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About Pepin - Sights to See - Things to Do

Welcome to The Village of Pepin

The Village of Pepin was established in 1856, becoming a steamboat boomtown on the Mississippi that was familiar to Mark Twain. Lake Pepin is a three-mile wide, 25,000 square acre section of the river that provides the ideal setting for fishing, waterskiing, sailing, eagle habitats, bird watching, hiking, biking, and more.

 Photo of the Village of Pepin
   

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Laura Ingalls Wilder was born in a small cabin 7 miles north of Pepin.

 Annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Days - On the second weekend of September Pepin hosts a festival of traditional music & crafts, sunbonnets, quilts, pioneer games, the Pepin Laura Contest, and an old-fashioned small town parade. Laura Ingalls Wilder Days is a destination for family-friendly fun on the banks of the Mississippi River.

     Pepin Laura Contest - Contestants demonstrate their talents and knowledge of the life and times and literature of Laura Ingalls Wilder as articulated in her stories. Contestants enter in one of three categories: Little Sisters (ages
5-7), Pepin Laura’s (ages 8-11), Big Sisters (ages 12-13).

     Annual Fiddle Contest: Cash prizes for winners in six divisions: Pee-wee (age 9 and under), Juniors (ages 10-13), Young Adults (ages 14-19), Adults (ages 20 & up) and open to all ages, the Trick & Fancy Division.

The festival includes demonstrations of traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, woodworking, hand-spinning and quilting, an art & craft market, plus food sales. Other activities include: pioneer games & activities for children, guided bus tours to Laura’s birth site. On Saturday night we will continue with the candlelight traditional crafts demonstrations followed by traditional music evening performances and a bonfire. The festival’s activities culminate on Sunday afternoon with the Grand Parade.

For information about other events in Pepin click here.

 

 

 

 

Additional things to do in Pepin and the Surrounding Area

The village of Pepin freatures a railroad museum, and quaint shops include art shops, unique gifts, jewelry, clothing and antiques. Outdoor markets are open during the growing season to offer fresh fruits and vegetables.

Take a stroll along the lake and you will see the beach, hundreds of sailboats moored at the marina, and hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails.

Stockholm is just 10 minutes north of the village of Pepin, and Nelson is just 6 miles south. Both villages are home to numerous festivals as well as shops and galleries.

A total of 12 communities are located along the Lake Pepin area in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Visit our links page for links to events calendars and information on these beautiful communities.

 

 

The Cottage | About Pepin | Location | Rates | Contact Us