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.
UW-La Crosse TEDx Talk
- Thursday, October 1 4:00pm
- Thursday, October 1 4:00pm
- The Bluffs, UWL Student Union, 521 East Ave. N., La Crosse.
Attendees will hear from a UWL art professor who explores how creative practice in nature can cultivate a meditation-like state of flow, a UWL geography and environmental science professor who demonstrates how drones can reveal subtle environmental changes, and a nationally-recognized songwriter who reflects how the Driftless Region’s rivers, streams, coulees and ridgetops have influenced his compositions and approach to music-making.
Tickets: Tickets are free, but advance registration is required to reserve your spot. Please bring your text or email confirmation to the event, either on your phone or as a printed copy. Reserve your spot. Parking: Parking will be available near the Student Union on levels 1-3 of UWL's North Parking Ramp, at the intersection of 16th and Farwell streets. Campus map. This year's event explores the Driftless Region through land, air and water. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At TEDxUWLaCrosse, TED Talks video and live speakers will come together to spark deep discussion and connection. Sponsor: UW-La Crosse
- running until the end of 2026 (ongoing)
- various refuge locations
2026 is America’s 250th anniversary! In honor of this milestone, Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge and the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge are inviting visitors to participate in the Refuge Relay Challenge. This special event encourages everyone to explore locations where you can enjoy unique recreation and wildlife watching opportunities! Fish and wildlife are resources that belong to all Americans. Working with partners, we strive to ensure that the rich diversity of species found within our national wildlife refuges are sustained for generations to come. Learn more about YOUR national wildlife refuges by independently exploring at least three of fifteen locations listed below where you can find access to bank fishing opportunities, access to a land or water trails, or watch wildlife through the seasons. Take a selfie or identifying photo at that location to prove that you visited. Bring your three photos to one of the locations in this pdf to show them off and earn a FREE special patch! Sponsors: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge/Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge - Thursday, Oct 1 10:00am (repeats weekly on Thursdays-Mondays until October 31)
- Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA
Join us for a free ranger-guided hike to Fire Point overlook starting at 10:00 a.m. This hike is a 2-mile roundtrip that will take about 2 hours total. There is a 350ft elevation gain going up 5 switchbacks on the woodchipped trail. There will be frequent stops on this hike as the ranger will be providing information about the resources of the park. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear. Bringing bug spray is recommended. Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument - Friday, Oct 2 1:00pm (repeats weekly on Fridays-Sundays until October 31)
- Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA
Join us for a free ranger-guided hike along the Yellow River Boardwalk trail. This hike is a 1-mile roundtrip that will take about 1 hour total. This is a wheelchair accessible trail along a recycled-plastic boardwalk to the Yellow River bridge. There will be frequent stops on this hike as the ranger will be providing information about the resources of the park. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear. Bringing bug spray is recommended. Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument- Friday, Oct 2 2:30pm (repeats weekly on Fridays-Sundays until October 31)
- Mounds National Monument, 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA
Free “Pop-Up” programs are ranger-led activities or talks. These programs can be focused on a variety of topics and are ranger’s choice. Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument
- Saturday, October 3 9:00 am
- Frontenac (MN) State Park, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
Walk through a mixed habitat of prairie and woodland looking for late migrating and over-wintering birds. The trail is mowed grass and is well maintained. Bring your binoculars or borrow some from the park office. No need to register. Meet at the shower building kiosk. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park Association Friends Group - Saturday, October 3 9:30-11:30am
- The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse WI
Join us for a free family event at The Nature Place on the first Saturday of each month. Each event provides a unique seasonal opportunity to learn about the critters and nature patterns found within our region's ecosystem. If you have a question about the event, please reach out to our Community Programs Manager, Steph Hanna at Steph.Hanna@natureplacelacrosse.org **Weather notices or immediate updates regarding one of these events will be shared on our FB stories the day of the event. Sponsor: The Nature Place
- Saturday, October 3 10:00am-noon
- Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, W327 Wisconsin 35,Fountain City, WI
