Things to Do in Trempealeau Wisconsin – The Ultimate 2025 Travel Guide

By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | Trempealeau Wisconsin

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A Weekend Getaway Packed with Bluffs, Backwaters & Big-River Charm

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Nestled along the mighty Mississippi River, Trempealeau Wisconsin, is a small-town gem packed with big-time adventure, scenic charm, and laid-back vibes. Whether you’re an outdoor lover, a foodie, or simply in search of some peace and quiet, this Driftless Area village offers something special for everyone.

Trempealeau is one of my favorite weekend getaways. Every time I visit, I find myself reconnecting with nature—hiking to bluff-top overlooks, biking along the Great River State Trail, and spotting bald eagles soaring above the river. It’s a place where time slows down and the scenery takes center stage.

So, whether you’re just passing through or planning a full weekend escape, this travel guide has everything you need to make the most of your time in and around Trempealeau Wisconsin.

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Table of Contents

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Why Visit Trempealeau Wisconsin

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Bluff-top vistas: The Mississippi River and the Driftless Area have carved out dramatic limestone bluffs, offering camera-worthy sunsets every single evening.

Outdoor playground: Perrot State Park (1,200 acres), Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge (6,800 acres), canoe trails, and the 24-mile Great River State Trail create a paradise for hiking, biking, paddling, boating, fishing, and birding.

Easy escape: Trempealeau is just 2.5 hours from either Minneapolis-St. Paul or Madison, WI, making it ideal for a weekend getaway.

River-town culture: Enjoy live music on breezy patios, the famous walnut burger, Catfish Days in July, and supper-club Old Fashioneds.

Four-season fun: From spring bird migrations to fall foliage, summer sandbars to winter curling, there’s always something going on.

Personal favorite: I come for the nature, stay for the scenic hikes, and always end the day with good times at Beedle’s.

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Best Things to Do in Trempealeau Wisconsin

Explore the Parks & Trails

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Perrot State Park

• Brady’s Bluff Trail (1.2 mi loop): Stone stairs guide you to a stunning 500-ft overlook. Watch bald eagles soaring above the valley and barges crawling along the river.
• Voyageurs Canoe Trail (3.4 mi): Rent a kayak at the park office and explore quiet backchannels.
• Camping: 102 wooded sites. Reserve early for electric sites or sites with river views.
• If you’re looking to expand your Wisconsin adventure, be sure to check out my roundup of the 7 Best Wisconsin State Parks to Visit This Weekend—great for hiking, camping, and scenic drives all across the state.

Great River State Trail

• Bike 24 miles of crushed limestone from Onalaska to Marshland. Trempealeau Wisconsin is at mile 15—perfect for an ice cream or a cold brew stop.
• During the winter months, the trail transforms into a snowy playground for snowmobilers.

Little Bluff Mounds Trail

• A steep half-mile hike leads to effigy mounds and a sweeping river view. Quick, steep, and totally worth it.

McGilvray “Seven Bridges” Trail

• A 1.8-mile hike along historic bow-string truss bridges and backwater sloughs. Bring waterproof boots if it’s been raining.

Trempealeau Mountain Golf Club

• Scenic 18-hole course with GPS carts, bluff views, and a laid-back clubhouse for lunch and drinks.

Pro Tip: Start your hike early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds—sunrise views here are unforgettable.

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Embrace the Water & Wildlife

Boating & Paddling

• Launch at Perrot State Park, Trempealeau Marina, or below Lock & Dam No. 6. Anchor at sandbars, fish the backwaters, or cruise at sunset.

Canoe Trails

• Long Lake (5 mi), Lake Onalaska (7.7 mi), and Voyageurs Trail (3.4 mi) wind through calm waters and tranquil wetlands.

Fishing

• Try fishing for walleyes below the dam, panfish in Trempealeau Lakes, or fish on Tremplo Fishing Float below the Dam.
• New to fishing? Check out my Beginner Fishing Setup Guide for gear tips, rig ideas, and everything you need to feel confident on the water in Trempealeau.

Birdwatching

• Positioned on the Mississippi Flyway, Trempealeau hosts 200+ species during migration seasons. Think sandhill cranes, tundra swans, ducks, geese, and bald eagles.

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Stroll the Historic River Town

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Main Street & River Walk

• Visit shops, grab a coffee at The Station, and snap a photo with James Allen Reed’s statue. You can also watch trains roll by along the Mississippi River—an iconic slice of small-town Americana.

Duck Pond Park

• Picnic under the shade, cast a line from the dock, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll around the pond.

Lock & Dam No. 6 Observation Area

• At the Lock and Dam, there is an observation area where you can watch barges and boats move through the lock system—a fascinating look at river traffic and engineering in action.

Trempealeau Community Heritage Society Museum

• A small exhibit featuring historical artifacts and photos from the Trempealeau area.

