Stockholm, WI
Population: 66
Heading South and back into Wisconsin, I arrived at my last stop in the cheese state. Before I tell you about the town, I want you to picture it in your head. What do you think it looks like? What sort of town has a population of 66? Got that picture in your mind? Well I bet it is nowhere close to reality, unless you've already been to Stockohlm, WI yourself.
Room for One More?
I expected my car to be the only one in the entire town upon arriving in Stockholm. While the roads weren't exactly bustling, there was plenty of foot traffic and tourist families arriving in their minivans or SUV's every so often. Stockholm branches off the picturesque WIS 35 and up against the Lake Pepin portion of the Mississippi River.
Steve - Stockholm Pie & General Store
Stockholm Pie and General Store has received more accolades than can fit on their walls. "Best Pie in Wisconsin," "50 Best Pie Shops in the US," "1 of 18 Legendary Pie Shops in the Country," and many more.
Steve, the owner and man behind the counter, says that the best accolade or compliment they could ever receive is when a customer walks in and says, "your pie tastes just like my mom (or) grandma used to make"
The secret to Stockholm Pie's success? Steve swears its the crust.
Stockholm Pie - Chicken Pot Pie with grapes
Growing up in the midwest I ate a lot of chicken pot pie. Most of them were of the microwave variety, which I'm sure would make Steve cringe.
This pot pie was incredible. Chunks of roasted chicken breast alongside carrots, corn, peas, and green beans make this pie savory and satisfying.
The star of the show definitely is the flaky, buttery crust.
Who Hired the Camera Guy?
It's hard taking photos of yourself while on the road, alone. When I saw this tree I knew that I wanted to get a shot of me sitting in it.
However, the camera I have only allows for a 10 second delay. So I had to run about 25 yards from where I placed my camera on a stump and climb into the tree in that time. Many attempts later I finally got the shot I wanted
Bart - Har-nes
Having worked in Stockholm as a shop owner for 3 seasons, Bart loves working with animals and has been a tanner for over 30 years.
You won't find any industrial chemicals in Bart's shop, or on any of his products. He believes in all natural methods of creating his wares. Each animal, according to Bart, has enough chemicals within its brain to tan its own hide.
He also works at and owns the Inn next door with his wife, two cats, and their parrot Rupert. Bart and Rupert have been working together ever since Rupert was an egg 12 years ago. If you listen carefully you can hear him chattering away in the upstairs workshop level of Har-nes.
Bart mainly works with buckskin, as it's versatile and durable. He also works with coyote and 'coon fur and dabbles in some larger rugs as well. By not using the chemicals big industries have to increase efficiency, his product is softer and more durable. That's a Bart guarantee.
Stockholm Blue Bikes
The Blue Bike Program is another amazing part of Stockholm's culture. These bikes are stationed in various racks around town and along the lakefront.
You are free to ride them as long as you want, as long as they are returned to any of the racks by the end of the day.
A shop in St. Paul, MN maintains the bikes for the town and they are used quite often throughout the tourist season.
This is especisally true for the art festival Stockholm hosts every summer. This was their 44th year for the festival, and it brings about 10,000 people to the town each time.
I broke both my arms in September of 2016, and in August of 2017 I finally got back on a bike for the first time. What a wonderful way to get back on.
Stockholm, WI
Lake Pepin sits below Maiden Rock Bluff. Legend says that the bluff earned its name after a Native American woman who jumped to her death rather than be married against her will to a man she didn't love.
Stockholm, WI is full of surprises like this, and no I don't mean that each building is haunted or has a gruesome backstory. Stockholm has a ton of complexity and character hidden within its population of 66. The "downtown" area consists of under a dozen buildings, but each one has a lifetime of stories to tell. Plus, you can always go explore the bluffs or Lake Pepin.