The Mississippi and Lake Pepin Valley
Lake Pepin is the
largest River Lake on the Mississippi,
22 miles
long and 2 miles wide in
some places.
At one time it extended all of the way
north to St. Paul.
The Mississippi River Valley we see today was carved
bluff to bluff about 10,000
years ago
through the process of receding glacial waters.
At the
south end of Lake Pepin, where the Chippewa converges
with the Mississippi an enormous amount of water
is forced through the river channel.
It is this force,
combined with the
steady movement of water draining into the
Mississippi River from
the Chippewa which allow the waters
around the
lower end of the Lake to remain open throughout the cold winter months,
attracting hundreds of Bald
Eagles.
Bring along your
binoculars to view the multitude of birds that use the
Mississippi Valley as a migration corridor.
Bald Eagles can be seen during the summer months.
During
excursions on Pearl of the Lake we almost always
spot eagles along
with Turkey Vultures, Great Blue
Herons, and other Water Birds.
All 4 seasons offer wonderful birding opportunities.
Lake City hosts a
birding and nature festival in May each year.
According to the American Birding Association, the Upper
Mississippi Valley is a globally significant migratory
corridor. Lake Pepin is said to be one of
the best areas for inland sailing in the world.
The coulees between
the bluffs bring winds from various
directions that converge on the 22 mile long river lake.
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Lodging in Lake City
Click on the links below for Lodging in Lake City
Willows on the River Luxury Condo Hotel on the shores of Lake Pepin.
River facing condo rentals by the day or week.
Villasonpepin.com
Great Views from most suites, fabulous sky deck on the roof top
overlooking Lake Pepin
2 blocks south of Willows on the River.
Other Condos
available on the river in the Willows complex
Restaurants worth the trip.
Harbor View Cafe
314 Main Street Pepin, Wisconsin
715.442.3893
Lake City Restaurants
Nosh Now in Lake
City, a "destination" restaurant. When you want an elegant dinner in
a casual atmosphere. The Best of Lake City.
Chickadee Cottage
and Tea Room - Wonderful breakfast and Lunch. Voted best
roadside cafe. Open April-October
Other Links
Wabasha Visitors Bureau-
Home of the National Eagle Center.
The legend of Pepie the lake creature
www.pepie.net
Lake Pepin Communities- Small river towns surrounding Lake
Pepin. Also includes Winona and Red Wing.
Pepin Wisconsin -
The birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder, writer of the famous Little
House children's book series.
A small river town along Wisconsin's Great River Road, Highway
35. Many small shops just perfect for browsing.
Several places to eat including the Harbor View Cafe $15-$25/entree
and worth it, or the Pickle Factory, great burgers, ribs, and
steaks.
Stockholm Wisconsin_
A quaint river town, famous for the Annual Art Fair, many shops
and eateries.
The Good Apple has a wonderful selection of apple wines, and
everything Apples!
Pepin Heights
Orchard Store-Home of the HoneyCrisp Apple. Fresh apples
from the orchard during harvest season.
Lark Toys-Famous
hand carved carousel, a must see if you haven't been there
Frontenac State Park - Near Lake City, beautiful views and
fantastic bird watching.
Fall colors report for State Parks
National Eagle Center/EagleWatch
Deck
Live bald eagles, information on the National Wildlife Refuge and
birding in the area.
Soar with the Eagles Festival in March. Paddleboat rides to view
eagles.
Tundra Swan Watch
Red Wing
Eagle Spot Information
Lake City Chamber of Commerce
www.lakecitymn.org
Historic Red Wing's unique shops and Eagle
Spot,
just 10-15 minutes from Lake City on Highway 61.
Red Wing
Visitors Bureau
Mississippi
Valley Partners, Lake Pepin Tourism
Small river towns around Lake Pepin
Big
River Magazine- Mississippi River Stories and News
Area Golf Courses
Hale Irwin's
Signature Golf Course at the Jewel!
Luxury Condo Play and
Stay Packages
Red Wing Golf Club
Lake City Golf Club
651-345-3221
Mount Frontenac Golf Course
651-388-5826
Lake Pepin Golf Course
651-345-5768 888-345-5768
Mississippi National
Golf Link 651-388-1874
Coffee Mill Golf & Country
Club 651-565-4332