Join us for a fall stroll through the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge - a perfect place for birdwatching! You will have the opportunity to take in the fall colors with a beautiful backdrop of the bluffs and identify birds along the way. This event will be self-guided with stations setup where you can use the binoculars we provide as well as a few bird identification books. It is one way in and one way out, so our event leader, Sara Nordgren, will have information, maps, & signage up at the start of the trail for all participants. Additional directions/parking information: There is a trail called "River Bottoms Road" that connects to the "Oxbow Dike" that we will use for this event. It takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to walk the whole thing. If the parking lot fills up, there is overflow parking at the Town of Buffalo Park. This park connects to the Flyway Trail and is less than a five minute walk to the trailhead from the overflow parking location. Free to Attend! Registration and signed waiver required. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative - Saturday, October 3 11:00am-6:00pm
- Community Trail Farm, W5723 WI-33, La Crosse WI
Join us for a day celebrating the opening of the parking lot and entryway at the Community Trail Farm. Our partners at Dahl Automotive and the Ford Bronco Wild Fund will be on hand with Broncos to view, highlight the fund’s efforts, and you can sign up for your chance to win a free Bronco! At 11:00 a.m. the family fun activities kick off featuring a climbing wall, food trucks, guided hikes, nature-based art, a scavenger hunt, and so much more! All family activities are free, with food available for purchase from the food trucks. Sponsors: ORA, Dahl Automotive/Bronco Wild Fund
- Saturday, October 3 4:00-5:00pm
- Whitewater 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 and still conserve these awesome creatures. For more InformationCall 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park - Saturday, October 3 5:30-6:30pm
- Whitewater State Park - South Picnic Area, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Come learn all about nature's architects. We will learn about the adaptations that allow these amazing mammals to thrive in the Whitewater Valley. During the program we will also take a short walk and look at the construction project currently underway. For more information, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
- Saturday, October 3 7:30- 9:30pm
- Wyalusing (WI) State Park, Huser Observatory, , 13081 State Park Lane, Bagley, WIStar Splitters host free monthly programs during warm months with presentations and telescope viewings. Contact: www.starsplitters.org, starsplitterswsp@gmail.com Sponsors: Star Splitters of Wyalusing
- Wednesday, October 7 11:00 - 11:45am
- Holmen Library, 121 W.Legion St, Holmen WI
Enjoy nature walks, stories, and activities designed to foster eco-literacy and fun for all ages. Explore the local trails as fall sets in. We'll get to know the Halfway Creek Trail. 45 minutes | Weather permitting. No registration necessary. More info: 608 526-4198. Sponsor: La Crosse County Library - Friday, October 9 11:00 - 11:45am
- Great River Landing, 101 Irvin St, Onalaska WI
Enjoy nature walks, stories, and activities designed to foster eco-literacy and fun for all ages. Explore the local trails as fall sets in. We'll explore the Great River State Trail. 45 minutes | Weather permitting. No registration necessary. More info: 608 526-4198. Sponsor: La Crosse County Library - Saturday, October 10 8-10:00am
- La Crosse Blufflands, Kaplan Tract (directions will be mailed to registrants the week of the event)
Join us for a fall hike through the La Crosse Blufflands as we search for mushrooms and lichens in one of the most beautiful settings in our area. Guided by mycologist Sadie Hickey, this educational workshop will give participants the opportunity to learn about mushroom identification specific to the Driftless Area. Participants will be able to share their findings and get assistance from Sadie with mushroom identification as they hike. Mushroom hunting is a popular way to enjoy the seasons. In September, hikers in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area may be lucky enough to find such varieties as honey mushrooms, chicken-of-the-woods, hen-of-the-woods, turkey tail, and puff ball mushrooms. There are also a number of lookalikes that can be poisonous, so it is a great opportunity to explore with someone who has experience identifying fungi. Sadie is an experienced botanist and mycologist with an interest in all the life that surrounds us. The hike will be focused on finding mushrooms, but we will discuss any plants, lichens, or other organisms of interest we encounter. Bring a curious mind, a good pair of shoes, and dress for the weather. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this FREE event by October 8 (or until filled). This event is part of the Conservancy’s 2024 Linked to the Land series of outdoor learning experiences in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, sponsored by our members with support from WXOW / News 19. With questions or to get on a cancellation list, contact Karen Solverson at Karen@mississippivalleyconservancy.org or call 608-784-3606 ext 8. Sponsor: Mississippi Conservancy
