MCGREGOR, Iowa — What draws people to McGregor, Iowa, a small town of around 800 people, in northeast Iowa?
"I think it’s just a charming historic downtown with a beautiful riverfront and a slower pace of life," Brandi Crozier, economic development lead for the City of McGregor, said.
Visitors have been exploring the area in the Mississippi River valley for 175 years now.
"We have a cultural and entertainment district downtown here, so we have lots of little shops and restaurants and establishments. I think that visitors find that to be very enticing," Crozier said.
The town is beautiful year-round, but autumn may be the best season to visit.
"You can see the river and the bluffs, especially the leaves changing this time of year. There’s some festive displays downtown. If you’re into hiking, there’s tons of hiking to do up at Pikes Peak," Crozier said.
Pikes Peak State Park is known for its majestic views of the Mississippi River valley.
Visitors can see where the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers meet from atop a 500-foot bluff. The elevation at the point is 1,130 feet.
"From the overlook at Pikes Peak, you can see the whole Mississippi River valley where the Wisconsin River meets the Mississippi River. I would say from an eagle’s view. So it is an incredible view,” Crozier said.
There are multiple viewing platforms that offer panoramic vistas. The main platform features two levels.
The park also has 11 miles of trails weaving throughout the area. But it’s an easy walk to the overlooks to enjoy the vistas.
The main parking lot is closed for repaving this fall. There is a parking area before the main entrance, which requires a short walk up and down a hill to reach the viewing areas.
McGregor teams up with nearby communities Marquette, Iowa and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin to form what they call the “Ports of Discovery.”
Less than 2 miles upriver north of McGregor is the small riverfront town of Marquette.
It also sits along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.
The city offers boating, pier fishing and a railroad museum.
Do you enjoy stopping at quirky roadside attractions? If so, Marquette has a fun one!
The Pink Elephant has been standing watch in Marquette since 1963.
It was the mascot for the Pink Elephant Motel and Lounge. It now stands outside the Casino Queen Marquette, a riverboat casino.
“Pinky has remained and it's still there today. Although the original hotel and restaurant are no longer there,” Crozier said.
Pinky had a brush with fame when the owners put it on water-skis on the Mississippi River when President Jimmy Carter made a visit to neighboring Prairie du Chien in August 1978.
From Marquette, take U.S. Highway 18 across the Mississippi River channels to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
There are riverfront trails on St. Feriole Island Park, situated in the river channel.
The island features multiple historic buildings such as the Villa Louis estate and a replica of a fort from the War of 1812.
Boating and birdwatching are popular throughout the year.
If you’re lucky, you may spot a bald eagle flying overhead.
Aside from the riverfront views, Prairie du Chien offers a bustling downtown shopping district.
But one of the biggest draws to the Ports of Discovery area, especially in autumn, continues to be ‘leaf-peeping’ at the colors of fall.
“It's a little different view with every season, but it's always beautiful,” Crozier said.
These three towns are located about two and a half hours north of the Quad Cities. The general directions take drivers north on Highway 61, cut west over to Dyersville, head north of Highway 52 to Guttenberg, then taking the Great River Road up to McGregor.
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