Bayview House, Mississippi River view with year-round HOT TUB in screen porch

Your hosts, Donna & Todd Lensing, have been in the lodging business since 2006 after purchasing the Grandview Motel in Ferryville. Todd has also been a professional duck hunting guide since 2002, and Donna's passion is interior design, which you'll notice when you step through the door of any of our uniquely decorated properties.

Prior to owning the motel we have a combined total of 35 years of retail customer service experience. We know what we're doing, and are proud of our motel and 8 rental properties. We believe we have an excellent idea of what travelers to the Driftless Area expect and look forward to your visit!

Find out why we were drawn the the famous Pool 9 of the Mississippi River. Besides being a top waterfowl hunting destination, this section of the old muddy is an amazing fishery for multiple species year 'round. Our subclimate is so unique and we're happy to tell you what we know about the Driftless Area. Overlooking the river where it's about 3 miles wide, we feel so fortunate to experience Mother Nature's finest.

We do our best to enhance our properties and continue to make any and all necessary improvements to give our guests the very best experience possible. Throughout the year you can plan to see bald eagles, multiple species of waterfowl, including tundra and trumpeter swans. White pelicans provide quite a sight when they're flying along in perfect synchronicity. Songbirds are abundant along the river as well.

There's so much more to love about this area. Make your plans to discover what all the hype is about in our secret little corner of Wisconsin.

We're different! We selected a very nice turn-key house and added just the right amount of pizzazz. It's private, and perfectly located with view of the river. Clever, fun decor and everything you could possibly need. Private, comfortable, relaxing.

The screen porch is one of the most popular assets here. You can relax, bug-free, while you soak in the HOT TUB, visit with your friends, read your book...the list is endless. It's only a quick drive to taverns and boat launch. Also, train lovers have the perfect perch for watching them go by. Don't worry, Bayview is way south of the crossing where they blow the horn so that noise is minimal.

Ferryville is about mid-way between La Crosse & Prairie du Chien, approximatel 30 miles in either direction. There's also a bridge crossing over to Lansing Iowa nearby. A visit to the area isn't complete without stepping foot in Horsefall's Lansing Variety. Also, make sure to hit up Coffee on the River while you're there and Mt. Hosmer Park. And the Driftless Visitor Center.

Ferryville has 2 bars that serve food plus a gas station/convenience store. May through October welcomes back the weekly Farmers Market on Saturdays at Sugar Creek Park, just south of town.

There are multiple boat landings in the area, including one right in town. If you plan ahead, you can rent a pontoon boat from S&S Houseboat Rentals in Lansing.

If you like to hike?? You can head over to Sugar Creek Conservancy, just go north a bit and turn on North Buck Creek Road. Rush Creek State Natural Area is upriver a couple miles. Down by Prairie du Chien you'll find Wyalusing State Park, plus Pike's Peak & Effigy Mounds in Iowa. Grandad Bluff and Myrick Park have extensive trails throughout the La Crosse area.

Viroqua is another lovely small city to visit. Lots of eclectic shops and dining options and it's a lovely, scenic drive through the rolling hills of SW Wisconsin.

Get out there and enjoy!

Our goal was to provide a place to stay that we would enjoy ourselves, and having a view of the Mississippi River was a priority. We feel we found the perfect place that is easy to get to and provides unique features that will appeal to many. HUGE decks on two levels facing the river, along with a large patio with fire pit. Don't forget the HOT TUB! So many places to sit and enjoy the outdoors!

Donna revamped the entire decor in 2023 that is centered around the game, CLUE. Think Peacock, Green, Plum, Mustard, Scarlet -- those colors are perfectly placed in all the different rooms.

The main floor living room features a gorgeous custom-made sofa that we picked up for a bargain and found cool wallpaper to coordinate. We also had our builder install a banquette booth for dining. There's a fun, interactive scavenger hunt throughout the house with a delightful prize for those who participate.

Did we mention peacocks? You will find at least one item that fits that category in every room. Check out the stair treads -- one giant peacock feather.

The bedrooms are dark and moody and oh so cozy. If you have anyone with mobility issues then the main floor is perfect with 2 bedrooms (king, queen, full) with the bathroom in between. It's also only 2 easy steps from parking up to the wrap-around deck to enter the house.

Afternoon sun can get pretty bright so feel free to open up the power awning on the upper deck with the remote.

The lower deck was screened in a few years ago and is where the HOT TUB is located, along with a dining table and extra chairs. Just outside the porch is a swing!

Also, up near the main entrance is a large patio with fire pit. We have a rack of wood in the fish cleaning shed nearby. There's also a car port that guests are welcome to use.

While we often have couples stay, there is ample room for your larger group. Multiple guests that have their annual trip to the River that always stay at this wonderful house.

See you soon!