311 3rd Street, Highway 35, Pepin, WI 54759
715-442-5400  •  info@GreatRiverAmishInn.com

Pepin, Lake   

(pĕp´Ĭn, pĬp´-) , a widening of the Mississippi River, 21 mi (34 km) long and c.3 mi (5 km) wide, SE Minn., between Wabasha and Red Wing; formed by a natural dam of silt dropped by the Chippewa River.

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Tour the town of Pepin for a look at Wisconsin life during the turn of the century. Pepin was not a riverboat community, but there were still a number of industries located there. At its peak, Pepin was home to sawmills, a creamery, a pickle factory, and a lumbermill. Harvesting clam beds was also an industry for a while. The clams were used for food and buttons.

The Tiffany Wildlife Refuge is just 2 miles away and allows hiking, cross country skiing, and nature study.

Today's visitors come to Pepin to enjoy a few days on Pepin Lake or to tour the community and visit Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthplace.

Pepin is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the famed Little House on the Prairie books and a museum dedicated to her is across the street from the Inn. 

Laura Ingalls Wilder Days is an annual event held in September each year which takes place in the town of Pepin, Wisconsin.  People gather from all over to celebrate the life of renowned author and pioneer, Laura Ingalls Wilder.  There is plenty to do and see at the festival.

Lake Pepin Players are in the midst of their eighth full season of producing professional theater in the beautiful tourist haven of Pepin, Wisconsin. You can check out their current offering at Lake Pepin Players 

Fishing is always in season at Lake Pepin and the surrounding areas. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has information to help visitors.

Sail Lake Pepin, or Learn to Sail on Lake Pepin with On-Deck Seminars and Charters.

During the off-season, Pepin tends to quiet down a bit. But, as many returning guests say, they like to take advantage of that time and enjoy the sleepy town all to themselves, since there are fewer tourists in town. They get to enjoy the Inn, drive up and down the Great River Road, and spot bald eagles nesting in the treetops. On a Friday or Saturday they can take advantage of the famous local fish and shrimp fry. Pepin is the perfect off-season retreat when you really want some rest and relaxation.

There are two convenience stores, antique and other specialty shops, a gourmet coffee shop and several restaurants including the famous Harbor View Café, and of course…beautiful Lake Pepin.

 

Historic Museums

PEPIN HISTORICAL MUSEUM 715-442-3161 (Laura Ingalls Wilder Society) Highway 35 and Prairie Street (Next to Kwik Stop) Open Daily May 15-October 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Laura Ingalls Wilder Books and Souvenirs Pepin´s history PEPIN RAILROAD DEPOT MUSEUM Highway 35 at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Park 800 3rd Street Open Daily April 1 through October 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Natural & Scenic Attractions

TIFFANY WILDLIFE REFUGE 608-685-6222 2 Miles East of Pepin on Highway 35 Hiking, Cross Country Skiing, Nature Study Primitive Camping is allowed by PERMIT ONLY Permit Available at DNR, Alma, Wisconsin 54610

 

Public Water Access

Marinas DAN´S PEPIN MARINA 715-442-4900 1st & Lake Street Open May 1st to October 15th Overnight Dockage, Full Facilities Boat Docks/Landings (Free) DEER ISLAND ROAD To Lake Pepin off Highway 35 between Pepin and Stockholm TIFFANY WILDLIFE AREA 3 Miles East of Pepin adjacent to the Chippewa River Bridge along Highway 35 PEPIN SPORTSMAN´S LANDING Near Marina Public Access Bathrooms, Fish Cleaning

Recreational Areas

LAURA INGALLS WILDER MEMORIAL PARK 715-442-3011 800 Third Street (Highway 35) Picnic Tables & Shelters, Playground Equipment Water & Toilets