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Catch a Local Event

Month	Event	Why Go
May	World Migratory Bird Day Festival	Guided bird hikes and family-friendly activities.
July	Catfish Days	Parade, 5K/10K, fishing tournament, cheese curds, bands.
All Summer	Live Music at Trempealeau Hotel	Reggae Fest & live outdoor music with river views.
Winter	Curling in Centerville	Try curling on Friday Burger Night.

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Eat, Drink & Shop Local Around Trempealeau Wisconsin

Supper Club Classics

• Beedle’s Bar & Restaurant: Martini list a mile long. Get the Tullamore Old Fashioned, prime rib, and ice cream.
• Sullivan’s Supper Club: Overlooking the river. Steak-and-shrimp combo recommended. Call ahead.

Casual Eats

• River Café: A go-to spot for hearty breakfasts, including a full “English Breakfast” and stuffed French toast.
• Cat Daddy’s Bar & Grill: Dock-and-dine on the Mississippi with burgers, river views, and live tunes.
• The Trempealeau Hotel: Known for its walnut burger and eclectic menu, this historic riverside spot offers casual dining with a side of live music.
• Boondocks Locker Room: Country breakfasts and Bloody Mary’s.

Sip & Socialize

• Elmaro Vineyard: Local wines, weekend music, and golden-hour views from a stunning hilltop setting.
• The Station: Serving up morning coffee and tea, small bites, and refreshing ice cream on a hot summer day.
• Winghaven Pizza Farm: Stone-fired pizzas, stunning hilltop views, and live music on weekends. Open Fri/Sat 4–8:30 p.m.
• Muddy Waters Bar: A great hole-in-the-wall bar with weekly entertainment, live summer music, and a casual beer garden.
• Vets Bar & Lounge: Dive bar favorites with local charm with ice-cold beer, cheap drinks, and top-notch tequila shots.

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Local Shopping

• Fat Cat Bait & Fishing Supply: Local go-to for bait, tackle, and expert fishing tips.
• Schwertel Family Farms: Greenhouses filled with flowers and a roadside stand selling fresh local fruits and vegetables (mid-July through the end of October).
• Ecker’s Apple Farm: Apple orchard with fresh apples, baked goods, sweets, and a beer garden on-site. Check hours before visiting.
• River Stop: Full-service gas station with groceries, pizza, sandwiches, breakfast items, beer, ice, and more—perfect for stocking up before your day outdoors.

Interactive Map: Attractions, Restaurants, Bars, Lodging, and Shops in Trempealeau Wisconsin

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Where to Stay in Trempealeau Wisconsin

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Type	Option	Highlights
Historic Hotel	Trempealeau Hotel	Charming rooms and cozy fireplace suites just steps from the live music stage.
Riverside Motel	Inn on the River	12 rooms with balconies offering views of the Mississippi, surrounding bluffs, and passing trains.
Mom-and-Pop Inn	Little Bluff Inn	Pet-friendly, walkable to town and trails.
Camping	Perrot State Park Campground	Electric/non-electric sites, hot showers.
Campground	Lake Road Campground	Family-friendly campground with electric sites and cottages.

Pro Tip: Book a second-floor balcony room at the Inn on the River for stunning river views.

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Getting to Trempealeau Wisconsin

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By Car:

• 2.5 hours from either Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN or Madison, WI
• 30 minutes from La Crosse, WI
• 75 minutes from Rochester, MN

By Train:

• Amtrak Empire Builder stops in Winona, MN and La Crosse, WI. Rent a car to reach Trempealeau.

By Bike:

• Trempealeau connects to the 24-mile Great River State Trail—ride in from Onalaska or Winona and enjoy a scenic, flat trail right into town.

Best Seasons to Visit

• Spring (Apr–May): Migratory birds, wildflowers, camping, fishing, and fewer bugs.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Great for swimming, paddling, boating, and Catfish Days festivities.
• Fall (Sep–Oct): Peak foliage and harvest season.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and curling events.

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Quick Travel Tips for Visiting Trempealeau Wisconsin

• Bug spray & sunscreen: Essential for river days. Read my full Insect Repellent Guide before you pack.
• Trail pass: Required for cyclists on state trails.
• Binoculars & zoom lens: Ideal for birdwatchers and photographers.
• Respect the river: Watch for strong currents and wingdams.
• Leave No Trace: Stay on designated trails and pickup your trash.

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Final Thoughts on Visiting Trempealeau Wisconsin

Trempealeau may only have around 1,900 residents, but this Mississippi River Village offers a true escape from the hustle. With outdoor adventures, scenic trails, relaxing patios, and friendly small-town vibes, it’s one of the Driftless Region’s best-kept secrets.

Spend the morning on Brady’s Bluff, float the river in the afternoon, and end your day with live music under the stars. You’ll quickly see why I keep coming back— and realize one weekend here just isn’t enough.

Love exploring scenic small towns like Trempealeau? Don’t miss my guide to Things to Do in Birchwood, Wisconsin—another charming Midwest destination packed with lakes, trails, and small-town appeal.