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Rochester Local

Day Trip: Stockholm and Maiden Rock, Wisconsin

 

Last updated June 2023

If you are looking for a short day trip, please make immediate plans to visit Stockholm and Maiden Rock, Wisconsin. They are a short 12-15 minutes from each other, and both towns are worth stopping in!

At just over an hour from either Rochester or the Twin Cities, Stockholm and Maiden Rock are totally worth a day trip. First stop: head to Stockholm and enjoy “Little Sweden”. While you’re there, make sure to pop into Stockholm Pie & General Store. The General Store aside, there are actually darling shops all along the main drive of Stockholm. Walk up and down and enjoy everything.

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After that, continue on to Maiden Rock. The cliff called Maiden Rock, the town’s namesake, stands towering over Lake Pepin. Legend has it that the daughter of the Dakota Sioux Chief Red Wing jumped off this cliff rather than participate in an arranged marriage. Deeply in love with another man, she couldn’t bear to marry her parents’ choice for a husband. Apparently, there are variations to the legend, but this one is the most prevalent. Now, maybe I’m a sucker for a good legend, or maybe the last quality romantic comedy I watched was The Holiday in 2006, but I love Maiden Rock already.

stockholm wisconsin, maiden rock wisconsin, take a trip to stockholm wisconsin, what to do in maidenheadAlso, the drive into Maiden Rock is gorgeous. Easily one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest, it is beautiful in the summer and absolutely stunning in the fall.

After your hike, make a stop at Maiden Rock Winery and Cidery. It’s super cute, and they have yummy wine. They stock wines from several Wisconsin wineries, and of course, cheese. It is Wisconsin, after all.

For a unique dinner experience, don’t miss Vino in the Valley in Maiden Rock. Check their hours before you go, as they are only open seasonally and only on Thursdays through Sundays. It is an outdoor restaurant in a vineyard, and there can be quite a long wait. Don’t let that deter you; it is well worth it! While you wait, you can walk through the vineyards with a glass of wine (do you see a theme here?), take a tractor ride, or play bean bag toss. Some nights there is also live entertainment. I have not tried the pizzas, but the pasta is amazing!

For obvious reasons, this area is far more enjoyable sans kiddos. The trip could be tailored to include kids, and our kids enjoy going, but it really is a great area to experience with your significant other. Take a break, you will love it.

 

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