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| Tundra swans landing Courtesy - Upper Mississippi US Fish and Wildlife Refuge |
For more information on the trips, where available, please click on the blue 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.
Late October Event
- Saturday, October 31 9:00am-noon
- Jordan MN Town Hall, 18380 Cty Hwy 102, Chatfield MN
In partnership with the Lost Creek Hiking Trail/Bluff Country Hiking Club, we're hosting a free Halloween hike. The event will feature a self-guided fall hike beginning at Jordan Town Hall. Hikers will travel to the western terminus of the trail and hike 1.5 miles to the Bailey Loop, followed by an optional hike - a mile loop - to complete a total of four miles of hiking by the time they return to the trailhead. In the spirit of Halloween, participants can expect to encounter skeletons and other Halloween-themed surprises along the route. A selection of grab-and-go breakfast foods and drinks will be available for participants to enjoy before or after their hike. The celebration is particularly intended as an opportunity to recognize and thank the landowners who have made the Lost Creek Hiking Trail possible over the past 15 years. Their willingness to provide trail access has played an important role in creating a recreational resource for residents and visitors to the area. The Lost Creek Hiking Trail is connected to the ongoing development of the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail (MDHT), a planned long-distance hiking trail through southeastern Minnesota. MDHT is working with landowners, communities, and public land managers to build a sustainable trail that connects people, communities, and landscapes throughout the Driftless Region. The event is free and open to the public. Participants are welcome to stop by anytime between 9 a.m. and noon to hike and enjoy the refreshments.For more information about the Lost Creek Hiking Trail, visit bluffcountryhikingclub.org. For more information about the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail, visit mndriftlesshikingtrail.org Sponsor: Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail
November Events
- Wednesday, November 3 4:30 - 5:30 pmpm
- Winonaq Public Library, 151 W. 5th St., Winona MN
The Climate Stewardship Book Club meets every first Tuesday of the month at 4:30pm in the Library’s Meeting Room and will explore books about responsible management and protection of the environment. Books range from fiction to nonfiction and include a variety of viewpoints in hopes of creating meaningful discussion. Request books using the form in the registration button below.November 3: Is a River Alive? by Robert MacFarlane
December 1: Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard
December 1: Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard
Sponsor: Winona Public Library
- Thursday, November 5 4:00-5:00pm
- La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1 st St, La Crescent MN
Come and discover what southeast MN was like in the past, the types of rocks found here, the kinds of fossils found in the area, and how to identify fossils. Then you’ll have time to practice identifying fossils.Greg Anderson works for the Minnesota Deptartment of Natural Resources as the Assistant Cave Supervisor at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. He has worked at the park for over 20 years. Sponsor: La Crescent Public Library - Friday-Sunday, November 6-8
- Iowisota Nature and Retreat Center, 2472 IA-26, Lansing IA
Come to Iowisota for a laid-back weekend exploring nature and nuts (literally). Three nut/tree workshops will be offered: Nutcracker Sweet, Acorns!, and Barking up the Right Tree. Attend any or all of them. Cost for the workshops is free-will donation. Lodging is available on-site, but you don’t need to stay here to participate in the workshops.Programming:
- Overnight guests arrive any time on Friday afternoon. Dinner on your own.
- Nutcracker sweet. Friday Nov 6, 6:00-8:00 pm. Learn about different ways to crack and prepare black walnuts and other tree nuts. We will also make maple-candied black walnuts.
- Saturday morning breakfast provided to overnight guests. Probably wild blueberry pancakes with Iowisota maple syrup.
- Acorns! Saturday Nov 7, 9:00- 11:30. Learn to make acorn flour and acorn crackers.
- (Lunch: Iowisota will provide a sandwich bar, suggested donation $10/person)
- Barking up the Right Tree. Saturday Nov 7, 1:30-4:00. Nature hike to learn tree identification without leaves.
- Saturday evening. Overnight guests dinner on your own, then hang out in the gathering room or have a campfire, depending on the weather.
- Sunday morning. Breakfast provided to overnight guests. Probably steel-cut oats with hickory nuts, dried fruits, and other toppings. Then free time to take another hike or process more nuts or other activities to be determined. If requested, we could repeat the Nutcracker Sweet session.
