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| Pasque flowers Holland Sand Prairie |
While you can find spring ephemerals in any forested area or on the prairies, I have some favorite spots I like to go that are prolific nurturers of early wildflowers. If you are looking for fun (and sometimes challenging) hikes in the Driftless with big ephemeral rewards, try some of the hikes below. Click on the titles for a link to a more detailed description of hikes/locations.
In Part 2, we'll look at some spring gear to make your time in the ticky spring woods go smoothly.
MINNESOTA
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| Dutchman's Breeches Beaver Creek Valley SP |
Great River Bluffs State Park 43605 Kipp Drive, Winona (off Hwy 90)
East Overlook and ridge trail along the road to the campground is moderate for elevation gains and has many early spring ephemeral wildflowers and Mississippi views. Kings Bluff trail rewards you with wildflowers along the trail and expansive prairie and stunning views of the Mississippi at its end Approximately 1.5 miles on out and back for each. Pit toilets and well-marked trails. Park map
East Overlook and ridge trail along the road to the campground is moderate for elevation gains and has many early spring ephemeral wildflowers and Mississippi views. Kings Bluff trail rewards you with wildflowers along the trail and expansive prairie and stunning views of the Mississippi at its end Approximately 1.5 miles on out and back for each. Pit toilets and well-marked trails. Park map
Beaver Creek Valley State Park, 15954 County 1, Caledonia
Cross the bridge and look for the trail marker for Switchback Trail. Cross the creek and head steeply upward through a succession of amazing ephemerals. This trail is challenging but worth it. Or continue past this trailhead and stay on the main trail through the valley on an easy flat trail next to the trout stream (filled with native wild trout) for approximately 2-3 miles on grass trails (can be out and back or use loops to return). A hidden gem. Park Map
Cross the bridge and look for the trail marker for Switchback Trail. Cross the creek and head steeply upward through a succession of amazing ephemerals. This trail is challenging but worth it. Or continue past this trailhead and stay on the main trail through the valley on an easy flat trail next to the trout stream (filled with native wild trout) for approximately 2-3 miles on grass trails (can be out and back or use loops to return). A hidden gem. Park Map
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| Shooting Star Vetsch Park's Stoney Point |
Vetsch Park, 722 N. 2nd St, La Crescent
This park’s trails can be confusing. The lower slopes past the pollinator gardens by the parking lot are full of ephemerals. But, if you can find your way to Stoney Point (admittedly a challenge!), the early ephemerals are stunning. Ruth Nissan and Betsy Knowles, two La Crescent naturalists created a guide to the wildflower guide that is mounted on the city website. Can you find them all?
Yellow River Forest Paint Rock Unit, Hwy 364 Mississippi River trailhead
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!
Wisconsin
Holland Sand 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 property. Mississippi Valley Conservancy Map
Holland Sand 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 property. Mississippi Valley Conservancy Map
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| Wild Ginger blossom Sugar Creek Bluff |
Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area, N. Buck Creek Road, Ferryville
You’re almost on the blufftop of this beautiful mixed savannah/oak prairie and mixed hardwood trail (1.5 miles out and back) that leads through an ephemeral-filled forest and out to beautiful prairie with great high views of the Mississippi River and MN/IA bluffs. There are slight elevation gains on this grass and dirt trail. Mississippi Valley Conservancy Map
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| Bluebells Duck Egg Park |
Duck Egg Park, Vernon County, Irish Road
The spring ephemerals along these trails are stunning - profuse and varied. Worth the sweat on the steep trail at the Upper Trailhead and just as good along the flat streamside trail accessed at the Lower Trailhead. Forest Map
IOWA
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| Maidenhair Fern Fiddlehead Yellow River State Forest |
Yellow River Forest Paint Rock Unit, Hwy 364 Mississippi River trailhead
This trailhead takes you steeply up 300 feet along a steep ravine festooned with spring ephemerals (some at eye level). The rim trails are also great for spotting spring flora. It is a stunning display in May. Forest Unit Map
And here is the second post in this series suggesting gear and insect protection.
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| Thigh-high Jack-in-the-Pulpit (to the right) Image - Mike Bonner |
Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters
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