The Wisconsin Lakeside Escape Locals Call Their Best-Kept Secret
Tucked along the sparkling shores of Lake Pepin lies Stockholm, Wisconsin—a tiny village of fewer than 80 residents that somehow feels larger than life.
This Driftless Area gem is steeped in artistic spirit, with galleries, bakeries, and cozy shops dotting its storybook streets. Generations of locals have cherished its beauty, while travelers often stumble upon it by accident during a leisurely drive along the Great River Road.
That’s exactly how I found it—on a wrong turn that turned out to be perfectly right. In Stockholm, time slows, views stretch wide across the lake, and life’s simplest pleasures take center stage.
1. Spectacular Waterfront Without The Crowds
Lake Pepin spreads before Stockholm like a private painting. The 700-foot stone pier extends into crystal-clear waters where bald eagles soar overhead and sailboats drift lazily across the horizon.
Unlike popular Wisconsin Dells or Door County beaches, I’ve spent entire mornings here with only a handful of companions – mostly locals walking their dogs or artists capturing the scenery. The water laps gently against the shore, creating a natural soundtrack that washes away stress.
Bring a book and claim a bench facing the Minnesota bluffs across the water. You might spot great blue herons fishing in the shallows or pelicans gliding across the water’s surface.
2. Award-Winning Pie That Lives Up To The Hype
My first bite of Stockholm Pie & General Store’s triple berry crunch changed me forever. The perfectly balanced filling – sweet but never cloying – contrasts beautifully with the buttery, crumbly topping that shatters delicately with each forkful.
National food critics haven’t just noticed this pie paradise; they’ve showered it with accolades including ‘Best Pie in America.’ Yet somehow the cozy 120-year-old building remains refreshingly uncrowded most weekdays.
Beyond desserts, their savory hand pies make perfect picnic fare for waterfront lunches. Pro tip: arrive before noon to snag their legendary bacon-cheddar quiche before locals claim every slice!
3. Art Galleries That Showcase Local Talent
Stockholm’s unofficial motto – ‘Small Village, Big heART’ – becomes clear the moment you stroll down Spring Street. The concentration of galleries in this tiny hamlet astonished me during my first visit.
Local potters, painters, and fiber artists don’t just sell here; many create in on-site studios where you can watch their process. I spent a delightful hour chatting with a silversmith hammering intricate patterns into pendants while chickadees visited her workshop feeder.
Gallery owners know visitors by name, often sharing stories behind each piece. The artwork captures the region’s rolling bluffs, riverside scenes, and rural charm through uniquely Midwestern perspectives.
4. Hidden Hiking Trails With Panoramic Views
Venture just minutes from Stockholm’s main street to discover secluded paths winding up the bluffs. Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area offers heart-stopping panoramas of Lake Pepin from 400 feet above the water.
Yellow lady slippers – rare wild orchids – dot these trails in spring, while fall brings a riot of maple and oak colors. I’ve hiked here dozens of times yet still gasp when rounding the final bend to the overlook point.
Locals rarely mention these trails to casual visitors, preferring to keep the pristine paths and wildlife viewing spots (including nesting peregrine falcons) their special secret. Pack sturdy shoes and binoculars for the full experience.
5. Charming Boutique Accommodations
Forget cookie-cutter hotel chains. Stockholm offers intimate stays with personality, like the historic guesthouses where innkeepers leave freshly baked scones outside your door each morning.
My favorite hideaway sits perched on a bluff overlooking the water. The wraparound porch features Adirondack chairs positioned perfectly for sunset viewing, while inside, local artwork adorns walls above handcrafted furniture.
These small-scale accommodations fill quickly during peak seasons (especially fall color time), yet somehow maintain reasonable prices compared to touristy Wisconsin destinations. The hosts typically provide insider tips about secret swimming spots and which farm stands sell the sweetest corn.
6. Farm-to-Table Dining Experiences
The fertile Driftless Region surrounding Stockholm produces extraordinary ingredients that local chefs transform with simple, reverent preparation. Garden-fresh tomatoes still warm from the sun become vibrant gazpacho; just-picked apples transform into tangy chutney alongside locally raised pork.
Summer Saturdays bring a tiny but mighty farmers market where Amish families sell honey, maple syrup, and vegetables alongside artisan cheese makers. I’ve watched chefs from local cafés selecting produce here for that evening’s specials.
Stockholm’s restaurants change menus with the seasons, celebrating what’s growing now rather than forcing year-round consistency. The farm-to-table ethos here isn’t trendy marketing – it’s simply how cooking has always been done.
7. Genuine Small-Town Community Spirit
Stockholm’s community calendar reveals the village’s true character – summer concerts where toddlers dance alongside grandparents, volunteer-run festivals celebrating everything from Swedish heritage to river ecology.
During my winter visit, I watched locals maintain an ice skating rink on the harbor, taking turns sweeping fresh snow and bringing thermoses of hot chocolate to share. When a delivery truck got stuck on an icy hill, three residents appeared with shovels without being asked.
Unlike manufactured tourist towns, Stockholm’s charm comes from authentic community connections rather than curated experiences. Visitors are welcomed warmly but never treated as walking wallets – a refreshing approach that keeps people returning year after year.