Ice, Ice Baby! WI Driftless Ice Cave Hikes

Hiking with BLUFFLANDS hiking group at Weister Creek ice cave
Image - Steve Dawson

I recently reacquainted myself with the delightful fun of Driftless ice caves, thanks to the Blufflands Hiking group. Steve Dawson, the group’s leader, plans and scouts interesting hikes that are open to all. The ice caves of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR) at Weister Creek Rd was this month's delightful destination - plus we added an extra stop at Wildcat Mountain State Park. It was the perfect time of winter to visit - snow cover to help us follow access trails and massive ice formations at the caves.

Peeking out of the ice curtain

In the Driftless, February to mid-March are especially great times to visit the ice caves. The KVR is an incredible landscape of sandstone cliffs and steep hills that follow the meandering curve of the Kickapoo River.

Unlike the Lake Superior ice caves formed by wave action, these caves are formed by spring fed water that seeps through and percolates over the edges of the numerous sandstone cliffs in the Driftless hills and coulees, especially in Wisconsin’s Kickapoo Valley Reserve and nearby Wildcat Mountain State Park. 

Almost to the Weister Creek ice cave

Freeze and thaw cycles also add to the ice sheets and create curtains of icicles across the openings of eroded sandstone bowls. These curtains and the undercut sandstone create perfect caves. Icy pillars and other formations are also a highlight.

Inside the Wildcat Mountain SP ice cave

Hiking sticks and microspikes or ice cleats are really helpful for these hikes. The trails to some of the caves are often quite steep as you climb up or down the slopes to reach your destination. 

Stand up - carefully -  and be counted inside
the Weister Creek ice cave.      Photo - Steve Dawson

The ice cave floors are thick with ice so care is needed once inside. And care is also needed when entering caves. It’s an art to squeeze between or underneath icicles to avoid breaking them. Leaving the ice as intact as possible means hikers who come after you have the same great experience.

One pro tip, if you haven't gone before, wait until there is snow on the ground. It is MUCH easier to follow the tracks of other ice cave seekers as you make your way to the caves

THE HIKE and The Locations
In the Driftless, February to mid-March are especially great times to visit the ice caves. The KVR boasts an incredible landscape of sandstone cliffs and steep hills that follow the meandering curve of the Kickapoo River. The cave at Wildcat Mountain State Park is also a very short, easy hike for everyone.
Here are three great hikes to see the ice caves:

Wildcat State Park ice cave
Image - Julie Keitel

Kickapoo Valley Reserve Weister Creek [EASY TO CHALLENGING] - S2666 Weister Creek Rd, La Farge  43.630471, -90.650354 (south of Ontario WI on Hwy 131, off Cty Rd P west) - A short 1mile out-and back hike. From the trailhead, walk alongside farm fields (any antler shed in those standing corn fields with deer tracks everywhere among the stalks?) and the banks of Weister Creek quickly brings you to a short, forested climb up to the first ice cave. The access to the first cave is very steep but the reward is worth is. This is a long cave with enough room for a group to stand in and be completely hidden by the icicle curtain. A second, less impressive cave that is more challenging to access can be found further down the unmarked trail.

• 
  Kickapoo Valley Reserve Valley of the Ice [CHALLENGING] - 3803 Corps Rd, La Farge   43.592603, -90.640282 (from the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center, head left on Corps Road until you get to the Stark Town Hall and Maintenance Shed and park. You should see signs directing you towards the ice caves on the West Ridge snowmobile trail to begin your hike. Watch for blue tape to guide you). This is a longer hike (about 2.5 miles) and I would rate it as difficult due to the extremely steep and slick slopes as well as significant ice spillage as ice melts and refreezes outside the caves. Once beside the snowmobile trail, you will head up a high hill with some pretty sweet views. You will cross under some power lines which will alert you to look to the right for a trail(s) down into the valley. This is challenging and pretty steep going and is NOT recommended for those who are not in great shape and strong hikers. Even then, microspikes/ice cleats and at least one hiking stick can be extremely helpful.

• Wildcat Mountain State Park Ice Caves [EASY] - 13766 Cty Rd F, Ontario  43.688403, -90.568754 (Head through Wildcat Park and continue onto Cty Rd F to the parking lot by the ice cave sign parking lot) - This extremely short (just over .6 miles out and back) well-used trail, that starts between a flowing creek and impressive sandstone rock walls, is very easy with just a slight elevation gain making it perfect for all ages. The ice cave is fairly large and when I was recently there you could hear water dripping. There are pit toilets available near the halfway point in the trail.

