http://www.wisconsinmotorcycling.com/maps/images/TwoRivers.gifThis map has the last bit of Vernon and Crawford county on it. I decided to do all of Crawford county in this map, just because the county is small enough that I could get it all in here. There is a lot of History in this county, Praire Du Chein was the location of Fort Crawford in the 1800's. Today only boundary blocks remain. Visit the Villa Loius, a mansion that was built by the head of a fur company in those days. Praire was a center for trading and buying goods. Both Europeans and Indians traveled here to trade. There were also three important treaties with the Indians signed at this fort. Among Some stationed here were Zachary Taylor & Jefferson Davis.. This map also holds the location where the Blackhawk war ended. Just above Desoto you will find Black Hawk lookout, which is the location where Chief Blackhawk and his tribe attempted to cross the river. They were met by the US army which included a river gun boat from Fort Crawford. Abraham Lincoln was a Captain in this Army. Chief blackhawk was taken prisoner and about 850 members of his band were slaughtered here. Those that made it across the river to Iowa were caught and killed by Sauk indians the government had hired to hunt the party down. It was an important point in history because it marks the final Indian uprising in this territory. It wouldn't have been an "uprising" if the US hadn't decided to occupy blackhawks lands while he was away. They wanted their land back, that's all.
Cautions
Once again, many of the highways are fairly good and you may not need to leave them to find some fun riding. Hwy 35 is the Great River Road a Scenic road in Wisconsin, not a lot of fun to ride but the view is great. many of the county roads are narrow and some don't have speed signs for the corners so take it easy until you know the area.
Law Enforcement
You won't see a lot of police in this area. But its still a good idea to keep your speed down. Ferryville has an officer you should be careful of. The guy is hardcore and will ticket you for anything he can. When driving through Ferryville keep to the exact limit, even 5 over will get you pulled over. And if you may see an officer or two after you leave town, I have heard he like to call ahead to other officers and let them know you are coming so they can find a place to do a speed trap.
Fuel and rest stops
You can get fuel in Desoto, Praire Du Chien, Wauzeka, Stueben, Gays Mills, Soldiers Grove, & Readstown. There may be fuel in a couple of the other towns, if you find some let me know. Check your tank a lot and fill up when you can. There are plenty of rest areas around here many small parks scattered around the area. Places to Eat
The customary place to go is the Wooden Nickel in Ferryville. Its biker bar that has great burgers. You will always find bikes at this place, and the people are great. There is another place just down the street that also has fantastic burgers, I guess they are 1lb.. gotta try that huh? You will find some restaurants in Prairie Du Chien, Gays Mills, Soldiers Grove, Readstown and I think there are a couple in Wauzeka. Also if you are around Praire, go across the river and you will find a Casino Boat that has an All you can eat buffet.
Things To See
There a few things to see. You can visit the Villa Loius in Praire Du Chien and the other historical landmarks found around town. The Casino across the river, AND you have to go to Pike Peak State Park in Iowa. Just follow the road that goes past the Casino and it will take you to a small town. Drive through town and follow the signs to the park. Its one of the best lookouts in the area. There is another lookout located in Lansing Iowa, just take Hwy 82 across the river and go into Lansing and follow the signs. Around Gays mills you will find several apple orchards which are a great place to go in the fall during harvest season. Fantastic hot apple cider. Links to the Area
Gays Mills
Prairie Du Chien
Soldiers Grove
Readstown
Desoto
Vernon County
Crawford County
Pikes Peak State Park- Iowa
Info about the Blackhawk War
Riding Style
The main highways are fast roads until you get caught speeding. The back roads should be taken cautiously until you know them, and then you can run them a little faster. Still be careful in the corners. If you are taking 82 out of Desoto, be careful going up the first hill, its always covered in gravel and there are a couple of sharp corners out there.
Emergency Numbers
All emergencies 911 Of course.
La Crosse Police, 608-785-5952
La Crosse Cnty Police, 608-785-5942
Information Numbers
La Crosse Weather dial 608-782-4500 and then 1100
Bike Repairs & Supplies
All in La Crosse:
Steiger Kawasaki Suzuki KTM 608-788-4514
Two Brothers Honda 608-781-3360
R&J Motorsports (Yamaha) 608-785-1077
La Crosse Harley Davidson 608-783-6112
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Topic: WI -Two Rivers (Read 2133 times)