Exploring Buffalo County and Beyond

Danzinger Vineyards sits atop the Alma Bluffs, with panoramic views of the Mississippi River valley. This estate winery grows its grapes on-site, cultivating cold-hardy varietals suited to the Driftless climate. Visitors can enjoy wines in a tasting room and outdoor spaces that overlook the surrounding bluffs. The vineyard has received recognition from regional wine associations and also serves as an excellent venue for weddings and events.

Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyards in Pepin combines Old World architectural style with Mississippi River Valley landscapes. Modeled after a Mediterranean village, the grounds feature a central piazza, stone structures, and surrounding vineyards. Guests can explore tasting rooms, sample wines from local varietals, and dine at an on-site restaurant.

The Grove Golf Course is an 18-hole public course located near Cochrane, Wisconsin. Surrounded by rolling hills and open farmland, the course offers fairways suited to players of all skill levels. The clubhouse provides dining and refreshments, and the layout highlights the scenic bluffs typical of Buffalo County.

Merrick State Park spans over 300 acres along the Mississippi River backwaters, with a mix of river channels, forest, and marshland. Trails lead through wooded ravines, and boat landings provide easy access to the water. Visitors use the park for fishing, birdwatching, and exploring the quieter side channels of the Mississippi.

Kinstone is a 30-acre bluff-top sanctuary combining nature, art, and architecture. The grounds feature more than 100 standing stones, multiple stone circles, a dolmen, and a seven-circuit labyrinth. Visitors also encounter hand-built natural structures such as a thatched chapel and cordwood buildings. 

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge covers thousands of acres along the Mississippi River, protecting wetlands, forests, and sand prairies. The refuge lies within the Mississippi Flyway, making it a vital stopover for migratory birds. A scenic drive and walking trails give visitors access to its diverse habitats, where they can see waterfowl, songbirds, and other wildlife throughout the year.

Seven Hawks Vineyards produces a variety of wines from grapes grown on hillsides above the Mississippi River. Guests can sample wines made from cold-hardy varietals that thrive in the Driftless Region’s unique climate. The vineyard’s setting provides sweeping views of the surrounding bluffs, making it a scenic place to experience local winemaking traditions rooted in the Upper Mississippi Valley.

Tiffany Wildlife Area stretches across more than 13,000 acres in Buffalo and Pepin Counties, preserving bottomland forests, river sloughs, prairies, and wetlands. The varied terrain supports whitetail deer, waterfowl, and many small game species, making it a well-known destination for hunters. Birdwatchers also come here to observe migratory flocks along the Mississippi Flyway.

The Great Alma Fishing Float is a floating platform anchored below Lock & Dam No. 4 on the Mississippi River. Anglers visit to catch species such as walleye, bass, catfish, and panfish, with the dam’s current creating productive fishing conditions. Beyond fishing, the float provides views of barges moving through the locks and is a well-known spot for eagle watching and river scenery.

Trempealeau Mountain Golf Club is a public 18-hole course near Trempealeau, Wisconsin. The course includes a driving range, practice greens, and a clubhouse with a bar and grill. Its design takes advantage of the natural terrain, offering players views of nearby bluffs and the Mississippi River valley.

Alma Marina offers direct access to the Mississippi River for boaters, paddlers, and anglers. It provides slips, dockage, and a launching point for exploring the river’s main channel and backwaters. From here, visitors can set out for fishing trips, sightseeing cruises, or birdwatching excursions. With its position just above Lock & Dam No. 4, the marina connects travelers to a busy stretch of river life and recreation.

The Nelson Cheese Factory in Nelson, Wisconsin, is a regional landmark with roots in the county’s dairy tradition. Originally a working cheese plant, it has grown into a stop along the Great River Road where guests can sample Wisconsin-made cheeses, specialty foods, and ice cream. The site also includes regional wines and a retail shop showcasing locally sourced products.