I highly recommend at least one trip to explore these icy beauties. You need to purchase daily or annual passes for both the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Wildcat Mountain State Park. I urge you do to so. So many parks and outdoor nature centers are struggling especially in recent times of funding cuts now and over the past decade or two. Our dollars can help support their missions.

You can read additional reviews of these trails at Wisconsin Explorer and Explore Southwest Wisconsin blogs.

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!

The opening to the Weister Creek ice cave
Image - Tim Anderson

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Thaw Time, Big Time - Spare the Trails

Just a quick check-in to everyone. With these unbelievably beautiful temps, I know we all want to get out on the trails. But hold off on woods and bluff trails that are soft or muddy please. 

Together, the city of La Crescent, city of La Crosse and ORA all shared the same message yesterday.

If you find sloppy, muddy trails, below is a list I recently shared of nearby trails to try instead.

Here are some Driftless area hiking alternatives to try during winter thaws. These trails feature grass, gravel, asphalt or concrete trails. They give us a chance to still experience the outdoors and nature while preserving trails. Thanks to my hiking buddies Nola Larson and Kris Lawson for their input to this list.

• Goose Island Park along the roads near Wigwam Slough and down the slough trail south of the campground.
• La Crosse Marsh Trails (access points include Myrick Park near the dog park on N. East St off  La Crosse St or by the Nature Place; or at Riverside International Garden for paved trail.
• Chad Erickson Park, La Crosse
• Riverside Park, La Crosse
• Pettibone Park roads, La Crosse
• Lytle's Landing, Brice Prairie (or other sections of graveled bike trails - be aware that some sections get gooey/muddy)
• Dresbach MN Hwy 90 Rest Stop - walk behind the building on the plaza and loop down to the river or hike on the shared trail past the MN sign to Dresbach, or walk down to the Lock and Dam along the road, or walk under the Hwy 90 bridge along the road down to the boat launch
• Reno Spillway
• Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Visitor Center, Brice Prairie
• Apple Blossom Overlook Park, Dakota MN
• Maglessen Bluff, Rushford MN - drive to the top and walk along the paved road and grassy area to overlooks
• Sugar Creek Bluff, Ferryville WI
• McGilvrey 7 Bridges, New Amsterdam WI
• Halfway Creek Park, Holmen WI
• Holland Sand Prairie, Holland WI
• Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge trails (especially the dike trails), Trempealeau WI
• Lake Park Walk, Winona MN
• Pammel Creek Trail, La Crosse WI - while you can jump on this sidewalk along the creek anywhere, a great spot is at the Shelby Hillview baseball field which has a large parking lot next to the trail.
• Veteran's Park, West Salem, WI - hike park and connect up to the La Crosse River State Trail
• Wagon Wheel Trail, La Crescent MN
• Perrot State Park - walk the campground; Black Walnut and Riverview trails may be accessible too.

Let’s Get Hiking and Learning - March 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 periodically during March as new events are announced, so feel free to stop back for the most updated info.

March Events

Aldo Leopold Days

Aldo Leopold Days 2025 Celebration
A Visit from Will Dilg
- Thursday, February 27 7:30 pm 
-Viterbo Recital Hall, 929 Jackson St, La Crosse
This is a Steve Marking performance presented by D.B. Reinhart Institute. Steven Marking plays Will Dilg in an inspiring, one-man performance. An avid trout fisherman and Chicago advertising executive, Will Dilg and his wife spent their summers on a houseboat in Winona, Minn. After suffering from the drowning death of his son in the early 1920’s, Dilg rose from the depths of depression to save a 261 mile stretch of Mississippi River backwaters from drainage for agriculture. This stretch of river is now known as the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Through Dilg’s creation of the Izaak Walton League of America and successful engagement of private and public organizations, Dilg petitioned Congress for this stretch of the river to become the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The refuge is one of more than 500 national wildlife refuges offering high quality wildlife habitat and opportunities for public recreation.

Driftless Water Ways: Leopold’s Land (and Water) Ethic in a Time of Deluge

-  Saturday, March 1    9:00-noon

 - The Nature Place, Myrick Park, La Crosse

Following the lessons of Aldo Leopold's work in the Coon Creek Watershed Project in the 1930s to reduce erosion, Mississippi Valley Conservancy and many of our landowner friends are always thinking of ways to slow the movement of water. This is ever more important in these times of weather extremes, when a deluge of rain can take away valuable topsoil and damage downstream communities. Our local conservation partners are also thinking of ways to mitigate the effects of a changing climate, so, when planning this year's La Crosse Leopold Days Celebration, we easily agreed on WATER as a central theme. Conservancy President Gretchen Pfeiffer will share examples of things landowners are doing to slow water at the Leopold Day event in La Crosse on March 1 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at The Nature Place in Myrick Park to illustrate the relationship between land management and water. Many local experts will also be at the event to present information and strategies for managing water from heavy rains. Family activities will also be offered. The Conservancy annually works with partner conservation and environmental organizations to hold the Leopold event as a way of building on Leopold’s work that informs collective efforts to protect the lands and waters of the Driftless Area. MARK YOUR CALENDAR. 

