Maiden
Rock was founded in the
early 1850s by brothers
Amos and Albert Harris,
who called it Harrisburg.
After hearing the legend
of the tragic leap of the
maiden Winona, who chose
death rather than marriage
to a man she did not love,
a young visionary from the
East changed it to Maiden
Rock.
The
village prospered in the late
1800’s. Businesses boomed,
restaurants and hotels were
full, and Lake Pepin provided
clam shells for buttons as well
as tons of fish for processing.
But like many of the small rivertowns,
the climate changed from a bustling
one to a sleepy existence along
the river over the years. In
the last decade, a renaissance
has brought this village along
the Great River Road new life
and vitality. Artisans, potters
and painters, weavers and sculptors
found inspiration in the natural
beauty and the friendly environment,
and called it home – and
in doing so, changed the climate
of Maiden Rock as it entered
an era of rebirth.
Today, the
village offers retail attractions,
several local eateries and bars,
and a wonderful municipal park
complete with a free boat dock
and launch.
Wildlife
abounds along the river, and
visitors often see wild turkeys,
herons, ducks and bald eagles
diving for their dinner. Maiden
Rock residents want you to feel
at home, and they offer plenty
of opportunity to mingle with
the locals. The Maiden Rock
Community Association hosts
Summerfest on the third Saturday
in June, complete with food,
a flea market and craft show,
live music and dancing, games
for the kids, and a very grand
parade. The Fourth of July is
a special time when the fireworks
display is reflected in the
waters of Lake Pepin. A “Flood
Run” for thousands of motorcycle
enthusiasts makes stops in town
in April and September. And
on the first weekend of December,
the community celebrates the
coming holidays with old-fashioned
Christmas customer appreciation
events.
The surrounding
parks and roads around Maiden
Rock offer miles of exploration
and enjoyment. One of Wisconsin’s
designated Rustic Roads is located
a mile south of town, and the
bluff tops, north of town, coax
visitors to discover apple orchards
and pick-your-own berry farms.
Camping facilities and a number
of bed and breakfasts make it
a wonderful getaway.
The village
of Maiden Rock offers historic
and natural beauty throughout
the four seasons.
