Friday, December 26, 2025

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - January, 2026


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 throughout the month as new events are announced - usually an additional 5-8 as the month goes on - so feel free to stop back for updated info.

Late December Events

Iowa Neighborhood Weekends for Allamakee and Winneshiek county residents
 - December 27-28   
 - International Owl Center, 126 E Cedar St, Houston, MN
Residents of local IA 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

January Events

Registration Open for The Prairie Enthusiasts Virtual Conference
Registration for our annual virtual conference, Biodiversity from the Ground Up, is open. Join us online February 18-20, 2026. Our annual virtual conference brings together people of various prairie and savanna knowledge-levels. Whether you have deep roots in prairie restoration or your passion for these habitats has just begun to bloom, there’s a place for you to learn with our community. Early Bird tickets are available until January 5 ($65 general admission; $35 students). Check out our website to learn more about our keynote presentations, confirmed sessions, presenters and ticket options and to register. 

 - Thursday, January 1             9:00 am
 - Shelby Butterfly Trails, La Crosse WI
It's 2026! And Blufflands Hiking group is starting off with our annual FIRST DAY HIKE at the Shelby Butterfly/Cliffwood Bluff Trails! DIFFICULTY: Moderate Hiking. A steady climb from the parking lot to the top of the cliff, then it's mostly easy, rolling trail. DISTANCE: Approximately 3 miles loop, with some retracing our path back to the parking lot. PARKING: https://maps.app.goo.gl/84pSNhbqDjoKFWhc8 Follow Farnam Street toward the bluffs from Losey Blvd. Follow Farnam to the bluffs and turn left onto Old Vineyard Road. Follow Old Vineyard .28 mile and take hairpin turn and continue to parking lot (about 500') at end of road. Sponsor: Blufflands Hiking Group

First Day Hike
 - Thursday, Jan 1         9:00 am
 - Yellow River State Forest, 745 State Forest Road, Harpers Ferry, IA
The hike will begin at the Walnut Wayside, more commonly known as the Paint Creek Bridge. We will start with a warm campfire with hot cocoa, and some light snacks, at Walnut Wayside. The hike will ascend the steps of the Bluff Trail, which will be steep, and follow the trail to view the both Paint Creek Overlooks along the way. We will continue to follow the Bluff Trail to the Overlook Road, and take that back to the overlook, where we will descend the steps back to the Walnut Wayside. There are steep with steps in the beginning, and at the end, because we will end at the same trail. The middle 1.5 miles will be gradual incline and declines in grade. The views of this hike will be spectacular. There could possibly be a Bigfoot sighting, as he's known to hang out in this area.  In case of bad weather, or hazardous conditions on the Bluff Trail steps, we will do the very flat Paint Creek Trail to observe the new streambank improvements. Overall, the hike is a moderate 2.25 miles. The guided hike will be led by YRSF Resource Technician Joe Vastine. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the hike. Visitors are welcome to hike this route anytime on their own (it will be marked Dec. 23 through Jan. 5, 2026.), but they must be present at the end of the hike Jan 1 to be entered into the drawing for prizes. Sponsor: Friends of Yellow River State Forest

First Day Hike
 - Thursday, Jan. 1      11 a.m. - 2 p.m 
 - Frontenac State Park, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
Join us for our annual First Day hike celebration. What better way to welcome the new year than with a quiet walk in the park? Then stop by the main picnic shelter between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for greets and treats, courtesy of the Frontenac State Park Association.. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

 - Friday, January 2               6:30pm
- Fish Farm Mounds State Preserve, New Albin IA
Join the Allamakee County Conservation Board for a Full Moon Snowshoe Hike on Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. The hike will take place in the Fish Farm Mounds State Preserve and will be approximately 2 miles. Participants should meet at the at the Fish Farm Mounds parking area approximately 3 miles south of New Albin on the Great River Road. The Full Moon Snowshoe will be a guided trail hike taking place after dark to enable the participants to see the stars and full moon like they have never seen before. The event requires preregistration for those wishing to use snowshoes provided by the ACCB and is open to all ages. However, anyone under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. In the case of inclement weather or poor snow conditions the Full Moon Snowshoe may be postponed or cancelled and will be announced via the ACCB’s Facebook page. Appropriately sized snowshoes and trekking poles will be provided to individuals who do not have their own equipment with preregistration. Participants should dress for the weather with appropriate layers including outerwear, winter hats, gloves, and waterproof boots. A headlamp or small flashlight is also recommended, but not required. Any dogs must be on leash at all times. Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation Board

 - Saturday, January 3     5:00pm
 - Chad Erickson Veteran's Park, 3601 Park Lane Drive, La Crosse WI
A crowd favorite! ORA will again host a series of candlelit walks! These are free, all-ages events that begin at 5pm, and last until 7pm, or until we run out of fire wood! Each location chosen utilizes a path that is considered "easy to moderate" to navigate. 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. These walks are self-guided. Snacks and beverages will be on site, including fire pits with s'mores! Additional dates: February 7 - Upper Hixon; March 3 - Gateway Trailhead. Sponsor: ORA: Outdoor Recreation Alliance 

 - 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 . Sponsor: International Owl Center   

Fireside Crafting
 - Sunday, January 4             1-4:00pm
 - Iowisota Retreat and Education Center, 2472 IA Hwy-26, Lansing Iowa
Gather by the fireside at Iowisota to work on your individual projects during an open crafting session Projects may include sewing, fiber work, scrapbooking, or any other portable handiwork. Bring your own supplies, unless you've made other arrangements with Linda. We have good lighting, comfortable seating by the fire and solid worktables. Enjoy some social time and a hot drink as you work on your project. Freewill donation accepted; I'll have a jar on the table by the door if you feel like you want to contribute something. Register here. We will have a maximum of 10 people working on stuff at one time. If you want to just stop by for part of the time, that is fine. If you want to just stop in and see Iowisota, it is a good opportunity for that too! Why am I doing this? Because I feel so blessed to have a great workspace available, and I want to share it. I live in the downstairs portion of the house, but I personally love working on projects or reading in the upstairs "gathering room" on a winter day. The windows looking out over the backwaters and into the woods are inspiring, and the fireplace is heartwarming. Together, we can make it through another Iowa winter! If you have questions, give Linda Haugen a call at 563-538-6510 or email at Iowisota@gmail.com. Sponsor: Iowisota Retreat and Education Center.

 - Wednesday January 7                   6:30-7:30 am
 - Decorah Public Library, 202 Winnebago St, Decorah IA
Who says the best part of winter is staying under the covers? Decorah Public Library and Decorah Parks and Recreation Department are inviting early risers and aspiring morning people alike to discover the quiet magic of winter with Winter Wonder Walks, a new program that celebrates the season's cozy darkness and spectacular sunrises. Participants can join free walks on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 AM. Each walk will explore a different scenic route through town, parks, and trails, allowing walkers to experience the peaceful beauty of winter mornings while watching the world wake up. After, walkers can head to a coffee shop for warm up drinks. On January 7 we’ll go from the library to Pulpit Rock campground on Dug Road and end up at Impact. On January 21 we’ll start the parking lot at Palisades Park and head along the river before looping back along the road and driving to Magpie for drinks. "We wanted to create something that gets people moving during a season when it's tempting to hibernate," said Zach Row-Heyveld, DPL Assistant Director. "Winter Wonder Walks is about embracing the season instead of just surviving it. Sponsors: Decorah Public Library/Decorah Park and Rec

 - Thursday January 8      4:00pm
 -  Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center, S3661 WI 131, La Farge WI
KVR Youth Ski Club is an opportunity for youth to work on skills and gain confidence on skis in a setting guided by KVR instructors. Those interested in Youth Ski Club are asked to attend a brief Club orientation. Orientation will include: answers to questions;  ski and boot & pole fitting; Ski Club schedule; completion of the membership form and paying membership and rental fees. Registration for KVR Youth Ski Club is now OPEN. Once a week the club will meet at a predetermined location on the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. From 3:45 pm to 5:00 pm KVR instructors will mentor the club members on a guided ski on the KVR. This club is an opportunity to learn about cross country skiing and gain confidence on skis. No experience is necessary. A healthy snack will be provided each time we ski. Outside of class, we encourage the whole family to get out and ski together. Adult rentals are available from KVR and local shops, reach out the KVR for more resources. Youth Ski gear rentals are available for children (ages 4-12 years) depending on boot size. Rentals for youth are seasonal from January to when conditions deteriorate.

 -  Friday, January 9            6:00-7:00 pm
 - Java Vino, 2311 State Rd, LA Crosse
Did you know that the Driftless landscape you know today looked completely different just 200 years ago? The Driftless Area was once a vibrant mosaic of sun-lit prairies, open oak savannas, and scattered woodlands shaped by the natural rhythm of wildfire. When fire disappeared from the landscape, those ecosystems changed—prairies gave way to brush and trees, and open forests closed in. At JavaVino’s January Science Café presentation, The Science of Fire, you’ll learn from Levi Plath, Land Manager for Mississippi Valley Conservancy, why controlled burning is essential to restoring the health and diversity of the upper Midwest. Discover how burns are planned and carried out, how fire shapes habitat for countless species, and why timing and frequency are key to successful conservation. Register here. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy and UW-La Crosse

Image: Upper Mississippi River National
Wildlife and Fish Refuge

 - Saturday, January 10                       10:00am - noon
 - McNally Boat Landing, Prairie Island Road, between Prairie Island Campground and the Minnesota City Boat Club (GPS coordinates: Easting 605183, Northing 4881470), Winona MN
*Registration requested* Come fish with us! Children and their families are invited to join in this free event, recommended for children ages 6-13. Children will be paired with experienced ice anglers who will assist them with a hands-on ice fishing experience. Bait, tackle and fishing rods will be available, however, participants are encouraged to bring their own ice fishing supplies if they have them and a bucket or folding chair to sit on while watching their bobber. Children should also be dressed appropriately for ice fishing; hats, mittens, snow pants, boots and winter coats. Hot chocolate, cookies, hot dogs and chips will be provided in a heated tent. All children must be registered for the event by a parent or guardian. A registration station will be available at the McNally Boat Landing on the morning of the event. If the event is cancelled due to weather or unsafe ice conditions, an announcement will be posted here on Facebook. RSVPs are requested but not required. The McNally Boat Landing is located on Prairie Island Road, between Prairie Island Campground and the Minnesota City Boat Club (GPS coordinates: Easting 605183, Northing 4881470). The McNally Boat Landing will be closed to public entry during this event. To RSVP or for additional information, contact Stephanie Edeler at Stephanie_Edeler@fws.gov or call 507-452-4232. Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge/Friends of the Refuge Headwaters

 - Saturday, January 10                   10:00am-noon
 -  Mertes Slough, S3629 WI 54, Fountain City WI
Get ready to experience a winter wonderland in Winona! The Winona Outdoor Collaborative welcomes you to a breathtaking snowshoe hike through the picturesque backwaters of the Mississippi River. Our group will embark on a 2-3 mile trek deep into the stunning backwaters. Whether you’re a seasoned or novice snowshoer, this hike suits all abilities and ages. Bring your friends, family, and curiosity for a memorable winter expedition! We will provide snowshoes, trekking poles, and/or microspikes to all participants. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Hot cocoa will be provided post-hike. Free to Attend! Registration Required (sign-up before January 3rd). Parking Instructions: Parking is available at Mertes Slough. Turn into the Mertes Slough boat landing and find parking at any available stall. If the lot is full, additional parking can be found alongside the road leading in and out of Winona east of the Winona Bridge. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

 - Saturday, January 10      10am -4:00 pm
 - Kickapoo Valley Reserve, La Farge WI


 - Saturday, January 10           11:00 am
 - Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 State Hwy 76, Harpers Ferry IA
Join a park ranger for this hike along the county road in the Heritage Addition to look for bald eagles and golden eagles along the Yellow River. Bring your children to story time at 10 am and then join us for this hike over flat terrain. Please wear warm and weather appropriate clothing and footwear. Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument

 -Saturday, January 10.             5-8:00 pm
 - Wildcat Mountain State Park
Hike, snowshoe or ski a 1.5-mile torchlit trail, warm up around a roaring campfire and gaze up at the stars. Refreshments will be available. From 5–7 p.m., John Heasley of Driftless Stargazing, LLC, will be hosting a stargazing activity, weather permitting. Bring binoculars and learn to use them for stargazing. Programs may be canceled due to inclement weather. For more information, contact Email: Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov or call 608-337-4775. Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park

Minnesota Neighborhood Weekends for Houston and Fillmore county residents
 - January 10-11   
 - International Owl Center, 126 E Cedar St, Houston, MN
Residents of local MN 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

Winter Blufflands Hiking series - Grandad, Compass and Dobsen Property
 - Saturday, January 17             9:00 am
 - La Crosse WI
See Blufflands Hiking Group Facebook page for details! Sponsor: Blufflands Hiking Group

 - Saturday, January 17         9:30-11:30 am
 - Holzinger Trails, 925 W. Lake Blvd, Winona MN
Join us at Holzinger Trails to explore all the sights and sounds that winter has to offer! We will roam the trails along the bluff while immersing ourselves in nature and taking the time to look and listen to our surroundings. Dress warm as we will be stopping at various points to observe and Free to attend. Registration is required. listen to the sounds of the woods. Hot cocoa will also be provided at the start to keep warm throughout! 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. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

 - Saturday, January 17          3-5:30pm
 - Sidie Hollow County Park, Main Shelter, E6051 County Rd XX, Viroqua WI
The Friends of Vernon County Parks and Forests will again be hosting guided Winter Walks exploring two Vernon County parks! These winter walks are to bring awareness to our amazing county parks in the winter season as well as allow the community to come together! The winter walks and bonfire are for friends and families of all ages and will take place at Sidie Hollow January 17 and Lower Duck Egg Feb 21. See schedule below. Walkers are to meet in the park parking lots. All walks will begin promptly at 3pm, will be approximately 1 hour long, with a bonfire and beverages to immediately follow. The Friends of Vernon County Parks encourages walkers to always dress appropriately for the walk and the weather and invite your family and friends! Winter Walks & Bonfire locations and dates are as follows:- Sat. January 17 – Sidie Hollow *meet at Main Shelter at 3pm and Sat. February 21 – Lower Duck Egg *meet in parking lot at 3pm. The Friends of Vernon County Parks & Forests is a 501(c)3 organization that aims to celebrate, protect, preserve and enhance the Vernon County Parks and Forests while connecting people to our Driftless Area’s nature and empowering them to positively impact their environment. Sponsor: Friends of Vernon County Parks

 - Wednesday January 21                   6:30-7:30 am
 - Palisades Park parking lot, Park St, Decorah IA
Who says the best part of winter is staying under the covers? Decorah Public Library and Decorah Parks and Recreation Department are inviting early risers and aspiring morning people alike to discover the quiet magic of winter with Winter Wonder Walks, a new program that celebrates the season's cozy darkness and spectacular sunrises. Participants can join free walks on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 AM. Each walk will explore a different scenic route through town, parks, and trails, allowing walkers to experience the peaceful beauty of winter mornings while watching the world wake up. After, walkers can head to a coffee shop for warm up drinks. On January 21 we’ll start at the parking lot at Palisades Park and head along the river before looping back along the road and driving to Magpie for drinks. "We wanted to create something that gets people moving during a season when it's tempting to hibernate," said Zach Row-Heyveld, DPL Assistant Director. "Winter Wonder Walks is about embracing the season instead of just surviving it. Sponsors: Decorah Public Library/Decorah Park and Rec

 - January 24        10:00 am - noon
 - Prairie Island Nature Trail, 915 Prairie Island Rd, Winona MN
What is the Mississippi floodplain forest like in winter? On a flat, unpaved, one-mile hiking loop, we will play a short game and then explore this ecosystem. Trees look dead now. How do we tell if they are? How do trees make food? Can wild animals use trees through the winter? What other plants live here? What about fungus and lichen? Are floodplain forests good for people? Bundle up and join us for a fun, informative walk to kickstart your weekend! Free to attend! Registration is required. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

Winona Ice Park

 - Thursday, January 29            5:00-7:30pm
 - 902 Parks Ave, Winona MN
Join us for the 2026 Luminary Hike, a captivating winter evening where the beauty of light, ice, and community come together. Guests are invited to stroll along a clear, safe, hard path trail that is a three-quarter–mile loop within Unity Park at East Lake Winona. The hike is designed for all ages to enjoy at their own pace. As you walk, prepare to be amazed by a majestic wall of ice at the Winona Ice Park that will illuminate the night sky in brilliant, shifting colors—a spectacle that is sure to bring the winter season to life. The YMCA is proud to be an in-kind sponsor and host for this special event, offering warm hospitality and support. Cozy up with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, or grab a delicious meal from one of our featured food trucks: Chef’s Table and Lino’s Taqueria Food Truck. Indoor seating will be available at the YMCA, providing a comfortable place to relax and savor your food with friends and family before or after hitting the Luminary Trail. Come experience winter in a whole new light at the Recreation Alliance Luminary Hike 2026, a magical night you won’t want to miss. This event is free and open the public. Sponsors: Recreation Alliance of Winona, YMCA, Chef's Table and Linos taqueria food truck

 - Saturday, Jan. 31                 6-8:00 p.m.
 - Frontenac State Park, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN

Come enjoy an evening in the park by candlelight! Snowshoe, ski, or hike the trail along the bluff top with beautiful views of the Mississippi River Valley, lit by dozens of luminaries and the light of the full moon. Warm up at campfires at either end of the trail or enjoy some light refreshments by the wood stove in the warming shelter. Refreshments provided by the Frontenac State Park Association volunteer group. Vehicles entering the park are required to have a State Park vehicle permit. Permits are $7 per day or $35 for an annual sticker. Skiers 16 and older will need a MN Ski Pass to participate. Ski passes are $10 for a day pass, $25 for the year, or $70 for three years. A limited number of snowshoes will also be available for rent for $6 per pair. Severe weather or other factors may cause this event to be changed or canceled. For updates, or if you have questions, call Frontenac State Park at 651-299-3000. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park


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

You can read my quarterly column on seasonal hiking suggestions in Inspire(d) Driftless Magazine available online or pick up a free copy at businesses and organizations around the Driftless areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
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