Mississippi River Road Trip: From Red Wing to Kellogg

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Th e mighty Mississippi River is the star of the 3,000-mile Great River Road, a National Scenic Byway beginning with the river’s headwaters at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and weaving through 10 states to the Gulf of Mexico. While driving the entire route north to south is a significant commitment, there are plenty of shorter options for weekend excursions and day trips, including the 36-mile stretch from Red Wing to Kellogg, Minnesota. Enjoy shopping, hiking, camping, boating, birdwatching, or simply relaxing as you explore the picturesque landscape and delightful river towns. Spring is an ideal time for this route, and here are some favorite stops along the way.

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Red Wing

Red Wing, the largest city on this excursion, offers historic charm in abundance. Opened in 1875, the St. James Hotel offers a variety of accommodations, including Victorian-inspired rooms with views of the Mississippi River. Take a self-guided walking tour downtown, visit the Pottery Museum of Red Wing, and pose for a photo alongside the world’s largest boot—size 638 and a half!—at Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum. Don’t miss He Mni Can (Barn Bluff), a must-do activity for outdoor lovers with spectacular views and moderate-to-challenging hikes.

Pro tip: Make sure to grab a tasty treat from the award-winning Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop before leaving town.

Frontenac State Park

Home to various landscapes, including bluffs, prairies, floodplains, and hardwood forests, the more than 2,600 acres of Frontenac State Park offer a diverse habitat for wildflowers and prairie grasses to thrive. According to the Minnesota State Parks and Trails, it’s also a bird-watchers dream with the highest species count (273) of any park in the state. Hiking and camping options are also plentiful.

Pro tip: Pack a lunch and take advantage of the accessible picnic area.

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Hok-Si-La Municipal Park and Campground

Sitting high above Lake Pepin, the Hok-Si-La Park and Campground is a perfect place to set up your tent for water and bluff views. With several camping spots and cabins available for weekend stays, the park includes a playground, basketball and volleyball courts, hiking trails, beach, and boat launch. Take a stroll on the beach, gather a group for a volleyball game, or hit the water for fishing or other activities.

Pro tip: Snag one of the benches overlooking Lake Pepin for stunning water views and bluffs.

Lake City

The host of the 2024 Governor’s Fishing Opener in May, Lake City is known for being the birthplace of water skiing. Whether you’re interested in sailing on Lake Pepin, soaking in the sun at Ohuta Park and Beach, or enjoying a stunning sunset over the water, there is no shortage of activities for outdoor-loving visitors. Willows on the River, a condominium resort with a mix of private residents and rentals, offers stunning, unobstructed views of Lake Pepin.

Pro tip: Keep your eyes peeled for eagle sightings.

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Wabasha

This “Eagle Capital of America” is home to the National Eagle Center, attracting visitors worldwide who want a close-up look at the majestic birds. The building, which has recently been renovated, is home to its ambassadors—four rescued eagles and a red-tailed hawk—used in educational programming. The center also offers hands-on exhibits, an outdoor observation deck for spotting eagles in the wild, and several “experiences,” including field trips, river cruises, and behind-the-scenes tours.

Pro tip: The local AmericInn has themed suites, including one in honor of “Grumpy Old Men,” the 1993 movie based in Wabasha (and filmed throughout Minnesota).

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LARK Toys in Kellogg

LARK Toys is magical. A whimsical carousel with an eclectic mix of hand-carved animals runs every half hour. A stellar book room is full of classics and surprises. A nostalgic walkway lined with storefronts features antique toy collections from multiple eras. A workshop offers a peek at artisans making heirloom wooden toys. And, of course, you’ll find tons of toys—puppets, games, puzzles, science kits, rubber duckies, train sets, and so much more—throughout the massive playground of a store.

Pro tip: For even more fun—if that’s possible—sign up for a game of mini-golf at the store’s outdoor 18-hole course adorned with waterfalls and streams with bluffs in the background.

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