Fish Days began in 1931 to celebrate the opening of Blackhawk Bridge, originally a toll bridge between Iowa and Wisconsin. Three states enjoyed the festivities. Heading the list of invited speakers were Governor Philip La Follette of Wisconsin, Governor Floyd Olson of Minnesota and U.S. Minister of Canada, Hanford McNider.

After a flood took out a dike bridge on the Wisconsin side, the bridge was idle for many years, but it was repaired and re-dedicated on May 30-31, 1957.