Mississippi River Getaway Spirit Mound

Spirit Mound is a two-story cottage/cabin, situated in a residential woodland area on the bluff on the East side of the Mississippi River along Hwy 35 "Great River Road". The cabin/cottage is modified A-frame construction with partially open "Loft-type" (no bedroom doors) sleeping area divided by an enclosed bathroom and stairway. Spirit Mound has all the comforts of home with all of the mystique of the Mighty Mississippi, multiple nearby boat ramps, and fun family activities just a short drive away. Many of our guests are happy to unplug and enjoy the simple pleasures; however, high speed internet WiFi is available for those who wish to work or stream favorite movies or TV shows during their stay. At Spirit Mound, you can relax and have a quiet retreat "from it all", go out and enjoy a craft beer with the locals, or have a full-on river adventure!

The nearest mid-size town nearby is Prairie du Chien, 16 miles south of Spirit Mound on Highway 35 South. This is a good place to pick up groceries, dine out (recommend Fort Mulligan's Tavern for casual and The Black Angus for supper club-style) or shop at The Cannery or any of the local antique and gift shops. Hungry for a snack? Stop by Pete's Burgers on Blackhawk Avenue, a classic burger stand popular with locals and visitors alike. Prairie du Chien is also home to several significant historic sites, including Villa Louis and Fort Crawford.

Hiking, biking, and kayaking are available at beautiful Wyalusing State Park. Great views and hiking trails range from easy to difficult for more experienced hikers.

At Marquette and McGregor, Iowa, further south of Prairie du Chien on Hwy 18, you will find Eagle's Landing Winery, some "treasure hunter" antique shops, and spectacular views of the Mississippi River at Pikes Peak State Park.

For local fishing, there is boat access 1/2 mile north of the cabin on Hwy 35, near Lock & Dam No. 9, a popular fishing location. Forget your fishing gear? No problem! Cabela's outdoor super store is just 16 miles south at the north edge of Prairie du Chien.

If you like Native American history, you have found the ideal vacation spot in Spirit Mound. American Indians represent diverse nations of people who flourished in North America for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The Menominee, Ojibwe (Chippewa), Potawatomi, and Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) peoples are among the original inhabitants of Wisconsin. Even further back in history, prehistoric Mound Builders lived in the area surrounding Spirit Mound cabin and all along the river. The lot adjacent to the cabin was explored and documented in the late 1800’s by the Smithsonian Institution due to the discovery of prehistoric burial mounds at the site. The gently rolling mounds are still visible as peaceful monuments to generations of native people who lived, worked, and hunted here many years ago. Effigy Mounds National Monument, a major group of prehistoric mounds accessible to visitors, is just a half hour's drive, north of Marquette, Iowa on Hwy 76.

Spring time and Summer at Spirit Mound bring a variety of birds, eagles, and waterfowl to the area - great for bird watching. Autumn is "leaf peeping" time at the cabin, and time for the Gays Mills Apple Festival in September! We hope you will enjoy Spirit Mound no matter the season!