Another Hart family tradition is to head north when the weather gets cooler to see the beautiful leaves changing colors for the fall! We are blessed with a scenic drive on both sides of the Mississippi River called The Great River Road. Due to our drought this year, we are assuming that the trees won't change colors as much as we're used to. It doesn't help that most of our weekends are filled from now until late October...So, we decided to hit the road a bit earlier than normal. We were blessed with a beautiful, blue sky, sunny, cooler temps type of day! WONDERFUL!!
Matt & I looked at the map Saturday night and decided that we could head up to Pike's Peak (McGregor, IA). Pike's Peak is the highest point in Iowa - overlooking the Mississippi on top of a huge bluff. Matt & I had visited there years ago - before kids. It was definitely time to head back!
We drove up to Dubuque, IA and crossed over into Wisconsin. Our first stop was in Potosi, WI for a potty break. While in the gas station, Matt found a brochure for this little park, "Potosi Point". During a non-drought year, this finger of land extends .6 miles out into the Mississippi! It was sad to see the water level so low.
Our next stop for the trip was in Cassville. We were so excited to have the kids experience a ferry ride! This would take us from Cassville, WI to south of Guttenburg, IA. If you look in the picture, you can see the ferry on the far left of the river.
While waiting for the ferry, Will heard a train and ran over to see the train coming right towards him. His face showed pure joy! The conductor was close enough to wave and blow the whistle for Will.
We are on the ferry! The only ones to cross over on this particular ride! The kids LOVED it! I think we found another tradition...
One of my all time favorite spots in all of Iowa - the Guttenberg overlook! We didn't buy any honey this visit!
We drove through Guttenberg and crossed the river into Prairie Du Chien, WI. We were in search for lunch. While it is silly, Matt & I ate at our first Culver's in Prairie Du Chien over 11 years ago. This was when Culver's were exclusive to WI. So, we revisited our first Culver's and shared that story with the kids! They didn't understand how Culver's didn't exist in all the other towns we visit!
Saw these neat fish right off the Marquette/Prairie Du Chien bridge. We passed it and both realized that we needed to turn around and get a picture of that!!
After lunch, we headed back into Iowa to visit Effigy Mounds State Monument. We didn't have time to hike - we were on the search for a quick letterbox. Matt looked for the box while I took the kids into the museum/gift shop.
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| The kids behind a display of fossils |
We look forward to heading back to this park to hike some day! We loaded back up again and took off for Pike's Peak State Park. Matt told the kids to keep an eye open for a pink elephant - they found it!!
We also found some really neat "cave" rock formations along the road!
Checking out the view at Pike's Peak State Park
We hiked a beautiful trail that included waterfalls and beautiful vistas! We were in search of a very old letterbox...but alas, 3+ miles later...no luck.
We were thrilled to see a dozen plus hummingbirds feeding when we arrived at the park! After our hike, we put the long lens on the camera and snapped some shots of the amazing birds!
Heading home we made one last stop just north of Guttenberg at a scenic overlook. The river is behind us - but check out the beautiful bluff behind the kids!
While the day had its moments, it was a WONDERFUL day. I think it's safe to say we all look forward to the next one! After our trip to Cincinnati this summer, I didn't think I would ever say that!