ORA Community Trail Farm Exploration
- Saturday, March 1. 2:00-4:30 pm
 - W5701–W5725 WIS-33, La Crosse
Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA) invites the community to extend the celebration at the Community Trail Farm with exploration and walking tours. Discover the connections between Aldo Leopold and Louis H. Pammel and their impacts on land ethics and conservation, and how these principles relate to the Community Trail Farm and surrounding areas today. Learn about stream ecology, understand the importance of restoration efforts, and enjoy engaging activities around a fire. 2-4:30 p.m. Learn more about the Community Trail Farm here: https://www.oratrails.org/trail-farm/

Sponsors: Mississippi Valley Conservancy, ORA, Friends of the Blufflands, Viterbo University, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Ferryville Eagle Day
- Saturday March 1       9:30am-2:00 pm
- Ferryville Village Hall, 170 Pine St (off Hwy 35)
Live raptors, educational programs, eagle art by students, kids crafts, hooting contest and bald eagle nest building. Sponsor: Ferryville Tourism

Maple Syrup Making for the Whole Family

 - Saturday, March 1     10-11:30am 

 - Saturday March 1      1-2:30pm

 - Whitewater (MN) State Park

Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park's sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Meet at the outdoor amphitheater behind the Visitor Center. Reservations are required. Sign up by calling 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Maple syrup programs will be offered each Saturday in March. Registration is limited to 20 people at each program. We want all visitors to feel safe and welcome. If you are not vaccinated, please wear a face covering and social distance from others. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Maple Syrup Making Demonstration  Note: this event has been postponed; sap is not running yet. They hope to reschedule to 3/8 or 3/15. Check the event link on FB For updates.

 - Sunday, March 2.  1:30-3:30 pm

 - Iowisota Nature Education and Retreat Center, 2472 IA-26, Lansing, IA

Come join us at Iowisota to learn how maple syrup is made! This is a hands-on demonstration and learning opportunity; No cost to attend. Programming/participation: No Cost; We ask for an RSVP so we know how many people we might have. This is a small-volume production, with 25-35 tapped maple trees on-site. You will get to observe and/or participate in the steps of making maple syrup: Setting a tap in a tree, collecting sap from the maple trees, reverse osmosis to remove some of the water, boiling the concentrated sap to remove more water and caramelize the sugars, filtering and bottling. And, of course, tasting! We plan to start the short hike at 1:30, followed by demonstrations of the other steps around 2:15; so if you are not able to do the short walk, feel free to join us a bit later. Sap flow is highly temperature dependent, so weather conditions will affect whether sap is flowing during your visit. We expect that you might want to spend up to 2 hours learning about the various steps. Owners Dennis and Linda Haugen are both foresters and will explain the process and answer questions about all the steps, including management of the trees. They have been making syrup on-site since 2014, and Linda has known these woods since 1968.

If you would like to do a visit at another time with an after-school or homeschool group, let us know and we can set something up. 

Maple syrup (limited quantities available): Suggested donation of $18/pint; bring cash or check. The tastings are free.  Overnight “B&B” immersive stay: If you want to stay overnight during syruping season, reach out to Iowisota through the "Accommodations request form" on the website or email to iowisota@gmail.com, and we'll work out the times and details! More information about the available spaces and costs are also available on the accommodations page

Crooked Slough Sugarbush -Tapping Sugar Maples

 - March 1-22

 - Prairie Island Park, Winona

All are welcome to experience the process of gathering silver maple sap and making syrup!  The community is invited to be part of learning more about the gifts that nature provides and ways to give back.  This event will actually take place until at least the 22nd of March.

The community is invited to join in the following ways:

- Collecting Sap

- Sap Boiling

- Buckthorn Removal 

- Naturalist hikes

SAP COLLECTION is happening everyday at 4pm the month of March, except Saturdays at 3pm.  Bring a ½ pint jar, get a ½ pint jar full of syrup!  

To sign up, go to: 

https://sammisfamilyproductions.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=97161

SAP BOILING March 8th, 15th, 22nd, and maybe 29th.  From sunrise to sunset, the arches are burning!  Come gather, snack on some MANOOMIN snack (wild rice) cranberry, and watch sap boil!

