Leaf-Peeping Hikes in the Driftless

Great River Bluffs (MN) State Park

If you love fall colors, it won't be long before the Driftless leaf-peeping begins. While it's nice driving and looking at the changing leaves, if you want to get your boots on the ground, hiking is a great way to get to the tops of bluffs to appreciate the festival of colors.

Here are some of my favorite bluff top hikes during autumn. 

The hikes designated as Family friendly tend to be more accessible, flatter (though seldom completely flat) and shorter to get to the blufftop views.

[Note: Click on the brown titles in bold below to go to a blog post link describing the hikes listed]

Great River Bluffs State Park 43605 Kipp Drive, Winona (off Hwy 90)
This leaf-peepers dream park has moderate trails to many amazing overlooks. These hikes during the fall color season are spectacular. Easy hikes to North and South Overlooks give sweeping views of the Mississippi River and WI bluffs. East Overlook and ridge trail along the road to the campground are moderate for elevation gains have glimpses of MN bluffs AND Mississippi views. The King's Bluff trails on the north side and Kern lookout off the walk-in campsites also have amazing views and easy trails. Park website. Family friendly.

Hixon Forest Prairie Hikes, N2788 County Rd FA, La Crosse WI
This fairly easy rolling trail takes you to three prairies (Birch, Zoerb and Lookout) that give an expansive view of forested bluffsides and glimpses of the MN bluffs. You can add extra miles by continuing on to the Vista prairie as well. Family friendly.

Beaver Creek Valley State Park, 15954 County 1, Caledonia
Head up onto the rim trails - Hole in the Rock has expansive views of the west rim and northwestern rim; Steep Rock Trail and Switchback trails are both narrow and very steep but the views of the valley and park from the top of each are well worth the climbs. Park website

Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area, N. Buck Creek Road, Ferryville
Head south on Hwy 35 until about 1 mile south of town and turn left on N. Buck Road. Drive up about a mile until you see a Mississippi Valley Conservancy kiosk on the left. You start almost at the top of this beautiful mixed savannah/oak prairie and mixed hardwood trail (1.5 miles out and back) that leads out to a spectacular high view of the Mississippi River and MN/IA bluffs in full fall color. There are slight elevation gains on this grass and dirt trail. MVC website Family friendly.

Levis Trow “troll rock”

Levis Trow Mounds Park, N1589 Fisher Ave, Neilsville WI 44.47676, -90.72377

This is hands-down one of my favorite rim trails to hike in the autumn. The deciduous forest are saturated in color as you hike up to the rim trails. Multiple outlooks afford wide, colorful views down to forests that stretch out towards the Driftless area. 

Stoney Point Trail, Vetsch Park, 722 N. 2nd St, La Crescent, MN
Put on those serious hiking boots to scramble up to this iconic La Crescent Overlook. To reach Stoney, you get to hike a large part of the park's trails - always a good thing but you will be going steadily and sometimes steeply up. The views of nearby MN bluffs and Blue Lake as well as my city make this a special fall view and well worth the hike. Website

Apple Blossom Overlook Park, 33642 Cty Rd 1, La Crescent MN

This Winona Co park has a magnificent view of the Mississippi River, WI bluffs, the city of La Crosse, Lock and Dam 7 and the municipal airport. There are also a few outlooks to explore on this oak savannah and hardwood short 2 mile trail system. Be sure to head north after leaving the park on Apple Blossom Scenic Byway - it takes you along the blufftop for more fall color views all the way to Great River Bluffs State Park. Family friendly.

Whitewater State Park, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Head up to the rim trails from any access point and be treated to stunning views of the colorful bluffs and valleys below. Multiple outlooks and good challenging elevation hikes are in store at this iconic Minnesota park. A must-see in fall!

Mathy Quarry, N3065 Cty Road FA, La Crosse WI
The rim trails here give some clear views to the southeast portion on La Crosse County and the fall colors can be breathtaking from the numerous lookouts around the rim. This is easy hiking with a great autumn reward. MVC website Family friendly.

Perrot Park Brady's Bluff Trail, 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI
The climb is worth the reward. Sweeping views up and down the Mississippi River and over to the MN bluffs covered in a riot of color are breathtaking. Park website

Buena Vista Overlook, on Buena Vista Rd off Cty Rd E, Alma, WI
You can drive up to the top to enjoy colorful views of MN bluffs and the Mississippi River and Alma's lock and dam (family friendly) or hike up from the town below and earn the view! Website Family friendly

Frontenac State Park, 29223 Cty Rd 28 Blvd, Frontenac MN
Unbelievably wide views of Lake Pepin and the WI and MN bluffs are available at a number of lookouts near the rim parking area and trails connecting from there. Park website. Family friendly.

Yellow River State Forest, Harper's Ferry, IA
The Paint Rock unit and Luster Heights (family friendly) unit have great overlooks with spectacular views of the river and WI bluffs around Harpers Ferry area. The hiking is great as well!

Mt Hosmer Park, 271 Main St, Lansing, IA
Drive up to the top of this city park and walk along the safety fence for spectacular views of the Mississippi River and WI bluffs in a riot of color. Walk along the quiet park road to see huge pines and beautiful views. There are also a few challenging trails with significant elevation gains. Rim walk - family friendly.

Magelssen Bluff, Magelssen Park, off Hwy 30 east and right on Magelssen Bluff Rd in Rushford MN
You can hike from the bottom to the top or simply drive to the top (family friendly) and gawk at the amazing fall leaf colorama of Rushford and points southeast to southwest at three lookouts. One lookout is just above the "Rushford " letters on the bluff's south slope. But do take time to hike some or all of this well-maintained trail system to enjoy the fall woods (access from the bottom, head to Oak Grove Cemetery in Rushford and park opposite the gate near the trailhead). Rim trails/lookouts are family friendly.

