Pepin was established in 1856 by the Pepin brothers, two early French trappers who were enchanted with the area’s natural beauty. The village became a steamboat boomtown familiar to Mark Twain and wealthy Chicago socialites who summered on Lake Pepin.
A world-famous resident is also an attraction for thou¬sands of visitors to Pepin each year. Laura Ingalls Wilder was born in a log cabin just north of the village, where her early adventures became the basis of her book, “Little House in the Big Woods.” A reconstruction of the cabin built by Pa Ingalls sits at the birth site on County Road CC. In the heart of Pepin is the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, where people can learn more about Laura’s early life and the early history of Pepin. Laura Ingalls Wilder Days, held the second full weekend of September, brings Laura’s era back to life for young and old.
If you wish to extend your stay in Pepin, we know you’ll find pleasure at one of our motels, VRBO properties or at the fully equipped campground. We offer dining options to satisfy a variety of tastes; fine cuisine paired with award-winning wine, burgers ‘n beer, pizza, and ice cream treats. If shopping for unique items, you’ll find garden art and perennials, jewelry, clothing, and fun novelty items in the gift shops and boutiques.
During the holiday season, you must visit Pepin for the outdoor European holiday market where crafts persons and artisans display their one-of-a-kind wares.
Our natural attraction, Lake Pepin, provides great fishing and boating. You’ll find water access and boat launching services, as well as an accessible fish cleaning station and public restrooms along the waterfront.
Come to Pepin for all of this and more. For more information, visit www.destinationpepin.com or find us on Face-book at Destination Pepin.
