From its southwest corner, where it meets Illinois and Iowa, north to near St. Paul, Minnesota, Wisconsin is bordered by the mighty Mississippi River. At the confluence with the St. Croix River, the Mississippi wanders off into Minnesota, and the Scenic St. Croix Riverway becomes the "west coast" of Wisconsin. Touring the St. Croix can be a vacation destination of its own.
A popular day trip for guests at Rainbow's End Resort is Stillwater, Minnesota, near the south end of the St. Croix River. Stillwater features many antique shops, scenic river cruises for a meal or an afternoon, and the bustling summer atmosphere of a popular vacation stop. Park in one of the public parking lots along the river and walk to the shops and sites in Stillwater. There is even a tour of caves that were used as a brewery in the late 1800's.
From Rainbow's End Resort, get an early start and take either Counry Hwy SS or US 53 south to Bloomer. Stop for breakfast at the Main Street Cafe in Bloomer. (This has got to be good! How many small town cafes have their own web site?)
You might want to pick up some goodies from the Bohemian ovens at the Bloomer Bakery, also on Main Street. There are only about 3500 people in Bloomer, so almost everything is on Main Street.
After breakfast, go back on County SS a quarter mile or so to Hwy 64. Go west. You'll go through some beautiful Wisconsin farms and forests. Look for Connorsville on the right. From here, the road is a little more hilly and windy, but won't slow you down much. New Richmond is the "big town" (population over 6000) on the way. Hwy 64 will turn right after going through most of New Richmond. Just follow the signs.
On the second weekend in April, we encountered hundreds of motorcyclists in Somerset, the next small town on the way. I don't know if they host bike parties there often, but that weekend was warm and the bikers friendly.
Somerset is also the place to go tubing on the Apple River, if you'd like to conduct your own river tour. Parking and shuttle bus comes with tube rentals. Enjoy the trip. This could be a destination of its own! There are several services:
If you don't stop to tube the Apple River, you'll make it to Stillwater in just a few more minutes. There are lots of antique shops, riverboats, and other attractions in Stillwater. You'll even find a cave used as a brewery in the late 1800's! Park in a public parking lot by the river and walk to the shops and sites. You might want to check out:
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Right after Lumberjack Days 2005, the bridge over the River St. Croix will be closed for several months for repair. See the Minnesota DOT web site for details. While the bridge is closed, it's still easy to get to Stillwater. Ask at the Rainbow's End Resort office for the "other" route.
If you'd like to shave a few minutes off your return trip to Rainbow's End Resort, check at the office for maps. Hwy 64 to Hwy 25 north to County A and I is shorter, but you need to watch for the road signs!
Have fun on your outing from Base Camp Chetek at Rainbow's End Resort!
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