Check out this Big River Magazine article for the many, MANY overlooks on the Upper Mississippi River.

Additional hikes nearby in the Driftless that give you colorful fall views along with views of cities include:

Crown Blvd, La Crosse WI
Greens Coulee, Onalaska WI
Shelby Butterfly Trails, 3701 Old Vineyard Rd, La Crosse, WI
Miller's Bluff, La Crosse WI (family friendly)
Easter Rd (Hass), La Crosse WI
Eagles Bluff Park, La Crescent MN
Grandad Bluff, La Crosse WI (family friendly)

If you don't see YOUR favorite autumn hike/outlook in the list or the Big River Magazine article, please share it in the comments. I love adding to the list and finding new places for some breath-taking leaf-peeping.

If you'd like to take a deeper dive into how and why leaves change color in fall, check out this recent "Naturalist's Corner - Why Leaves Change Color" post on the blog.

You can also keep an eye on the leaf color change forecasts at these links:

Iowa DNR map

                   -   Minnesota DNR
                   -   Wisconsin DNR
                   -   Iowa DNR

You can find fall hiking safety tips here. 

Have a great fall!

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Image - Lloyd Lorenz

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 60 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

Naturalist's Corner - Why Leaves Change Color

Clonal aspen stand, CO

Returning home from an extended October hiking trip in the Southwest last year, I was struck by the riot of colors that greeted me in our Driftless area. While I was impressed by the beautiful displays of gold and yellow of the aspen stands (all clones of single root systems) out west, I was worried I'd be too late to see the diverse fall colors that the Driftless area forests display.

Not to worry.

I was delighted to find that colors were just beginning to peak. Rather than large swaths of trees in the same color, we have a veritable party of different colors going vertically up the bluffs as you drive along the Mississippi River.

And it got me wondering...what sparks that change?  

It's not just one thing. The weather, the length of days and the individual tree's pigments all combine to create the color palette and timing. 

Each tree species has unique colors that depend on pigments already present in the leaf. For trees with yellow, orange and brown fall pigments (carotenoids), those colors are already in the leaves along with  the green chlorophyll during spring and summer. The chlorophyll masks these pigments during the summer. As the leaf prepares for winter, chlorophyll production slows and stops. That's when the bright yellows and oranges appear.

For trees that display more red and purple (anthocyanins), that pigment is produced in fall when excess sugar gathers in leaf cells.

This is usually preceded in August with a gradual lightening - or to my eyes, slight greying - of the deeper green colors of early summer as chlorophyll slows.

The shorter length of the day and less sunlight triggers leaf cells to start building up in the stem end, trapping the sugars and eventually sealing off the stem (when that happens, the leaf falls).

Finally the weather - sunny days and cool nights help create the most colorful leaves.  If there has been abundant rain in spring and summer to produce plenty of sugar for the trees, the colors will tend to be more brilliant. Drought and drier summers and fall, produce less sugar and can dull the colors. 

Driftless area states have "Fall Color-Finding" sites that keep you updated on the peak and past-peak times of autumn leaf changes:

• Minnesota
• Wisconsin
• Iowa

You can read more details about this process, at the US Forest Service webpage  and an interesting article from the November 1, 2024 edition of the Washington Post exploring the annual life cycle of a leaf and the effect our changing climate has on deciduous trees.

This short video produced on October 13, 2020 by Minnesota Master Naturalists for their Trail Tuesday series, goes through the process.

Check out my recommendations for favorite fall color hikes in the Driftless.

See you on the trails!

SE MN Regional Development Partnership Seeking Volunteers

Minnesota friends:

Southeast RSDP seeks applications for board and work group members

The University of Minnesota Extension Southeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships is seeking local residents to serve on their regional board and work groups.

Southeast RSDP is one of five regional partnerships that connect local communities with University of Minnesota resources to support sustainable development in Greater Minnesota.

RSDP has four work groups: natural resources, local food systems, resilient communities and clean energy. Members work together with University staff and faculty to make recommendations about how to support community-driven projects in each region.

Watch this short video to learn more about how they do their work! 

In particular, Southeast RSDP is currently seeking those with an interest in agriculture and natural resources. Read the full press release here

For more information and to apply, please see z.umn.edu/rsdpworkgroups. Applications are preferred by Monday, September 15th for an October 1st start date.

For questions, or to learn more about being a work group or board member, please contact either Andi Sutton, Southeast RSDP Executive Director- sutto364@umn.edu or Danielle Piraino, Southeast RSDP Outreach Specialist- pirai006@umn.edu.


Andi Sutton (she/her/hers)
Executive Director – Southeast
Southeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnership | Extension | rsdp.umn.edu
University of Minnesota | extension.umn.edu

I Spy on the Trails - August 16-31, 2025

Tall grasses dominate the prairies now
Holland Sand Prairie is no exception

I feel autumn coming. 

My "I Spy" lists of plants and wildlife are beginning to shrink rapidly. That, if nothing else, speaks of the coming fall. Our autumn equinox is just three weeks away and the signs of nature's pulling up her blanket to get ready for her winter rest are apparent everywhere. 

And who can blame her?  While she's had a wild and wonderous summer celebration of blooming flowers and lush growth, the nights are lengthening and the slowing results are everywhere as I hike. 

