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Looking to get away from it all?

Photo gallery for Looking to get away from it all?

Outside
Upstairs Living Room
Kitchen
Kitchen
Upstairs Dining Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 9195.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Fountain City, WI
  • Merrick State Park
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Winona State University
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • St. Mary's University of Minnesota
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • La Crosse, WI (LSE-La Crosse Municipal)
    ‪72 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Downstairs Bedroom

2 Queen Beds

Master

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Bunk

1 Single Bunk Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom Upstairs

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Downstairs bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Looking to get away from it all?

We offer a home in a beautiful country setting for:
*Company retreat
*Company party/ employee appreciate event
*Family reunion or romantic get away
*Retreat for crafting

We offer:
• A furnished home with fully stocked kitchen, 2 bathrooms, three season porch, patio and backyard area!
• Sleeping for up to 9 (3 queen beds, 1 double bed, 1 twin bed). Additional floor space and/or outside
tent space is available.
• Towels and Linens provided
• Heated club house with bar and game room
• Direct access to the Buffalo County Snowmobile trail
• Private wooded trails for hiking, snowshoeing &
back country skiing
• Beautiful area for bicyclists
• 5 minutes from the Mississippi River and great fishing
• Located near the Great River Road Wine Trail
• Backyard fire pit with wood and kindling provided
• Peace and quiet for relaxing with a good book, watching the abundant wildlife, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets

Property manager

Donna and Dave Ernst
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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Property grounds

Victorian era Mississippi riverview retreat.

  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space
9.8 out of 10, (29 reviews)
Victorian era Mississippi riverview retreat.

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
We offer a pack and play and few toys.
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Will discuss options for small events.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed outdoors only..
No firearms, fireworks or other types of explosives.
Two night minimum stay required.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 99
Note from host: Will discuss options for small events.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Fountain City

Located in Fountain City, this holiday home is in a rural area. Merchants Bank and Polish Cultural Institute & Museum Annex are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Huff Center and Winona Mall. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium or Winona Indoor Tennis Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Fountain City, WI

What's nearby

  • Rock in the House - 13 min drive - 12.1 km
  • Merrick State Park - 14 min drive - 13.5 km
  • Winona State University - 25 min drive - 25.3 km
  • Minnesota Marine Art Museum - 26 min drive - 26.0 km
  • St. Mary's University of Minnesota - 30 min drive - 29.2 km

Getting around

  • Winona Station - 22 min drive
  • La Crosse, WI (LSE-La Crosse Municipal) - 52 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Monarch Public House - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Golden Frog - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Brothel Tavern - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Dam Saloon - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Bay's End - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Looking to get away from it all? pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Looking to get away from it all??

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Looking to get away from it all??

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Looking to get away from it all? located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Rock in the House, Mississippi River and Merrick State Park. Angel Bluff and Dodge Town Hall are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 133 out of 136 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 136 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 136 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 136 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 136 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rachel K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Area

The house was clean on a private dead end road. Beautiful views! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ronald K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean and quiet. Great host. Easy checkin.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pam S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls trip

This property had everything we needed. It is surrounded by trees and very quiet. Perfect place to relax. Definitely going back
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bill K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Buffalo County

An idilic retreat in exceptional surroundings.This ridge top abode lies in the heart of the Driftless Zone of Western Wisconsin, specifically Buffalo County and the town of Fountain City. With Cross Ridge Retreat as their base, happy travelers and wandering, wondering souls will find hours of bliss traveling through valleys of glacial runoff untouched by glacial ice. Every season is new and the abundance of life prolific round every bend in the road!And as a “family historian”, all four of my grandparents lived within 10 miles of this very spot! How cool is that! Thanks again Donna and Dave for a great weekend at the Cross Ridge Retreat! - Bill
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Linda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stunning country setting and a lovely house with fun games, pool table and ping pong table in a separate building. Air hockey in lower level of house. Tree swings you can hook up. 3 very fixable issues. The gas grill was old spider webby and had built up grime. The 2 mattresses in lower level were not too comfortable and could use an upgrade. The garage and game building were quite musty and could use a good refreshing. Compared to the lovely setting and decor of the home these were small things and I would still have chosen to vacation there. The hosts thought of most everything you could need during a stay and we very much enjoyed our time there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

karen g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls’ winery weekend

3 of us women stayed at this house while traveling the Great River Rd wine trail. The house is in a beautiful, peaceful location and was well stocked with everything we needed. My only suggestion would be to maybe put a dvd player in a more comfortable location for movie watching. We had a great time! Thank you for a wonderful weekend. Would highly recommend this house for anyone looking for a great place to stay in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darrell S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location! Beautiful views.

A very nice setup which made our time with local family even better.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend ladies retreat

The four of us ladies had a wonderful time in this beautiful and clean home. Kitchen and bathrooms were well stocked and beds were super comfy. The four season porch was perfect for our morning coffee and chats. We will definitely be back for another mini retreat. Dave and Donna made check in and check out easy.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay!

The house was beautiful and very cozy. The views out the big windows were amazing. Well stocked with everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Allen P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay

Nice isolated place with great views. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joel M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Kept Secret

Country getaway absolutely amazing
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anthony R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Great Place Close to Winona

This was a wonderful place to stay for our weekend in Winona. The property had everything we needed and had plenty of room for our family.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ken and Kristine T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Views!

We stayed at this lovely home, 4 of us, for 2 nights. We could not have been more impressed by the accommodations and in particular, the views from the home. It is paradise, respite, and God's country. We are grateful to have been able to spend time at this home. The hosts have thought of everything and made it easy to be home away from home. Thank you to our gracious hosts!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Char V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just Lovely

This was a very nice home with a private & peaceful back yard. Kitchen is nicely stocked with cookware & tools. Our best vrbo experience so far.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Decent Place for Family Stay

Nice family spot. Very spacious. Had pretty much what was needed. Basement was dusty. Overall decent place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Country Retreat

I am a member of a fishing club that stayed at the residence. We had three boats on trailers and there was plenty of room for parking and plugging in. The home and property were clean and well maintained and the beds were very comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Al and Carol C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best. Place. Ever.

Roomy comfortable home with many amenities. Setting is beyond belief. This is my 5th time staying here and each time is better than the last. The owners make frequent updates and are very accessible if needed. I am already dreaming of when I can return.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave and Sande R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!

We booked this home for an extended weekend and was not only amazed by how beautiful the home is the WOW factor for us was the views and seclusion; no car noise or city noise, all we heard were birds chirping and cows mooing. This will be our go to place to stay on our yearly Visit to Winona.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mona J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Buffalo County, WI

Great!! Would definitely book again when the time comes :)
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

mike k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katrina K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Womens weekend gateaway

Had a wonderful time! Loved the location. The house is beautiful, lots of room, everything you need and more. Enjoyed the porch and the hockey table downstairs.Already planning another trip in the fall!! Thank David and Donna!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

karen m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sisters getaway

The place was perfect. We will be back
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Don M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ice fishing adventure

Everything was perfect. The house and the view were beautiful. The hosts were very accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristine R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very positive experience!

My husband and his team were there for a fishing tournament and truly enjoyed themselves! There is parking for boats and everything is secure. Will stay there again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comforts of Home

We had a wonderful stay! The location was peaceful and the house had all the comforts of home. We will return again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

About the host

Hosted by Donna and Dave Ernst

Host profile image
Both of us are Western Wisconsin natives and love country living. We are very lucky to be raising our children in this beautiful area.

Why they chose this property

This house was owned by a family member and when they decided to sell it, we chose to buy it and allow others to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the area. The land surrounding it is part of our farm and has been in Dave's family since the end of the Civil War.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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