The Buffalo River State Trail runs more than 30 miles between Fairchild and Mondovi, following the river valley through farmland, woodlands, and small towns. Built on a former rail corridor, the trail is used for biking, walking, horseback riding, and in some seasons, ATV and snowmobile travel. The route parallels stretches of the Buffalo River and passes through varied rural landscapes.

Perched high above Alma, Buena Vista Park offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River valley. The overlook provides vantage points for watching barge traffic through Lock & Dam No. 4 and for taking in the bluffs, river islands, and wooded hillsides. Hiking trails lead into the forested bluff country surrounding the viewpoint.

Monarch Public House is a landmark Irish pub and restaurant in Fountain City. Established in the 19th century, it is regarded as Wisconsin’s oldest continually operating tavern. Its stone building and richly decorated interior provide an old-world atmosphere, and the menu centers on traditional pub fare with beer and whiskey selections.

Located along the Mississippi River in Fountain City, The Landing combines a restaurant and bar with views of the water. The building traces its origins back to the 1840s, when it served as a hotel, and today it hosts a mix of casual dining and special events. Visitors can enjoy meals indoors or on outdoor decks while watching the river’s steady flow of boat traffic.

The Golden Frog in Fountain City is a family-run restaurant and saloon known for wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, and classic comfort foods. Its welcoming atmosphere often includes live music and community events, making it both a dining spot and social hub. 

walleye and shrimp dishes. The building has been a dining landmark in the region for generations, drawing visitors with its rustic charm and hearty meals. Guests come for the classic Wisconsin supper club atmosphere, where the focus is on generous portions and a welcoming, community-oriented setting.

Stockyards Bar & Grill is located in Dodge, Wisconsin, and serves a mix of burgers, pizzas, and fried comfort food. It functions as both a restaurant and a bar, hosting local gatherings and community events. Its casual setting and steady customer base make it a central stop in this rural town.

Brad’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill in Fountain City offers burgers, pizza, and bar fare in a relaxed setting. The bar features a full drink menu, pool tables, and TVs for sports. Its easy access from the Great River Road makes it a convenient stop for travelers.

The Brothel Tavern is a small, long-running local bar on County Road M near Fountain City. It serves beer and mixed drinks in a simple, no-frills setting with pool tables, darts, and a jukebox. The tavern is a steady stop for nearby residents and travelers exploring Buffalo County’s backroads or returning from hunting and fishing trips in the Driftless Region.

The Lily Pad is a seasonal outdoor bar and dining venue in Fountain City operated by The Golden Frog. It serves wood-fired pizza, ice cream, beer, and cocktails in a family-friendly setting beside the Mississippi River. The space includes sand volleyball courts, picnic tables, and live music during summer evenings.

The Red Ram Saloon in Alma, Wisconsin, is a longtime local bar located near the Mississippi River. It serves beer, cocktails, and casual bar food in a traditional tavern setting. The Red Ram is known for its friendly atmosphere, pool tables, and steady mix of regular patrons and travelers exploring downtown Alma.

Cream Bar is a small local tavern  near Alma, Wisconsin. It serves beer, cocktails, and bar food in a relaxed rural setting. The bar is known for friendly service, casual conversation, and events that draw residents from nearby communities. It’s a typical Driftless-area stop for travelers exploring Buffalo County’s countryside.

Harry’s Place is a bar and grill in Dodge, Wisconsin, serving burgers, sandwiches, and fried appetizers in a casual tavern atmosphere. The bar attracts both locals and visitors from nearby Fountain City and Alma. Its menu and relaxed style reflect the character of small-town establishments found throughout Buffalo County.

Bucknuckles Bar & Grill is a roadhouse-style tavern on Highway 88 south of Alma, Wisconsin. The bar serves burgers, sandwiches, and fried appetizers and has outdoor seating for summer months. It attracts motorcyclists, road-trippers, and locals from across Buffalo County. Inside, guests find a casual mix of pool tables, music, and conversation in a rural setting.