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 periodically during December as new events are announced, so feel free to stop back!. De
Late November Events
Naturalist at the Brownsville Overlook
- Saturday Nov 23. 10am-2pm
- Brownsville (MN) Overlook
With such a gradual migration this fall, and Thanksgiving falling later this year, we're extending our naturalist season by one additional date, Saturday November 23! If you haven't been to the Brownsville Overlook yet, there's still time! There are currently about 3,000 - 4,000 swans on Lower Pool 8, however, they've been more hit and miss at Brownsville this year. There were about 40 swans in front of the overlook this morning, with 150-200 north of the overlook and about 400-500 ducks. The Hwy 26 Overlook about two miles south of the Brownsville Overlook has been seeing higher numbers of swans, around 1500-2000. The Shady Maple Overlook about 1 mile south Goose Island County Park on Hwy 35 near Stoddard, WI has been a good spot too. BUT, we are hoping the colder weather will bring more swans in to Brownsville this weekend. Recent sightings and estimates of bird numbers are posted here : https://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper-mississippi-river
A Refuge naturalist will be stationed at the Brownsville Overlook on Saturday, November 23, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., to help visitors identify birds and share information about the refuge and migration. Please note that naturalists’ shifts may be cancelled or end early without warning in inclement or extremely cold weather. This event is part of our 100th Anniversary Interpretive Series! The Brownsville Overlook is located about three miles south of Brownsville, Minnesota along Minnesota Highway 26. A portable restroom will be available on-site. We recommend wearing lots of warm layers! Though peak migration is difficult to predict, the best time to see the tundra swan migration is usually the second or third week in November. The swans will typically stay until the water freezes over – if temperatures stay below freezing at night, the peak of migration will be earlier in November. Warmer weather extends their stay. For more information, please call the La Crosse District Visitor Center at 608-779-2399. The Visitor Center will be open for winter hours Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 3pm starting in November.
Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Fish & Wildlife Refuge
Hike Up to Eagle Point
- Saturday, November 23 1-2:30 pm
- Whitewater State Park
Are you looking to get out and stretch your legs without worrying about deer hunters? Then you should join us for a hike up to Eagle Point! During our hike we'll see great views and learn a lot about this amazing park. We'll investigate the parks origins, geology, and ecology during this fun 1 mile trip. Elevation Gain - 300ft. Meet at the Visitor's Center. Contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at
Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us.
Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
Free State Parks Day
- Friday Nov 29
- All MN State Parks
On four days each year, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offer free admission to everyone - no vehicle permits needed! 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.
December Events
Advent Candlelight Walk
- Monday, December 2 6:30-8:00pm - W2658 WI-33, La Crosse, WI 54601
All are invited to join us for a peaceful mile-long hike filled with Advent-themed prayers and candle luminaires. All ages are welcome and winter attire is encouraged. Snacks and refreshments will be provided! Those unable to hike are still welcome to join us for snacks and conversation around a fire. No pets, please.
Sponsor: Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
- Wednesday December 11 10am - noon
- Whitewater State Park
Join us a look behind the scenes at how birds are caught, who bands which birds, how, and why. Terry and Joyce Grier have almost 20 years? experience capturing and banding songbirds and saw-whet owls. They will share their adventures and maybe a few misadventures. This is a monthly H.O.P. into the Park program (Healthy Older People). Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater State Park!
Hike into the Whitewater Wilds
- Saturday, December 14 Noon-2:30 pm - Whitewater State Park
Ever want to get out and explore? This hike will take us off the beaten path into a little used part of the park with some great views. Along the way we will search for clues to a hidden geocache somewhere along the route. So dress warm, grab your hiking boots, and let's go on an adventure! With adequate snow we will use snowshoes during this program. You can bring your own or borrow a pair of the parks. (Distance: 2 Miles, Elevation Gain: 300ft). To register call 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
- Saturday, December 14 12:30-4:30pm
- Effigy Mounds National Monument
Join a ranger for a hike to the iconic Hanging Rock overlook and catch the full-moon rise over the river on the hike back! This strenuous seven-mile round-trip hike starts from the visitor center and quickly climbs 350 feet to the top of the bluff. The walk passes a variety of mound groups and takes between three to four hours to complete. Please come dressed for the weather and bring extra water/snacks along for this adventure. Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument
Owl Prowl-
Saturday, December 14 5:00 -7:30 pm - 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. Registration required. Registration opens November 17. [Note: Registration for the January 11, 2025 Owl Prowl begins December 13]. Sponsor: International Owl Center
- December 21-22
- International Owl Center, Houston MN
Residents of local IA counties (Allamakee and Winneshiek counties), including college students, are specially invited to visit the International Owl Center for FREE on Neighbor Weekends. Come see live owls in person, check out our hands-on displays, and stay for our live programs at 11 and 2 each day. Please bring a driver license, student ID or other form of identification to verify your place of residence. Visitors from elsewhere are also welcome, but will be required to pay the regular admission fee of $9 for adults, $8 for seniors/veterans/military and $6 for children aged 4-17. Sponsor: International Owl Center
To find additional events, check often during the month with local hiking groups, universities, naturalist-interest groups, nature conservancies, nature centers and their Friends groups, state parks, US Fish and Wildlife centers and others in your area to see what's new to help you understand the natural world around you better.
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