Auto Lieben is located along the beautiful Minnesota and Wisconsin Border, and is full of scenic driving roads, vistas, wineries, and restaurants. Small river towns dot the banks as you head in from the North or South, and each has its own charm. For those interested in the city life, or a stop at the famous Mall of America, Minneapolis is a short 30 minute drive away. This is a guide to those traveling from out of state, and some places of interest you'll not want to miss.
Lacrosse, WI:
This town is one of the larger historical towns along the journey up the Mississippi. Downtown is filled with boutique style shopping, breathtaking views of the river, and restaurants serving food everyone will enjoy. This town should be a must-see for those coming from the south. Lacrosse is also surrounded by a web of pristine historical county roads through the bluffs and not far from the popular roads through Wildcat Mountain State Park just to the east.
Restaurant Recommendations:
The Old Crow: Extensive burger list, hand cut fries
Piggy's: Fresh seafood, steaks, smokehouse specialties, burgers
Buzzard Billy's Flying Carp Cafe: Cajun inspired cooking
Downtown LaCrosse
Wildcat Mountain State Park
Lake Pepin, Wisconsin
Lake Pepin is located about an hour's drive north of Lacrosse, WI. Route 35 is the road you'll want to take along the river towards the show location. Lake Pepin offers great views of the widest point the Mississippi gets on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. There are a few local Midwest wineries nearby downtown Pepin for those interested in a brief tasting, and also some of the best Bald Eagle spotting in the country. If you're hungry, try the Pickle Factory... great place to sit and relax along the shore serving classic menu items.
Restaurant Recommendations:
The Pickle Factory
Garden Pub and Grille
View from the "Pickle Factory" restaurant
Red Wing, Minnesota
Even further north, Red Wing Minnesota is a small college town this time on the Minnesota side of the river, where you'll see signs along the way to the river crossing/bridge to take you directly into downtown. Red Wing is home to "Red Wing Shoes", and also Red Wing Stoneware and Pottery (established in 1877). There are viewing galleries to see the pottery at their location, which is not too far from downtown.
Restaurant Recommendations:
Red Wing Brewery: Open since 1951, it was the first brewery in Red Wing. Features pizza, calzones, and a great beer list.
Oliver's: Classic comfort food dishes, soups, salads, and an in-house wine bar.
Downtown Red Wing
Stillwater, MN
Stillwater is the star child of Minnesota's river towns. Situated about 20 minutes north of Afton Alps, where Auto Lieben is held, Stillwater is named the "birthplace" of Minnesota. It is one of Minnesota's oldest towns, and was used as a logging town for many years. Today, Stillwater is vibrant and full of excellent restaurants and historic culture. We would recommend attending a cave tour, wine tasting or climb the historical "Stillwater Stairs", rewarding you with a priceless view of the city at the top.
Restaurant Recommendations:
The Dock Cafe: Great views and patio located right on the riverfront. A wide variety of items including seafood, salads, sandwiches, chicken dishes, and pork.
Smally's Caribbean BBQ: Caribbean style cooking with authentic ingredients, imported Pimento wood from the islands, featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives".
Hotel Recommendations:
Afton House Inn
Historical hotel and restaurant located in beautiful downtown Afton near the marina, about 5 minutes from the show.
3291 St Croix Trail S, Afton, MN 55001
Water Street Inn
Another beautiful historical hotel, located in the heart of downtown Stillwater.
101 Water St S, Stillwater, MN 55082
The Sheraton St. Paul/Woodbury
676 Bielenberg Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125
