A town-by-town guide to the St. Croix Valley and Wisconsin’s Great River Road, from the falls up north to the bluffs above Lake Pepin.
Up the St. Croix to the falls, or down the Mississippi along the bluffs. Prescott sits in the middle, right where the two rivers meet.

The gateway to Interstate State Park, with river gorges, bluff-top trails and some of the most dramatic river scenery in the Midwest.

A river town built around a waterfall — Cascade Falls runs right through downtown, with patios and shops just steps away.

Hudson’s Willow River State Park has one of the valley’s best waterfalls, and River Falls is the place to paddle the Kinnickinnic.

Where the St. Croix meets the Mississippi and Wisconsin’s Great River Road begins — a walkable downtown with river patios, sunsets and our home base.

A bluff-side village above Lake Pepin, with one of the best overlooks on the whole drive.

A tiny town on Lake Pepin that’s worth every minute of the drive.

A harbor town on Lake Pepin and a favorite stop on the fall color drive.

A must-stop along the Great River Road, known for local flavor, river views and small-town charm.
Photo: Royalbroil, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Scenic towns, historic streets and charming stops along the valley.

A local’s favorite drive down the river.

Bluff overlooks and the views worth pulling over for.

A historic gem on the Great River Road.
Stay right where the rivers meet, and every town on this page is an easy day trip.