During the past two weeks we saw temps moderate (and air quality improve). We had one hard rain day (2.5” by us),  a sprinkle or two, a few foggy mornings and a last week of pleasant daytime temps combined with cool night temps. There was plenty of time to enjoy the last puppy days of August and observe the subtle changes going into fall.

Songbird migrations are beginning in earnest. Waterfowl migration is just beginning as well. These journeys will continue well into November on our Mississippi flyway. Recent strong north winds jumpstarted songbird migration in numbers large enough to be seen on Doppler radar. 

Remember to keep your outside lights off and curtains closed to help birds along in their nightly migrations. You can keep your eye on Cornell Lab's Birdcast to stay current on migration peaks. Also watch your bird feeders and the trees for surprise guests migrating through.

Pollen-covered 

common eastern bumblebee

on a stiff goldenrod

Nature action isn’t completely over by any stretch, though. Goldenrods, blazing stars, field thistles, false bonesets and the tall prairie grasses are coming on big time. Asters are just beginning to blossom and add their delicate colors to the landscape of yellows, pale greens and brown. 

Mushrooms and fungi continue their strong showings on the damp forest floors. Fruiting plants including roses, false Solomon's seal, Solomon's seal, Jack-in-the-pulpit and mayapple are displaying their berries and fruit along the trails. Beetles and other insects like grasshopper and cricket populations are burgeoning.

Red-legged grasshopper
on Jerusalem artichoke

But things are changing. The fields and forests have less variety in their birdsong and bright, pollinator-attracting blooms. Trees and bushes continue to show a greyish cast to their leaves as chlorophyll production continues to wane. Many of those summer pollinating plants are going to seed or showing their fuzzy seed heads. 

Bumblebees are slowing; huge bumblebee gynes (next year’s queens) are out and mating with drones. Soon the rest of the colony will die off and the gynes will enter diapause until spring, when they will  begin, by themselves, to start a new colony. 

Butterfly numbers are lessening as major pollinator plants have lost or are losing their blooms. Monarchs are beginning their migratory journey to Mexico. I am seeing these in greater numbers as they stop to nectar on pollinator flowers or rest along wooded edges in the evening. 

Graffiti lichen
Image -Tyler Barnhurst

I participated in one Nature School learning hike during the past two weeks - a Lichen Walk at Frontenac State Park led by Tanner Barnharst, author of  Minnesota Lichen Guide. Spending time in the micro world of lichens helped me really appreciate these organisms made up of fungi and either algae or cyanobacteria. It was a fun and worthwhile way to learn a lot from a lichen expert and the many Master Naturalists who attended as well. A great learning experience. I hope you take advantage of some of the interesting opportunities to hike and learn in September.

Beginning this month through the end of April, this column will switch from bi-monthly to monthly as nature slows down. But my hiking will continue at it’s usual mad pace!

See you on the trails!

Plant Observations

Flowering/mature plants:

• agrimony, tall hairy

  

  Roundhead bushclover

  
  
• alyssum, hoary
• aster, aromatic
• aster, calico
• aster, Drummond's
• aster, purple-stem
• aster, white-panicle
• beebalm, spotted
• blazing star, dwarf
• blazing star, rough
• boneset, false
• bushclover, roundhead
• cardinal flower
• cliffbrake, western dwarf
• coneflower, cutleaf
• coneflower, grey-headed
• Culver’s root
• fern, bulblet bladder-
• fern, interrupted
• fern, lady
• fern, northern maidenhair
• fern, ostrich
• fern, sensitive
• fern, spinulose wood
• flax, grooved
• fleabane, daisy
• fleabane, prairie
• forget-me-not
  
• goldenrod, Canada

  

  Jersey tea

• goldenrod, early
• goldenrod, elmleaf
• goldenrod, giant
• goldenrod, grey
• goldenrod, prairie (Missouri)
• goldenrod, showy
• goldenrod, stiff
• goldenrod, tall
• goldenrod, white flat-topped
• goldenrod, zigzag
• harebell
• horsetail, rough
• ironweed, prairie
• jersey tea
• Jerusalem artichoke
• jewelweed, orange
• jewelweed, yellow
• Joe-Pye-weed, spotted
• leafcup, small-flowered
• lobelia, great blue
• partridge pea
• poppy mallow, purple
• primrose, common evening
• rattlesnake master

  

  Great blue lobelia

• self-heal
• snakeroot, white
• spurge, flowering
• sunflower, fewleaf
• sunflower, giant
• sunflower, hairy
• sunflower, stiff
• sunflower, swamp (sneezeweed)
• sunflower, woodland
• Susan, black-eyed
• Susan, brown-eyed
• thistle, field
• tobacco, Indian
• vervain, hoary
• wild bergamot
• yarrow

Sprouts/unbloomed/past bloom:

• aster, calico
• aster, smooth blue
• aster, white heath
• aster, western silver
• bloodroot
• leadplant
• sagebrush, white
• thimbleweed, tall
  

  

  Blue Cohosh fruit

• wild ginger

Fruited:

• blue cohosh
  
• false Solomon's seal
• Jack-in-the-pulpit
• mayapple
• spikenard, American

Grasses/Sedges:

• grass, big bluestem
• grass, bottle brush
• grass, green foxtail
• grass, little bluestem
• grass, sideoats grama
• grass, smooth brome
• indiangrass, yellow
• obscuregrass, Scribner's
• switchgrass

Fungi/Moss/Lichen:

• fungus, crowded parchment

  