BUCKTHORN REMOVAL every Saturday of March 1:00-3:00pm

To sign up, go to: 

https://sammisfamilyproductions.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=97161

The following NATURALIST HIKES will be taking place from 10-11:30am:

March 1st - Learn how to Identify Trees in the Winter

March 8th - Seeing Resident Birds at PI

March 15th - Noticing the Seasonal Changes along the Phenology Trail 

March 7th - “March through Prairie Island Park” 

   With Conservation Minnesota 2:00 - 3:00pm 

For every event, meet at the Prairie Island Campground Campstore. Sponsors:Prairie Island Campground and the Boozhoo Family with the City of Winona, Boats and Bluegrass, Two Fathoms Brewery, Izaak Walton League - Will Dilg Chapter, and Conservation Minnesota.

Winter Tree ID Walk on the Upper Miss Refuge

 - Thursday, March 6         2- 3:00 pm 

 - Goose Island County Park,  Shady Maple Interpretive Trail, W6448 Cty Rd GI, Stoddard 
Get outside and enjoy the winter woods! Join our very own forester Bruce Henry and Audubon Upper Mississippi River forester Jeff Butler on on a FREE guided tree identification walk. Winter is the best time of year for observing tree structures and offers a unique glimpse into the inner workings of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge’s forested areas. The walk will be focused on the identification of trees using bark characteristics during winter conditions. All ages and experience levels are welcome! The walk will fittingly take place at Goose Island County Park, as it is a great showcase of forest management on the refuge. This walk is outdoors and on an unpaved trail approximately 1 mile long. Participants are encouraged to dress accordingly for the weather. As you enter Goose Island County Park, take the first left off County Road GI to find the Shady Maple Interpretive Trail. Parallel parking is available alongside the road. Please contact the Refuge at (608) 779-2399 with questions. Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

Guided Hike Through Crooked Slough

 -Friday, March 7        2pm

 - Prairie Island Park Winona

Join Conservation Minnesota and Winona Public Library for a March through Prairie Island Park (1340 Prairie Island Rd, Winona).  Participants will walk along the Crooked Slough Trail and learn about the native prairie seeds planted there and the invasive Buckthorn that has been removed.  Registration is required for this program. To register, go to https://winona.lib.mn.us/event/prairie-island-nature-walk/ or call the Library's Reference Desk at (507) 452-4860.

Maple Sugaring

 - Friday, March 7     10:00am -noon

 - Wabasha Public Library

Sponsors: Project Get Outdoors and Wabasha Public Library

Maple Sugaring

 - Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m.-noon

 - Frontenac State Park

Nature Explorers/Nature in the Neighborhood: Maple syrup tapping demonstration. Learn how maple syrup is made. Meet at the park’s main picnic shelter for this family-friendly event. Sponsors:  Project Get Outdoors, a partnering organization of the Frontenac State Park Association.

International Festival of Owls
- March 7-9
- International Owl Center, Houston MN
We are still working out the final details, but the tentative festival schedule is now posted and registration is open! Pre-registration is required for:

• Owl prowls on Friday, March 7 (the adult owl prowl usually sells out quickly, so don't procrastinate!)
• World Owl Hall of Fame award presentation and keynote address by Scott Rashid of the Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute on Saturday, March 8
• Birding, Natural History and Geology Bus Trip on Sunday, March 9

You can also purchase your admission for Saturday or Sunday online in advance so you can skip the longer payment line at the Festival. Other special speakers this year include two readings of "Owl Music" by author Kat Beaulieu (signed first edition copies will be on sale), and, if all goes well, past World Owl Hall of Fame winner Raju Acharya from Nepal will also attend. There will still be more tweaks to the festival schedule and several of the event pages still need updating, but event registration is good to go! Sponsor: International Owl Center

Maple Syrup Making for the Whole Family

 - Saturday, March 8    10-11:30 am 

 - Saturday, March 8   1-2:30pm

 - Whitewater (MN) State Park

Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park's sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Meet at the outdoor amphitheater behind the Visitor Center. Reservations are required. Sign up by calling 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Maple syrup programs will be offered each Saturday in March. Registration is limited to 20 people at each program. We want all visitors to feel safe and welcome. If you are not vaccinated, please wear a face covering and social distance from others. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail Community Forum

 - Monday, March 10        5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

 - City of Caledonia Municipal Auditorium, 219 E.Main St.

