Red Wing to Eau Claire: A Scenic Mississippi to Chippewa Valley Drive

The drive from Red Wing, Minnesota, to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, covers roughly 60 miles along US-63 and I-94, following the Mississippi River before cutting inland through the Chippewa Valley. A historical quirk: the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway runs parallel to much of the route, a remnant of 19th-century lumber transport. The drive typically takes about 1 hour without stops, but with the many attractions, plan for 2–3 hours.

The route begins on US-63 south out of Red Wing, crossing the Mississippi into Wisconsin at the Hager City bridge (toll-free). From there, US-63 becomes a two-lane highway through agricultural land before merging onto I-94 east toward Eau Claire. Road quality is excellent, with paved shoulders and clear signage.

• Fuel stops are frequent in Red Wing, Hager City, and at the I-94 exits near Menomonie.
• Gas prices tend to be slightly lower in Wisconsin; fill up accordingly.
• No tolls on this route.
• Rest areas on I-94 near Menomonie provide bathrooms and picnic tables.

Cellular coverage is generally strong, with brief dead zones along the river valleys. For real-time updates, use offline maps. The how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide can help you optimize your breaks.

The Mississippi River bluffs dominate the first 20 miles, with dramatic limestone cliffs and forested slopes. After crossing into Wisconsin, the landscape opens into dairy farms and rolling hills. The Chippewa River valley near Eau Claire offers sandy banks and pine forests.

• Frontenac State Park (MN side) offers hiking with panoramic river views – a 10-minute detour from US-63.
• Nelson, Wisconsin, is known for the Nelson Cheese Factory (deli, ice cream, and local cheeses).
• Menomonie has the Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area with a 60-foot observation tower.

Culinary stops include the historic St. James Hotel in Red Wing for Sunday brunch, and the Raw Deal in Menomonie for craft beer. There are no UNESCO World Heritage Sites directly on the route, but the nearby Pipestone National Monument (2 hours north) is a cultural landmark. For a quick bite, farm stands along County Road E sell sweet corn and apples in season.

The route is safe and well-maintained. Watch for deer especially at dawn and dusk on US-63. I-94 has standard interstate safety features. For families, the Red Wing Train Depot and the Children's Museum of Eau Claire are highly recommended.

• Pet-friendly stops: Nelson Cheese Factory has outdoor seating, and the Eau Claire River Trail welcomes leashed dogs.
• Hidden off-route spot: The Tiffany State Wildlife Area near Nelson has quiet trails and birdwatching.
• Fatigue management: The I-94 rest area at mile marker 41 (Menomonie) has vending machines and walking paths.

For child suitability, consider a break at the Red Wing playground at Bay Point Park (river views). The drive itself is short enough that boredom is minimal; audio books or a road trip bingo game can help. The how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities article offers more tips for keeping everyone engaged.