0753 56,299 79°F Leave Potosi, WI under smoky skies.
This was our view at sunrise as one one of two campers spending the night at Potosi Brewing.
The Mississippi River is 635 feet above sea level here in Potosi
0830 56,316 Cassville, WI
Cassville Park was our first morning stop. There were good river views and modern restrooms.
From May to October, you can cross the Mississippi on this small car ferry. The
Cassville Ferry runs on demand as river conditions allow. The 2023 fare for passenger cars was $15 and only cash is accepted.
Once the capital of the Wisconsin Territory, Cassville lost out to Madison for the capital of Wisconsin when it became a state.
Two trains went by in the short time we were here.
Here’s a video for railfans.
0905 56,318 On the north side of Cassville is Stonefield Village. Unfortunately, we arrived almost an hour before the park opened at 1000.
We decided to wait for another trip to visit the 30 shops and factories in this recreation of a 1900’s farm village. The other attraction here is the home of Wisconsin’s first governor, Nelson Dewey.
Across the street is Nelson Dewey State Park. We drove the park road rising rapidly from the river valley to a pretty bluff.
Here’s a smoky view of the river from 849 feet.
We drove through the park’s 45 site
family campground on the way out and it looked like a good spot for a future overnight stay.
1045 56,359 Prairie du Chien, WI
We explored the St Feriole Island district of the city. Once a thriving neighborhood and center of fur trade, the island was evacuated after severe flooding in the 1970’s
Only a few historic buildings like the
Dousman House still stand. Built in 1867 as a railroad hotel, it is now a special events venue.
1110 56,360 81°F St Feriole Island
Discovered a caboose graveyard at the north end of the island. Lots of orange bay-window cabeese. I’m guessing Illinois Central lineage based on the color.
1120 56,361 St Feriole Island
1208 56,361 Crossed back to the mainland and drove north.
1300 56,397 84°F De Soto, WI
The campground has great views of, and access to, the Mississippi river.
1510 56,401 87°F
Checked in to site 50 with power for $13 with our senior parks pass
Modern bathrooms are only in this loop.
Showers had plenty of hot water and were handicapped accessible.
The bathhouse was nicely designed with a vaulted ceiling covered in knotty pine.
Grow your Mussels here! In addition to great views of the Mississippi, we found this trailer pulling water from a tributary in the campground. It is a Mobile Aquatic Rearing System for Fresh Water Mussel Propagation. The US Fish & Wildlife Service is working with the US Army Corps of Engineers to help restore Freshwater Mussels in the area.
Good night from the shores of the Mississippi.
P.S. We ran the A/C until 0200
Potosi to De Soto, Wisconsin
