Discover the Rush River Valley
Little more than an hour’s drive from the Twin Cities, Ellsworth and the surrounding valley are a playground for lovers of the outdoors. Hike, bike, fish or paddle through scenic landscapes – all just minutes from your stay.
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 SiteLocal event calendars
There are so many events in our area, be sure to check out the local calendars!
Whatever 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.
Wedding Venues
Jean Acres
Woods & Co Weddings + Events
Twin Bluff Farms
Belle Ame Vineyard
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.
