Butterfly Garden & Community Prairie (IA) Hike

While scouting for amble-worthy sites to hike in the Decorah area, I was introduced to the Butterfly Garden and Community Prairie, a large, well maintained prairie area. It has over three miles of mown trails set across from towering limestone cliffs and next to the Upper Iowa River. Not only a beautiful prairie, it is a great destination hike for any age and ability.

Once a farm field that frequently flooded, 24 years ago the city bought the land and decided to create a prairie to hold the soil and improve the water quality of the river. Through city funding and generous donations, the 105 acre site now boasts a flourishing prairie and model butterfly garden. It is one of the largest examples of planted native prairie with multiple accessible trails that I have seen in the Driftless.

Signs inviting hikers
to observe closely

The garden and prairie are found at the end of Ohio Street. The trails begin at the butterfly garden where over 60 types of native flowers and grasses are labeled and tended to. The garden is busy with insect life and introduces you to forbs you will see throughout the trails. Currently, signs are sprinkled throughout suggesting ways you can use all your senses to discover more about individual plants.

From the garden, you can pick a number of routes through the 3 miles of interconnecting trails.  There are two stunning old burr oaks that stand out on the prairies as well as a recreation of a bird effigy mound created by a local and build up as an Eagle Scout project. 

Three miles of wide, mown trails

And, of course, there are a succession of blooming plants and maturing grasses throughout the growing season. The yellows of goldenrods, sunflowers and coneflowers are much in evidence now along with Joe-Pye weed, ironweed, compassplants and cup plants. The grasses are tall and waving in the wind. Come fall, the surrounding woods and overlooks will be bursting with color. In winter, you can cross-country sky on the trails.

An information kiosk shows maps, distances, history and information and there is a covered area you can rest or picnic in - before or after your hike. 

Forested limestone cliffs
as seen from the prairie

THE HIKE:
This 105-acre native prairie wildflower planting features three miles of well-maintained and mowed grass trails. Take some time in the butterfly garden at the trailhead to see labeled examples of the over 60 native forbs that have been planted and maintained over the past 20+ years. Then head out onto the trails that are set against the backdrop of the towering forested limestone cliffs and overlooks of Phelps Park and Pulpit Rock. The Upper Iowa River runs beside it. Additional features beyond the masses of native wildflowers include two large old burr oaks and a reproduction of a bird effigy mound.

The Location:
4 Ohio St, Decorah IA
At the end of the street, continue up a narrow, paved one-lane road up and over the dike. A parking lot appears below with a kiosk and shelter to the right. A portable toilet is available on site.

A view towards Pulpit Rock

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Nodding onion

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 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

Looking for Mosquito-free Hikes?

Because most of our state has been in drought and experienced some very high temperatures this summer, the woods and wetlands had fewer mosquitoes. I even found myself taking a few woods and wetlands walks...which is very unusual for me.

But recent torrential rains around the Driftless brought on a bumper crop of late season mosquitoes. I answered a recent post on our local community Facebook group asking for ideas for places to hike mosquito-free. 

While midday hiking can usually result in fewer mosquitoes, it does result in increased heat as the days warm up. Morning and evening hiking in most woods and wetlands can mean hordes of skeeters.

So here are a few suggestions to try to help us avoid the worst of mosquitoes for the next month until cold weather returns and slows them down. And if you do decide to go on favorite hikes in mosquito land, be sure to armor up. One can hike in a cloud of mosquitoes, bite-free - but it isn't always cool or fun!

Mosquito-less (mostly) Hikes in the Driftless

Holland Sand Prairie - W7781 County Road MH, Holmen WI

This wide open sand prairie has mowed trails around it's perimeter and gorgeous native flowers and grasses throughout the summer and fall. The butterflies, bumblebees and other insect life is teeming here as well.

Brice Prairie Visitor's Center, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge - N5727 Cty Rd Z, Onalaska WI

Aspahlt and gravel trails wind around the perimeter and through amazing native prairie plants and grasses. Be sure to check out the Lake Onalaska lookout and the Visitor's Center. Restrooms available.

