Bay City WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bay City, Wisconsin.
1. Bay City Campground
LAKESIDE CAMPING EXPERIENCE
Bay City Campground offers campers the opportunity to pitch tents right along the Lake Pepin shoreline. Visitors can enjoy amenities including a public boat launch, sandy beach, and play area while experiencing the peaceful community atmosphere. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of the Mississippi River Valley.
2. Lake Pepin
NATURAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER LAKE
Lake Pepin, a naturally occurring lake on the Mississippi River, provides stunning views of river bluffs and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities from Bay City. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and eagle watching on this scenic body of water. The lake forms the backdrop for many recreational activities in the Bay City area throughout the year.
3. Bay City Public Beach
RIVERSIDE SWIMMING SPOT
Bay City Public Beach offers visitors a sandy shoreline along Lake Pepin perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Families appreciate the combination of beach access and nearby play areas for children to enjoy. The beach provides excellent views of the Mississippi River bluffs across the water.
4. Bay City Boat Launch
RIVER ACCESS POINT
The Bay City Boat Launch provides direct access to Lake Pepin for boaters, kayakers, and canoeists. Water enthusiasts can easily enter the Mississippi River system to explore the natural waterways of the region. The launch area serves as a starting point for fishing expeditions and wildlife viewing excursions on the water.
5. He Mni Can / Barn Bluff
HISTORIC RIVER OVERLOOK
He Mni Can / Barn Bluff is a popular destination along the upper Mississippi River known for its unique geology and deep connection to the Dakota people. The bluff offers hiking trails that lead to spectacular overlooks providing panoramic views of the Mississippi River. This natural landmark stands as one of the most visited attractions in the region just across the river from Bay City.
6. Bay Point Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Bay Point Park in Red Wing overlooks the Mississippi River and offers ample parking for visitors exploring the area. The well-equipped riverside park features a boat launch, picnic tables, playground, and volleyball court for public enjoyment. Bay Point Park also serves as a venue for community events and provides access to the Red Wing Riverfront trail system.
7. Red Wing Riverfront Trail
SCENIC WATERSIDE PATH
The Red Wing Riverfront Trail offers cyclists and pedestrians beautiful views along the Mississippi River just across from Bay City. Trail users can access this pathway from Bay Point Park and explore the scenic riverfront of Red Wing. The path provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, exercise, and connecting to other recreational areas in the region.
8. Barn Bluff Overlook
PANORAMIC RIVER VIEWS
Barn Bluff Overlook is considered the most popular location in the He Mni Can / Barn Bluff area, offering spectacular views over the Mississippi River. Hikers who reach this vantage point are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the river valley and surrounding landscapes. The overlook provides an excellent perspective on the natural geography of the region that includes Bay City across the water.
9. Eagle Viewing Areas
WILDLIFE OBSERVATION POINTS
Bay City prides itself on frequent eagle viewing opportunities along the shores of Lake Pepin. Visitors can observe these majestic birds in their natural habitat, particularly during winter months when eagles congregate near open water. The area's ecosystem supports a healthy bald eagle population, making wildlife photography a popular activity.
10. Pierce County Fishing Spots
PREMIER ANGLING LOCATIONS
The waters around Bay City offer excellent fishing opportunities for anglers seeking a variety of Mississippi River species. Fishing enthusiasts can target walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish in the productive waters of Lake Pepin. Both shore fishing and boat fishing options are available for visitors wanting to experience this popular regional activity.
11. Mississippi River Bluffs
DRAMATIC LIMESTONE FORMATIONS
The Mississippi River Bluffs visible from Bay City create a dramatic backdrop to the river valley landscape. These ancient limestone formations tell the geological story of the region and provide habitat for diverse plant and animal species. Visitors can appreciate these natural monuments from viewpoints along the shoreline or while boating on Lake Pepin.
12. Downtown Bay City
CHARMING RIVER TOWN
Downtown Bay City welcomes visitors with its small-town charm and family-owned businesses that reflect the community's character. The riverside town serves as a peaceful escape just minutes from shopping in Red Wing and less than an hour from Minneapolis. Visitors can experience the authentic Wisconsin river town atmosphere while exploring local establishments.
13. Red Wing Shopping District
HISTORIC RETAIL AREA
The Red Wing Shopping District offers visitors from Bay City a nearby destination for retail therapy and dining experiences. Located just minutes across the river, the area features a mix of historic architecture and modern amenities. Shoppers can explore unique local businesses, antique stores, and specialty shops in this charming Minnesota river town.
14. Wisconsin Great River Road
SCENIC MISSISSIPPI BYWAY
The Wisconsin Great River Road passing through Bay City is part of a national scenic byway that follows the Mississippi River. This picturesque route offers drivers stunning vistas of the river valley, access to historic sites, and connections to recreational areas. Travelers can experience the natural and cultural heritage of western Wisconsin while enjoying the road's scenic overlooks and interpretive sites.
15. Pierce County Heritage Sites
LOCAL HISTORY DESTINATIONS
Pierce County Heritage Sites near Bay City showcase the rich history of this Mississippi River region. Visitors can explore locations that tell the story of early settlement, river navigation, and rural Wisconsin life. These historical points of interest provide context for understanding the development of communities like Bay City along this important waterway.