  Rare dog-nose fungus -
  note the “nostrils” on the left

• fungus, dog-nose
• fungus, white jelly
• ghost pipe
• lichen, asterisk
• lichen, candle flame
• lichen, graffiti 
• lichen, hooded sunburst
• lichen, hoary rosette 
• lichen, mortar dot 
• lichen, orange fire dot
• lichen, speckled shield
• mushroom, American slippery Jack
• mushroom, artist's conk
• Mushroom, bolete - bitter
  

  

  Fluted white helvella saddle mushroom

• mushroom,  bolete - chestnut
• mushroom, bolete - ruby
• mushroom, bolete - two-colored
• mushroom, bolete -weeping
• mushroom, chanterelle
• mushroom, corrugated cap cort
• mushroom, deer
• mushroom, earthball
• mushroom, saddle - fluted white helvella
• mushroom, golden bittergill
• mushroom, golden reishi

  

  Indigo milk cap mushroom - note the
  blue latex drops where it’s been touched

• mushroom, - milk cap - Indigo
• mushroom, hexagonal polypore
• mushroom, laccaria - common
• mushroom, laccaria - purple-gilled
• mushroom, lactarius (milky cap)
• mushroom, orange mycena
• mushroom, oyster
• mushroom, golden oyster
• mushroom, lung oyster
• mushroom, puffball
• mushroom, puffball - skull-shaped
• mushroom, purple-bloom russula
• mushroom, turkey tail
• mushroom, red waxy cap 

Wildlife Observations (seen, heard, detected)
Birds:

• bluebird, eastern
• blue jay
• bluebird, eastern
• catbird, grey

  

  Image -Evan Lipton Merlin Bird ID

• cedar waxwing
• chickadee, black-capped
• crow, American
• finch, house
• goldfinch, American
• grosbeak, rose-breasted
• hawk, red-tailed
• hummingbird, ruby-throated
• killdeer
• kingbird, eastern
• nuthatch, white-breasted
• redstart, American
• robin, American
• sparrow, chipping
• sparrow, field
• sparrow, house

  

  Great blue heron at
  MacGilvray's Seven Bridges

  
  
• sparrow, song
• swallow, barn
• veery
• vireo, Bell's
• vireo, warbling
• vireo, red-eyed
• warbler, chestnut-sided
• woodpecker, downy
• woodpecker, hairy
• woodpecker, pileated
• woodpecker, red-bellied
• wood-pewee, eastern
• wren, house
• yellowthroat, common

Waterfowl/fish:

• geese, Canada
• heron, great blue
• pelican American
• swan, trumpeter
• trout, brown

Reptiles/amphibians

• frog, northern leopard 
• turtle, painted

Insects/arachnids:

• bee, striped sweat

  

  Canoodling male and female walking sticks

  
  
• beetle, goldenrod soldier
• bumblebee, black-and-gold
• bumblebee, brown-belted
• bumblebee, common eastern
• bumblebee, two-spotted
• butterfly, clouded sulfur
• butterfly, eastern comma
• butterfly, pearl crescent
• butterfly, eastern swallowtail
• butterfly, Monarch
• cricket, tree
• damselfly, tule bluet
• dragonfly, autumn meadowlark
• dragonfly, 12-spotted skipper
• dragonfly, widow skimmer
• grasshopper, red-legged
• grasshopper, differential
• spider, yellow garden
• walking stick

What are YOU seeing on your hikes?

Two weeks of hikes
Hikes below in colored, bold type or underlined have links to previous posts OR descriptions/location of the trails found online

Holland Sand Prairie, Holmen WI (3);  Frontenac State Park, Old Frontenac, MN (2); Bluffside Park, Winona MN; Weaver Sand Dunes, Kellogg MN (2), Riverside Park, La Crosse WI, McMillan Marsh Wildlife Area, Marathon Co, WI

Oncoming fall's greying landscape at
Beaver Creek Valley (MN) State Park

The "I Spy on the Trails" column is a phenology (the study of seasonal changes in plants and animals) journal to chronicle year-round the weather, plant life and wildlife I observe while hiking. It is very useful in helping me compare observations from year-to-year. The column is published monthly from September through April and then twice-a-month from May through August when warm weather brings the natural world back to vibrant life.

Crossing a ravine the easy way
Image -Nola Larson

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park Hike - Old Settlers Trail

I recently had the opportunity to do a summer hike on the marvelous 2.75 mile Old Settler's trail in Wildcat Mountain State Park by Ontario WI. 

Scenic rock faces along the trail

Wildcat Mountain is an amazing hilly and rolling bluff area rising up above the Kickapoo River to lovely ridgetop trails and views. There is very little level hiking at this park but the four main hiking trails are relatively short: two out-and-back-trails are .75 miles each and the two loop trails are 1.5 miles for one with Old Settler's at 2.75 miles. Old Settler's features a 524 feet elevation gain so you experience a number of different microhabitats along the hilly, twisting trail.

At the upper parking trailhead

The trail is a loop that features two trailheads near the park's entrance station. The first is to the left  past the station at the upper picnic area Observation Point parking lot. The second trailhead is at the Nature Building - head towards the right from the entrance station. We did our hike starting at the upper parking area near Observation Point. 

Almost immediately, you steeply descend a series of wood steps that take you down almost 300 feet in the first half mile. Within a tenth of a mile, you will see a trail to your right - that's where you'll come out to complete your loop, so stay on the main trail.  The trail goes up and down along the bluffsides in heavily wooded areas featuring dense undergrowth and a bridge or two crossing trickling streams full of wetland plants before starting to ascend towards the Taylor Hollow overlook at the top, halfway through your hike.

