In this series of posts, I am sharing some easy trails that are perfect for families who want to get out in the woods. I developed these lists as part of my MN Master Naturalist capstone project in April 2022. I love connecting people to lots of trail options to explore!
The hikes below are the third in the series. The links at the bottom of this post go to lists of additional hikes in nearby areas. I continue to add new destinations, so if you know of any hikes in this area, let me know in the comments!
Happy summer hiking!
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| Image-Gregory Watson |
ONALASKA/HOLMEN
McGilvray 7 Bridges,
N8327
Amsterdam Prairie Road, Holmen
Located in the Van Loon Wildlife area, the six historic bridges on the trail and the wetlands are key features on this trail that ends at the Black River. Plenty of wildflowers and wildlife on this flat former road. Not recommended during high water or in the height of mosquito season. But winter and fall are great seasons; this is also a hunting area so wear blaze colors and stay on trail. Approximately 3.5 mils out and back.
Halfway Creek Park, 300 W. Roberts
St, Holmen
Moderate, mostly flat or gentle elevation gains along Halfway Creek trail featuring bridges, wildflowers and wildlife along the crushed rock trail that follows a beautiful creek. Restrooms and picnic area available at the park. Approximately 3 miles one way so go as far as you like before turning back.
National Wildlife
and Fish Refuge Visitor Center, Brice Prairie, N5727 Cty Rd Z,
Onalaska
Easy paved/gravel trails wind through sand prairie and to a Lake Onalaska outlook deck. Abundant flowers, wildlife and an excellent Visitor Center. Restrooms available. Approximately 2.5 miles of trail loops.
Sand Hollow Prairie, W7781 County
Road MH, Holmen
Fairly flat with some rolling hills on grass/dirt trails for views of a beautiful sand prairie with abundant wildlife and wildflowers. There is a 1.3 mile boundary trail and a shorter .5 mile trail through the center of the Mississippi Valley Conservancy property.
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| Image - Marge Loch-Wouters |
Lytle’s Landing, W8582 Lytle Rd, Holmen WI
Part of the Great
River Bike Trail, this flat section goes over 4 old railroad bridges across the
Black River floodplain forest wetlands. Abundant wildlife and many hikers and
bikers on this lovely section. Especially noted for its migratory birds and
waterfowl.
La Crosse River
Conservancy,
3060 S. Kinney Coulee Rd, Onalaska
Park near Stoney
Creek Inn or the Gundersen ramp. Start at the trailhead by the Mississippi
Valley Conservancy kiosk at the west end of Stoney Creek Inn.
Wetland prairies, swamps abound in this pretty little river valley that was restored from former farmland. The property is one of the Nature Reserves of the Mississippi Conservancy.
La Crosse River
State Trail, Medary Trailhead (Take Hwy 16 north towards the mall and turn right on Cty B, go .3 miles
and turn left into the parking lot)
On this flat gravel biking/hiking trail, once a railroad bed, you’ll see prairie remnants, hardwood areas and wetlands. Abundant wildlife can be found along this bike/hiking trail. Head out-and-back as you'd like
Great River State Trail,- 101
Irvin St, Onalaska
This trailheadbrings you down to a flat gravel hiking/biking trail that follows the Mississippi and Black river, a spillway, Lake Onalaska trains and wildlife. Head out-and-back as far down this trail as you’d like!
For more destinations in this series, check out these blog posts:
Family-Friendly Driftless Trails - La Crescent and Nearby MN Trails
Family-Friendly Driftless Trails - La Crosse/Town of Shelby (WI) Trails
Family-Friendly Driftless Trails - Further Afield Trails
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