Join us for a fall hike through the La Crosse Blufflands as we search for mushrooms and lichens in one of the most beautiful settings in our area. Guided by mycologist Sadie Hickey, this educational workshop will give participants the opportunity to learn about mushroom identification specific to the Driftless Area. Participants will be able to share their findings and get assistance from Sadie with mushroom identification as they hike. Mushroom hunting is a popular way to enjoy the seasons. In September, hikers in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area may be lucky enough to find such varieties as honey mushrooms, chicken-of-the-woods, hen-of-the-woods, turkey tail, and puff ball mushrooms. There are also a number of lookalikes that can be poisonous, so it is a great opportunity to explore with someone who has experience identifying fungi. Sadie is an experienced botanist and mycologist with an interest in all the life that surrounds us. The hike will be focused on finding mushrooms, but we will discuss any plants, lichens, or other organisms of interest we encounter. Bring a curious mind, a good pair of shoes, and dress for the weather. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this FREE event by October 8 (or until filled). This event is part of the Conservancy’s 2024 Linked to the Land series of outdoor learning experiences in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, sponsored by our members with support from WXOW / News 19. With questions or to get on a cancellation list, contact Karen Solverson at Karen@mississippivalleyconservancy.org or call 608-784-3606 ext 8. Sponsor: Mississippi Conservancy
- Saturday, October 10 8:00am-11:00am
- Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Lanesboro, MN
Join the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail this fall for Driftless Discovery, a hike series. Each month, MDHT will be offering a guided environmental education hike at a location across the trail corridor, followed by a social for hikers to get to know one another, celebrate the progress on the trail, and share in the excitement about this project. Spots are limited and registration is required. To register or for more information for the hike, send us an email to director@mndriftlesshikingtrail.org requesting a spot. You may register yourself and others - if you are signing up others, please be sure to include their names in your email. A special thank you to our title sponsor, Aefintyr! Thank you for supporting our fall hike series - we couldn't do this without you! We hope to catch you on this Driftless Discovery hike! Sponsor: Driftless Hiking Trail
Join the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail this fall for Driftless Discovery, a hike series. Each month, MDHT will be offering a guided environmental education hike at a location across the trail corridor, followed by a social for hikers to get to know one another, celebrate the progress on the trail, and share in the excitement about this project. Spots are limited and registration is required. To register or for more information for the hike, send us an email to director@mndriftlesshikingtrail.org requesting a spot. You may register yourself and others - if you are signing up others, please be sure to include their names in your email. A special thank you to our title sponsor, Aefintyr! Thank you for supporting our fall hike series - we couldn't do this without you! We hope to catch you on this Driftless Discovery hike! Sponsor: Driftless Hiking Trail
- Saurday, October 10 10:00 am
- Yellow River State Forest (more details to come. Check their FB page)
Take in the beauty of autumn’s changing colors with Assistant Naturalist Melissa. We will also discuss some basics of tree identification. The hike be about 1.5 miles and will cover rough terrain with some steep hills. Be prepared with sturdy shoes, water, and a light snack. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and all dogs must be kept on a leash. Check our Facebook page for location details in the coming weeks. Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation Board - Saturday, October 10 7:00-9:00pm
- Tunnelville Cliffs northern entrance, near La Farge WI
This year’s guided walk offers a chance to explore the autumn sky—planets, stars, and distant galaxies—while also tuning in to the sounds of nighttime life on the prairie. The walk is part of Mississippi Valley Conservancy’s 2026 Linked to the Land outdoor learning series, sponsored by donations from our members and in-kind support from WXOW / News 19. Leading the way will be Susan Cushing and John Heasley. Susan is a Master Naturalist, experienced Environmental Educator with Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and Secretary of the Kickapoo Valley Dark Sky Initiative. She will lead a discussion about the prairie at Tunnelville and share updates about preserving the night. John is the founder of Driftless Stargazing and will guide participants in observing the night sky with tips for how to find things with the naked eye or a simple pair of binoculars. The meet-up for this event is at the corner of Husker Hollow Road and Tunnelville Road, just a couple of miles west of La Farge. ANY UPDATES OR CANCELATIONS WILL SENT BY EMAIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT. Registration required. For additional details on schedule, precise directions, items to bring, and registration, please stop here.Saturday, October 10
Sunday, Octber 25 - Registration opens for Saturday November 21 Owl Prowl
November 21 Owl Prowl (4:00-7:00pm)
- International Owl Center, 126 E Cedar St., Houston, MN
