Sunday, April 26, 2026

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - May 2026

Prothonotary warbler
Image - Steve Dietz

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 April
 - Tuesday, April 28     6:30-8:00 am
 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park , La Crosse WI
We will meet at head of main trail at the east side of the Nature Place parking lot. We will walk a loop on the marsh trails and be back at the parking lot around 8:00. All are welcome and it is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

 - Thursday, April 30    6:30-8:00 am
 - Hixon Forest, lower parking lotLa Crosse WI
We will meet at the Hixon Forest parking lot at the end of Milson Court. We will walk a loop on the lower trails that follow the north edge of the golf course. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

May

For additional May guided bird hikes, please click here.

 - Friday, May 1                 8:00pm
 - Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 State Hwy 76, Harper's Ferry IA
Join us for a hike on National Space Day! This ranged guided hike departs from the visitor center at 8pm to watch the full moon rising over the bluffs and Mississippi River from Fire Point Overlook. The hike will arrive back down to the visitor center between 9-930 pm. This 2-mile round-trip hike takes place on a wood chipped trail and climbs 350 feet up the bluff. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and bring a light to use on the trail. Stay tuned to the event page for any weather-related details about the event. SPonsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument

 - Saturday, May 2        10:00am-noon 
 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse WI
A bioblitz is a community science effort to record as many species within a designated location and time period as possible. To kick off this year's series, we'll be starting with BEAUTIFUL BIRDS, in honor of National Migratory Bird Day. The Nature Place partners with donors, the Viterbo University Biology Department, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Biology Department, Mississippi Valley Conservancy, and the City of La Crosse Parks, Rec and Forestry on the Driftless Area BioBlitz (DABB). DABB uses iNaturalist which is a joint initiative by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. It is a social network of naturalists, community scientists, and biologists built on mapping and sharing biodiversity observations across the globe. iNaturalist may be accessed via its website or from its mobile applications. DABB is a free, annual, one-of-a-kind, opportunity for families, students, and all nature lovers to search for and learn about plants and wildlife in the Driftless Area. Sponsor: The Nature Place

 - Saturday, May 2          9 -11:00am
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park picnic shelter, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
Walk along the river bluff to the Point No Point Overlook, then continue into mixed prairie and forested habitat. Hope to see migrating birds and birds returning to the park for the breeding season. Bring binoculars. The trail is mowed grass. We'll walk a mile or so, however folks can head back whenever they would like. Meet at the picnic shelter. No need to register but if you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park/Frontenac State Park Association.

 - Saturday May 2              9:30-11:30 am
 - Lake Winona, 113 Lake Park Dr, Winona MN
Join us for a walk around Lake Winona to look for signs of spring. We will meet next to the Lake Lodge and then head out on a morning stroll and scavenger hunt! All ages are welcome as this is such a nice way to start your weekend as a family and welcome the season of Spring. 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. Free to Attend! Registration required. Accessible path and parking.  Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

 - Saturday, May 2          10:00 - noon
- Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park Visitor Center, E13660 HWY 33 East, Ontario, WI
Join the staff at Wildcat Mountain for a Wildflower Walk! Meet at the visitor center but be prepared to caravan to the location with the best blooms! Be prepared for a roughly two-mile, rugged hike. This event is weather-dependent. If conditions are rainy, you can contact Brandie Myhre on Saturday morning to check for cancellation. Event Contact: Brandie Myhre, brandie.myhre@wisconsin.gov, 608-337-4775. Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

 - Saturday, May 2     10-11:00 am
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Join a Park Ranger for exploration of spring ephemeral wildflowers along a segment of Coyote Point and Discovery Loop Trails! We will compare wildflowers in different environments and talk about adaptations of these plants. This hike is 1.5 miles in length with moderately challenging terrain and elevation gain of 300 ft. Recommended for ages 6+. Contact Jonathan with accessibility needs or questions at 507-312-2301 or by email at jonathan.ismail@state.mn.us. Meet at Visitor Center. Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park

 - Saturday, May 2         Noon-2:00 pm
 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse WI
We’re excited to host "Nature's Living Room" - an event that reflects the spirit of The Nature Place itself. A welcoming place where everyone is invited to gather, learn and connect on the fact that nature truly is a shared home. We’re partnering with Angie Capwell Photography and Fokus Photo to offer free photo sessions with a suggested donation benefiting The Nature Place. Come dressed to embrace the warmth of the season for this outdoor photoshoot and capture a moment in time surrounded by the beauty of spring, and with those you care about most. While photo sessions are free, we encourage you to sign up in advance to secure a spot on the day of the event. Walk-ups are welcome, but those who register ahead of time will receive priority. Nature’s Living Room will also feature community organizations, small business' and a variety of resources focused on nature-based wellness, parenting support, financial wellbeing, and guidance for those entering or returning to the workforce (so bring your resume!). We'll also have hands-on activities for all ages. Event partners and sponsors to be announced in the coming weeks, so be sure to follow along on our social media and website for updates! ***All donations from "Nature's Living Room" will directly support our ongoing free community programming at The Nature Place. 