Join us for an engaging evening to discuss the future of the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail! We’ll share updates on the trail’s development and provide an open space for your ideas, questions, and feedback. Whether you’re a passionate hiker, a local resident, or simply curious, your voice matters in shaping this exciting project. Refreshments will be served, and no registration is needed! This event is designed for residents of Caledonia and the surrounding communities. Whether you are a landowner, outdoor enthusiast, local business owner, involved in tourism, or simply interested in learning more and sharing your perspective, we warmly invite you to attend. Feel free to bring a friend or colleague—everyone is welcome! This is the second event in a 3-part series—a perfect opportunity to connect with trail staff, dedicated volunteers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Stay tuned for details about our upcoming session in Whalen! Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation and help bring the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail to life. See you there! Refreshments will be served, and no registration is needed!

 

Nature Field Trip

 - Tuesday March 11. 10:00 am -noon

 - Prairie Island Park, Winona

Sponsors: Project Get Outdoors and Winona Area Public Schools

Details at The Secrets of the Universe Facebook page

Whitewater State Park HOP program
 - March 12 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | 

 - Whitewater State Park Headquarters, Altura
Birds and Their Songs: Even common birds have interesting lives and make interesting sounds. Join MN Master Naturalist instructor Joel Dunnette to learn about 20 fascinating birds you can see and hear in our area. Whether you are a novice or know several native birds, you should enjoy this interactive presentation! Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater State Park

Full Moon Candlelit Hike
 - Thursday, March 13         5 - 7:00pm

 -  Gateway Trails, Grandad Bluff Park

A crowd favorite! ORA will again hosts this candlelit walk when the moon is fullest each month. This is a free, all-ages event that begin at 5pm, and last until 7pm, or until we run out of fire wood! We chose a path that is considered "easy to moderate" to navigate by foot, stroller or wheelchair. Candles will light the route, but if you'd like to see clearly where you're stepping, consider wearing a headlamp or bringing a flashlight. Snacks and beverages will be on site, including fire pits with s'mores! Consider volunteering for this event here: https://signup.com/go/atqotKm Sponsor: ORA Outdoor Recreation Alliance 

Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse
 - Friday, March 13

 - Your house! 
The year kicks off with a stunning total lunar eclipse, also known as a Blood Moon, when the Earth perfectly aligns between the Sun and the Moon, casting a deep red hue over the lunar surface. Totality will last for an impressive 65 minutes, offering plenty of time to take in the breathtaking sight. It's also worth looking up about 75 minutes before and after these times to witness the partial eclipse phases, as Earth's shadow gradually moves across and then away from the moon's surface.

• Duration: 3 hours, 38 minutes
• Totality: 1 hour, 5 minutes (from 1:26 AM to 2:31 AM CDT)
• Visible from: The Americas, Antarctica, Alaska, northeastern Russia, and parts of Africa

 Sponsors: our moon and sun

Maple Sugar Making for the Whole Family

 - Saturday, March 15    10-11:30 am

 - Saturday, March 15      1-2:30pm

 - Whitewater (MN) State Park

Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park's sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Meet at the outdoor amphitheater behind the Visitor Center. Reservations are required. Sign up by calling 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Maple syrup programs will be offered each Saturday in March. Registration is limited to 20 people at each program. We want all visitors to feel safe and welcome. If you are not vaccinated, please wear a face covering and social distance from others. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Family Winter Hike and Animal Signs

 - Saturday, March 22.        9:30 am - 11:30 am

 - Holzinger Trails, 925 E. Lake Blvd, Winona MN

Join us for a winter hike and hunt for animal signs! We will explore the rolling Holzinger trails and search for evidence of animal activity with a scavenger hunt while enjoying the winter weather. This family friendly programming is our first Wilderness Weekend with Emily of 2025 and we are so excited to welcome everyone back. Grab your boots and see you on the trail! Wilderness Weekends, led by Emily Gorman, is an environmental education program offering an immersive experience to explore the ecosystems and ecological treasures of Winona County. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders. Please register here. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

 

Sand Point Bird Walk

 - Saturday March 22    10 am- noon

 - Frontenac State Park, Sand Point parking lot

Walk through the riparian forest and along the beach to Sand Point. Look for our winter waterfowl as well as resident birds of the forest, gulls, and raptors. Bring binoculars. The trail is well maintained and flat. The full loop is approximately 2 miles long, but you can head out 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 in partnership with the Frontenac State Park Association.

Maple Syrup Making for the Whole Family

 - Saturday, March 22   10-11:30pm

 - Saturday, March 22   1-2:30pm

- Whitewater (MN) State Park

Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park's sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Meet at the outdoor amphitheater behind the Visitor Center. Reservations are required. Sign up by calling 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Maple syrup programs will be offered each Saturday in March. Registration is limited to 20 people at each program. We want all visitors to feel safe and welcome. If you are not vaccinated, please wear a face covering and social distance from others. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

 

-Saturday, March 22

Fireside Stories @ the Nature Place

 - Wednesday March 26       5:00-6:00 pm

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

Gather around The Nature Place fireplace and enjoy the warmth of connection at our Fireside Stories event series. Join us for a FREE family event at The Nature Place on the 1st Saturday of every month.
Each evening will begin with a story read by our Community Programs team, followed by a charming Winter tale told by our special guest storytellers! Special guest storyteller Delena Leon from the Main Library La Crosse, will bring her unique touch to this experience. Families can also enjoy Light snacks and warm beverages will be provided to keep the evening cozy. For children ages 2-10, a brief scavenger hunt will follow the stories, adding a bit of fun and adventure. Meet our Community Programs team, learn about our critters, and create a nature-focused craft. We're excited to meet you and explore the wonders of the natural world together. The program is free and no registration is required. Sponsor: Nature Place 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Master Naturalist Certification Course - Registration open
- April 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28             10:00am - 3:30pm
- Spring Valley MN Public Library
This two week course exploring the Big Woods, Big River curriculum combines classroom time with outdoor field trips. The Spring Valley Master Naturalist course is sponsored by Project Get Outdoors and will introduce participants to the natural history of the Driftless Area through hands-on activities and field trips. Topics include geology, wildlife, native plant communities, ecology, watersheds, human history and ways to share nature with children. Sessions begin at the library and then move outdoors for immersive tours of local nature areas. All participants complete a small group capstone project to be assigned by the instructor Sara Holger. Sara has worked as an environmental educator since 1994, leading programs and activities for a variety of natural resource agencies and organizations. From 1999 - 2023, Sara worked as an Interpretive Naturalist for Minnesota State Parks at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park and Whitewater State Park. Sara is the Founder and Program Coordinator for Project Get Outdoors, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides training and resources to help communities implement after school programs that connect low-income youth and children of color to nature exploration. Sponsors: UM-Extension and Project Get Outdoors

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

Pine View Campground (WI) Trails - Winter Paradise

Huge pines on the trail
Image - Steve Dawson

Thanks to a hike guided by Steve Dawson of the Blufflands Hiking group in mid-January, I was introduced to this great winter hiking trail. In the past month, I've returned with friends and family a number of times.

Located in Fort McCoy near Sparta WI, the Pine View is a popular and busy campground in the warm months of the year. 

But during the quiet times of the cold winter, the trails are nearly empty. And what is the draw in the winter? 

La Crosse River near it's source

The La Crosse River. It flows just behind the campsites between the trails  on the loop and creates a stunning hike in the bleakest times of winter. The source of the river is nearby and the waters - just the size of a healthy stream here - meander, creating a beautiful setting in a forest filled with giant pines and hardwoods. 

Trout Falls

The trout-filled river with its icy edges flows swiftly and features some rills and Trout Falls, a gorgeous small waterfall as well as crystal clear waters. The main trail is a 1.5 mile mostly flat loop trail perfect as a gentle amble hike or a regular hike. It is a delight in snowless cold months to have the river alongside as you hike the trail. It brightens those usual brown-and-buff snowless hiking days. And the towering pines add to the ambiance and glory of the trail.

One of many bridges

The first time I hiked this trail, I thought I HAVE to snowshoe this - it would be perfect. And indeed it is! When it snows, the trails are a snowshoer's dream. The river's icy edges contrast with the flowing water as you cross multiple bridges on the main loop trail. There are numerous spots to enjoy the river view along the way. The short length and flat terrain make it perfect for beginner snowshoers as well as vets.

There is enough dense brush and invasives along the river trail that it's hard to do off-trail snowshoeing. Further from the river, there are a few open areas to tramp that have a clearer understory. While I usually love a good off-trail tramp while snowshoeing, the trails here are pretty enough to satisfy me.

At the halfway point on the trail, you come to Trout Falls, which is clearly a very popular place in the summer. Beyond the falls, the river quietly pools and flows around some stunning rock formations. You have to fight through brush to see this but it is worth the effort.

There are additional trails that follow a disc golf course on the southwest side of the river that can add another mile or so to a snowshoe adventures as well. They can be slightly confusing beyond the main trails but that's why snow is nice. You can always easily follow your trail back. There are also little narrow, rough, alternative trails near the river that you can wander on.

Other than a rustic map at the trailhead near the main entrance, there aren't detailed maps of the hike. There is parking near Trout Falls that one can also use to access the trails as well. To the left is my AllTrails map from February 21.

This river trail loop will remain a go-to winter destination for me.  It's quiet forest beauty and close river views are refreshing during long snow-drought days of recent winters.  And during snowshoe treks, the snow blanketed forest and ice formations make a beautiful and easily snowshoed scene.