Taylor Hollow sandstone

Taylor Hollow features some incredible sandstone rock formations you can explore and a viewing area with a bench at the top. The views up there at 1100 feet are great (although we had a poor air quality day due to wild fire smoke so the view was hazy). You are looking down at the village of Ontario WI and beyond to other bluffs in the Driftless region. You'll continue heading upwards for another 1/4 mile before starting your descent and heading west around the other side of the bluff under mixed hardwoods and pines to complete the loop and head back up to your starting point.

A narrower trail section

The trail we hiked on was narrow in places and overgrown after many hard rains. We also hiked after a recent significant wind event so we encountered many blowdowns to hop under, over and around. Hiking sticks and long pants helped with both the steepness/slipperiness on parts of our hike and the brush that narrowed the trails. 

Wrinkled peach mushroom

There were fungi everywhere along the forested trails with some new-to-me mushrooms. It was great fun spying them and getting photos so we could check their IDs. We also saw many spring wildflowers gone to seed and patches everywhere of  wildflower leaves so I have this trail marked for a return next spring. The bluffsides should be carpeted with wildflowers. 

If you start at the second trailhead, it is a quick tenth of a mile from the Nature Building to join the Old Settler's trail and do the loop the other way. 

Heading through one of the pine plantatons

For those wanting a shorter hike, you can start at the Nature Center for an out-and-back 3/4 mile hike to the Taylor Hollow lookout and back. Much of this part of the trail follows an old wide road through pine forest plantations planted by Ontario students. It has only about a 100 foot elevation change as you follow the ridge to the Overlook and back.

THE HIKE
While not long at 2.75 miles, the changes in elevation and sometimes steep grades make it challenging. It’s worth it for spring ephemerals, abundant fungi and forbs along the way and varying habitats at different elevations. The sandstone formations, rock faces along the trail and the view from Taylor Hollow overlook are wonderful. Hiking sticks are good to use year-round and long pants during lush summer months will protect you on narrow parts of the trail.

The Location
E13660 Hwy 33, Ontario WI

About an hour east of La Crosse WI, the highway runs through the park, a beautiful drive on its own. Look for the main park entrance on your left.

Fungi stalking 
Image - Nola Larsen

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 70 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - September 2025

For more information on the trips, where available, please click on the brown event titles for a link to the program or hike. 

I will be updating this post throughout the month as new events are announced - usually an additional 5-8 as the month goes on - so feel free to stop back for updated info.

September Events 

The view from FSPA land on St. Joseph’s ridge
Image - Karen Solverson for the Mississippi Valley Conservancy

Gardens and Gazing on St. Joseph's Ridge - Advance registration open until September 17

 - Saturday, September 20          5:30-9:00pm

 - FSPA Land on St. Joseph's Ridge, W2658 WI Hwy 33, La Crosse

Families, nature lovers, and stargazers are invited to a special evening of discovery and connection with nature at the popular Gardens and Gazing event hosted by Mississippi Valley Conservancy, in partnership with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) and the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society. This free event offers a rare opportunity to explore the serene gardens and protected farmland and woods at FSPA land, where food is grown for the sisters and the community. 
The evening begins with a walking tour of their beautiful gardens, led by FSPA guides, who will share the inspiring story of how the sisters care for the land and grow food that supports local communities, and how their green burial sites are providing a more natural approach at the end of life. Visitors will also learn about the long-standing stewardship values behind this 200-acre property, which the Franciscan Sisters purchased in 1895 and have protected ever since. In addition to the garden tour, a guided hike will lead guests along a scenic woodland trail to a ridgetop with sweeping views of the Driftless Area’s bluffs and valleys—just in time for sunset. As night falls, members of the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society will provide telescopes and expertise for viewing the stars and constellations in the late summer sky. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds prior to the event starting at 5:30. To round out the evening, guests can enjoy light refreshments and snacks as they prepare to enjoy the night sky. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the land, the sky, and a community that values both. For more details (including proposed timeline) and registration, click here. questions? Contact Karen Solverson at karen@mississippivalleyconservancy.org or call 608-784-3606 ext. 8. Sponsors: Mississippi Valley Conservancy, La Crosse Area Astronomical Society, Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

Nature Explorers: Catch a Butterfly
- Tuesday, Sept 2    10-11:00 am
- Frontenac (MN) State Park
This is one in a free series of nature programs for children ages 3-6. Learn about nature in the Lake Pepin area with stories, crafts, and outdoor exploration. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Additional session:  Oct 7 (Spooky Critters). Sponsors: Project Get Outdoors and Frontenac State Park Association.

Check Out the Trails

 - Friday, September 12     10-10:45 am

 - Hixon Forest Lower Trails Parking Lot, 901 Milson Ct, La Crosse WI

Join library staff for a chance for all ages to enjoy a hike in nature. We'll be hiking the Lower Hixon Bicentennial path, an easy, ~45 minute walk. There will be a scavenger BINGO hunt for bigs and littles alike! We will meet at the Hixon Forest Trail head off of Milson Ct. to start. Sponsor: La Crosse Public Library

Wildflowers and Waves - ages 12 and up

 - Saturday, September 6           9:30-11:30am

 - Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, N5727 Cty Rd Z Onalaska WI

Come explore late summer wildflowers on the prairie! This guided workshop offers a chance to learn about native wildflowers and prairie grasses, while connecting with nature through your own expressive watercolor painting. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No art experience necessary -all art materials provided. Meet inside the Refuge Visitor Center. Expect a leisurely walk of less than a mile on paved and gravel trails. Bathroom and water available inside. Free. Register here. Sponsors: La Crosse County Libraries and Eco-Expressions

End of Summer Scents and Sight Hike

 - Saturday, September 6      10:00am-noon

 - Bluffside Park Chickadee trailhead, off west Wincrest drive 

Join us for a hike through the Chickadee Circuit trail system, and enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds of early fall. More details will be shared soon! Use this Google Maps pin to find the location: . For more information, and to sign the waiver, please visit: www.winonaoutdoorcollaborative.com/events  Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

Saturday Morning Walk with Naturalist Bruce Ause

 - Saturday, September 6      10-11 a.m. 

