Upscale and modern. A hidden paradise on the backwaters of the Mississippi River

Popular amenities

Air conditioning

Enjoy the area

Alma, WI

Buena Vista Park7 min drive
National Eagle Center12 min drive
Coffee Mill Ski Area14 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 6)

Loft

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Open year-round! Nestled between the small riverside towns of Alma and Nelson, Wisconsin, The Great River Retreat Guest House sits on the backwaters of the Mississippi. What once was a day cabin with no running water or electricity to speak of, was completely remodeled in 2013. Every detail was considered, from the hand-scraped wood floors, the Amish rough sawn pine ceiling, the natural stone marble counter tops, the real stone slate surrounding the free-standing wood stove (there to keep you cozy on a cool night), to the screened-in deck with stunning views of the calm Mississippi backwaters and the trains passing by. You’ll feel like you just escaped into paradise.

The cabin sleeps six people comfortably in it’s one bedroom and large loft area. Enjoy incredible views as the sun rises and sets and watch as the fisherman and water skiers go back and forth during the day. You’ll also have access to the water and use of our dock so that you can fish, swim, or just relax. Experience what it’s like to stay at a truly unique place.

If this place seems a little too tight check out VRBO Listing: 821489 as this is the Main House adjacent to the property that is also available for rent.

Property manager

Jeremiah and Jes Flotterud

Amenities

Air conditioning

Beautiful & newly remodeled home, gorgeous views overlooking the river front!

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Alma

Located in Alma, this guesthouse is on the waterfront. Mississippi River and Merrick State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include LARK Carousel and Reads Landing. Consider Buffalo County Fair Grounds for a night out or Eau Galle Cheese Factory Shop if you're travelling with kids. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Alma, WI

What's nearby

Buena Vista Park - 7 min drive
National Eagle Center - 12 min drive
St. Elizabeth's Medical Center - 13 min drive
Coffee Mill Ski Area - 14 min drive
Lake Pepin Golf Course - 41 min drive

Restaurants

Dairy Queen - 14 min drive
Eagle Valley Cafe - 14 min drive
Henderson's Silver Moon - 15 min walk
Pioneer Club - 25 min drive
The Front Porch Bar And Grill - 20 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Upscale and modern. A hidden paradise on the backwaters of the Mississippi River pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Upscale and modern. A hidden paradise on the backwaters of the Mississippi River?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Upscale and modern. A hidden paradise on the backwaters of the Mississippi River?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Upscale and modern. A hidden paradise on the backwaters of the Mississippi River located?

This family-friendly Alma guesthouse is located on the waterfront, 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Mississippi River, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Buena Vista Park and Castlerock Museum. National Eagle Center and Danzinger Vineyards are also within 9 miles (15 km).

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Tom E., Brookfield, USA

3 March 2024

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

Great location and view!

Our group came up for a fishing trip, of course the first thing you notice is the great views. The property was clean, and we had great communication with the hosts. It is short driving distance from all the good local restaurants. We use these types of services often and we have come across very few that feel this comfortable like your staying at a friend’s place. We look forward to coming back!!

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darren P.

12 February 2024

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

Amazing stay

We had sn amazing weekend between the great view of the river and the Eagle Center and shops in wabasha. Though it is set up for being able to make anything at the house, we hit some of the local restaurants. The sandwiches at Nelson Cheese Shop were the highlight. There were about 30 bald eagles in Alma when we were there. There is also a Kwik Trip there which came in very handy.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Savannah F.

11 September 2023

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

Great for a group!

Beautiful house and location, loved the pool table, plenty of space, and great communication. Would love to stay here again!

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matt S., Northfield, MN

16 July 2023

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

Great stay

We stay in numerous vacation rentals and we loved this place. Very clean, exceptional host and an absolutely beautiful place. My wife and myself had a great time on the water and in the home.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

gloria q.

23 June 2023

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

Comfortable stay

This was our second stay at this property. It is peaceful (except for the trains, which we like) and private. We got a pontoon and went out on the river for a full day. There are also some good day trip destinations from there. Ate at Nelson's 3 times, dining choices in the area are mostly your basic burger joint. Recommend this property.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Jeremiah and Jes Flotterud

Jeremiah & Jessica are new to the ownership of the property as of March, 2016. Both natives of small towns in Minnesota, have always had a love for the time away on the water. Taking ownership of the previously rented 'guest home' along with the 'main house' has been a very exciting adventure after a few years of owning and managing a lake house on Lake Zumbro just north of Rochester, MN. Parents of 3 young children, we stay busy working full time (Jeremiah as an electrical supervisor and Jes as a Labor and Delivery nurse at Mayo Clinic Rochester) and managing our properties....of course, frequenting them as much as possible as well!! :)

Why they chose this property

This home is a ball toss and a driveway's width away from the main home giving the added bonus of dual rentals for your larger groups but keeping the properties separate for the smaller groups who enjoy the peace and privacy of our wooded lots overlooking the railroad and the open beauty of the river. The refreshing dips in the summer water, boat cruises and many fishing adventures will keep our love for this location year after year!!

What makes this property unique

The gorgeous views and calming sounds of the train coming through are just a couple of the features we would like to extend to our guests either traveling the area or local to us looking for an escape! The amazing porch will provide you with wonderful mornings drinking coffee watching the eagles and calm, relaxing evenings enjoying the trains. Step outside for a campfire and watch the fireflies dance in the night and the stars flood the sky - you'll enjoy every minute away!!!

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