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 last 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 |
Genoa National Fish Hatchery and Great River Road
Interpretive Center, S5631 State Highway 35, Genoa, WI
The Great River Road Interpretive Center and hatchery is a must stop. Free admission Find out about the work of the hatchery and see live fish in the aquariums. There is also self-guided walking tour of the hatchery, a nature and wetlands boardwalk trail behind the interpretive center. The Visitor Center is open 9-3 weekdays, closed weekends so plan accordingly. The staff is always super helpful. Restrooms at Visitor Center. Trails are easy.
Driftless Area
Education and Visitor Center, 1944 Columbus Rd, Lansing Iowa
Another outstandingfree resource that focuses on cultural, historical and natural history of the Driftless area and Mississippi River. While there are no trails, head down the road and up the bluff in Lansing to…
…Mt Hosmer Park, 271 Main St, Lansing, IA
Drive up to the top and
walk along the safety fence for spectacular views of the Mississippi River and
WI bluffs. Restrooms, shelter and picnic areas available. Walk along the quiet
park road to see huge pines and beautiful views. https://www.mylansingiowa.com/mt-hosmer-lookout-and-park/
Sugar Creek Bluff
State Natural Area, N.
Buck Creek Road Ferryville
Head south on Hwy
35 to Ferryville 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’re almost on the top of this beautiful mixed savannah/oak prairie and mixed hardwood trail (1.5 miles out and back) that leads out to a great high view of the Mississippi River and MN/IA bluffs. There are slight elevation gains on this grass and dirt trail.
Fish Farm Mounds State Preserve, 3 miles south of New Albin IA on Hwy 26
Climb 50 stone steps to this hidden gem with a series of 30 conical burial mounds of indigenous peoples built between 100 BC-650 AD. There are also some short trails behind the mounds. You can read about the fascinating history in this 2020 Big River Magazine article.
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 - Onalaska/Holmen (WI) Trails
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