Trempealeau Hotel, Restaurant and Saloon

The building has been on the Mississippi riverfront in Trempealeau since the 1870s, and the National Register of Historic Places listing reflects how much of the original fabric has survived — original woodwork, tin ceilings, and the kind of worn-in character that takes a century to accumulate. It sits right on WI-35, the Great River Road, which makes it a natural pull-off rather than a true detour.

The Walnut Burger is the draw that put this place on the map beyond the immediate region. The owners developed the meatless patty in 1986 when they wanted a vegetarian option on the menu, and it became the top-ordered item — ordered just as often by carnivores as by vegetarians, by the owners' own account. The kitchen cooks everything from scratch, and the broader menu shifts regularly based on what's available, so the burger is the one constant you can count on.

Outside, the riverfront deck and lawn face the Mississippi, and live music on the outdoor stage is a regular feature through the warm-season months. The operation closes for an annual winter break, so hours are seasonal — checking ahead before you ride is worth the thirty seconds it takes.