We start with a 30-45 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. For more detailed information, click here. Sponsor: International Owl Center
- Sunday, October 10 2:00-4:00pm
- Iowisota Retreat and Nature Education Center, 2472 IA -26, Lansing IA
This is a free guided hike for women. Topic is dependent on what is currently happening in the forest. Format is informal, so that we can learn from each other and enjoy a chance to be out in nature. For Oct 2026 walk, will see what the color is like on the hillsides and decide destination. This is an opportunity to go on a hike in the woods with "the girls" and learn from each other. I may be able to schedule these about once a month in 2026, I'm open to suggestions of time. Location will usually be Iowisota (but might vary over time). Topic will be dependent on what is currently happening in the forest, and what participants are interested in. The format will be informal, so that we can all learn from each other and enjoy a chance to be out together in nature. We'll probably spend up to a couple of hours on a hike, but can vary the time depending on participants interest and schedule. We'll try to keep our group to under 15 people. There is no charge. Linda Haugen (co-owner of Iowisota) will be the leader/host. If you have questions, feel free to email Linda at Iowisota@gmail.com, or call (563)538-6510. Why a "womens" hike?? Linda was been involved in the Minnesota Womens Woodland Network (mnwwn.org) for many years, and learned the power and joy of women sharing knowledge of the outdoors with each other. We can capture a similar experience here. Don't worry men, there are other opportunities when we'll welcome you. Sponsor: Iowisota Retreat and Education Center
- Thursday, October 15 10:00 - 10:45 am
- Whitewater State Park Visitor Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
As the days get shorter, trees slowly close off the connection to their leaves. This change gives us an amazing display of yellows, oranges and reds. During this program we will play a game that helps us understand the why and how behind our annual fall colors. This program is great for young and old. For more Information, Call 507-312-2300. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park - Friday, October 16 10:00 -11:00 am
- Whitewater 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 and still conserve these awesome creatures. For more information, call 507-312-2300. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
- Friday, October 16 Noon-3:00 pm
- Whitewater State Park Visitor Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Join us on a crisp fall hike to points unknown. Whitewater has a few spectacular views that have remained hidden from even the most seasoned visitor. During this hike we will leave the trails behind us, as we venture out into a little used part of the park. No dogs allowed. Distance 3.2 Miles, Elev. Gain 350ft. Reservations are required. Email Jeremy.darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
- Saturday, October 17 10:00am - noon
- Whitewater State Park Visitor Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
During this 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 more information, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park- Saturday, October 17, 2026 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Community Trail Farm, W5723 WI-33, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
Join us for the Tails and Trails Wellness Event, a one-of-a-kind outdoor celebration of pets, people, and the path to healthier living! We are partnering with Coulee Region Humane Society for a day out outdoor wellness and to celebrate the opening of the Community Trail Farm. This event brings together animal lovers, wellness advocates, and outdoor enthusiasts for a day filled with tail-wagging fun and feel-good activities. From hiking and pet-friendly fitness to wellness vendors, treats, and live demos, there’s something for everyone—two- and four-legged alike! Come touch grass with us and your dogs! Sponsors: ORA/Goulee Region Humane Society
- Saturday, October 24 9;30-11:30am
- Holzinger Trail System, 925 West Lake Boulevard, Winona, MN
Fall is here! This season is such a wonderful time to get outside and explore in Winona as the leaves have started to change and the air is becoming crisp. For the last Wilderness Weekend of the 2026 season we will take some time to get out on the trails one last time to observe the changes that fall brings, while also looking for fungi that may pop up as the weather cools and discuss how they play a vital role in our ecosystem and the process of decomposition. This family friendly event will be a fun, educational way to start off a fall filled weekend! 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 and signed waiver required
- Saturday, October 24 5:30-6:30pm
- Whitewater State Park - South Picnic Area, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Come learn all about nature's architects. We will learn about the adaptations that allow these amazing mammals to thrive in the Whitewater Valley. During the program we will also take a short walk and look at the construction project currently underway. For more information, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
Do you know of other October 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.
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