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk

Take a short, guided hike with volunteer naturalist, Bruce Ause. Bruce will lead visitors along trails through the upland area of the park pointing out a variety of natural features as they are encountered. Dress for the weather and bring sun and tick protection. Binoculars and cameras are nice accessories, but not necessary. The hike will last about an hour Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog, Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Full moon
Image -Lloyd Lorenz

Moonlight Hike

 - Saturday, September 6       9 - 10:00 am

 - Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park, Amphitheater lot

Join us for a 1.4-mile hike on the Starlight Trail as we wind through woods and along small fields under a nearly full moon. Experience the sounds and sights of the night by moonlight as we typically hike without any artificial lighting. The trail is mostly level with some uneven terrain. Wear sturdy footwear and keep bug repellent and a warm layer handy. Feel free to bring binoculars for viewing the moon and stars, or request to borrow a pair from us. Space is limited and registration is required. Please register by email or phone.Info: Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov 608-337-4775 Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

Fire Effects on the Prairie

 - Saturday, September 6           10am-noon

 - Marowski's Bluff, 61675 Grand Vista Rd, Ferryville, WI

This is the third in a series of hikes to explore the effects of burning. The Coulee Region Chapter of the Prairie Enthusiasts conducted a burn this spring through part of the woodland and open prairie. We are pretty sure this is the first burn there in a long time (>50 years?). We included refugia, so it is easy to see the effects of fire here. It will take a long period of frequent burning to get the site back to its original state, but we've started the process. This hike is being promoted by the Ferryville Tourism Council. The idea is to have residents join us to learn more about the site and management that is going on there. The Village has an active program promoting the environment and we hope to partner in highlighting the valuable bluff prairies right in their backyard. WHAT TO BRING: Water, sun protection, insect repellent, and hat, long pants and hiking shoes are recommended. Not to scare anyone off, but the site is notoriously bad for chiggers. We'll have spray along for those that need it. FIELD TRIP LEADER: Jim Rogala. RSVP jrogala58@gmail.com DIFFICULTY: Easy to difficult. Access is from the top and we'll spend some time on the flatter area on top. For those that want to see more prairie below, we can go down the slope as far as you like, but it becomes very steep. DIRECTIONS: 61675 Grand Vista Rd, Ferryville, WI 54628. Take Quarry Rd off Hwy B; Quarry Rd turns into the winding Eagle Ridge Road which takes you to Grand Vista Rd on the right. Google Maps link. Sponsor: The Prairie Enthusiasts, Coulee Region Chapter

Geology of the Driftless
 - Saturday, September 6              10am-11:30am
 - Forestville Mystery Cave Park Visitor Center

Caves, disappearing streams and sinkholes make up a landscape called karst. Cherry Grove Blind Valley Scientific and Natural Area is a hidden gem in the story of karst topography. Master Naturalist volunteer, Ann will reveal these unique geologic features up close on this 1 mile hike. Come prepared to cross over a shallow stream on stepping stones by wearing sturdy shoes. Bug spray is recommended too. Meet at the William Morrissey Visitor Center at Mystery Cave for a brief introduction and follow Ann in your own car about 6 miles to the Cherry Grove SNA. Sponsor: Forestville/Mystery Cave (MN) State Park

Sea of Grass Prairie Walk

 - Saturday, September 6         11:00am

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park

Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty, authors of “Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin, and Redemption of Nature on the American Prairie,” will lead a walk on a park prairie trail, followed by a Q&A session/book signing up at the main park picnic shelter. We’ll meet in the big parking lot outside park headquarters, near the park entrance, at 11 a.m. Dave and Josephine are Minnesotans, longtime journalists now retired from the Minnesota Star Tribune. Their book, a beautiful, eye-opening, sometimes heartbreaking read, has been highlighted on such major media sites as NPR’s “Science Friday.” Come walk with them, and us! “Sea of Grass” is a highly readable brew of science, art and nature by Minnesota science journalists Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty. Join them for a prairie walk at Frontenac State Park on Saturday, Sept. 6, starting at 11 a.m. from the park

Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association

Marnach House Hike

 - Saturday, September 6      Noon-3:00pm

 - Whitewater WMA - Marnach House Lot - Behind WMA Headquarters (The Whitewater Wildlife Management Area office is located 2 miles north of Elba, Minnesota, on State Highway 74)

The mid-1800's were a time of major change for the Whitewater Valley. Droves of people were drawn to the area by the promise of a new beginning. During this program we will feature of one of these families, the Marnachs. We will take a hike along an old stagecoach road to reach their impressive home and learn their story. Distance - 2.6 Miles Hike will start at the Marnach Lot in the Whitewater WMA, not the park.

