Our Local Merchant Friends
Explore the heart of Maiden Rock through its local shops and restaurants. From one-of-a-kind finds to must-try meals, these spots are full of charm, flavor, and friendly faces.
Cultural Cloth
Cultural Cloth, located right in the village, is a vibrant social enterprise gallery shop founded in 2009 by textile artists Mary Anne Wise and
Jody Slocum. It showcases a broad array of handcrafted home décor and personal accessories—rugs, pillows, baskets, scarves, block printed
fabrics, quilts, and more—created primarily by women artisans from over 25 developing countries. The founders collaborate closely with maker communities, offering design guidance and market access for skills like hooking, weaving, dyeing, and embroidery, empowering women
economically and preserving traditional textile arts Their unique curations—from recycled-fabric Guatemalan hooked rugs to Afghan felted
animal rugs and Moroccan floor coverings—have made Cultural Cloth a destination stop on the Great River Road, celebrated for its beauty and
impactful mission. Stop by the Mercantile to see samples or head over to our neighbors for more!
The Smiling Pelican
The Smiling Pelican Bakeshop is a beloved, family-run artisan bakery in Maiden Rock, WI, housed in a charming Victorian-era home on Highway 35. Operated by baker Sandra Thielman since around 2001, it’s open primarily
on Saturdays enticing both locals and road-trippers with its scratch-made breads, pies, quiches, cookies, muffins, scones, and signature delights like cranberry wild rice sourdough and lavender ginger cookies. Its fresh,
generously sized baked goods—banana cream pies, three-berry pies, football sized loaves—often sell out daily, drawing cheerful lines from the porch into the garden. Stop by to try out these delicacies before coming to
the Mercantile as part of your Great River Road experience
Venus & Ole
Venus & Ole is a cozy farm-to-tavern located at W3515 Highway 35 in Maiden Rock, WI, that brings together the charm of locally sourced cuisine and a warm tavern atmosphere. Revitalized in recent years by Faith and her squad, the eatery offers a menu of farm-fresh dishes—like grass-fed burgers, handmade pizza, crisp salads, and hand-cut fries—paired with craft cocktails, local brews, curated wines, and a friendly bar setting. Open
seasonally with extended weekend hours, it's become a favorite gathering spot for both residents and visitors seeking fresh, flavorful food and good company in a laid-back riverside community setting. If you love the Vikings, you’ll love the décor. If not, join the Cheeseheads at the
Mercantile!
Rush River Produce
Rush River Produce is a family-operated UPick berry farm located just 3 miles off Highway 35 near Maiden Rock, WI, run by Terry and John Cuddy (with help from their sons Joe and Lucas). Open Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. during July and August, it features 9 acres of blueberries—including 14 different varieties for an extended season—as well as red and black currants, white currants, and gooseberries. Visitors are invited to “bring your family to meet ours,” pick berries directly into
provided boxes, and enjoy scenic riverbluff views—all for cash or check payment only. With its beautiful countryside setting and generous harvest, which it’s become a cherished agritourism destination on Wisconsin’s Great River Road. We feature their berries in our creative summer cool drinks at the Mercantile.
Maiden Rock Cidery & Orchard
Maiden Rock Cidery & Orchard is a charming, family-owned artisan cidery located just outside Maiden Rock in Stockholm, Wisconsin, nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Pepin. Originally part of an apple orchard planted
in 2000, it began commercial cider and wine production in 2008 and has since gained acclaim for its small-batch, gluten free hard ciders and apple wines crafted from over 50 varieties of estate-grown and heirloom apples.
Visitors can enjoy flights, glasses, or bottles in a rustic tasting room or outdoors amid orchards, and the venue hosts tours, seasonal events, weddings, and even Mississippi River paddleboat cruises. Committed to
quality and tradition, the cidery favors complex flavors and artisanal techniques—like still ciders and single-variety blends—often outpacing larger producers in international competitions.
Terra Guitarra
Terra Guitarra in Maiden Rock, Wisconsin, is a unique destination that blends art, nature, and music in a scenic bluffside setting along the Mississippi River. Created by artist and master guitarist Bruce Hecksel and vocalist and rhythm guitarist Julie Patchouli, their studio features vibrant murals, and a whimsical guitar-themed landscape that celebrates creativity and community. Visitors are invited to take in the fabulous collection, enjoy occasional live music events, and experience the eclectic charm of this artistic haven that reflects the spirit of the Driftless Area.
Six String Saloon
The Six String Saloon in Maiden Rock, Wisconsin, is a charming pub and grill perched along Lake Pepin’s scenic highway, offering a warm, welcoming vibe with a solid menu of comfort food favorites and classic bar fare. Open daily from late morning into the wee hours, it serves everything from hearty breakfasts and burgers to sandwiches like reuben and walleye specials—plus beloved sides like cheese curds and tots—while boasting a reputation for friendly bartenders and a lively atmosphere. Live music resonates through its cozy interior on many nights, making it a local hotspot for laughs, drinks, and community spirit.
Lakeview Organic Farm
Lakeview Organic Farm’s selfserve farm store—also known locally as Lake View Farm Store—is a charming, familyrun operation perched on a bluff above Lake Pepin in Maiden Rock, WI. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., it offers a rotation of seasonal, small batch goods harvested or produced right on the farm: sunflowers, rye, vegetables, pasture raised beef and eggs, sunflower oil, and fun handmade apparel. Housed beside a classic
red barn, the store operates on the honor system—cash, checks, or Venmo—and welcomes spontaneous dropins for fresh, organic, locally grown staples. A long history of certified organic farming, it’s both a reliable source of wholesome food and a scenic destination for those
exploring Wisconsin’s Driftless Area .