How to sign up: Click the link to RSVP, and then fill out the registration form. This is how you will choose which workshops you want to attend, and whether you want to request lodging. Once you have completed the form, if you have lodging cost, we will email you an invoice that you can pay by check, credit card, or PayPal. Cost for the workshops is free-will donation at the time of the workshop. Sponsor: Iowisota Retreat and Education Center
- Saturday, November 7 8:00am-11:00am
- Beaver Creek Valley State Park, Caledonia MN
We're excited to have Sara Holger guide our last program on Saturday November 7 at Beaver Creek Valley State Park. Sara will lead us on a hike into the past - exploring some hidden natural history and long-lost human stories of the region. This will be an interactive hike, stopping at various locations to share fun facts and stories. Sara holds a degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies from the University of Minnesota and has been an environmental educator since 1994. Sara has worked for various organizations including the US Forest Service, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Fisheries, Bell Museum of Natural History, Eagle Bluff ELC, Olmsted County Parks and Minnesota State Parks. Spots are limited and registration is required. To register or for more information for the hike, send us an email to director@mndriftlesshikingtrail.org requesting a spot. You may register yourself and others - if you are signing up others, please be sure to include their names in your email. A special thank you to our title sponsor, Aefintyr! Thank you for supporting our fall hike series - we couldn't do this without you! We hope to catch you on this Driftless Discovery hike! Sponsor: Driftless Hiking Trail
We're excited to have Sara Holger guide our last program on Saturday November 7 at Beaver Creek Valley State Park. Sara will lead us on a hike into the past - exploring some hidden natural history and long-lost human stories of the region. This will be an interactive hike, stopping at various locations to share fun facts and stories. Sara holds a degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies from the University of Minnesota and has been an environmental educator since 1994. Sara has worked for various organizations including the US Forest Service, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Fisheries, Bell Museum of Natural History, Eagle Bluff ELC, Olmsted County Parks and Minnesota State Parks. Spots are limited and registration is required. To register or for more information for the hike, send us an email to director@mndriftlesshikingtrail.org requesting a spot. You may register yourself and others - if you are signing up others, please be sure to include their names in your email. A special thank you to our title sponsor, Aefintyr! Thank you for supporting our fall hike series - we couldn't do this without you! We hope to catch you on this Driftless Discovery hike! Sponsor: Driftless Hiking Trail
- Saturday, November 7 9:00 am
- Frontenac State Park Sand Point Parking lot (off Hwy 61), Frontenac, MN
Walk through the riparian forest and along the beach to Sand Point for late fall migration. We will look for various waterfowl, including large flocks of Common Mergansers and Common Goldeneyes as well as bushels Bald Eagles. 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. Meet at the Sand Point Parking Lot off of US 61. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association - Saturday, November 7 9:30-11:30am
- The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse WI
Join us for a free family event at The Nature Place on the first Saturday of each month. Each event provides a unique seasonal opportunity to learn about the critters and nature patterns found within our region's ecosystem. If you have a question about the event, please reach out to our Community Programs Manager, Steph Hanna at Steph.Hanna@natureplacelacrosse.org **Weather notices or immediate updates regarding one of these events will be shared on our FB stories the day of the event. Sponsor: The Nature Place
- Saturday and Sunday, November 7-8 10:00am-2:00pm
Brownsville Overlook, Hwy 26 , MN
Come enjoy the fall migration at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge! Listen to the clamorous chorus of tundra swans, ducks, and geese, and the calls of bald eagles above. See the river come to life as birds take off and land at one of the best rest stops for people and wildlife on the Mississippi Flyway! A Refuge naturalist will be available at the Brownsville Overlook from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning Sat. November 7 through Sun. November 22, 2026, weather permitting. They'll have a spotting scope and bird guides to help you identify what you see. It's FREE to come visit! The Brownsville Overlook is one of the top places along the river to see this fall show. This roadside pull off is located about 3 miles south of Brownsville, Minn. along MN-HWY 26. Please dress for chilly weather - it is always a little breezy by the water. The naturalist will also be part of a special event on Sat. Nov 14, called “Waterfowl Observation Day.” More details about Waterfowl Observation Day can be on our events page here: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper-mississippi-river/events Peak migration can be hard to predict. The best time to see the tundra swans is usually mid-to-late November. Many kinds of birds stop here and each day brings something new! Recent bird sightings are updated once per week on our website - https://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper-mississippi-river. For the real bird nerds (our kind of company) - the timing of when the swans arrive depends partly on temperatures in their northern breeding grounds in Canada and Alaska - as bodies of water begin to freeze there, the swans gradually migrate to the Mississippi River. The swans will usually stay here for about one month or until the river freezes. If the weather is warm here, the swans may not spend as much time close to the overlook. As the water on the Mississippi River freezes, it pushes them to group up in areas where they can best find food and shelter. Even if they're not super close to the overlook, the sound of their calls and the sight of large groups of birds is still a celebration to experience! For more information, please call the La Crosse District Visitor Center at 608-779-2399. The Visitor Center address is N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska, WI 54650. Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge - Saturday, November 7 10:30am
- Driftless Area Education and Vistor's Center, 1944 Columbus Rd, Lansing IA
Ever wondered what it was like to hunt
during the ice age? In this program,
participants will learn about some of the
megafauna that lived in Iowa during the last
ice age, what an atlatl is, and get to
experience throwing spears with an atlatl for
themselves. Suitable for all ages 10 and up. Sponsor: Driftless Area Education and Visitor's Center
- Saturday, November 7 12:30 pm
- La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1 st St, La Crescent MN
- Wednesday, November 11 11:00 - 11:45am
- Holmen Library, 121 W.Legion St, Holmen WI
Enjoy nature walks, stories, and activities designed to foster eco-literacy and fun for all ages. Explore the local trails as fall sets in. We'll get to know the Halfway Creek Trail. 45 minutes | Weather permitting. No registration necessary. More info: 608 526-4198. Sponsor: La Crosse County LibraryTundra Swans of the Upper Mississippi River
- Wednesday November 11 10:00 -11:00 a.m
-Whitewater State Park, 19041 MN-74, Altura MN
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is one of the most important migration staging areas in North America for the eastern population of tundra swans, a population that breeds in the arctic of Alaska and Canada, and winters in the mid-Atlantic coastal region of the United States. This presentation by Steve Winter will provide insight into tundra swan natural history, how to differentiate tundra swans from trumpeter swans (a year-round resident of Minnesota and Wisconsin), and it will highlight how and why the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is so important to this species during its spring and fall migrations.
Also for those that are interested Steve has offered to take people out to look for Tundra Swans after the presentation. We will organize it then. Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater State Park
Also for those that are interested Steve has offered to take people out to look for Tundra Swans after the presentation. We will organize it then. Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater State Park
- Friday, November 13 11:00 - 11:45am
- Great River Landing, 101 Irvin St, Onalaska WI
Enjoy nature walks, stories, and activities designed to foster eco-literacy and fun for all ages. Explore the local trails as fall sets in. We'll explore the Great River State Trail. 45 minutes | Weather permitting. No registration necessary. More info: 608 526-4198. Sponsor: La Crosse County Library - Saturday, November 14 9:00am to around 12:00pm
- Lower Hixon Trailhead (2600 Old Quarry Rd La Crosse WI
For now the trees still hold leaves but soon they'll shed them and we all might feel a bit lost without those helpful little bundles of light-eating chlorophyll that are so often distinct in many of our common trees. Fear not! Join us for an autumn hike through the Blufflands while learning how to identify trees without their leaves! This hike will offer an opportunity for folks to learn some helpful tips and tricks to identify common local tree species by their bark, branches, twigs, and overall growth form! We'll also learn a bit about forest management and the variety of other flora and fauna that thrive in our Bluffland woodlands. This event will be led by Greg Edge, a retired Wisconsin DNR Ecologist and Silviculturist and co-host of SilviCast, a popular podcast "devoted to silviculture: the science, practice, and art of forestry." Brody Waldenberger, a forestry student at the University of Minnesota and former WisCorps Individual Placement with Friends of the Blufflands and Mississippi Valley Conservancy this past summer, will also help to lead this hike, sharing his expertise on the management and restoration of our woodlands. Difficulty: This will be a moderate hike up the Miller Bluff trail from the Lower Hixon Trailhead. Depending on interest and time, we may hike all the way up to Stry Prairie, about a 2-mile round trip with 500 ft of elevation gain. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water and a snack if needed. As always, if this needs to be canceled due to rain, an email will be sent out and it will be posted on the Friends of the Blufflands Facebook page. Sponsor: Friends of the Blufflands
- Lower Hixon Trailhead (2600 Old Quarry Rd La Crosse WI
