Join us for a ranger guided hike to the beautiful Fire Point overlook. This hike is 1.5-2 hours, 2-miles roundtrip, and has a 300 ft elevation gain up the bluff. This wood chipped trail goes by a variety of American Indian ceremonial/burial mounds and features several stunning overlooks of the Mississippi River. Hikers can meet the ranger at the visitor center. Please dress for the weather and bring extra water.
This is one in a free series of nature programs for children ages 3-6. Learn about nature in the Lake Pepin area with stories, crafts, and outdoor exploration. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Additional sessions: July 1 (Rocks Rock), August 5 (Make a Walking Stick), Sept 2 (Catch a Butterfly), Oct 7 (Spooky Critters).
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Kick off our 2025 Summer Reading Program with Tom the Creature Teacher! Here’s your chance to meet several types of frogs, lizards, turtles, and snakes from around the world! You will even be allowed to touch many of the critters while they are being presented. You will come away from this presentation with a greater appreciation for these fascinating animals!
Join us for a moderately-strenuous four-mile guided hike to the remarkable Marching Bears Mound Group in the south unit of the park. Please note the trail to Marching Bears quickly gains 350 feet on a loose gravel path before leveling off on a mowed path in the woods. The hike should take approximately two and half to three hours to complete. Visitors should wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring hiking poles, bug spray, trail lunch, and water. The trail access is to Marching Bears is located across the railroad tracks off Highway 76, 1/4 mile south of the headquarters of Effigy Mounds National Monument.
Come celebrate National Trails Day with us! Over a dozen artist will be set up creating plein-air art along trails at the refuge. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the participating artists creating plein-air art from 7:00 - 11:00 am and see their creative process. Visitors are invited to the Outdoor Wonders Learning Center from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm where artists will set up their easels to share their morning work. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Many Artists from the refuge event will be displaying their artwork in the Crush Pad at Elmaro Vineyard & Winery during the Month of June.
Join us to celebrate National Prairie Day
and National Trails Day, both of which occur on June 7th! National Prairie Day was founded in 2016 to enhance public awareness of the value of prairies while National Trails Day was founded in 1976 as a chance to get outdoors, connect with community, and give back to the trails you love by “leaving them better than you found them”. Meet on June 7th at 8:00 at the Lower Hixon Parking Lot at the end of Milson Court. There will be two hikes offered- both will leave the parking lot on Hickory Trail to Savanna Trail and finally to Vista Trail which will take you to Lookout Prairie. At the parking lot and along the way we will pick up litter to fulfill the pledge of leaving the trails better than we found them. At Lookout Prairie we will stop and have a brief discussion about the prairie while admiring the beautiful view of La Crosse. Then those wishing to have a shorter hike totaling 2.5 miles can head back the way we came while others wanting a longer hike and a loop totaling 4.0 miles can hike Vista to Rim of the City Road to Miller Bluff Trail back to the parking lot.
Sponsors: Friends of the Blufflands, The Prairie Enthusiasts, City of La Crosse Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry and the Outdoor Recreation Alliance
Geology of the Driftless
- Saturday, June 7 10am-11:30am - Forestville Mystery Cave Park Visitor Center
Caves, disappearing streams and sinkholes make up a landscape called karst. Cherry Grove Blind Valley Scientific and Natural Area is a hidden gem in the story of karst topography. Master Naturalist volunteer, Ann will reveal these unique geologic features up close on this 1 mile hike. Come prepared to cross over a shallow stream on stepping stones by wearing sturdy shoes. Bug spray is recommended too. Meet at the William Morrissey Visitor Center at Mystery Cave for a brief introduction and follow Ann in your own car about 6 miles to the Cherry Grove SNA. Sponsor: Forestville/Mystery Cave (MN) State Park
Saturday Morning Walk with Naturalist Bruce Ause
- Saturday, June 7 10-11:00 a.m. - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
Take a short, guided hike with volunteer naturalist, Bruce Ause. Bruce will lead visitors along trails through the upland area of the park pointing out a variety of natural features as they are encountered. Dress for the weather and bring sun and tick protection. Binoculars and cameras are nice accessories, but not necessary. The hike will last about an hour Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog,
Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN.
Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park
25th Anniversary Celebration
- Saturday, June 7 1:00pm - Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center, S3661 Wi-131, La Farge WIT o commemorate the 25th anniversary of the momentous event described below, the Kickapoo Reserve Management Board, who is responsible for managing the property on behalf of the State of Wisconsin and Ho-Chunk Nation, invites the public to attend a rededication ceremony at the Visitor Center. We will celebrate accomplishments made, including building the Visitor Center, creating more than 50 miles of shared use trails for public use, hosting community events and serving thousands of students with nature-based education programs. We will also recognize the unique and important relationship between the State of Wisconsin and the Ho-Chunk Nation through the continued work of the Kickapoo Reserve Management Board. Most importantly, we will rededicate our commitment to preserving and protecting the cultural and natural resources within the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. For many years, the Kickapoo Valley suffered devastating floods. As part of the 1962 Flood Control Act, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was directed by Congress to create a flood control dam just north of the Village of La Farge. The Corps bought 8,569 acres comprising 140 properties and removed the houses and buildings. Soon after, they began building a large earthen dam. The project was 39% complete when it was halted in 1975 due to environmental and economic concerns. For the next 25 years, the land lay in limbo. In 1996, Congress directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to return up to 1,200 acres of the 8,569 acres to the Ho-Chunk Nation and the rest to the State of Wisconsin. The 1996 Water Resources Development Act also required the Ho-Chunk Nation and State to manage the land for low-impact tourism and education. On December 28, 2000, 7,369 acres were officially transferred from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the State of Wisconsin. The remaining 1,200 was transferred to the Bureau of Indian Affairs five months later. The Reserve is now owned by the State of Wisconsin and Bureau of Indian Affairs – in Trust for the HoChunk Nation.
Sponsor: Kickapoo Valley Reserve
- Tuesday-Thursday, June 10-12 1-3:00 pm
- Register by calling 507-895-4484; press 1 to register
Discover Reptiles and Amphibians of SE MN
- Wednesday, June 11 10:00am -noon - Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Cener
Join us for our monthly H.O.P. into the Park program (Healthy Older People) hosted by the Friends of Whitewater State Park! Enjoy an exciting and educational session with Jaide Ryks, Naturalist from Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo! Jaide will share her passion and extensive knowledge of all things slithery and not-so-slithery, introducing you to the reptiles and amphibians that call our region home. You'll not only learn what species are out there, but also how to safely and respectfully observe them in the wild.
Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater State ParkRattlesnakes of the Driftless -Wednesday, June 11 6:30pm
- Ferryville Village Hall, 170 Pine St, Ferryville , WI
Please make plans to join the first Chautauqua Summer program. Herpetologist Erik Wild will be our presenter. He has been surveying rattlesnakes for the DNR for over ten years including at our local Rush Creek Natural Area. Please come if you love snakes, if you are terrified of snakes, or if you are just plain curious about snakes! Erik will share the benefits of these elusive creatures! Treats will be available. Sponsor: Ferryville WI Tourism Board
Nature Knowledge for Kids
- Thursday, June 12 10-11 am - Windom Park, 260 Harriet St, Winona
Join naturalists from Whitewater State Park on June 12 & July 17 at 10 AM at Windom Park to interactively learn about the plants & animals in our beautiful driftless area. We’ll start with a brief nature education piece, followed by activities and crafts related to the topic. The grass is our seating space, so please bring what you need to be comfortable. This is great for ages 6 and up. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Sponsors: Winona Public Library and Whirewater State ParkForest Bathing Walk
-Thursday, June 11 5:30-7:30 pm - Myrick Prak, La Crosse WI
Join Kati Thompson from RejuveNature and the La Crosse Public Library for an evening of sensory exploration and connection at a Forest Bathing Walk!What to expect: guided, gentle movement; sensory exploration; slowing down; community & connection. Some of the scientifically-proven benefits of Forest Bathing include: improved mood; lower blood pressure; better sleep; decreased stress; and increased creativity, memory, and problem-solving.
Registration is required. Call 608-789-7100, email info@lacrosselibrary.org.