THE HIKE

A 1.5 mile loop trail on both sides of the narrow La Crosse River and under a canopy of massive mature pines and hardwoods make this mostly flat trail a jewel for easy winter hiking/snowshoeing. Multiple short bridges along the route add to the fun. Trout Falls at the halfway point is a high point. There are info kiosks along the trail highlighting the flora, fauna and terrain of the area.

La Crosse River

The Location
Don't trust your GPS on this one or you'll end up at Fort McCoy's front gates. These directions will get you to the trailhead: From Sparta, take Hwy 21 east until you see the large Pine View Campground sign. Turn there. Follow the road for 3/4 of a mile and turn right by the sign that says "White Tail Ridge". Follow that road until the yield sign at the end (ignore the sign near White Tail Ridge that indicates a right hand turn to the campground). Turn left and follow the road .6 miles and take a right at the campground entrance. Immediately take a right again onto an unplowed campground road and follow it around until you see playground equipment with a basketball hoop on your right. Park by the net. Head west beyond the playground equipment and you will spot the trailhead!

At the foot of a BIG pine

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

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!

What's Up with Area Blufflands Trails?

Image - Larry Sleznikow

As a member of La Crescent MN's Park and Recreation Commission as well as it's Natural Resources Advisory Group, I get to do some deep dives into efforts surrounding outdoor recreation in the the area. 

Just recently, The Blufflands Coalition, a group made up of local governments and local outdoor groups interested in recreation, conservation and restoration, released their 2024 Annual report. 

This group was created in response to The Blufflands Plan (2016), developed in 2016 by the La Crosse Area Planning Committee. The overall goals of the group: improved public health, ecological diversity, connected communities, economic strength, and a high quality of life. 

In La Crescent, we have a plan as well  - La Crescent Blufflands Plan (2017).

As a trail user, I believe it's important for all of us to be aware of progress involving our trails and the efforts that different members of the coalition are involved in. It is also important in terms of advocacy efforts, to know this information to do the best, most factual work in standing up for best use of trails. 

After a coalition of hikers worked hard to slow what seemed like a headlong rush a few years ago to make our already shared trails in La Crescent more bike friendly, these trail users continued to work within the community and its commissions and city council to make the case that we could continue to share the trails but not necessarily give priority to one trail user type over another.

So I am happy to see this kind of transparency to continue to help hikers stay in the loop and be part of decision-making.

If you see something in the 2024 report that you think is a positive for other hikers, or conversely, appears to be a negative, let the organization or municipality know. 

Our voices matter.

Naturalist's Corner - Let's Give a Little Love to Opossums

This month's Naturalist's Corner guest columnist Steph Hanna focuses on one of our more under-appreciated forest inhabitants - the opossum. Steph is the Community Program Manager Steph Hanna at the Nature Place in La Crosse WI. As an educator with over 30 years of experience, she believes education is the key to connecting people to nature. Stephanie earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan. She worked as an elementary and middle school teacher in Canada before moving to the Driftless Area. She loves to learn and teach others. This recent article is reprinted with permission from The Nature Place's blog. 

Overly Overlooked Opossums

November 27, 2024

Stephanie Hanna | Community Programs Manager

Recently, I came across a very cute graphic of an opossum saying, “I don’t get rabies and I have nice little hands! I am the perfect mammal!” I chuckled to myself and was reminded how fond I am of this particular critter. It reminded me of a time a few years ago, when my dog suddenly let out the “alarm bark” towards our grill. Finally stooping down to pick her up, I glanced under the grill myself to see a very cute, young opossum hissing furiously at me. Wow, did she show me all of her very pointy teeth!

Opossums have a different set of teeth in comparison to other Northern American mammals. In total, they have 50 teeth, which include incisors, canines, and molars. The ten incisors, AKA the pointy teeth, are at the front of the mouth and behind those are canines, which are used to tear flesh. The remaining 36 molars located in the back of the mouth used to grind and crush food. According to a CritterStop article, the molars have a complex surface that allows opossums to efficiently break down plant material and small bones. Surprisingly, opossums can also replace their teeth. When a tooth falls out, a new one grows in its place! They are omnivorous and their teeth are adapted to the various items they eat. When threatened, they will hiss and bare their teeth as a warning.