For now the trees still hold leaves but soon they'll shed them and we all might feel a bit lost without those helpful little bundles of light-eating chlorophyll that are so often distinct in many of our common trees. Fear not! Join us for an autumn hike through the Blufflands while learning how to identify trees without their leaves! This hike will offer an opportunity for folks to learn some helpful tips and tricks to identify common local tree species by their bark, branches, twigs, and overall growth form! We'll also learn a bit about forest management and the variety of other flora and fauna that thrive in our Bluffland woodlands. This event will be led by Greg Edge, a retired Wisconsin DNR Ecologist and Silviculturist and co-host of SilviCast, a popular podcast "devoted to silviculture: the science, practice, and art of forestry." Brody Waldenberger, a forestry student at the University of Minnesota and former WisCorps Individual Placement with Friends of the Blufflands and Mississippi Valley Conservancy this past summer, will also help to lead this hike, sharing his expertise on the management and restoration of our woodlands. Difficulty: This will be a moderate hike up the Miller Bluff trail from the Lower Hixon Trailhead. Depending on interest and time, we may hike all the way up to Stry Prairie, about a 2-mile round trip with 500 ft of elevation gain. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water and a snack if needed. As always, if this needs to be canceled due to rain, an email will be sent out and it will be posted on the Friends of the Blufflands Facebook page. Sponsor: Friends of the Blufflands
- Saturday, November 14 10:00 am- 2:00pm
- Brownsville Overlook, Hwy 26, MN; Shady Maple Overlook, Stoddard WI
Join us for Waterfowl Observation Day on Saturday, November 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at two roadside overlooks in the La Crosse District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge). Listen to the lively calls of tundra swans, watch bald eagles soar overhead, and see how many species of ducks and other waterbirds you can identify. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is a critical stopover site for tundra swans; there are few other places you can enjoy such a phenomenal fall show! This FREE event is open to all ages. Nonprofit partners will be present at the Brownsville and Shady Maple Overlooks during this special event to help visitors identify birds and learn more about migration. The Brownsville Overlook is located about three miles south of Brownsville, Minn., along Minnesota State Highway 26. The Shady Maple Overlook is located on the Wisconsin side of the river, about three miles south of La Crosse, Wisc. along Wisconsin Highway 35. Stop by one or both roadside pull-offs to enjoy the fall migration and learn from local experts! Light refreshments will be offered during Waterfowl Observation Day at the Brownsville Overlook, while supplies last, courtesy of the Friends of the Upper Mississippi River (FUM). Nonprofit partners will also have nature-themed items available for purchase at this location. A portable toilet will be onsite, provided by Kids and Mentors Outdoors (KAMO). Volunteers from the Friends of the Refuge – Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8 (FOR78), FUM, and KAMO will provide interpretation at the Brownsville Overlook, while members of the Izaak Walton League – Upper Mississippi River Chapter will provide interpretation at the Shady Maple Overlook. We are very grateful to our partners for helping bring Waterfowl Observation Day to life! Parking at both overlooks is limited. If parking lots are full when you arrive, please consider visiting another site and returning later. The Highway 26 Overlook, located about ½ mile south of the Brownsville Overlook, is usually a great place to see rafts of diving ducks. Goose Island County Park, located about one mile north of the Shady Maple Overlook, offers beautiful views of the Refuge and Mississippi River. Please dress warmly. It’s always chillier by the water! If you’re unable to attend Waterfowl Observation Day on November 14, a Refuge naturalist will also staff the Brownsville Overlook from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from November 7 through November 22, weather permitting. For more information, call 608-779-2399 or visit the La Crosse District Visitor Center at N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska, WI 54650. Sponsors: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge,Friends of the Refuge – Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8 (FOR78), FUM, KAMO, Izaak Walton League – Upper Mississippi River Chapter
Join us for Waterfowl Observation Day on Saturday, November 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at two roadside overlooks in the La Crosse District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge). Listen to the lively calls of tundra swans, watch bald eagles soar overhead, and see how many species of ducks and other waterbirds you can identify. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is a critical stopover site for tundra swans; there are few other places you can enjoy such a phenomenal fall show! This FREE event is open to all ages. Nonprofit partners will be present at the Brownsville and Shady Maple Overlooks during this special event to help visitors identify birds and learn more about migration. The Brownsville Overlook is located about three miles south of Brownsville, Minn., along Minnesota State Highway 26. The Shady Maple Overlook is located on the Wisconsin side of the river, about three miles south of La Crosse, Wisc. along Wisconsin Highway 35. Stop by one or both roadside pull-offs to enjoy the fall migration and learn from local experts! Light refreshments will be offered during Waterfowl Observation Day at the Brownsville Overlook, while supplies last, courtesy of the Friends of the Upper Mississippi River (FUM). Nonprofit partners will also have nature-themed items available for purchase at this location. A portable toilet will be onsite, provided by Kids and Mentors Outdoors (KAMO). Volunteers from the Friends of the Refuge – Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8 (FOR78), FUM, and KAMO will provide interpretation at the Brownsville Overlook, while members of the Izaak Walton League – Upper Mississippi River Chapter will provide interpretation at the Shady Maple Overlook. We are very grateful to our partners for helping bring Waterfowl Observation Day to life! Parking at both overlooks is limited. If parking lots are full when you arrive, please consider visiting another site and returning later. The Highway 26 Overlook, located about ½ mile south of the Brownsville Overlook, is usually a great place to see rafts of diving ducks. Goose Island County Park, located about one mile north of the Shady Maple Overlook, offers beautiful views of the Refuge and Mississippi River. Please dress warmly. It’s always chillier by the water! If you’re unable to attend Waterfowl Observation Day on November 14, a Refuge naturalist will also staff the Brownsville Overlook from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from November 7 through November 22, weather permitting. For more information, call 608-779-2399 or visit the La Crosse District Visitor Center at N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska, WI 54650. Sponsors: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge,Friends of the Refuge – Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8 (FOR78), FUM, KAMO, Izaak Walton League – Upper Mississippi River Chapter
- Saturday, November 14 10:00am -noon
- Holzinger Trails, Winona MN
Join us for a guided hike on the Holzinger Trail system as we say goodbye to the fall season and get ready to welcome winter! All skill levels and ages are welcome to join as we start our weekend off with a morning spent in the woods! We will plan to meet in the Holzinger parking lot near the trailhead before starting our hike. Bundle up and see you on the trail! Free to attend, registration required Rolling hills, moderate trail system. Register here. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative
- Saturday, November 14 11:00am
- Driftless Area Education and Vistor's Center, 1944 Columbus Rd, Lansing IA
Join the Allamakee County Conservation Board for our annual Birding Day to celebrate the fall migration! The Driftless Birding Day will include a presentation by Naturalist Erin Cubbon, and self-guided field trips to area birding hotspots. The self-guided field trips will include the Brownsville MN overlook, Stoddard WI overlook, New Albin’s Army Road, Red Oak Road near Harpers Ferry, IA and the Ferryville WI overlook. Join Erin at 11:00 a.m. at the Driftless Center for a program on the fall migration, with a focus on basic waterfowl identification. Attendees are encouraged to take a self-guided field trip after the talk to put their new knowledge to use in the field. Self-guided field trips are available any time during the weekend. Maps and directions to each site will be available from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday the week prior to the Driftless Birding Day at the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center. The Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center is located at 1944 Columbus Road, Lansing Iowa. It is operated by the Allamakee County Conservation Board. For more information on this program or any program please contact the center at (563)538-0403 or by following the Allamakee County Conservation on Facebook. Sponsor: Driftless Area Education and Visitor's Center
Sunday, November 15 10:00am-2:00pm
Brownsville Overlook, Hwy 26 , MN
Come enjoy the fall migration at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge! Listen to the clamorous chorus of tundra swans, ducks, and geese, and the calls of bald eagles above. See the river come to life as birds take off and land at one of the best rest stops for people and wildlife on the Mississippi Flyway! A Refuge naturalist will be available at the Brownsville Overlook from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning Sat. November 7 through Sun. November 22, 2026, weather permitting. They'll have a spotting scope and bird guides to help you identify what you see. It's FREE to come visit! The Brownsville Overlook is one of the top places along the river to see this fall show. This roadside pull off is located about 3 miles south of Brownsville, Minn. along MN-HWY 26. Please dress for chilly weather - it is always a little breezy by the water. The naturalist will also be part of a special event on Sat. Nov 14, called “Waterfowl Observation Day.” More details about Waterfowl Observation Day can be on our events page here: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper-mississippi-river/events Peak migration can be hard to predict. The best time to see the tundra swans is usually mid-to-late November. Many kinds of birds stop here and each day brings something new! Recent bird sightings are updated once per week on our website - https://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper-mississippi-river. For the real bird nerds (our kind of company) - the timing of when the swans arrive depends partly on temperatures in their northern breeding grounds in Canada and Alaska - as bodies of water begin to freeze there, the swans gradually migrate to the Mississippi River. The swans will usually stay here for about one month or until the river freezes. If the weather is warm here, the swans may not spend as much time close to the overlook. As the water on the Mississippi River freezes, it pushes them to group up in areas where they can best find food and shelter. Even if they're not super close to the overlook, the sound of their calls and the sight of large groups of birds is still a celebration to experience! For more information, please call the La Crosse District Visitor Center at 608-779-2399. The Visitor Center address is N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska, WI 54650. Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge - Saturday and Sunday, November 21-22 10:00am-2:00pm
