Amble - Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Visitor Center Prairie

Prairies surround the Visitor's Center
 (in the background)

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is a 261 mile-long habitat for migratory birds, fish wildlife it just celebrated its 100 year anniversary. The La Crosse district which stretches from La Crosse WI to Reno MN (pools 7-8) includes a fantastic Visitor Center in Brice Prairie WI. - a welcoming space with interactive displays, a nature store, knowledgeable staff and volunteers. 

While the name of this prairie is a mouthful, it features a gentle hike on a restored 180 acre sand prairie surrounding the La Crosse District Visitor Center. The prairie is a must-see throughout the late spring, summer and fall blooming seasons. And as an ADA-accessible site, it's perfect for anyone of any ability or age.

Big sky over the prairie

Although I love the Visitor Center, what really calls me back again and again is their large sand prairie. Radiating out to the north, south and west of this beautiful building, the prairie has over 2 miles of multiple flat, connecting trails perfect for slow walking. Some are stroller- and walker-friendly paved asphalt and some are grass and gravel. The trails are also open for running, aerobic walking, biking and dog walking (with poop bags available at each parking lot).

A brown-belted bumblebee
on a wild bergamot

At intervals, near the Visitor Center, signs are posted identifying some patches of native prairie flowers and their blooming seasons. The trail edges are mowed to allow up-close examination and observation of the abundant prairie forbs, birds and insect life. Dragonflies, butterflies, beetles, damselflies are much in evidence as are a variety of nesting birds including the dickcissel, sparrows, vireos and orioles. 

The overlook

The main paved trail winds from the Visitor Center through the midst of the trails to the Lake Onalaska Overlook. You pass the small west parking lot, cross Hwy ZB and arrive at a kiosk surrounded by a native prairie flower garden. There is a bench and viewing scope as you look out at the views of the Mississippi River, Minnesota bluffs and waterfowl.

An active Friends group help staff the Visitor Center, maintain the gardens near the Visitor Center and Overlook and support the programming of the Center. 

Trail map

The prairie trails are open all year long dawn to dusk. In winter, the trails are open to cross country skiing and snowshoeing.  Another great feature is outdoor restrooms that are available at the back of the building. 

The Visitor Center and gift shop have more limited hours so check the website or call ahead  (608 779-2399) to confirm if you are planning to enjoy their interactive displays, indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts, "Let's Go Outside" backpacks, Nature Store and more.

Rough blazing star and
Black-eyed Susan

THE HIKE:
2.5 miles of flat, interconnecting asphalt and grass trails make it a snap to tailor this hike to any length and ability. The expansive 180 acre restored sand prairie is alive with native nesting songbirds and abundant insect life from late spring to early fall. Choose the ZB parking lot to explore the river overlook and the west side trails or the main parking lot to admire native pollinator plantings next to the Visitor Center. Trails are ADA accessible.

The Location:
N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska, WI
The Visitor Center is located by the large main east parking lot off Hwy Z in Brice Prairie.  You can access these roads from HWY 35 north off Hwy 90. Turn left at the lights at Hwy OT; left at first stop sign (Cty ZN). Follow that to next stop sign and turn right onto Cyty Z. The entrance is to your immediate left within .1 miles. There is a smaller lot on Hwy ZB that gives access to the west-side trails near the river.

The view of Mississippi River backwaters from the overlook

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!

A buckeye butterfly on the gravel trails

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters