Wabasha is the oldest continuously occupied city on the Mississippi River, having been founded in 1830 (but with residents documented in 1826). Besides its lovely riverside location, Wabasha is also known for being the site of the movies Grumpy Old Men and Grumpier Old Men. A large population of nesting eagles gave rise to the National Eagle Center, a popular attraction that houses live bald eagles and a golden eagle.
To See and Do
National Eagle Center (651-565-4989 or 1-877-332-4537; nationaleaglecenter.org), 50 Pembroke Avenue. Open daily. Adults $10; veterans $9; children 4–17 $7; children 3 and under and members free. Group discounts are available; call ahead for reservation. Located on the Mississippi River banks, the NEC has a 14,000-square-foot interpretive center with resident eagles, a viewing deck, housing for injured or sick eagles, exhibits with preserved animals and other artifacts, and demonstration and classroom areas. Note that the resident eagles were rescued when injured or ill in the wild, but are not able to survive in the wild on their own again. Every autumn the NEC holds a special “deck opening” event to mark the arrival of bald eagles for the winter; this area of the Mississippi has one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the contiguous United States.
WATERFRONT PARK IN WABASHA
THE NATIONAL EAGLE CENTER
Wabasha County Historical Museum (651-753-2893; wabashacountyhistory.org), US 61, Reads Landing. Open Sat. and Sun. mid-May–mid-Oct., or by appointment. Adults $5; students $3; free for society members. This small museum on the second floor of a former schoolhouse is not necessarily the most comprehensive historical museum in the state, but it does have some items of interest to fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Green Space and Outdoor Activities
Lake Pepin Paddleboat (651-345-5188; pearlofthelake.com), 100 Central Point Road, Lake City. Public cruises offered Wed.–Sun., mid-May–Oct. Private charters available. A replica of the grand old paddleboats that once dotted the local lakes and rivers, Pearl of the Lake offers public tours and dinner cruises, with snacks and full bar available on all sailings. Cruises start at $17.
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WABASHA
Lodging
BED-AND-BREAKFASTS 
The River Nest Bed and Breakfast (651-560-4077; therivernest.com), 20073 County Route 77, Reads Landing. A newer-construction building right on the Mississippi, River Nest’s two private suites each have a Jacuzzi tub and fireplace. The proprietors use geothermal heating and cooling. Rates start at $175.
Turning Waters Bed, Breakfast, and Brewery (651-564-1568; turningwatersbandb.com), 136 Bridge Avenue. This bed-and-breakfast has two rooms and three suites, all with private bath (some with claw foots), and suites come with whirlpools and robes. Guests receive five-course breakfasts each morning and a complimentary beer or wine each evening. Also on the property is Back Alley Brewing with a small taproom. Rates start at $139.
UNIQUE LODGINGS Eagles on the River & Anderson House Hotel (651-565-3509 or 1-800-482-8188; eaglesontheriver.com), 152 Main Street W. A historic building on the river now features suites and lofts, some of which are family friendly. Rates start at $99.
Where to Eat
EATING OUT The Olde Triangle Pub (651-565-0256; theoldetrianglepub.com), 219 Main Street W. Open daily for lunch and dinner. A casual, friendly neighborhood spot with good pub grub, including bangers and mash, and Irish stew. Moderate.
Slippery’s (651-565-4748; slipperys.com), 10 Church Avenue. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Slippery’s greatest claim to fame was being mentioned in the Grumpy Old Men movies, which were filmed in the Wabasha area. The restaurant also has a boat-in feature and great views of the river. Burgers, steaks, and Mexican items are served in hearty portions. You can also buy a Green Hornet Ice Fishing Pole here. Moderate.
Stacy’s Kitchen (651-565-4408; facebook.com/Stacys-Kitchen-306112585053), 116 Main Street E. Open Wed.–Mon. for breakfast and lunch. Inventive takes on breakfast and lunch stapes, including bruschetta omelets, strawberry cheesecake stuffed French toast, and a wide variety of soups. Inexpensive.
Selective Shopping
LARK Toys (507-767-3387; larktoys.com), 63604 170th Avenue, Kellogg. Open daily Mar.–Dec., Fri.–Sun. Jan. and Feb. This massive toy complex (more than 30,000 square feet) is more than just a store, it’s a playground. A working carousel offers rides, and a mini golf course is available during the warmer months. LARK stands for Lost Art Revival by Kreofsky, and vintage toys, many made out of wood, are produced and sold here, along with children’s books. A café is on-site.