 - Saturday, May 2        1-3:00 pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Everywhere around us, animals are hidden. How? Why? Drop in the Visitor Center to check out animal pelts, skulls, and activities to learn how camouflage is an amazing animal survival strategy. You will complete part of the MN Parks & Trails Jr. Ranger program, earning points towards your very own Jr. Ranger badge. No registration required. For more information, contact Jonathan Ismail at 507-312-2300 or by email at jonathan.ismail@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park

Turtle Education Programs
 - May 2 and 3 - see flier below for details 
Turtle nesting season is here and the Freinds of Pool 9 committee is posting signs on roadways in the area urging drivers to avoid hitting turtles as they cross roadways seeking nesting locartions. For questions contact Ric Zarwell @ 563-419-4991. Sponsor: Friends of Pool 9



 - Tuesday, May 5                       6:30-8:00 am
 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park , La Crosse WI
We will meet at head of main trail at the east side of the Nature Place parking lot. We will walk a loop on the marsh trails and be back at the parking lot around 8:00. All are welcome and it is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society


Image - Grayson Smith, USFWS
Spring Bird Walks on the Refuge
 - Wednesday, May 6      6 - 7:30pm
 - Shady Maple Interpretive Trail at Goose Island County Park, W6488 County Road GI, Stoddard, WI. (As you enter Goose Island County Park, take the first left turn before the flagpoles to find parallel parking for the interpretive trail. If you see Shelter #1, you’ve missed the turn.)
We’ll walk along the Great River State Trail. It’ll likely be before the peak spring songbird migration, but birds will be easier to see before tree leaves are fully grown. Early spring arrivals will be here!In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, join refuge staff and partners on FREE bird identification walks through the floodplain forest! We often see many birds close by and our pace will be more of a bird “crawl.” We’ll have a few pairs of binoculars available for folks to borrow. In spring, thousands of migratory songbirds stop over for a bite to eat at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, some of which travel hundreds of miles from their wintering grounds! Some birds will stay here to nest for the summer, while others move on further north in just a week or two. We look forward to their return each spring! Please leave pets at home. Parking spaces may fill up; please park close to leave space for other visitors. Walks take place rain or shine but may be cancelled in thunderstorms or heavy rain. Please bring drinking water and wear bug protection – ticks may be out. Trails are mostly flat and we’ll walk about 1 mile. The theme of World Migratory Bird Day this year is "Every Bird Counts - Your Observations Matter!" It highlights the role of public participation in collecting data on migratory bird populations and their habitats and factors that impact their populations and contribute to our knowledge about how to protect them. We will keep track of the birds we see using the eBird app and often use the Merlin app to listen for birds as we walk. Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge

 - Wednesday, May 6       7:00pm
 - Sobieski Park Lodge, 965 E. 7th St Winona MN
This short documentary by Sustainable Driftless, Inc. captures breath-taking aerial views with raptors soaring over the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge), which is used by about 40% of the nation’s waterfowl as a migratory route. It also shows our bluffs and farm fields with expansive cave systems. And did you know a small town in the Driftless is the sink hole capital of the world? The video will be introduced with an educational component by Tim Yager, a regional expert, who appeared in the first of the three videos on the Driftless, Mysteries of the Driftless. Tim worked as a District Manager in the Driftless Region for the Refuge. He will address, “What Is the Driftless Region?”, and “Why is the Driftless Region so unique and special?” There will also be a Q & A session after the video along with refreshments. We hope you will join us for this educational screening. The Friends are a 501(c)3 volunteer organization based in Winona, MN with members from the surrounding area, both in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Friends host activities throughout the year that bring people onto the Refuge (paddling, fishing, birdwatching), assist refuge staff with biological surveys, and educate and advocate on behalf of the Refuge. Information about how you can become a Friend and get involved in supporting your refuge will be available at the event. For more information, visit friendsoftherefugeheadwaters.org and sustainabledriftless.org. Sponsors: Friends of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge/Sustainable Driftless

 - Thursday, May 7                      6:30-8:00 am
 - Hixon Forest, lower parking lotLa Crosse WI
We will meet at the Hixon Forest parking lot at the end of Milson Court. We will walk a loop on the lower trails that follow the north edge of the golf course. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

