Your Hosts Phil & Kay
We first met in the 8th grade in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin and remained friends throughout high school. After graduation, we moved on to separate lives; Phil eventually settled in Minneapolis while Kay married and moved to Eau Clair, Wisconsin. Over the next 40+ years families were formed. Kids, dogs, and cats were raised. And right as the world was changing in 2020, we reunited first as friends and later something more. On a fishing trip to the Rush River, we noticed our current home was for sale, and thus began our life in Pierce County, Wisconsin. Every day we marvel at how fortunate we are to live in paradise, and we take enormous pleasure in sharing this corner of heaven with our guests.
Miles of Beauty by Bike
We are close to several designated bike trails, including the Red Cedar State Trail, Spring Lake Park Reserve loop and Schaar’s Bluff loop – all within a half-hour drive. In addition, several off-road mountain bike trails wend through Kinnickinnic and Willow River State Park. Guests are welcome to mountain bike on our un-groomed trails as well. We have 40 acres available.
Cast Off or Paddle Out
Certain sections of the Rush River can be kayaked. We offer shuttles and have two kayaks available for rental. A wonderful trip is to go to Lake Pepin and kayak over to the mouth of the Rush River. Eagles, pelicans, and other birds nest and fish here, and this estuary is a fantastic place to view them.
Trails Through the Colors
The river valley comes alive in autumn, with winding trails that lead you through bluffs, forests, and glowing canopies of red and gold. A hike here is more than a walk—it’s a front-row seat to Wisconsin’s most brilliant season.
Winter Wonders in the Valley
When snow blankets the river valley, the trails transform into a winter playground. Guests are welcome to snowshoe our trails in the winter. We are one mile from the Rush River Trail Riders Snowmobile Club. Catch-and-release fishing on the Rush River opens at the beginning of January, and Lake Pepin is an excellent ice fishing destination. Every corner of the valley offers a magical winter escape.
Upcoming Area Events
There are lots of regularly scheduled events in the River Valley area. See below for details.
Trillium Festival
Enjoy a weekend of Nature along the West Coast of Wisconsin and hear from Doug Tallamy author of Nature’s Best Hope, a New York Times Best Seller. The venue is located in a wonderful part of the Driftless Region offering unique lodging, dining and shopping experiences.
See Event Site100-Mile Garage Sale
Historic towns along the Great River Road in two states clean out their attics, garages and basements to create the most spectacular garage sale around! Bargain hunters can start anywhere along the Great River Road – Wisconsin and across the river into Minnesota – rain or shine.
See Event SiteFresh Art Tour
Explore scenic backroads and enjoy the seasonal art and artistry on self-guided tour to our home studios and galleries. Throughout the picturesque villages & countryside of Pepin, Pierce and Buffalo counties, the artists who call this area home welcome you. Come hear their stories and take home a bit of their inspiration. Grab a snack, pick up a tour map at any one of the many sites and watch for Fresh Art Tour signs along the way.
See Event SiteEllsworth Cheese Curd Festival
Held each year in June and celebrates our town’s designation as the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin and those tasty white morsels which have earned world-wide acclaim.
See Event SiteWhatever your interest
Below is a snapshot of attractions, dining, and events within a short drive of our valley. Keep in mind many of our neighborhood restaurants and attractions are seasonal and geared towards weekends. Please check with individual establishments for hours and seasons.
Art Galleries & Museums
Second Spring Gallery
N2055 Spring St, Stockholm, WI 54769
Rustic Road Gallery Studio & Nature Center
W2596 20th Ave, Stockholm, WI 54769
Terra Guitarra Fine Art Gallery
W3542 WI-35, Maiden Rock, WI 54750
Secret Heart Gallery
W3553 WI-35, Maiden Rock, WI 54750
Castlerock Museum of Art
402 South 2nd St, Alma, WI 54610
Wings Over Alma Nature & Art Center
110 North Main St, Alma, WI 54610
Garden Divas
N7789 State Rd 65, River Falls, WI 54022
Crystal Caves
W965 WI-29, Spring Valley, WI 54767
Bike Trails
The Chippewa River State Trail
Connects to the Red Cedar State Trail in the Dunnville Wildlife Area near the confluence of the Red Cedar and Chippewa rivers.
Wildwood Trail
A 7-mile off-road hiking, biking, and snowmobiling trail on a former railroad right-of-way, which runs from the Village of Woodville south to the St. Croix / Pierce County line, through the Town of Eau Galle.
Parks
Nugget Lake County Park
A 752-acre semi-wilderness area in Plum City, Wisconsin, known for its scenic 116-acre lake and extensive trail system. Includes groomed cross country ski trails and sliding hill. Just 12 minutes from our cottages
Kinnickinnic State Park
Located where the Kinnickinnic and St. Croix rivers meet, offering hiking trails through prairie and woods, a sandy delta for boating and picnicking, and fishing for trout. Great place for winter fun, has groomed cross country ski trails.
Willow River State Park
A popular, nearly 3,000-acre park in western Wisconsin known for the picturesque Willow Falls and a 200-foot deep gorge. Also has groomed cross country ski trails.
Eau Galle Recreation Area
A 649-acre U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site offering activities like camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming
Fly Shops/Guides
Lunds Fly Shop
101 S Main St, River Falls, WI 54022
Brian and his staff are top notch. They are a great resource for the beginner and seasoned pro fly fisher. Excellent resource for both the Kinnie and the Rush rivers.
Feather Thief Guide Service
Scott is a great friend of ours. He is an excellent guide for fly anglers of all levels. He primarily does walk and wade on the Rush River. I have never seen a guide who works as hard or as long for his clients. Highly recommended.
Dining
Vino in the Valley
W3826 450th Ave, Maiden Rock, WI 54750
(1/2 mile from Milkhouse Cottage) Great food, amazing venue.
(Seasonal; mothers day until mid October)
Harbor View Cafe
314 1st St, Pepin, WI 54759
Fine dining, wonderful farm to table menu, amazing view of Lake Pepin.
Stockholm Pie and General Store
N2030 Spring St, Stockholm, WI 54769
Award winning pie, amazing service and great local owners
Humble Moon Folkstead and Saloon
W12128 WI-35, Stockholm, WI 54769
Live music on weekends, great Friday fish fry. Wonderful local owners.
Hop Dish & Vine
N2047 Spring St, Stockholm, WI 54769
Really good food, menu changes with the season, wonderful patio seating in season
Smiling Pelican Bake Shop
W3556 WI-35, Maiden Rock, WI 54750
A true gem of a bakery. Only open on Saturday 9:00AM until they sell out. Get there early it is worth it.
Shady Grove Supper Club
WI-65, Ellsworth, WI 54011
A classic Wisconsin supper club. From their brandy old fashions to fish fries and prime rib. Make sure to get a reservation.
Molly’s On Main
515 Main St, Plum City, WI 54761
Amazing breakfast’s (they also serve lunch and dinner) make sure you are hungry the portions are monumental.
Interested in staying with us?
Please fill out the form or email us at milkhousecottage@yahoo.com
You can also visit us on AirBNB or VRBO.
