Some of the best Driftless experiences happen in the smallest towns. From weddings and family celebrations to festivals, craft shows, races, live music and seasonal events, there’s always something happening somewhere nearby.

Driftless Destinations makes an easy home base for exploring communities on both sides of the Mississippi — with plenty of room to come back, relax and enjoy time together.

Just minutes from Driftless Destinations, the river communities of McGregor, Marquette and Prairie du Chien host events throughout the year — from festivals, markets and live music to arts events, holiday celebrations and community gatherings.

Traveling for a wedding, reunion or special event? This area is also home to several event and celebration venues, making DD a convenient place for family and friends to stay together.

There’s something happening in the river towns throughout the year. Popular annual events include Scottish Fest, Lazy River BBQ, Beer & Wine Festival, the Emma Big Bear Celebration, Great River Road Car Show & Cruise, Froelich Fall-Der-All, McGregor Fall Arts & Crafts Festival, Halloween celebrations, Festival of Trees and Marquette’s Flea Market Under the Bridge.

Just across the Mississippi, Prairie du Chien adds even more reasons to plan a getaway, with annual favorites including the Prairie Villa Rendezvous & Flea Market, Oktoberfest, seasonal markets, arts events, live music and community celebrations.

Head north for more small-town celebrations and community traditions. Lansing favorites include Fish Days and Light Up Lansing, while Waukon and the surrounding Allamakee County area offer fairs, community celebrations, seasonal events and gatherings throughout the year.

Don’t let its small year-round population fool you. Harpers Ferry comes alive during the warmer months as seasonal residents and visitors return for boating, fishing, river recreation, local dining and the relaxed atmosphere of this Mississippi River community. It’s a small town with a much bigger summer personality.

These communities pack plenty into the calendar, too. Monona hosts Music in the Park throughout the summer, while Elkader is home to Sweet Corn Days, Art in the Park, Witches Night Out, Get Your Jingle On, farmers markets and year-round performances at the Elkader Opera House.

Some of the Driftless Region’s smallest communities host events worth planning a trip around. Ferryville’s annual traditions include River Bluff Daze, Fall Fest, Bald Eagle Day and seasonal community gatherings. Gays Mills comes alive during its famous Apple Festival, along with orchard season, markets and other events throughout the year.

Arts, music and local culture take center stage farther into the Wisconsin Driftless. Soldiers Grove hosts the annual Driftless Area Art Festival, bringing together regional artists, live music and local food. Viroqua adds even more arts, markets, music and community happenings to a Driftless getaway.

This beautiful Mississippi River community gives visitors plenty of reasons to make a day — or a weekend — of it. Annual favorites include Germanfest, the Stars & Stripes Independence Day Celebration, River of Music, the River Park Cruisers Car Show, Ghoul’s Night Out and Christmas by the River.

Small-town traditions are part of what makes the Driftless special. Garnavillo is home to the Clayton County Fair, along with its Fourth of July celebration and other community events throughout the year.

Sometimes the event is the reason for the trip. Weddings, family reunions, graduations, milestone celebrations, tournaments, races and other special gatherings bring people to the Driftless throughout the year.

With room for up to 12 guests, Driftless Destinations gives families and groups a comfortable home base where everyone can stay together — close to event venues and communities throughout Northeast Iowa and Southwest Wisconsin.

Coming to the area for a wedding, reunion, graduation, performance, celebration or other special event? Here are a few gathering places throughout the region that bring families and groups to the Driftless.

The Dousman House — Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
A historic Mississippi River event center hosting weddings, receptions, reunions, graduations, parties and other private gatherings.

White Haus Social — Waukon, Iowa
A modern countryside venue designed for weddings and special celebrations in Northeast Iowa.

Elkader Opera House — Elkader, Iowa
A beautifully restored historic venue hosting live performances and community events, with rental space available for weddings, meetings, workshops and other gatherings.

PromiseLand Winery — Guttenberg, Iowa
A Great River Road destination hosting weddings as well as live entertainment and special events.

Sometimes the event is the reason for the trip. Weddings, family reunions, graduations, milestone celebrations, tournaments, races and other special gatherings bring people to the Driftless throughout the year.

With room for up to 12 guests, Driftless Destinations gives families and groups a comfortable home base where everyone can stay together — close to event venues and communities throughout Northeast Iowa and Southwest Wisconsin.

Whatever brings you to the Driftless — a festival, wedding, family gathering, special event or simply a reason to explore somewhere new — make Driftless Destinations your place to come back to at the end of the day.

Gather your people, stay awhile, and enjoy a little more of the Driftless while you’re here.

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Looking for Our Favorite Local Stops?

We've spent a lot of time exploring the Driftless, and there are some places we find ourselves going back to again and again. From favorite restaurants and little shops to river-town stops and unexpected finds, we've put together a few of our personal favorites to help you explore like a local.

Explore Our Driftless Favorites

Coming to the area for work?
Driftless Destinations gives coworkers, contractors and small teams room to stay together while working in the McGregor–Prairie du Chien area. With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, Wi-Fi, a full kitchen, ample parking and comfortable gathering spaces, it’s an easy place to settle in after the workday.

Staying a little longer? Ask about our 7th night free promotion for qualifying direct bookings.