Their teeth are not the only unique feature; they are the only marsupial on our continent, meaning their babies are born underdeveloped and carried in a pouch. They can carry up to 13 babies in their pouch, and when the joeys are too big to fit they cling to their mom’s back. Opossums also have an opposable thumb on their hind feet that helps them with climbing. The Nature of Things, Canada’s long-term nature show, says that “these misunderstood marsupials clean up our yards and even help fight Lyme disease.” This is due to their rapid consumption of the common carrier – deer ticks. One of these critters can eat 4,000 ticks a week!“

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/opossum

An opossum’s superpower is that they digest just about anything including a dead animal’s bones and carcass. They are very helpful at decomposing dead organisms. Their other superpower is immunity to snake venom. The Nature of Things says that “they might hold the key to fighting snake bites around the world!” because of that.

The online article 12 Facts About Opossums: Truly Misunderstood Wild Animals by World Animal Protection says that the name “opossum” is derived from the Algonquin language. The Algonquin are First Nations people who now live in Eastern Canada, originally residing in Quebec, Ontario, Upper Michigan and Wisconsin. The word is derived from the Algonquin word “apasum” which means white animal.

In Wisconsin winters, opossums will spend most of the time in a den but often come out to look for food such as mice, rabbits, birds, and garbage. They are native to South America and have made their way into North America, so because they are not really adapted for winter their tails and ear tips sometimes freeze. The species found in the USA and Canada is the Virginia Opossum. Next time you see an opossum in the wild or your backyard, remember what amazing little creatures they – even if they have a face that some say only a parent could love!

Upper Hixon (WI) - Stinkys/Chicanery/Quarry Trails

Spotting a woodpecker
Image - Kris Lawson

One of my all-time favorite winter hikes is on the these wonderful twisty-turny shared hiking and biking trails in the Hixon Forest behind the NOAA radar (affectionately referred to by locals as the "weatherball"). Because it is an extremely popular biking trail, I love saving it for the cold, snowy weather when bikes are few and far between - and those that are there are grateful for our boots or snowshoes stamping the snow flatter.

The other reason that this is one of my favorite cold-weather hikes is that it hugs the bluffsides so you are often protected from bitter cold winds. What's not to love?  

Spotting MANY trails in "see-through season"

The trails, which switchback back and forth and up and down the rolling hills are narrow and few have the carved banks on the turns that steeper biking sections have. So hiking is really pleasant. In winter, you also get to see the many trails that are laid out in the snow as you ascend and descend. 

While you don't do this trail for many expansive views, you are surrounded by forested bluffsides and big views of the bluffsides in this "see-through" season.

City of La Crosse Map

From the Upper Hixon parking lot, you head down the trail by the Pump Track (3) for a quick left onto Prairie Loop (6) and then a right onto  Stinkys. You interrupt your Stinkys sojourn at Marker 35, take a brief left and head down a connector to turn left onto Chicanery (34) . Follow that up to where Quarry trail starts (15). This is a great turn-around spot for a 1.7 mile winter hike.

Spotting animal tracks - hello squirrels!
They hit the trails before we did.

On the return take, the trail spur off to the right (37) to cross a bridge over a ravine and then rejoin the trail and head back to the connector trail (34-35). Cross the trail and you will be back on Stinky's as you switchback up to the rim where you rejoin Prairie Loop by turning right at the connector (8) and right again on Prairie loop and voila! You're back.

If you want to do a longer hike, at Marker 15, take the Quarry trail to the Mississippi Valley Conservancy's Mathy Quarry trail system, a mile down the trail. If you go there to turn around, you will add an extra 2 miles out and back for 3.7 mile hike. This is an especially nice trail in non-winter months when wildflowers are in bloom and the trails are shaded.

THE HIKE

Shared hiking/biking trails snake up and down and around the bluffside forests. Bird life is abundant during warmer months as are flora and fungi. Winter is a great time to hike/snowshoe these trails when bike traffic is considerably less, although many weekdays work in warm weather when there are fewer bikers too. It's great to have a map app like AllTrails with you since there are a profusion of trails and junctions!

The Location - N2788 County Road FA - La Crosse, WI 54601

From La Crosse, head up Bliss Road east towards Grandad's Bluff. Keep left at the Alpine Inn at the top and drive about 1/2 mile to Cty FA on your left.  Turn right at the NOAA weather station by the radar "weatherball." There are three trailheads from this parking lot. You want to head to the trail between the weather ball and the Pump Track.

Additional posts describing Hixon Forest trails:

• Oak Trail
• Hickory Trail Amble/Hike
• Remnant Prairies Amble/Hike
• Twister/Spill Hill/boB/Chicanery/Stinkys Trails
• Prairie/Twister/Mr. Hyde/Obi/Twister Trails
• Wilder Way/Xe Xete/Ni Tani Amble

A perfectly crispy hike with friends
and away from the wind

                                            Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

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!