconsin River join. Great place to picnic. Nelson Dewey is smaller, very pretty, and much quieter.

We always enjoy spending a few hours in Prairie du Chien. There is a good coffee shop in Marquette Rd that has good sandwiches. There is a nice park that stretches along the riverfront. On weekends there are often boat tours from the park conducted by the same company that does the tour in Dubuque. I’ve done both and prefer the one in Prairie. If you like history there is a great old mansion from the 1840’s called the Villa Louis. It is interesting to tour and learn about the history of the fur trading years. Outdoors people enjoy stopping at Cabela’s. I prefer a walk around a gift shop called the Cannery.

If you want the best river views I suggest driving up Hwy 35 on the Wisconsin side from Praire du Chien to La Crosse. The highway skirts the river most of the way. Take your binoculars because sometimes you’ll be treated to eagles, egrets and other wild life along the river.

Heading back from La Crosse we sometimes like to take Hwy 33 which is very windy and scenic. It goes through the Amish Community of Cashton. You will find canoeing companies near Wild Cat Mountain State Park.

Another option is to take Hwy 14 and stop in the Spring Green area. There are some small art galleries in the area. In addition they have a very popular outdoor theater called American Players Theater (APT) that mostly does Shakespeare but has other offerings as well. It is fun to picnic on the grounds before the play. This can be a bit pricey though if you are watching your budget.

I hope you enjoy your trip. I’d love to hear about your discoveries.

Oh, wow... We ended up out of town last weekend as well so I am just seeing these responses now. Thank you so much--this is very helpful. We're looking forward to seeing a new area (with hills!) and will report back on what we end up finding. Sounds like it's hard to go wrong with a lot of the parks and towns along that part of the Mississippi. Thanks again for the recommendations!