Fountain City WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fountain City, Wisconsin.
1. Kinstone
MEGALITHIC GARDEN SANCTUARY
Kinstone is a 30-acre haven of peaceful beauty filled with stone sculptures, natural buildings, planted prairie, and spectacular views over the Mississippi River. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of this one-of-a-kind place while connecting with nature and experiencing the power of the land and sky to transform and renew. The unique megalithic garden offers a chance for personal reflection and renewal while immersing oneself in the wonders of the earth.
2. Eagle Bluff
PANORAMIC RIVER VIEWS
Eagle Bluff offers adventurers the highest viewpoint on the Upper Mississippi River with stunning panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike to the top for breathtaking views of the Mississippi River valley and the picturesque town of Fountain City below. The natural landmark provides an excellent opportunity for photography, bird watching, and appreciating the natural beauty of Wisconsin's Driftless Region.
3. Seven Hawks Vineyard
AWARD-WINNING LOCAL WINES
Seven Hawks Vineyard offers wine enthusiasts a chance to sample award-winning locally produced wines while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Mississippi River valley. The vineyard features a tasting room where visitors can savor various wine varieties crafted from grapes grown in the unique microclimate of the region. Guests can relax on the property while taking in the beautiful views that complement the wine tasting experience.
4. Merrick State Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION HAVEN
Merrick State Park provides outdoor enthusiasts with over 320 acres of natural beauty along the banks of the Mississippi River. The park offers camping, boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities with three separate campgrounds and boat launches giving easy access to the river. Visitors can observe abundant wildlife including turtles, herons, eagles, and numerous waterfowl species that make their home in this riverside habitat.
5. Mississippi Thunder Speedway
HIGH-OCTANE RACING ENTERTAINMENT
Mississippi Thunder Speedway delivers heart-pounding dirt track racing action for motorsports enthusiasts in the Fountain City area. The 3/8-mile high-banked clay oval track hosts weekly racing events featuring modified, late model, and stock car competitions throughout the racing season. Spectators can enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere with concessions, grandstand seating, and the thunderous excitement of local and regional racing talent.
6. Fountain City Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Fountain City Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich heritage of this historic Mississippi River town through artifacts, photographs, and documents. Visitors can explore exhibits that detail the community's development from its early settlement days to its evolution as a river town with unique architecture and cultural significance. The society offers a fascinating glimpse into local history with collections that highlight the area's German heritage and its important relationship with the Mississippi River.
7. Elmer's Auto & Toy Museum
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE COLLECTION
Elmer's Auto & Toy Museum houses an impressive collection of vintage automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and toys set atop a scenic bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The museum features hundreds of restored vehicles spanning automotive history, including rare and unique models that automobile enthusiasts will appreciate. Visitors can marvel at the extensive toy collection that includes pedal cars, cast iron toys, and model trains in this family-friendly attraction that celebrates America's love affair with automobiles.
8. The Bread Hut Under CastleRock
ARTISANAL BAKERY EXPERIENCE
The Bread Hut Under CastleRock delights visitors with fresh, artisanal baked goods created in the traditional European style. This charming bakery offers a variety of breads, pastries, and treats made from scratch using quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Nestled under the distinctive CastleRock formation, the bakery provides not only delicious food but also a unique setting that adds to its appeal.
9. Buffalo County Trail
SCENIC WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
The Buffalo County Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts miles of scenic paths through the diverse landscapes of Wisconsin's Driftless Region. Hikers, nature photographers, and wildlife watchers can explore the trail system while spotting local flora and fauna in their natural habitats. The trails provide varying levels of difficulty with rewarding views of the Mississippi River valley, bluffs, and forests that characterize this unique geographical area.
10. Fountain City Museum
RIVER TOWN HERITAGE
The Fountain City Museum showcases the area's rich history through exhibits focusing on early settlement, river commerce, and local traditions. Visitors can examine historical photographs, artifacts, and documents that tell the story of this Mississippi River community from its founding to the present day. The museum provides insight into how the river shaped the development and culture of Fountain City throughout its history.
11. Prized Possessions
UNIQUE LOCAL SHOPPING
Prized Possessions offers visitors a distinctive shopping experience featuring a carefully curated selection of antiques, gifts, and local crafts. The charming shop showcases items that reflect the region's cultural heritage alongside contemporary works by local artisans. Shoppers can find unique souvenirs and treasures while experiencing the warm hospitality that characterizes this small-town establishment.
12. Bluff View
SPECTACULAR RIVER PANORAMAS
Bluff View offers one of the most stunning panoramic vistas of the Mississippi River and surrounding valleys in the entire region. Visitors can take in the breathtaking scenery that showcases the natural beauty of the river, islands, and distant bluffs from this elevated vantage point. The viewpoint provides perfect photo opportunities and a peaceful setting for contemplating the majestic landscape that has drawn people to this area for generations.
13. Rock in the House
UNUSUAL GEOLOGICAL ATTRACTION
Rock in the House is Fountain City's famous roadside attraction where a massive 55-ton boulder crashed through a house in 1995 and remains there today as a unique tourist spot. Visitors can tour this unusual site to see how the giant rock came to rest in the bedroom of the house after rolling down the adjacent bluff. This geological oddity has become a popular stop for travelers seeking unusual attractions and serves as a reminder of the powerful forces of nature in this bluff country.
14. Waumandee Creek
PRISTINE TROUT FISHING
Waumandee Creek offers anglers a premier cold-water stream known for its excellent trout fishing in Buffalo County near Fountain City. The crystal-clear waters wind through the picturesque valleys of the Driftless Area, providing ideal habitat for brown and brook trout. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and challenging fishing opportunities in this natural stream that exemplifies Wisconsin's commitment to trout habitat conservation.
15. Monarch Public House
HISTORIC IRISH PUB
The Monarch Public House, established in 1894, claims the title of Wisconsin's oldest continuously operating tavern and offers visitors authentic Irish pub fare in a historic setting. The charming establishment features original architectural elements and a warm atmosphere where guests can enjoy traditional food with an Irish flair alongside local and imported beers. Visitors can soak in the history of this riverfront gathering place that has been serving locals and travelers for over 125 years.