We began the next leg of our trek to the Warrens Cranberry fest, leaving Potosi, WI, on a perfect fall morning. This portion of the trip would take us almost 87 miles to Blackhawk COE Campground, DeSoto, WI.
What a beautiful drive along the bluffs on the Wisconsin side of the Mighty Mississippi. The air was crisp and the fall colors were more pronounced than they had been just a few days ago. We took our time as the roads were almost traffic-free, allowing us to enjoy the scenery.
Casseville was the first town we passed through. This little town boasts a few attractions worthy of note. The Cassville Car Ferry is the only means of crossing the Mississippi River between Dubuque, Iowa and Prairie du Chien, WI. There is a fee for making use of the ferry but it is a unique experience that we have enjoyed on previous trips to the area. The next Cassville attraction is Stonefield Village. A re-created 19th century rural village operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Finally, Nelson Dewey State Park offers camping, views of the Mississippi from a 500 ft. bluff and history, featuring the home of Wisconsin’s first Governor, the park’s namesake and nearby Stonfield Villiage. I hope to see all Cassville has to offer one of these days.
As we continue northward we passed through Prairie du Chien. We had toured the area previously so continued on. Of note in Prairie du Chien is Villa Louis estate of fur trader, lumberman and land speculator, Hercules Louis Dousman; and the Fort Crawford Museum.
As we traveled along we stopped at as many scenic overlooks and historical markers as would permit a pickup and travel trailer. We discovered that DeSoto, WI was named in honor of Fernando DeSoto, the first white man to see the Mississippi River. Additionally, DeSoto was originally the site of a Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) village called Winneshiek.
Our destination for this leg as I mentioned earlier was Blackhawk COE Campground 1 mile south of Victory, WI.
No comments:
Post a Comment