Beaver Creek Valley State Park - 15954 County Rd 1, Caledonia, MN

There are very few mosquitoes in this narrow wooded valley with the clear Beaver Creek rushing through it. The trails along the stream out to the prairie are flat and quiet hikers will often see deer.

Whitewater State Park - 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN

Another park with some high valley walls as well as running water in their streams keeps mosquitoes way down. The moving water makes a difference. Trails take you to fabulous lookouts and small wild remnant prairies.

Apple Blossom Overlook Park -  169 County Hwy 1, Dakota, MN

Stay up on the prairie trails for spectacular river views and awesome native prairie plants on display. If you dip down into the woods, you WILL be meeting mosquitoes, so stay high, my friends!

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge - W28488 Refuge Rd, Trempealeau, WI

The Prairie's Edge Loop trail is a great spot to see dry sand prairie plants and avoid the mosquitoes that can hide on shadier trails. You can hike, bike or drive this loop.

Butterfly Garden and Community Prairie - 4 Ohio St, Decorah, IA

This well-maintained garden identifies plants and pollinators at the entrance. Then head out on multiple mown trail loops to enjoy the wider restored native prairie surrounded by the Upper Iowa River and nearby limestone cliffs.

Mathy Quarry - N3065 County Road FA, La Crosse, WI

Stay out of the woods and head up to the prairie and down to the quarry to enjoy prairie flowers and the quarry walls.

New Amsterdam Grasslands - W7900 Old NA, New Amsterdam, WI

The entire trail system of mowed grass trails is once again open on this 310 acre grassland prairie (most of the trails are closed May-July to support undisturbed nesting of grassland birds during their breeding season). 

In general, look for prairies or trails near running water to keep mosquito action down. There are plenty of places to enjoy bite-free! And our woods and wetlands will be great to get back to in fall!

Images - Marge Loch-Wouters

Summer’s Best Driftless Prairie Hikes

Sugar Creek Bluff prairie

Let's celebrate National Prairies Day on Saturday June 6! And what better way to celebrate than hiking one of the many prairies in the Driftless regions of MN, WI and IA? Check the following list of over 30 prairie hikes to find some new spots to explore and enjoy.

The prairies listed feature fairly flat, dry sand prairies that are easily accessible for gentle hikes, to blufftop prairies remnants you earn with a significant gain in elevation, to goat prairies that are extremely steep and challenging. 

Summer is the very best season to enjoy these gems, many of which are maintained and restored by groups like the Mississippi Valley Conservancy, The Prairie Enthusuaists and the Friends of the Blufflands, Park and Rec Departments and Friends groups among others. There are many familiar as well as rare plants you can enjoy. 

Here are a few of my favorite prairie hikes to celebrate the summer in. You can click on the title for hike descriptions/locations. I've also graded the hikes on level of difficulty so you can match the destination to your ability.  

Goat/Hill Prairies

Hixon Forest Prairies, La Crosse WI - moderate to difficult

A literal  prairie "string of pearls," on this hike take you to numerous goat prairies (and spectacular views) in various stages of restoration thanks to TPE, Friends of the Blufflands and the city. You can reach the closest three prairies by doing a 2.3 mile loop or extend the hike to reach Vista and Stry prairies to the east. The hiking to the first three prairies has some ups and downs but is relatively moderate.

"String of Pearls"prairies in yellow
City of La Crosse Park and Recreation map

Great River Bluff State Park, Nodine MN - moderately easy

The King's Bluff trail is notable for its fine hill prairies along its route. From pasque flowers in the early spring all the way through the asters of fall, the prairies here never disappoint. Restoration work is ongoing at this state park and SNA. And, of course, the views of the Mississippi River and Queen's bluff at the end of the out-and-back trail are worth the price of your MN annual park sticker. 

Marowski Bluff, Ferryville WI - moderate to difficult
Recently acquired and protected by The Prairie Enthusiasts, this steep bluffside prairie is being actively restored by their Coulee Region chapter. A kiosk with information about the property and its donor, Dr. Marowski greets the public at a small cul de sac. The prairie and encircling woods features a large number of plants. While there are no signed trails, for the wandering prairie enthusiast, there are treasures to be found along its steep slopes.

