Today we are going to consider a favorite portion of my favorite river. Yes, this is Lake Pepin, a portion of the Upper Mississippi.
This view, taken from the village of Pepin, WI was snapped on an exceptionally calm day. Often, when I was a child and we came within sight of the lake (often at the village of Maiden Rock, WI) we’d see either scattered or plentiful whitecaps.
Located between Lock & Dam #3 at Red Wing, MN and Lock & Dam #4 at Alma, WI, Lake Pepin is wide enough to slow the current of the great river. This is a scenic portion of the river. Both railroad and highways follow the contours on both sides. Allow enough time if going for a drive “around the lake” for the bridges are about 25-30 miles apart. Of course, in deep winter you could take a chance and drive across the ice.
Looking for a cruise within the United States? If you board in St. Paul, MN you’ll experience this portion of the river.
In the sweet historical romance, New Dreams, immigrants take steamboats from New Orleans to their new home in Illinois. River towns in 1851 thrived with most of the people and freight transported on the water. Check out the book at the link for a tale of new-immigrant experiences. https://amzn.to/3vWydWE