September 7 - Registration opens for October 4 Owl Prowl
October 4 Owl Prowl -
- International Owl Center, Houston MN
We start with a 30-minute program indoors to teach you how to identify owls by sound and the ethics of calling owls. Then you hop in your vehicle and follow the Owlmobile to about three different locations in rural Houston where Jo, our resident expert owl caller, will imitate owl calls in hopes of getting some responses. The program is capped at 30 participants, and these always sell out in advance. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Due to the need to stand perfectly still for 10 minutes or more at a time, these owl prowls are not recommended for children under age 12. No pets, smoking or vaping allowed either indoors or outdoors. Sponsor: International Owl Center

Nature Explorers: Migrating Animals

 - Wednesday, Sept 10      10-11:00 am

 - Lake City (MN) Public Library

This is one in a free series of nature programs for children ages 3-6. Learn about nature in the Lake Pepin area with stories, crafts, and outdoor exploration. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Sponsors: Project Get Outdoors and Frontenac State Park Association.

Forest Bathing

 - Thursday, September 11       10:00am

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the picnic shelter

Join certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Sara Holger, from Project Get Outdoors, on a sensory immersion in nature. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association, Project Get Outdoors

Check Out the Trails - Lower Hixon

- Friday, September 26     10-10:45 am 

 - 901 Milson Ct, La Crosse WI

Join library staff for a chance for all ages to enjoy a hike in nature. We'll be hiking the Lower Hixon Bicentennial path, an easy, ~45 minute walk. There will be a scavenger BINGO hunt for bigs and littles alike! We will meet at the Hixon Forest Trail head off of Milson Ct. to start  Sponsor: La Crosse Public Library

Hemlock Trail Plant Walk

 - Saturday, Sept 13       9 - 10:00 am

 - Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park

Want to learn more about wild plants and how to identify them? Join the Kickapoo Valley Plant Lookers on their monthly plant study along the Hemlock Trail. The study will focus on the floodplain forest, the wet cliff and the hemlock relicts. Each month, the same trail/route will be used to observe the same plants in different stages of growth. The Hemlock trail is moderate to difficult with some steep sections leading up to the overlook. The trail can be wet and slippery. Sturdy shoes and bug repellent are recommended. The event will be held rain or shine. Please meet in the Lower Picnic area parking lot. Info: Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov 608-337-4775 Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

Effigy Mounds National Mounds Bioblitz

 - Saturday, September 13                   9:00am-noon

- North Unit Prairie, 151 State Hwy 76, Harper's Ferry IA
The public is invited to join park staff and sponsoring experts to learn how to identify bumblebees, butterflies, dragonflies, and recognize their habitat. There will also be information about invasive plant and insect species. The public will assist in tagging monarchs as part of the large-scale community science Monarch Watch Tagging Program, photograph insect species and habitat, and learn about other citizen science opportunities. Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument, Allamakee County Conservation Board, Clayton County Conservation, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife.

Driftless Area BioBlitz (DABB) - Insects of the Earth

 - Saturday, September 13          10:00am-noon

 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse, WI

Join us for the free  Driftless Area BioBlitz (DABB), a community science project inviting nature lovers of all ages to explore, observe, and help document the incredible biodiversity of the Driftless Area!
A bioblitz is a collaborative effort to record as many species as possible within a specific area and timeframe. Through DABB, you can contribute to real scientific research simply by observing the natural world around you. Participants are invited to use the iNaturalist app to submit observations of wild plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms anywhere within the Driftless Area. iNaturalist is a global biodiversity platform used to connect naturalists and community scientists through shared observations that support research and conservation worldwide. This region is home to some of the most unique and diverse ecosystems in the Midwest!  Place. Sponsor: The Nature Place

Fungi Walk with a Master Naturalist

- Saturday, September 13     10-11 a.m. 

- Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk

Volunteer Master Naturalist Pam Miller will lead a walk to talk about fungi that grow in the park in the fall and their relationships with trees and weather. We'll hope to find a pretty hen of the woods (maitake), but nothing is guaranteed! Edible mushrooms are elusive and fickle and won't come up without recent rain, but what you learn on the hike may help you find some later. Note: Wear closed shoes and long pants and bring bug spray! Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Saturday Morning Walk with Naturalist Bruce Ause

 - Saturday, September 13        10-11 a.m. 

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk

Take a short, guided hike with volunteer naturalist, Bruce Ause. Bruce will lead visitors along trails through the upland area of the park pointing out a variety of natural features as they are encountered. Dress for the weather and bring sun and tick protection. Binoculars and cameras are nice accessories, but not necessary. The hike will last about an hour Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog, Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Fossil Field Trip

 - Saturday, September 13        2 - 4:00 pm

 - Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN

During this program, we will go and look for ancient sea life that lived in the area hundreds of millions of years ago. We'll start with a brief introduction, then drive out of the park 9 miles to hunt for fossils. Bring transportation. For more information, contact Carolyn Kocken at 507-312-2301 or by email at carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Owl Prowl
- Saturday, September 13          7 - 8:00 pm
- Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MNWe often hear them calling in the dark of night, but most of us are unfamiliar with the elusive creatures known as owls. At this program, you will learn how to identify the owls of Whitewater State Park by their calls as well as by their appearance and habitat needs. After a presentation, we'll go call to the owls. This program is guaranteed to be a "hoot" for all ages! Meet at the Visitor Center and come prepared to step outside for a short while after the presentation. For more information, contact Carolyn Kocken at 507-312-2301 or by email at carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Driftless Eco Explorers

 - Wednesday, September 17      11:00 am         Holmen Library

 - Friday, September 19              11:00 am        Meet at Great River Landing, Onalaska

Sponsor: La Crosse County Libraries

Forest Bathing Walk

 - Wednesday, September 17      5:30-7:30pm

 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse, WI

This monthly walk at The Nature Place occurs on the 3rd Wednesday, May through October. Walks begin at 5:30pm and typically last between 1.5 and 2 hours. Join for one, a few, or all! We will walk less than a mile on relatively level ground. This program is appropriate for ages 16+ and can be modified to accommodate all physical abilities. Sessions are co-guided by certified Forest Therapy Guides Kati Thompson and Char Peterson. Fee for the walk is $15/participant. 25% of proceeds go back to The Nature Place for youth programming. Sponsor: The Nature Place, RejuveNature Forest Bathing