Brownsville Overlook, Hwy 26 , MN
Come enjoy the fall migration at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge! Listen to the clamorous chorus of tundra swans, ducks, and geese, and the calls of bald eagles above. See the river come to life as birds take off and land at one of the best rest stops for people and wildlife on the Mississippi Flyway! A Refuge naturalist will be available at the Brownsville Overlook from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning Sat. November 7 through Sun. November 22, 2026, weather permitting. They'll have a spotting scope and bird guides to help you identify what you see. It's FREE to come visit! The Brownsville Overlook is one of the top places along the river to see this fall show. This roadside pull off is located about 3 miles south of Brownsville, Minn. along MN-HWY 26. Please dress for chilly weather - it is always a little breezy by the water. The naturalist will also be part of a special event on Sat. Nov 14, called “Waterfowl Observation Day.” More details about Waterfowl Observation Day can be on our events page here: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper-mississippi-river/events Peak migration can be hard to predict. The best time to see the tundra swans is usually mid-to-late November. Many kinds of birds stop here and each day brings something new! Recent bird sightings are updated once per week on our website - https://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper-mississippi-river. For the real bird nerds (our kind of company) - the timing of when the swans arrive depends partly on temperatures in their northern breeding grounds in Canada and Alaska - as bodies of water begin to freeze there, the swans gradually migrate to the Mississippi River. The swans will usually stay here for about one month or until the river freezes. If the weather is warm here, the swans may not spend as much time close to the overlook. As the water on the Mississippi River freezes, it pushes them to group up in areas where they can best find food and shelter. Even if they're not super close to the overlook, the sound of their calls and the sight of large groups of birds is still a celebration to experience! For more information, please call the La Crosse District Visitor Center at 608-779-2399. The Visitor Center address is N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska, WI 54650. Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish RefugeSunday, November 22 - Registration opens for Saturday, December 26 Owl Prowl
December 26 Owl Prowl (4:00-7:00pm)
- International Owl Center, 126 E Cedar St., Houston, MN
We start with a 30-45 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. For more detailed information, click here. Sponsor: International Owl Center
- Saturday, November 27
Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new - or visit an old favorite at a new time of year! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities like camping, rentals, or special tours. The goal is to encourage families and friends to spend time together in nature. Research shows many health and wellness benefits to spending time in nature. According to ParkRx, contact with nature improves one’s physical, mental, and spiritual health. Getting outdoors makes exercise more fun and can boost mood and immunity. The American Psychological Association shares that exposure to nature is linked to benefits including improved attention, lower stress, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even increases in empathy and cooperation. Sponsor: MN DNR - running until the end of 2026 (ongoing)
- various refuge locations
2026 is America’s 250th anniversary! In honor of this milestone, Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge and the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge are inviting visitors to participate in the Refuge Relay Challenge. This special event encourages everyone to explore locations where you can enjoy unique recreation and wildlife watching opportunities! Fish and wildlife are resources that belong to all Americans. Working with partners, we strive to ensure that the rich diversity of species found within our national wildlife refuges are sustained for generations to come. Learn more about YOUR national wildlife refuges by independently exploring at least three of fifteen locations listed below where you can find access to bank fishing opportunities, access to a land or water trails, or watch wildlife through the seasons. Take a selfie or identifying photo at that location to prove that you visited. Bring your three photos to one of the locations in this pdf to show them off and earn a FREE special patch! Sponsors: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge/Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish RefugeDo you know of other November hiking/learning events I should include? Just drop me a line in comments or the contact box on my web version of the blog.
You can read my quarterly column on seasonal hiking suggestions in Inspire(d) Driftless magazine available online or pick up a free copy at businesses and organizations around the Driftless areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin and IA.