 - Saturday, May 9      7am- 12:30pm
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, W28488 Reguge Rd, Trempeleau WI
On Saturday, May 9th, Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge invites everyone to the Refuge for our Annual Birding Festival to Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)! Each year the Refuge celebrates WMBD to encourage support for migratory bird conservation. The theme for this year’s installment of the annual celebration is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!”. Join us for a few hours or for the whole celebration. This is an event for the whole family! Some of the activities include early bird hikes at 7:00 and 9:00 am and a guided photography hike at 9:00 am. There will also be bird banding demonstrations, a kid’s fun craft station, local organizations will have informational booths, books giveaways, and a native plants garden raffle! And the National Eagle Center will join us with an information booth too! At the Outdoor Wonder Learning Center, we will have the River Valley Raptor Inc. booth from 9:00 – 11:00 am. They will have live birds on site. Join them for a fun and informative raptor program from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Hiking groups will be limited to twenty participants and ALL guided hikes during WMBD require pre-registration. There will be multiple simultaneous hikes starting at 7:00 am and 9:00 am on the day of the event. Please call (608) 539-2311, ext. 2 or emaildana_schelling@fws.gov to register your spot in the festivities of this year’s WMBD! Kick off this year’s annual birding festival by attending a talk by Craig Thompson, President of the Driftless Birds and retired from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, program about Wisconsin birds. Craig’s 30+ year career focused on migratory bird conservation. Craig is an enthusiastic birder and has a wealth of knowledge, you won't want to miss his presentation! The Friends of Trempealeau Refuge will host Craig for a presentation held the Friday evening before the event, May 8th at Elmaro Vineyard, social 5:30-6:30 pm, with the program starting at 6:30 pm. No registration required. World Migratory Bird Day events take place across our community and across the world to raise awareness for the need to conserve migratory birds and their habitats. Learn more on our national USFWS World Migratory Bird Day website. For more information regarding the refuge, visit our website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/trempealeau or call (608)539-2311, ext. 2.
 
 - Saturday, May 9       9:00am - 2:00 pm
Carley State Park, 50366 Wabasha County Rd 4, Plainview, MN
Come celebrate the beauty of our spring bluebells, in abundance at Carley State Park. A variety of activities will be offered throughout the day including a family scavenger hunt, Mother's Day card making for kids, and archery for ages 8 and older. Guided Wildflower walks will start at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us.Carley State Park is located approximately 10 miles northwest of Whitewater State Park. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park


Second Saturday Hike with Friends of the Blufflands
 - Saturday, May 9        9:00 am -
 - Eureka Maple Woods (WI) State Natural Area - meet at 6603 Oboe Avenue, Cashton (next door) 
Friends of the Blufflands is launching a series of hikes called Second Saturday Hikes which will be on the second Saturdays of most months through the summer and fall. On May 9th the hike will be at Eureka Maple Woods State Natural Area to witness the amazing array of spring ephemerals. We will meet at 9:00 am at Jon Rigden’s cabin at 6603 Oboe Avenue which is right next to this SNA and proceed from there. More details to follow.  If this needs to be canceled due to rain,it will be posted on the Friends of the Blufflands Facebook page. . Sponsor: Friends of the Blufflands

 - Saturday, May 9          11:00am- 12:30pm
 - Frontenac State Park,  29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
Volunteer Master Naturalist Pam Miller will lead a walk to talk about spring wild fungi and their relationship to trees, and see if we can find anything interesting. While May is traditionally a good month to find morels, we guarantee nothing except that you'll learn a few things for searching on your own. Wear closed shoes and socks, long pants and long sleeves, and bring mosquito and tick protection. Meet at the campground shower building kiosk. Questions? Email pamelamarianmiller@gmail.com. 
Sponsors: Frontenac State Park/Frontenac State Park Association.

 - Saturday, May 9                       8:30- 10:30pm
- Wyalusing State Park, Huser Observatory, , 13081 State Park Lane, Bagley, WIStar Splitters host programs with presentations and telescope viewings. Contact: www.starsplitters.org, starsplitterswsp@gmail.com Sponsors: Star Splitters of Wyalusing

 - Tuesday, May 12                 6:30-8:00 am
 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park , La Crosse WI
We will meet at head of main trail at the east side of the Nature Place parking lot. We will walk a loop on the marsh trails and be back at the parking lot around 8:00. All are welcome and it is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

 - Thursday, May 14                    6:30-8:00 am
 - Hixon Forest, lower parking lotLa Crosse WI
We will meet at the Hixon Forest parking lot at the end of Milson Court. We will walk a loop on the lower trails that follow the north edge of the golf course. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society



Kids Fishing Day
 - Saturday, May 17         8:45am - Noon
 - Genoa National Fish Hatchery, S5631 Hwy 35, Genoa, WI
Kids ages 5-12 are invited to learn fish and water facts, go fishing in one of the ponds and have a snack after. Poles and bail are provided at this free annual event. For more information, call 608 689-2605 or email erica_rasmussen@fws.gov. Sponsors: Genoa National Fish Hatchery, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Friends of the Upper Mississippi.



 - Saturday, May 16               9:30-11:30am
 - Farmer's Park, RR1 Lewiston MN
We’ll meet at Farmer’s Community Park in Stockton, MN for some wildlife ecology education to start the weekend! Wildlife ecology focuses on the relationship that animals have with their surroundings and how this can impact their survival. Join us for a beginner look at this topic as we observe the landscapes our region has to offer and discuss what animal survival has looked like through changes in the environment over time. This is a family friendly event - we hope to see you there! 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. Free to Attend! Registration Required. Accessible entrance and parking. Winona Outdoor Collaborative

Kellogg Weaver Dunes Hike
 - Tuesday May 19                  8:00am
 - Kellogg Weaver Dunes North Unit
We will meet at the Kellogg MN Kwik Trip and caravan to this site on the Lower Sand
Prairie, This hike might expose you to poison ivy and will require hiking on sandy hill
slopes and uneven ground. This will be a new hike for any repeat hikers, hopefully we
will see some blooming New Jersey Tea and violets. This field trip is free and open to
the public, but it is limited to 10 people, to register please call, text or email Nancy
Falkum at 651-764-5605 or guthrie55981@gmail.com. Sponsor: Bird City Wabasha

 - Thursday, May 21         4-5:00 PM
 - La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St
Join Nora and Delaney from Happy Dancing Turtle and leap into spring by celebrating frogs! Learn about special frog adaptations, types of frogs we have in our region, and try your hand at being a frog. How many insects can you catch in our Frog Frenzy game? Sponsors: La Crescent Public Library/Happy Dancing Turtles

Blufftop Bird Walk
 - Saturday, May 23         9-11:00 am
 - Frontenac State Park picnic shelter,  29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
Walk along the river bluff to the Point No Point Overlook, then continue into mixed prairie and forested habitat. Hope to see migrating birds and birds returning to the park for the breeding season. Bring binoculars. The trail is mowed grass. We'll walk a mile or so, however folks can head back whenever they would like. Meet at the picnic shelter. No need to register but if you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park/Frontenac State Park Association.

- Saturday, May 23        10 am-noon
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
During this free program we will go and look for ancient sea life that lived in the area hundreds of millions of years ago. We'll start with a brief introduction at the visitor center, then drive out of the park 9 miles to hunt for fossils. Bring transportation. For moreinformation, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park

 - Saturday, May 23        10:00 am - noon
- Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park Visitor Center, E13660 HWY 33 East, Ontario, WI
Become a nature detective by joining the free nature scavenger hunt at Wildcat Mountain. Search high and low throughout the property to find all the items on the list before time runs out. Meet at the park office. There will be an easy and hard version of the scavenger hunt. This event is weather-dependent. Event Contact: Emily Alf, emily.alf@wisconsin.gov, 608-337-4775. Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

 - Saturday, May 30         11:00am - 2:00 pm
 - Chatfield Center for the Arts, 405 Main St South, Chatfield MN
Join us for Trail Days — a celebration of community, nature, and the growing vision for the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail!  Come explore a recently designated section of the proposed trail with a self-guided or interpretive hike, enjoy outdoor crafts and activities, and enter to win raffle prizes from local and outdoor brands. It’s a fun, easygoing day for hikers, families, and anyone who loves the Driftless Area. Trail Days is also a great chance to learn more about the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail project, share your ideas, and connect with the volunteers and partners helping bring this new long-distance trail to life. We'll host our first ever annual meeting in the middle of trail days - at 12:45 PM - for those who are interested in learning more directly from those involved in building this trail!
What to Expect:
Self-guided hikes on recently designated MDHT route
Interpretive hike with Paint & Hike
Raffle prizes from outdoor + local companies
Outdoor crafts + activities for all ages
Opportunities to share feedback and learn about the trail project
The event is free and open to everyone, thanks to the generous support of our sponsor. Let’s celebrate the beauty of the Driftless region and imagine what’s possible together. We’ll see you on the trail! Sponsors: Garage Grown Gear/Abode Outside/Storm Sporting Events/Smooth Toe/MN Driftless Hiking Trail


Do you know of other May 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 IA.


at
Labels: ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)