Choose Your Adventure

Whether your ideal adventure involves paddling a quiet river, exploring underground caves, spotting eagles soaring overhead, or discovering hidden roads and ancient stone landscapes, the Driftless Region offers endless opportunities to explore. Choose one adventure—or combine several—for a day you'll never forget.

Start the Day

Fuel up with a farm-to-table breakfast before packing a few essentials. We can provide binoculars, hiking recommendations, beach chairs, and local insight to help you plan the perfect day.

For lunch on the go, stop by:

• Maiden Rock Mercantile for sandwiches, snacks, coffee, and beverages.

• Nelson Creamery for sandwiches, provisions, and of course, ice cream.

• Homemade Cafe for fresh café fare and picnic-friendly options.

Option One: Paddle the Driftless

Experience the region from the water with a guided canoe or kayak trip through Broken Paddle Guiding Company. Quiet waterways, wildlife sightings, and expert local guides make this one of the most memorable ways to experience the area.

Prefer to paddle on your own? Rent a canoe or kayak at Nugget Lake County Park and spend the day exploring one of western Wisconsin's most beautiful lakes.

Option Two: Follow the Scenic Roads

Pack your binoculars and set out for a leisurely drive along Rustic Road 95, one of Wisconsin's designated scenic Rustic Roads.

Winding through forests, bluffs, and countryside, it's the perfect place to slow down, watch for wildlife, and discover beautiful views around every corner.

Option Three: Beneath the Surface

Take a guided tour of Crystal Cave and descend into a fascinating underground world filled with stunning rock formations, crystal formations, and geological history.

It's cool, beautiful, and unlike anything else in the region.

Option Four: Eagles & River Views

Cross the river to visit National Eagle Center, where you'll learn about the majestic bald eagles that call the Mississippi River Valley home.

The surrounding riverfront offers beautiful walking paths, scenic overlooks, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Option Five: Discover Something Truly Unique

Wander the extraordinary grounds of Kinstone, a one-of-a-kind landscape of stone circles, megaliths, gardens, and contemplative spaces inspired by ancient sacred sites around the world.

It's difficult to describe—and unforgettable to experience.

Option Six: Explore Lake Pepin from the Water

Sit back and enjoy the scenery aboard a pontoon excursion with Cruise Pepin. Learn about the history, ecology, and culture of Lake Pepin while taking in spectacular views from the water.

Return to the Inn

After a day of adventure, return to Journey Inn for a well-earned evening of relaxation. Wander the trails, soak in the sauna, gather around a bonfire, or simply settle into a chair and watch the sun disappear beyond the prairie.

The best adventures aren't always the farthest from home—they're the ones that leave you with stories to tell.