Photo of AI-Magellan
26 May 2026Updated last time

Driftless Region Road Trip Itinerary

Driftless Region Road Trip Overview

This Driftless Region road trip blends scenic drives, river towns, blufftop views, local food, and distinctive stays into one memorable journey. Begin in Viroqua, Wisconsin, a creative small town known for its strong farm-to-table culture, welcoming downtown, and access to the rolling landscapes that define the region. From there, head to Wildcat Mountain State Park for some of the most striking natural scenery on the route, with dramatic overlooks above the Kickapoo Valley and opportunities to hike, paddle, or simply slow down and take in the quiet beauty of the countryside.

Continue north to La Crosse, where the Mississippi River, historic districts, and nearby bluffs create a lively contrast between nature and city energy. As you cross into Iowa, Decorah offers another highlight with its Norwegian heritage, arts scene, breweries, trails, and relaxed small-town charm. Finish in Dubuque, a historic Mississippi River city filled with impressive architecture, riverfront attractions, and cultural stops that make a rewarding finale. Along the way, unusual restaurants and distinctive inns add personality to the trip, turning the route into more than a scenic drive. It is an ideal itinerary for travelers who enjoy beautiful landscapes, regional culture, and hidden gems with a strong sense of place.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Viroqua, WI

    Viroqua is known for its charming small-town atmosphere, vibrant arts scene, and local farmers' markets, offering a taste of local culture and sustainable living.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin2

    Wildcat Mountain State Park, WI

    Wildcat Mountain State Park offers breathtaking views of the Kickapoo Valley, along with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin3

    La Crosse, WI

    La Crosse, situated along the Mississippi River, is known for its historic downtown, bluff-top parks offering panoramic river views, and its lively cultural scene, including festivals and theater productions.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin4

    Decorah, IA

    Decorah is renowned for its rich Norwegian heritage, beautiful parks, and the famed Decorah Eagles. The town also offers a vibrant arts and music scene, along with unique shops and eateries.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin5

    Dubuque, IA

    Dubuque is known for its stunning riverfront views, historic architecture, and attractions such as the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, making it a cultural and educational hub in the area.
    Open Google Maps Button

Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Driftless Café

    4.7
    $$$$

    Driftless Café

    Located in Viroqua, WI, this farm-to-table restaurant is celebrated for its creative use of local, organic ingredients, providing a true taste of the Driftless Region's bounty.
    4.7
    $$$$
    Picture for Driftless Café
  • Restaurant Icon

    Rooted Spoon Kitchen Table

    4.7
    $$$$

    Rooted Spoon Kitchen Table

    An intimate dining experience in Viroqua, WI, known for its emphasis on seasonal, local produce served in a communal setting.
    4.7
    $$$$
    Picture for Rooted Spoon Kitchen Table
  • Restaurant Icon

    Red Pines Bar & Grill

    4.7
    $$$$

    Red Pines Bar & Grill

    Located on the shores of Lake Onalaska, near La Crosse, WI, it offers delicious comfort food with stunning lake views.
    4.7
    $$$$
    Picture for Red Pines Bar & Grill
  • Restaurant Icon

    Rubaiyat Restaurant

    4.8
    $$$$

    Rubaiyat Restaurant

    Nestled in Decorah, IA, this restaurant offers a worldly menu with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, pairing meals with an extensive wine list.
    4.8
    $$$$
    Picture for Rubaiyat Restaurant
  • Restaurant Icon

    L.May Eatery

    4.7
    $$$$

    L.May Eatery

    Situated in Dubuque, IA, this cozy restaurant serves gourmet American cuisine with a creative twist, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients.
    4.7
    $$$$
    Picture for L.May Eatery

Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    Viroqua Heritage Inn Bed & Breakfast

    4.6

    Viroqua Heritage Inn Bed & Breakfast

    Located in Viroqua, WI, this charming B&B offers a historic stay in beautifully restored Victorian-era homes amidst the heart of the Driftless Region.
    4.6
    Picture for Viroqua Heritage Inn Bed & Breakfast
  • Hotel Icon

    Justin Trails Resort

    4.8

    Justin Trails Resort

    A unique getaway near Sparta, WI, offering eco-friendly lodgings such as log cabins and a yurt amidst a picturesque countryside setting.
    4.8
    Picture for Justin Trails Resort
  • Hotel Icon

    Grist Mill Lodge

    Grist Mill Lodge

    Located in the scenic village of Burr Oak, IA, this rustic lodge provides a peaceful retreat with its beautifully restored interiors and lush surroundings.
    Picture for Grist Mill Lodge
  • Hotel Icon

    Four Mounds Inn & Conference Center

    4.8

    Four Mounds Inn & Conference Center

    Situated in Dubuque, IA, this inn offers vintage-style accommodations within a historic estate, set amidst expansive grounds overlooking the Mississippi River.
    4.8
    Picture for Four Mounds Inn & Conference Center
  • Hotel Icon

    Hotel Julien Dubuque

    Hotel Julien Dubuque

    A luxury boutique hotel in Dubuque, IA, Hotel Julien offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, located in the vibrant downtown area.
    Picture for Hotel Julien Dubuque

Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Zeale for America 250 Rally: CatholicVote Education Fund (501c3)

    Zeale for America 250 Rally: CatholicVote Education Fund (501c3)

    This event is general admission in the Riverside Ballroom. Join CatholicVote President and CEO Kelsey Reinhardt, Cardinal Raymond L. Burke, Daily Wire podcaster Michael J. Knowles, Baltimore Ravens Senior Offensive Assistant Coach Joe Lombardi (grand...
    Map IconLa Crosse Center in La Crosse (32.1 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Jun 2026
    Picture for Zeale for America 250 Rally:  CatholicVote Education Fund (501c3)
  • Event Icon

    Elvis Explosion

    Elvis Explosion

    The event will take place at La Crosse Center in La Crosse.
    Map IconLa Crosse Center in La Crosse (32.1 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Sep 2026
    Picture for Elvis Explosion
  • Event Icon

    Elvis Explosion 6 show package

    Elvis Explosion 6 show package

    The event will take place at La Crosse Center in La Crosse.
    Map IconLa Crosse Center in La Crosse (32.1 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Sep 2026
    Picture for Elvis Explosion 6 show package
  • Event Icon

    Bingo Loco presents Name That Song

    Bingo Loco presents Name That Song

    Must be 21+ to attend
    Map IconLa Crosse Center in La Crosse (32.1 mi)
    Calendar Icon19 Sep 2026
    Picture for Bingo Loco presents Name That Song
  • Event Icon

    BERT KREISCHER: PERMISSION TO PARTY

    BERT KREISCHER: PERMISSION TO PARTY

    The event will take place at La Crosse Center in La Crosse.
    Map IconLa Crosse Center in La Crosse (32.1 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Dec 2026
    Picture for BERT KREISCHER: PERMISSION TO PARTY
  • Event Icon

    Megadeth

    Megadeth

    The event will take place at La Crosse Oktoberfest Grounds in La Crosse.
    Map IconLa Crosse Oktoberfest Grounds in La Crosse (32.27 mi)
    Calendar Icon1 Aug 2026
    Picture for Megadeth
  • Event Icon

    Country Boom Music Festival

    Country Boom Music Festival

    The event will take place at Country Boom in West Salem.
    Map IconCountry Boom in West Salem (34.6 mi)
    Calendar Icon9 Jul 2026
    Picture for Country Boom Music Festival

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    On day 2 I would depart from Dubuque then I would stop at the Lady Luck in Marquette. Take a picture with Pinky the elephant and enjoy the boat for a little bit. Follow great ...

    ADVICE NEEDED: Five-day itinerary for Driftless area.

    On day 2 I would depart from Dubuque then I would stop at the Lady Luck in Marquette. Take a picture with Pinky the elephant and enjoy the boat for a little bit. Follow great ...

    /r/lacrossewi
  • Reddit Icon

    Head over to Decorah IA for some great scenery, Toppling Goliath and Puplit Rock for brews. Dubuque for brews, food and a cool ride up and down the worlds shortest railroad Mc...

    Driftless recommendations

    Head over to Decorah IA for some great scenery, Toppling Goliath and Puplit Rock for brews. Dubuque for brews, food and a cool ride up and down the worlds shortest railroad Mc...

    /r/wisconsin
  • Reddit Icon

    Its probably best in Wisconsin, the other states have some driftless but its in thin bands and once u get out of it its cornfields until the rocky mountains (exaggeration i kn...

    I have an odd fascination with the Driftless area. Whats the best city there?

    Its probably best in Wisconsin, the other states have some driftless but its in thin bands and once u get out of it its cornfields until the rocky mountains (exaggeration i kn...

    /r/SameGrassButGreener
  • Reddit Icon

    Hixon forest in la Crosse is awesome and gives a different vantage point than grandad. ... If you're going to Lark Toys, you may want to add in the Eagle Center in Wabash...

    Update & THANKS re: Five-day itinerary for Driftless area

    Hixon forest in la Crosse is awesome and gives a different vantage point than grandad. ... If you're going to Lark Toys, you may want to add in the Eagle Center in Wabash...

    /r/lacrossewi
  • Reddit Icon

    Share ... If you want a rural small town experience I would check out Decorah, IA, Spring Green, WI, and Mineral Point, WI. If you're in for more of a small city/big town...

    "The Driftless Area": WI / IA / MN / IL - Which one for a move?

    Share ... If you want a rural small town experience I would check out Decorah, IA, Spring Green, WI, and Mineral Point, WI. If you're in for more of a small city/big town...

    /r/SameGrassButGreener
  • Reddit Icon

    In Viroqua, she can take Hwy 56 west to the Mississippi and turn right onto Hwy 35, heading to La Crosse or stay on US 14 and go through Westby again, to La Crosse. From La Cr...

    Driftless Area Drives?

    In Viroqua, she can take Hwy 56 west to the Mississippi and turn right onto Hwy 35, heading to La Crosse or stay on US 14 and go through Westby again, to La Crosse. From La Cr...

    /r/wisconsin
  • Reddit Icon

    Then stop at Parfrey's Glen for a short hike. Be sure to bring water shoes. Then head to Rock Springs to fill up on free spring water. Head towards Viroqua for lunch at t...

    Whats cool to see along this route? Especially in Wisconsin

    Then stop at Parfrey's Glen for a short hike. Be sure to bring water shoes. Then head to Rock Springs to fill up on free spring water. Head towards Viroqua for lunch at t...

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    Both options eventually get you to Highway 14 in Spring Green, which is another great area to explore if you have time (Taliesin, American Players Theater, "Wisconsin Desert" ...

    Travelling through the Driftless Area near Viroqua. I've never seen misty hilltops in Wisconsin and it seemed like I was on another continent

    Both options eventually get you to Highway 14 in Spring Green, which is another great area to explore if you have time (Taliesin, American Players Theater, "Wisconsin Desert" ...

    /r/wisconsin
  • Reddit Icon

    US-33 from Spring Green to La Crosse. Great scenery, nice towns along the way, and some legit twisties! ... It doesnt seem quite peak yet... still quite a bit of green... I be...

    a rocky road trip thru the driftless region to see the fall colors

    US-33 from Spring Green to La Crosse. Great scenery, nice towns along the way, and some legit twisties! ... It doesnt seem quite peak yet... still quite a bit of green... I be...

    /r/madisonwi
  • Reddit Icon

    I'm thinking of visiting that area - Galena and Dubuque in particular. Are there any other spots I shouldn't miss? ... Viroqua is cool. I live north in Westby. Do yo...

    I live in the Driftless Area. Specifically the part of the Driftless in SW Wisconsin. AMA

    I'm thinking of visiting that area - Galena and Dubuque in particular. Are there any other spots I shouldn't miss? ... Viroqua is cool. I live north in Westby. Do yo...

    /r/geography
  • Reddit Icon

    38 votes, 87 comments. Will be entering the state tomorrow via La crosse. After that gonna just drive around with the wife for a couple days, no

    Road trip through Wisconsin, advice on spots?

    38 votes, 87 comments. Will be entering the state tomorrow via La crosse. After that gonna just drive around with the wife for a couple days, no

    /r/wisconsin
  • Reddit Icon

    Are you kidding? Drive up i90 from La Crosse (or even just Google Map it) and once you are on top of the Mississippi River Valley along the ridge heading out of Winona County ...

    Whats actually special about the Driftless Area.

    Are you kidding? Drive up i90 from La Crosse (or even just Google Map it) and once you are on top of the Mississippi River Valley along the ridge heading out of Winona County ...

    /r/MapPorn
  • Reddit Icon

    Any recommendations for destinations in the driftless area? Looking to rent an AirBnb in small-ish towns that still have a downtown corridor

    Driftless Destinations?

    Any recommendations for destinations in the driftless area? Looking to rent an AirBnb in small-ish towns that still have a downtown corridor

    /r/wisconsin
  • Reddit Icon

    We cannot provide a description for this page right now

    Driftless Area Road Trip? (IL/WI)

    We cannot provide a description for this page right now

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    Just booked a weekend getaway to Viroqua. My girlfriend and I are looking for more suggestions or hidden gems that you might recommend. We are definitely visiting Maybe Lately...

    Weekend in Viroqua

    Just booked a weekend getaway to Viroqua. My girlfriend and I are looking for more suggestions or hidden gems that you might recommend. We are definitely visiting Maybe Lately...

    /r/driftless
  • Reddit Icon

    52 votes, 50 comments. Hi All, taking a trip down to the Driftless area in WI soon. We'll be near the Viroqua/LaCrosse area and are interested in

    Driftless WI Food Recommendations

    52 votes, 50 comments. Hi All, taking a trip down to the Driftless area in WI soon. We'll be near the Viroqua/LaCrosse area and are interested in

    /r/wisconsin
  • Reddit Icon

    My wife and I are planning on taking a 4-5 day trip to the driftless region in spring. This will be our first trip there, and we want to bring our two smaller (20lbs) dogs wit...

    Driftless Region, recommendations of where to stay

    My wife and I are planning on taking a 4-5 day trip to the driftless region in spring. This will be our first trip there, and we want to bring our two smaller (20lbs) dogs wit...

    /r/wisconsin
  • Reddit Icon

    We just took some visitors from ... them to the more North-western areas, start with a jaunt south to Mineral Point, then point it towards Viroqua and get on the Great River R...

    Exploring the driftless area

    We just took some visitors from ... them to the more North-western areas, start with a jaunt south to Mineral Point, then point it towards Viroqua and get on the Great River R...

    /r/madisonwi
  • Reddit Icon

    I haven't been but have heard things about the Driftless Cafe, Gasser's has good bar food. Stop in Westby on your way to get some cheesecurds. ... Canoeing the Kicka...

    Day Trips from La Crosse?

    I haven't been but have heard things about the Driftless Cafe, Gasser's has good bar food. Stop in Westby on your way to get some cheesecurds. ... Canoeing the Kicka...

    /r/lacrossewi
  • Reddit Icon

    Between Minneapolis and Effigy Mounds, follow the Mississippi River through Red Wing, Wabasha, LaCrosse etc. Its beautiful and part of an area called The Driftless, there are ...

    Any insight on this little trip?

    Between Minneapolis and Effigy Mounds, follow the Mississippi River through Red Wing, Wabasha, LaCrosse etc. Its beautiful and part of an area called The Driftless, there are ...

    /r/roadtrip