Spring Getaway with the Volkmans.
VISIT LAKE CITY / FEATURED ADVENTURE
A couples getaway filled with scenic cycling, lakeside camping, local flavors, and small-town discoveries along Lake Pepin.
Follow along, find your own favorites.
Follow along with the Volkmans as they explore Lake City and the beautiful Lake Pepin region! From scenic bike rides and lakeside camping to local restaurants, charming shops, and hidden gems, discover the places and experiences that made their spring couples getaway memorable. Get inspired to plan your own Lake City escape!
CHAPTER 01
Pedals & Lake Pepin
Experience Lake City on two wheels with the Volkmans! Their spring getaway begins with a relaxing coffee stop before setting out on the Tour de Pepin, a scenic cycling event showcasing the beautiful shoreline, rolling landscapes, and charming communities surrounding Lake Pepin. After the ride, it’s time to celebrate with ice cream, explore local shops, and discover some of Lake City’s sweetest treasures.
Chapter 1 · Stop 01
Rustic Coffeehouse
Start your Lake City getaway at Rustic Coffeehouse, a welcoming downtown café known for its cozy atmosphere, delicious coffee, and eclectic décor. With comfortable seating, charming details, and a relaxed setting, it’s a great place to catch up over a favorite drink, enjoy a leisurely morning, or fuel up before exploring the Lake Pepin area.
“The Rustic Coffeehouse – what a GEM! Not only is the coffee amazing, but the ambiance and engagement are unmatched.”
— Elissa Volkman
Visitor tip:
Make time to wander the seating areas and décor nooks—there’s more to explore than a quick coffee run.
Chapter 1 · Stop 02
Tour de Pepin
Experience the beauty of Lake Pepin from the seat of a bicycle during the annual Tour de Pepin! This popular cycling event takes riders through scenic river towns, rolling countryside, and breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding bluffs. With multiple route options, supported rest stops, and a memorable ferry ride on select routes, Tour de Pepin is a wonderful way to explore the region and enjoy an unforgettable day on two wheels.
“The 32 mile route around the lake offers wonderful views of both the lake and surrounding trees and wildlife.”
— Elissa Volkman
Visitor tip:
Save a little energy for the end—the ferry ride back is a relaxing, scenic finale after the loop.
Chapter 1 · Stop 03
Dux Ice Cream
This cheerful Lake City favorite offers a wide selection of ice cream flavors, delicious shakes, and dairy-free options. With its playful décor and fun merchandise, Dux is a welcoming spot to cool off, satisfy your sweet tooth, and enjoy a little downtime before continuing your Lake City getaway.
“With a large variety of ice cream and shake flavors, including dairy-free options, Dux had exactly what we needed to finish the day.”
— Elissa Volkman
Visitor tip:
If your group has mixed preferences, look for the dairy-free options so everyone can join the treat stop.
Chapter 1 · Stop 04
Treats & Treasures!
Discover a little something special at Treats & Treasures in downtown Lake City! This welcoming shop is filled with Lake Pepin-inspired apparel, charming home décor, unique gifts, and delicious homemade fudge. Whether you’re searching for a souvenir to remember your getaway or simply browsing the shelves, it’s a delightful place to explore.
“Treats & Treasures was a wonderful stop! The kindness of the employees and fudge samples were unforgettable. How cool is it that the fudge is made in-house?”
— Elissa Volkman
Visitor tip:
Try a fudge sample before choosing—there are multiple varieties on the counter.
Chapter 1 · Stop 05
Lake Pepin Pearl Button Company
Step inside Lake Pepin Pearl Button Company and discover a charming collection of lake-inspired gifts, stylish apparel, home décor, and unique accessories. This eclectic downtown Lake City shop is full of personality, with plenty of treasures for visitors looking to bring a little Lake Pepin home.
“Lake Pepin Pearl Button Company was a quaint shop with an eclectic styling of apparel, gifts, and cute accessories. I especially loved the lake life themes. They even have a build your own candle bar – we’ve never seen anything like it before!”
— Elissa Volkman
Visitor tip:
Check out the build-your-own candle area for a souvenir that’s more personal than a standard gift.
Chapter 1 · Stop 06
Kelly's Lake House
Wrap up your Lake City adventure with a relaxing meal at Kelly’s Lake House. Enjoy beautiful views of Lake Pepin from the outdoor patio while savoring delicious food and drinks. With its welcoming atmosphere and waterfront setting, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of cycling and exploring.
“Kelly’s Lake House gave us the feeling of being at a yacht club. We of course sat out on the patio, overlooking the lake, which was gorgeous! The sun was out and all of food we tried – the nachos and wings with Thai peanut sauce – was delicious.”
— Elissa Volkman
Visitor tip:
Ask for a patio table overlooking Lake Pepin, and make time to enjoy the waterfront views while you dine.
CHAPTER 02
Camping & Lake Pepin Views
Trade the bustle of downtown for the natural beauty of Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River Valley! From outdoor recreation to cozy places to unwind, these stops offer plenty of inspiration for a relaxing Lake City escape.
Chapter 2 · Stop 01
Hok-Si-La Municipal Park & Campground
Nestled along the shores of Lake Pepin, Hok-Si-La Municipal Park and Campground offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. With wooded campsites, scenic walking trails, lake views, and easy access to the water, it’s a wonderful home base for exploring Lake City.
“Hok-Si-La has everything campers would ever need: A beautiful beach, spacious tent sites, camper cabins, an events facility, and shelters, a playground, volleyball and basketball courts, and nature trails. No matter where we were in the campground, the views were beautiful.”
— Elissa Volkman
Visitor tip:
Look for the bike tune-up station before rolling out—it’s a handy last check for tires and quick adjustments.
Chapter 2 · Stop 02
Ohuta Beach Park
Located along the shores of Lake Pepin in the heart of Lake City, Ohuta Beach is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the waterfront. With its sandy shoreline, beautiful lake views, walking paths, splash pad, and playground, the park offers something for visitors of all ages.
“Ohuta Beach is centrally located and the spot to beat the heat in the summer. The beach and lake are clean, the views are second to none, it has a well maintained walking trail as well as very clean facilities. Ohuta Beach also has a great splash pad area as well as a safe and fun playground for kids.”
— Elissa Volkman
Visitor tip:
If you’re riding with kids (or just love a quick cooldown), pair beach time with a loop on the walking trail and a splash-pad break.
Chapter 2 · Stop 03
Reads Landing Brewing Co
Just a short scenic drive from Lake City, Reads Landing Brewing Company offers craft beer, good food, and beautiful Mississippi River views. Housed in a historic brick building, the brewery features a spacious outdoor patio, picnic tables, and a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
“Reads Landing is a must-visit restaurant in the area. The location along the water, the aesthetic of the old brink building, as well the large outside area with a patio, picnic tables, a space for games, and a stage for live music added to the fun brewery vibe. It was fun checking out all of the vintage signs from breweries around the state (and beyond).”
— Elissa Volkman
Visitor tip:
Grab a seat outside to soak in the riverfront setting and the spacious patio vibe.
Chapter 2 · Stop 04
Doghouse Books and Reading Room
Unwind at Doghouse Books and Reading Room, a welcoming Lake City bookstore filled with literary treasures. Browse the thoughtfully organized shelves, discover your next great read, and settle into the separate reading room for a peaceful break. It’s a charming stop for book lovers exploring downtown Lake City.
“The space was so clean and well organized, making it easy to find what we were looking for.”
— Elissa Volkman
Visitor tip:
Don’t skip the separate reading room—it’s a peaceful place to decompress after a ride.
See the adventure through their eyes
Meet Elissa Volkman Finding Adventure Near and Far
Finding Adventure Near and Far
Hi! I’m Elissa! A passionate Minnesota-based explorer focusing on all things travel and the outdoors, whether it be exploring our own backyard or somewhere else in the world. I talk a lot about the benefits of nature, my favorite experiences, places, and how I balance an adventure-filled life while working full-time.
Follow their adventures: Instagram @ilovethisstate | Facebook: I Love This State