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Strollin' on the River in Wisconsin and Indianapolis
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The level Great River State Trail draws
bicyclists of all abilities, as well as walkers.
Trempealeau Activities
Locals will tell you that no area hike is complete without walking one of Wisconsin's more unusual trails, the McGilvray "Seven Bridges Road" east of town in the Van Loon Wildlife Area. Once busy with carriages and early autos, McGilvray Road now is a quiet, tree-sheltered two-mile path, with five remaining 19th-century steel arch bridges across the Black River bottoms. Remember to bring bug repellent.
After a day on the trails, head to downtown Trempealeau's two-block-long Main Street Historic District, where relaxed is the top speed. Everyone seems to stop at the historic Trempealeau Hotel and Saloon to quench their thirst with pink lemonade or a frosty mug of root beer, or maybe refuel with a crisp, slightly sweet walnut burger. The hotel has modest shared-bath rooms, along with suites and a cottage. It also rents bicycles to visitors.
After resting your legs, stroll to the river a few blocks south of downtown. From an observation tower you can watch towboats maneuvering huge barges through the Mississippi's Lock No. 6. Watching this heavy hauling is a reminder of just how good it feels to slow your own pace down to a stroll and watch the river flow by.
