The Mississippi River is over 2,000 miles long from its start at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to where it flows into the Gulf. It is the 2nd longest river in the USA.
Along the Great River Road/Hwy 35 there are many small towns and villages that are situated next to the Mississippi River. Some communities date back to the 1600s making them some of the oldest in the state of Wisconsin.
From fishing to bird watching, boating to taking a scenic drive, museums, bakeries, vineyards, hiking trails, parks— there's plenty to do along the Mississippi River. Below are a few of the river towns in our area. Click this link to learn more about the Great River Road and the towns along the way: GRRW
Ferryville
Ferryville is a small village located in Crawford County along the Mississippi River with a population just under 200. It is at the base of beautiful bluffs that rise 600 feet above the river. Things to do include fishing, camping, and hunting. Their slogans are “A Sportsman’s Paradise” and “A Place for All Seasons.”
It is about 36 miles from La Crosse and about 100 miles from Madison.
Schools: De Soto Area Schools
Churches: Freeman Lutheran Church
Ferryville info: http://www.ferryville.com/
Utilities:
Electricity: Alliant Energy
Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative
Natural Gas: MG&E
Oil and Propane: Vesbach Oil and Propane (608) 637-2200
Genoa
Genoa in Vernon County (not to be confused with Genoa City in Walworth County) lies on the banks of the Mississippi River in Vernon County. Genoa was founded in 1854 by Italian immigrants, who named the town after Genoa, Italy. This beautiful, quiet village offers tranquil vistas and unique points of interest to visitors who like to get off the beaten path and into river village escapes. The Genoa National Fish Hatchery and brand-new Great River Road Interpretive Center is a popular destination for tourists, schools, history and nature buffs and area residents.
It is about 15 miles from La Crosse and 98 miles from Madison.
Schools:
Churches
Genoa Info:
https://www.vernoncounty.org/government/municipalities/town_of_genoa.php
De Soto
De Soto is located along the Mississippi River, mostly in Vernon County but also part of Crawford County. This small town has a population of around 300. The De Soto area is packed full of opportunities for enjoying outdoor sports, relaxing at a campsite, exploring natural wonders, experiencing history, finding great food and drink, and making new friends.
It is 29 miles from La Crosse and 107 miles from Madison.
Schools:
De Soto Schools https://desoto.k12.wi.us/
Churches:
De Soto Lutheran Church
De Soto info: https://desotowi.com/
Community Resources:
Utilities:
Electricity: Vernon Electric Cooperative
Internet and Phone: Vernon Communications Cooperative
Oil and Propane: Vesbach Oil and Propane (608) 637-2200
Stoddard
Stoddard is a village of about 774 people and is located between the Mississippi River and majestic bluffs. It is about 11 miles south of La Crosse. It was founded in 1853 as a farming community. It is one of the few communities along the Mississippi River that was never a trading post or a riverboat stop. Originally the river was about one mile west of the town until Lock and Dam No. 8 was built in 1937 and the ensuing lake flooded the lowlands, bringing the river to the town.
There is something to do year-round in and near Stoddard: ice fishing, snowmobiling, kids’ fishing tournament, ball games, fall festival, Labor Day festivities, and more. In summer, get some ice cream at Hood Scoops Ice Cream shop. Go for a drive and enjoy the beauty of the river and surrounding bluffs.
Stoddard is about 12 miles from La Crosse and 120 from Madison.
Schools:
Churches:
St. Luke’s Ev. Lutheran Church
St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church
Stoddard United Methodist Church
Stoddard Info: https://stoddardwi.gov/
Community Resources:
Utilities:
Electric: Vernon Electric Cooperative
Garbage: GFL
Electric: Xcel Energy
