Breitbach’s Country Dining
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FAVORITES
FAVORITES
Road Trip to Three States
Road Trip to Three States in One Day
Take a drive through small towns, scenic countryside, and one-of-a-kind spots on the ultimate road trip. Explore the areas around Dubuque and #WhereIowaStarted with a route that takes you through Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois all in one day.
Road Trip
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Iowa
Get Started
Leave Dubuque and head towards Balltown, Iowa where you’ll see rolling hills, farmland, and the heart of the Midwest. When in Balltown check out Breitbach’s Country Dining (Iowa’s Oldest Restaurant), the scenic overlook just outside of Breitbach’s, or PromiseLand Winery (just 15 minutes from Balltown).
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Iowa ➜ Wisconsin
Cassville Ferry
Want to take a ferry across the Mississippi? Continue north from Balltown on the Great River Road to Millville, IA where you will drive to the Cassville Car Ferry pick up. Weather and water levels change often and can affect ferry operation. Call ahead for a current schedule.
Good to know:
The ferry runs Fridays–Sundays in May, September, and October, then daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Pets are welcome, weather and river conditions can affect operations, and both cash and card are accepted.
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Wisconsin
Nelson Dewey State Park
Once you cross the mighty Miss’, you can head to Nelson Dewey State Park outside of Cassville, WI. This area overlooks the Mississippi River from a 500’ bluff. Camping, hiking, or picnicking are all welcome - so are pets. Spend time exploring this park named after Wisconsin’s first Governor and if you have time visit the nearby Stonefield Historic Site.
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Wisconsin
Potosi, WI
From Cassville, continue east on the Great River Road to Potosi, WI. Here you will find the historic Potosi Brewing Company. Originally founded in 1852, the brewery today features an on-site restaurant, the National Brewery Museum, and offers brewery tours to the public. Explore the rest of Potosi’s main street including Whispering Bluffs Winery just across the street.
Pro Tip:
Before getting to Potosi, head to Potosi Point. There you’ll find a quiet viewing area of the Mississippi River where wildlife and nature are in full sight.
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Wisconsin
Dickeyville Grotto
After adventures in Potosi are through, take a drive southeast to Dickeyville, WI and see the famous Dickeyville Grotto. Father Matthias Wernerus, a Catholic Priest spent 5 years (from 1925-1930) building and collecting the bright-colored objects, materials, and stones set in the mortar that can still be seen today. While in Dickeyville, stop at local favorite, Hauber Brand Meats, and fuel up on locally sourced goodies for the rest of the trip.
Pro Tip:
Continuing to head north? Check out Platteville, WI, the Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums, hike to the world’s largest M, and more.
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Wisconsin ➜ Illinois
Elizabeth Grand Antique Co.
From Dickeyville, head south to Galena, IL. Here you can explore quaint shops, historic sites, and delicious eats. Nearby Galena, is Elizabeth, IL. Here you will find Elizabeth’s Grant Antique Company, a historic school building turned into three floors of antiques!
Pro tip:
Give yourself extra time here—Elizabeth's Grand Antique is packed with 200+ vendors, so the best finds are usually hiding in the corners.
Illinois
Manny's Pizza
Once explorations in the Galena area are through, continue driving south towards Savanna, IL. Here you’ll find Mississippi Palisades State Park, Iron Horse Social Club, and Manny’s Pizza. This local favorite is known far and wide for their delicious pizza and tacos that are ordered self-serve style. You won’t want to miss this stop on the road trip!
Don’t let the name fool you:
Manny's Pizza has built a cult following for its crispy thin crust, Tex-Mex tacos and old-school small-town energy that keeps locals coming back.
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Illinois ➜ Iowa
Bellevue, IA
From Savanna, cross over into Iowa. As you make your way west over the Mississippi, you’ll see Iowa’s only Island city - Sabula. Continue driving north and make a pit stop in Bellevue, Iowa. Stop by the Bellevue State Park, watch barge traffic at Lock and Dam 12, or enjoy a beer at River Ridge Brewing (voted the #1 patio in the Dubuque area.) This brewery is family-owned, located right on the river, and home to tasty craft beer and locally-sourced bites.
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Iowa
Wrapping Up
Continue north towards Dubuque to end your day of adventures. Along the way, you’ll pass through St. Donatus, a tiny Luxembourg village that is home to Kalmes Restaurant & Catering, as well as Iowa’s oldest barn. As you wrap up the road trip, make a stop by Crystal Lake Cave, located along the highway just south of Dubuque.
