July 2018 - Page 2 of 4 -

Day 11: Fulton, Illinois, to Quad Cities

Following a breakfast treat at Krumpet’s Bakery in Fulton, we crossed back into Iowa to visit the Sawmill Museum in Clinton. The museum is much larger than we expected it to be, and it was both educational and entertaining. We continued then down to the Quad Cities, where our first stop was the Rock Island Arsenal Museum and the arsenal visitor’s center. After checking into our hotel at the Rhythm City Casino Resort, we headed to Woodmen Park in Davenport to watch the Quad Cities River Bandits take on the South Bend Cubs. Read more

Day 10: Dubuque, Iowa, to Fulton, Illinois

Our first stop after breakfast was the Julien Dubuque Memorial. The memorial overlooks the Mississippi River—gorgeous views—in the Mines of Spain State Park. Afterward, since I can’t resist a cave, we toured Crystal Lake Cave before continuing our drive down the Great River Road. We crossed into Illinois at Fulton and arrived at de Immigrant Windmill just before closing time. We were in luck, though. The adjacent Windmill Cultural Center was staying open later that night because of an area special event. Read more

Day 9: Exploring Dubuque, Iowa

We try to seek out unique attractions on our travels, so we couldn’t miss the Fenelon Place Elevator in Dubuque, the world’s steepest, shortest scenic railway. We then spent the rest of the day at the riverfront, first on a stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront, followed by a visit to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Read more

Day 8: Fountain City, Wisconsin, to Dubuque, Iowa

Back on the road, we again crossed back and forth between Wisconsin and Minnesota, stopping for Mass at the Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse and brunch at the shrine’s restaurant, Culina Mariana Café. Coming into scenic Iowa, we hiked at Effigy Mounds before finishing our day in Dubuque, at the hotel named for the city’s founder, Hotel Julien Dubuque. Read more

Day 7: Saint Paul to Fountain City, Wisconsin

After picking up a healthy road trip snack food at the Saint Paul Farmers Market, we got back on the road. We passed back and forth between Minnesota and Wisconsin and stopped in Alma, Wisconsin. In Alma we visited the Castlerock Armor Museum, stopped at an overlook, and ate dinner, before continuing to our glamping experience at the Sleepy Hollow Campground in Fountain City, Wisconsin. Read more

Midwest Wanderer explores history, nature, and culture through road trips along scenic and historic U.S. highways, byways and trails

Month: July 2018

Podcast: Great River Road Days 11

Day 11: Fulton, Illinois, to Quad Cities

Podcast: Great River Road Day 10

Day 10: Dubuque, Iowa, to Fulton, Illinois

River City Tour Highlights Peoria Fun Facts, History

Podcast: Great River Road Day 9

Day 9: Exploring Dubuque, Iowa

Podcast: Great River Road Day 8

Day 8: Fountain City, Wisconsin, to Dubuque, Iowa

Podcast: Great River Road Day 7

Day 7: Saint Paul to Fountain City, Wisconsin