Sponsors: La Crosse Public Library and RejuveNatureVolunteer Stewardship Project: Seed Collection
- Friday, June 13 4-8:00pm - Kellogg Weaver Dunes SNA
Join us in collecting native prairie seed at
Kellogg Weaver Dunes SNA, an ancient sand prairie near the confluence of the Mississippi, Zumbro, and Chippewa Rivers. Volunteers will help search for and collect native plant seeds. This event will be led by contracted naturalist, Sara Holger. Tools, instructions, and good camaraderie will be provided. Bring water, snacks, and dress for working in the weather. If you have your own gloves you'd like to use, please bring those as well. Footwear appropriate for outdoor work/hiking is recommended. There are no maintained trails, public restrooms nor access to drinking water on this site. Registration in-advance is required. To register, please email
driftlessnaturalistllc@gmail.com Directions: From Kellogg: 5.5 miles E and S on Co Rd 84. E on Twp Rd 141 about 0.2 mile, stay left at fork and continue about 0.375 mile to parking at end of field road. More Information: Contact Sara Holger, SNA Contract Naturalist at 507-951-5885 or by email at
driftlessnaturalistllc@gmail.com.
Sponsors: MN DNRHemlock Trail Plant Walk
- Saturday, June 14 9 - 10:00 am - Wildcat Mountain (WI) State ParkWant to learn more about wild plants and how to identify them? Join the Kickapoo Valley Plant Lookers on their monthly plant study along the Hemlock Trail. The study will focus on the floodplain forest, the wet cliff and the hemlock relicts. Each month, the same trail/route will be used to observe the same plants in different stages of growth. The Hemlock trail is moderate to difficult with some steep sections leading up to the overlook. The trail can be wet and slippery. Sturdy shoes and bug repellent are recommended. The event will be held rain or shine. Please meet in the Lower Picnic area parking lot. Info:
Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov 608-337-4775 Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State ParkOutdoor Survival Skills - Weekends with Emily
- Saturday June 14 9:30-11:30 am - Holzinger trails, 1225 W Lake Blvd, Winona MN
There are many different aspects to consider when analyzing survival scenarios such as food sources, shelter, first aid, navigation, and more. Bring your family out to the Holzinger Trails to learn about the basics of survival and enjoy the start of summer! This program is designed to be kid-friendly as we discuss the basic needs of survival and do some fun interactive activities to go along with each newly learned skill. 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. For more information, and to register, visit
www.winonaoutdoorcollaborative.com/events Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative
Prairie Plants BioBlitz - Saturday, June 14 10:00am-noon - Holland Sand Prairie, W7781 Cty Rd MH, Holmen, WI
People of all ages are invited to participate in the Prairie Plants BioBlitz. Citizen scientists are invited to use their cell phones or cameras to upload as many observations as they can. The goal is to explore and record observations in order to document the incredible biodiversity at Holland Sand Prairie. Roughly 150 species of plants have been identified to date, some of which are state threatened species or species of special concern. Large, mature patches of relatively rare plants such as prairie smoke, silky prairie clover, and sand dropseed are scattered throughout the prairie. This event is weather-dependent. You will receive more information about the event by email the week before, and any weather related notices will go out late the night before or early that morning. We will meet in the Holland Sand Prairie SNA
parking area, have a brief introduction to go over our goals and then we will begin our explorations!
Advance registration is appreciated for this free event by June 11 so we can plan for the day.
Sponsors: Mississippi Valley Conservancy, The Nature Place and Driftless Area BioBlitz (DABB)Ranger Walk and Talk: Post-Fire Ecology
- Saturday, June 14 10-11 a.m. - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet outside the ranger station
We regularly use prescribed fire at the park to keep our prairies and forests healthy, as fire is crucial in maintaining our ecosystem's stability and diversity. Have you ever wanted to know more about this hot topic? Have you ever wondered what makes a prescribed fire different from a wildfire? Come get these and any other burning questions you may have answered. Join a park ranger on a guided hike around the prairie loop to learn about fire's role in resource management at Frontenac State Park. We will meet outside the ranger station at 10 a.m. and hike into an area of the park which has been burned recently to see first-hand how it changes these landscapes. The hike will last about an hour and a half and will include some uneven terrain; coming prepared with water, sunscreen, and bug spray along with sturdy and comfortable shoes is recommended. Severe weather or other factors may cause this event to be changed or canceled. If you have any questions, call Frontenac State Park at 651-299-3000.
Sponsor: Frontenac State ParkSaturday Morning Walk with Naturalist Bruce Ause
- Saturday, June 14 10-11 a.m. - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
Take a short, guided hike with volunteer naturalist, Bruce Ause. Bruce will lead visitors along trails through the upland area of the park pointing out a variety of natural features as they are encountered. Dress for the weather and bring sun and tick protection. Binoculars and cameras are nice accessories, but not necessary. The hike will last about an hour Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog,
Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN.
Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State ParkDriftless Water Dance Performance - Saturday, June 14 5:00 pm
- National Eagle Center Amphitheater in Big Joe Alley, 62 Pembroke Ave, Wabasha, MN
Come see the culmination of 8 months of place based community dance making in this free and public dance performance as part of the Global Water Dance Festival happening all around the world on the same day. You will have the opportunity to witness this contemporary dance piece made about the driftless region by people who live here. This piece is a part of performances around the world in relationship with, in defense of, and about water for the Global Water Dance Festival. Drawing inspiration from and focusing on the driftless region, the dualities of the river, and the Dakota territory we reside on here in this part of the Upper Mississippi River Valley, the piece was made through community workshops across the area. This grant is a Capstone Event thanks to a generous Emerging Artist Grant from Southeastern MN Arts Council. There will be a moment at the end where the audience is invited to participate as we walk down to the river, all are welcome and encouraged to join. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund. Sponsor: Driftless Water Dance
Snakes of the Blufflands
-Saturday, June 14 5:00-6:00pm -Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center 19041 Hway 74, Altura, MN
Sixteen of Minnesota's seventeen kinds of snakes live in the Blufflands. Learn how we can live, work, and recreate in the Blufflands and still conserve these awesome creatures. See a live fox snake. Bring a camera for a picture of your loved one touching a live snake! For more information: Contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at
Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us.
Sponsor: Whitewater State ParkBats of Whitewater - Bat Count
- Saturday, June 14 8:30-9:30 pm - Whitewater (MN) State Park -North Point Picnic Pavilion
Learn about Minnesota's bat population and the dreaded White Nose Syndrome that threatens their world. We will separate fact from fiction about these fascinating little animals. Program participants will aid in ongoing scientific research at the park by counting bats emerging from their daytime slumber. For more information: Contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at
Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us.
Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
Myrick Park Arboretum Grand Opening
- Monday, June 16 10:00am-1:30pm - Myrick Park, La Crosse WI
Myrick Park Arboretum was recently accredited as a Level 1 Arboretum through ArbNet, The Interactive Community of Arboreta. To celebrate this accomplishment, we’re inviting the community to join us for this free event to learn about our new arboretum, learn from our certified arborists, and enjoy an afternoon of arboretum education! Schedule of Events: 10:30am: Arboretum Ribbon Cutting & Proclamation; 10:45am: Self Guided Arboretum Tours;; 11:30am: Structure Pruning Demonstration: 12:30pm: Climbing Demonstration/Youth Tree Climbing. Other Activities: Forestry Info Table; Touch-a-Forestry-Truck; Dave’s Pizza Trailer; Activity Tables.
Sponsor: City of La Crosse Parks, Recreation and Forestry DepartmentHave you Heard the Nesting Birds? - Children’s Program
- Wednesday, June 18 2:00 pm - La Cresent Event Center
Hey kids, practice your bird calls with friends from Happy Dancing Turtle, then play Camo Worm and see if you can spot the worms hiding in the grass. Learn about bird nests, camouflage, warning calls, and how to identify bird species by their eggs!
Sponsors: La Crescent Public Library and Happy Dancing Turtles |
| Image- Laurie Arzaga |
Prairie Enthusiasts Summer Get-Together and Guided Hikes - Saturday - Sunday June 21-22 - La Crosse area and Coulee Region of the Driftless
There's just nothing like getting together with other Prairie Enthusiasts in person when the prairie comes alive. This June, we will be having a weekend-long gathering with daytime prairie hikes, tours and workshops, and a Saturday evening dinner with live music, food and keynote speaker Craig Thompson. This event is open to and appropriate for both longtime Prairie Enthusiasts and those who are completely new to the field. It is family-friendly, and no prior knowledge is required. This is our annual in-person get together, and we'd love to see you there! To learn more about this prairie-filled weekend and different ticket options available,
click here.
Sponsor: Coulee Region chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts Goat Prairie Hike - Saturday, June 21 8:30-10:30 am - Yellow River State Forest (IA) - Paint Rock Unit, 751 Hwy 364 Rd
A guided hike that focuses on the Goat Prairie ecosystem and the flora and fauna associated. This hike will take place at Yellow River State Forest – Paint Rock Trail.
Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation BoardSaturday Morning Walk with Naturalist Bruce Ause
- Saturday, June 21 10-11 a.m. - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
Take a short, guided hike with volunteer naturalist, Bruce Ause. Bruce will lead visitors along trails through the upland area of the park pointing out a variety of natural features as they are encountered. Dress for the weather and bring sun and tick protection. Binoculars and cameras are nice accessories, but not necessary. The hike will last about an hour Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog,
Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN.
Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park
- Saturday June 21 1-2:00pm
- Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Come explore the unique world of butterflies in our very own Wildflower Garden. Discover their beauty and learn about their essential role in our natural environment. This program will highlight the fascinating relationships between butterflies and their host plants and the importance of preserving their habitats. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
- Saturday June 21 3-4:00pm
- Whitewater (MN) State Park South Picnic Area, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
The young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps helped build Whitewater State Park during the 1930's. After long days working in the park, they would retire to the South Picnic area. During this program we will visit the site of the former camp. We will learn about the layout of the camp and the daily routine of the enrollees.
Sponsor: Whitewater State Park - Saturday, June 21 3:00pm -8:00pm - Yellow River State Forest, 729 State Forest Rd, Harpers Ferry, IA
Please come help us celebrate all Yellow River State Forest has to offer and all the Friends of Yellow River State Forest have accomplished! Open House 3-5pm: (includes Q&As, demonstrations and observations): New ADA fishing area; New solar array; Prairie plantings; Streambank restoration; Iowa’s only Fire tower; Flintknapping; Solar observation/ Dark Skies; Cerulean warblers/ Red-Shouldered Hawks. 5-5:30 pm - light refreshments. 5:30 pm - Free Big Blue Sky concert. Followed at 6:30pm by the Friends' annual meeting, with a second concert set to follow. In the case of rain the meeting will be at the Harpers Ferry Community Center.
Sponsors: Friends of the Yellow River Forest- Saturday, June 21 4-5:00 pm
- Perrot State Park Interpretive Center, 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI 54661
Join Abbey and Joe Krumrie from River Valley Raptors for an interactive program with live raptors. Learn about each bird's unique features and how it has adapted to survive. Meet at the Interpretive Center. Sponsor: Perrot State Park
Snakes of the Blufflands - Saturday June 21 6-7:00 pm
- Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Sixteen of Minnesota's seventeen kinds of snakes live in the Blufflands. Learn how we can live, work, and recreate in the Blufflands and still conserve these awesome creatures. See a live fox snake. Bring a camera for a picture of your loved one touching a live snake!
Sponsor: Whitewater State ParkRaptors at the Park
- Saturday, June 21 7:00-8:00 pm - Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park
Join Abbey from River Valley Raptors for an interactive program about raptors. Meet some live raptors and learn about the differences between their adaptations and why they are so important to the Coulee Region. Event will be held outdoors at the amphitheater. The path to the amphitheater is packed dirt and gravel but can accommodate mobility devices of all kinds. Bathrooms and drinking water are available near the campground about 150 yards away. No pets, please. They may scare the raptors. Info:
Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov 608-337-4775 Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park
International Owl Celebration
- Tuesday, June 24 2:00-3:00pm
- Capella Performing Arts Center, 721 King St La Crosse WI
Have a hoot of a time with La Crosse Public Library and the International Owl Center! Learn all about these fascinating birds of prey, their habitats, and their important role in the ecosystem. You'll even get to see a real, live owl up close!
Sponsor: La Crosse Public Library
- Friday, June 27 8:30pm
- Waterville Farm, 938 White Pine Rd, Waterville IA
Come celebrate the beauty of Iowa summer nights. The evening will commence with a short stroll around one of the parks reconstructed prairies at dusk, after which we will watch the fireflies under the dark Driftless skies. The walk will be under a mile, but may be on uneven ground and sturdy closed-toe shoes are recommended. No preregistration required. Waterville Farm 55 Park can be found at 938 White Pine Road just outside of Waterville Iowa. Cell phone service is limited in the area, so be sure you know your route before you arrive. Picnic tables and seating are available in the shelter house, but a folding chair is recommended for optimal firefly viewing. All ages are welcome. Dogs must be leashed at all times. A full schedule of upcoming events hosted by the Allamakee County Conservation Board and the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center is available by following the ACCB on Facebook. To register or to receive more information on this event or any event you can call the ACCB at (563)538-0403.
Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation
