Over on Wisconsin’s west coast sits Stockholm, a small town with tons to draw you in. With Swedish heritage that can be traced back to the original settlers, a gorgeous location on the widest part of the Mississippi River and all the charm of small-town Wisconsin, Stockholm is the kind of place you want to visit again and again.
With a population of just 66 people, Stockholm is certainly a tiny little town, but it’s packed with cool things to do and see.
Flickr/David Clow
Located on Wisconsin’s west coast about 90 minutes downriver from Minneapolis, Stockholm was settled in 1851 by a Swedish explorer who climbed what we know as Maiden Rock Bluff and felt it was a good spot for a settlement.
Facebook.com/StockholmMerchantsAssociation
Nestled along the Mississippi River just north of where the Chippewa River meets it, there’s actually a naturally formed lake - Lake Pepin.
Facebook.com/StockholmMerchantsAssociation
This is actually the widest part anywhere along the Mississippi and the Lake was formed by sediment carried by the Chippewa River.
Flickr/Meg J
A group of 200 Swedes were lured to emigrate to this area by Erik Petterson, the original settler. Only 30 of them actually survived the trip and ended up in Stockholm. Today many of the town’s residents can trace their roots back to those settlers.
Facebook.com/StockholmMerchantsAssociation
The views from Maiden Rock Bluff cannot be beat. It’s clear why the original settlers wanted to stay here.
Facebook.com/StockholmMerchantsAssociation
The natural beauty of Stockholm is reason enough to visit.
Flickr/Jerry Huddleston
Enjoy time on the river or Lake Pepin, fishing or enjoying the gorgeous sunsets.
Facebook.com/StockholmMerchantsAssociation
There are tons of quaint shops and restaurants as well as places to learn about the Swedish history of the town.
Flickr/David Clow
We’ve already told you all about the amazing A-to-Z Produce and Bakery Pizza Farm, so you know there’s amazing farm fresh food available.
Flickr/Courtney Hault
Amtrak’s Empire Builder train from Chicago out to the west coast passes right along the coast here.
Flickr/Michael Hicks
This area takes advantage of some very rich soil and is home to wineries and even a cidery.
Facebook/Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery
Make sure you follow up every meal with a stop at Stockholm Pie Company.
Flickr/Linda Beaverson
The city sponsors a free bike borrowing program. Blue bicycles are all around to help you see the area and enjoy the town.
Flickr/Matthew Deery
Life around Stockholm is quaint and idyllic, but they love a good festival.
Flickr/David Clow
The Fire of Stockholm Festival celebrates the Winter Equinox.
Flickr/Andrew Iverson
There are bonfires, luminaries and some amazing displays out on the water.
Flickr/Andrew Iverson
During Christmas, Santa Lucia romes around …
facebook.com/StockholmMerchantsAssociation
and the Jultome and Julebock (gnome and goat) deliver gifts.
Facebook.com/StockholmMerchantsAssociation
No matter when you go, the area offers so much peace and relaxation.
Flickr/David Clow
This is definitely one of Wisconsin’s most delightfully unusual towns. Have you ever visited?
Flickr/David Clow
Facebook.com/StockholmMerchantsAssociation
Flickr/Meg J
Flickr/Jerry Huddleston
Flickr/Courtney Hault
Flickr/Michael Hicks
Facebook/Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery
Flickr/Linda Beaverson
Flickr/Matthew Deery
Flickr/Andrew Iverson
facebook.com/StockholmMerchantsAssociation
Stockholm is easy to pronounce, but that’s not the case for some of our towns. Check out this funny video of people trying to pronounce Wisconsin town names.
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