Distance: 60 miles
Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Start: Prairie du Chien, WI
End: Dubuque, IA
Traveling southward alongside the Mississippi River, the road will have plenty of twists and turns as you travel over the bluffs that make up the river valley. Outside of Marquette, you will stumble upon the Effigy Mounds National Monument. As you continue on your way, you may get to know the local wildlife at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Visitor Center.
If you stop in McGregor, you can learn about the history of the first Ringling Brothers Circus. You can also browse the shops along Main Street for souvenirs. If you climb up to Pikes Peak State Park, you should have a great view of all the rivers that run through Mississippi and Wisconsin in the distance. If you head to North Buena Vista, you should be able to admire the buildings that are built into the limestone bluffs.
Much of your surroundings will be old river towns in close proximity to the Mississippi River with barges and boats sailing along. There is also no shortage of quaint dairies and farms resting on the right-hand side.