Check Out the Trails - Chad Erickson Park

- Friday, September 19     10-11:00 am am

 - Chad Erickson Park, 3601 Park Lane, La Crosse WI

Join library staff for a chance for all ages to enjoy a hike in nature. Pack your own picnic and enjoy the paved trail in the beautiful Chad Erickson Park with the library. We will meet at the shelter for a 30-minute peaceful walk and finish with a 30-minute picnic social. All ages are invited to move and snack.  Sponsor: La Crosse Public Library

Talk with a Naturalist -Bat Chat

 - Saturday, September 20      10-11:00 am

 - Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN

Swing by the Naturalist table at the Visitor Center to learn a little about Minnesota's Bats. What kinds of bats do we have? Where do they live? How do they benefit us? What challenges to they face? How do I build a successful bat box? Drop in and talk to park naturalist Jeremy to find the answers to all your bat related questions. For more information, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Saturday Morning Walk with Naturalist Bruce Ause

 - Saturday, September 20       10-11 a.m. 

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk

Take a short, guided hike with volunteer naturalist, Bruce Ause. Bruce will lead visitors along trails through the upland area of the park pointing out a variety of natural features as they are encountered. Dress for the weather and bring sun and tick protection. Binoculars and cameras are nice accessories, but not necessary. The hike will last about an hour Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog, Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Sand Point Bird Walk

 - Saturday, September 20       9:00-11:00 am

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park, meet at the Sand Point parking lot

Walk through the riparian forest and along the beach to Sand Point for the beginning of fall migration. We will look for migrants shorebirds such as Caspian Terns and possibly American Avocets as well as an amazing panoply of resident and migrating forest birds. Bring binoculars. The trail is well maintained and flat. The full loop is approximately 2 miles long, but you can head back whenever you need to. No need to register. If you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. This event is free. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Check Out the Trails - Hixon Forest

- Friday, September 26     10-11:00 am am

 - 2600 Old Quarry Road, La Crosse WI

Join library staff for a chance for all ages to enjoy a hike in nature. Come explore the forest on an easy-to-intermediate trail where we'll slow down and really listen—to the rustling leaves, birdsong, and the scurry of squirrels. This walk is all about noticing what’s around us and reconnecting with the natural world. If the leaves have started to turn, you'll also get to enjoy the beautiful colors of the changing season. Meet at Lower Hixon Trailhead Likely Path: Hickory to Bicentennial to make a loop starting and stopping at Hixon Forest Trailhead Parking Lot. (See Map) Age Group: Adult / All Ages Hiking/Strolling speed. Sponsor: La Crosse Public Library

Seed Collection

 - Friday, September 26     10:00am-2:00pm

 - Kellogg Weaver Dunes
Join us in collecting native prairie seed at Kellogg Weaver Dunes SNA, an ancient sand prairie near the confluence of the Mississippi, Zumbro, and Chippewa Rivers. Volunteers will help search for and collect native plant seeds. This event will be led by contracted naturalist, Sara Holger. Tools, instructions, and good camaraderie will be provided. Bring water, lunch, and dress for working in the weather. If you have your own gloves you'd like to use, please bring those as well. Footwear appropriate for outdoor work/hiking is recommended. There are no maintained trails, public restrooms nor access to drinking water on this site. Registration in-advance is required. To register and get meet-up instructions, please email driftlessnaturalistllc@gmail.com. More Information- Contact Sara Holger, SNA Contract Naturalist at 507-951-5885 or by email at driftlessnaturalistllc@gmail.com Sponsor: MN DNR

Saturday Morning Walk with Naturalist Bruce Ause

 - Saturday, September 27        10-11 a.m. 

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk

Take a short, guided hike with volunteer naturalist, Bruce Ause. Bruce will lead visitors along trails through the upland area of the park pointing out a variety of natural features as they are encountered. Dress for the weather and bring sun and tick protection. Binoculars and cameras are nice accessories, but not necessary. The hike will last about an hour Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog, Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Creatures of the Night

 - Saturday, September 27       6:30-7:30 pm

 - Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN

Join us for a program about the animals that come out at night at Whitewater State Park! We will start inside and have a presentation about the animals that are active at night in the park, then go outside for a brief stroll on the Discovery Loop behind the visitor center to hopefully see some of the creatures that call Whitewater home. Bring a flashlight or something to light your way. For more information, contact Carolyn Kocken at 507-312-2301 or by email at carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Mindfulness Walk

 - Sunday, September 28.        2 - 4:00pm

 - Kellogg Weaver Dunes SNA

Immerse your senses in the autumn prairie during a guided mindfulness walk at Kellogg Weaver Dunes SNA. We'll explore nature with our senses in the calming setting of the sand prairie. This event will be led by contracted naturalist, Sara Holger. Bring water and snacks. Long socks and pants, a hat, and footwear appropriate for outdoor hiking is recommended. There are no maintained trails, public restrooms nor access to drinking water on this site. Registration in-advance is required. To register, and get directions, please email driftlessnaturalistllc@gmail.com. More Information- Contact Sara Holger, SNA Contract Naturalist at 507-951-5885 or by email at driftlessnaturalistllc@gmail.com Sponsor: MN DNR

Do you know of other September hiking/learning events I should include?  Just drop me a line in comments or the contact box on my web version of the blog.