Sugar Creek Bluff, Ferryville, WI - moderate

This Mississippi Valley Conservancy property features a steep restored and carefully maintained prairie at the end of an out-and-back forest walk of about a 1.5 miles. Spectacular views of the Mississippi River and MN bluffs along with a rich prairie environment await. 

Rush Creek Bluff SNA, Ferryville WI - very challenging

You earn this goat prairie after a steep hike up an old logging road. Those in the know can also walk south from the parking lot and bushwhack up from the bottom  - the lower third of the hike up the south esast side of the bluff is full of rare and amazing prairie plants. Not for the faint of hear or body.

Perrot State Park - Trempealeau WI - moderate to difficult

Brady's bluff trail takes you through a large steep goat prairie south of the shelter at the top. Flowering spurge is quite prominent but sharp-eyed hikers will spot other prairie stalwarts on the steep slope. 

Dry Sand Prairies

Kellogg Weaver Dunes SNA
Image - MN DNR

Kellogg Weaver Dunes SNA, Wabasha County, MN - moderate

Have your trails app on and explore this trailless series of sand dunes near the Mississppi River. Your reward is sightings of rare flora, fauna and insects throughout the growing season - including the elusive fameflower. There are patches of poison ivy throughout so stay alert but don't let that stop you from exploring this amazing ecosystem.

Holland Sand Prairie, Holmen WI  - easy

This Mississippi Valley Conservancy property near the edge of a subdivision is a riot of prairie plants. Regular prescribed burns make this tract one of the best destinations for frequent return trips to see the constant carpets of ever-changing, blooming prairie plants. Easy.

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Trempealeau WI - easy

While best known for it's migratory birds and wetlands, the refuge has a spectacular trail that hugs a series of old sand dunes and is a riot of dry sand prairie forbs and grasses. The hills in late May to early June are carpeted in blue wild lupines but any time in the summer you can find colorful prairie plants on this flat trail suitable for any ability. 

Upper Mississippi River National Fish & Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Onalaska WI - easy

Located at N5727 County Rd Z, Onalaska, WI on Brice Prairie, the "trails begin at the visitor center and wind through a restored sand prairie. Paved pathways lead from the visitor center to the Lake Onalaska Overlook, connecting to longer packed gravel loops along the way. Plenty of native prairie plants provide year round color and are a-buzz with wildlife from late spring through fall. Outdoor restrooms are available year round." This is always a beautiful and well-maintained prairie. 

Borah Creek Prairie SNA, Fennimore WI - moderate to challenging.
This sand prairie in southwest WI stretches over acres. There are few trails but walking right into the prairie itself reveals an ever-changing variety of forbs, grasses, birds and insects.

Bluff-top Mini-Remnant Prairies

These lovely little jewels are a reward at or near the top of bluff hikes. While small, they are stunning in their variety, full of rare and familiar native plants. They are seldom burned or maintained so can be overgrown but are rewarding for the welcome pops of color when coming out from forest trails. These hikes can sometimes be difficult due to steep elevation changes.

• Vetsch Park's Stoney Point, La Crescent MN - moderately difficult

Vetsch Park's remnant prairie

• South Park, Houston MN - difficult

• Maglessen Bluff - Rushford MN - easy from park top

• Beaver Creek Valley State Park , Hole-in-the-Rock Trail- Caledonia MN - moderately difficult

• Yellow River State Forest, Luster Heights Unit - Harper's Ferry, IA - easy

• Yellow River State Forest, Paint Rock Unit - Harper's Ferry, IA - moderately difficult

• Greens Coulee/Savannah Oaks, Onalaska WI - difficult

• Eagles Bluff, La Crescent MN - moderate

• Wildwood Trail, Bluffside Park - Winona MN - easy

• Chickadee Trail, Bluffside Park, Winona MN - easy

• Reno Quarry Trail - Reno, MN - moderate

• Whitewater State Park (especially Dakota Trail and Eagle Point trails), Altura MN - difficult

Open Prairies

These prairies are fairly large and found at or near the top of bluffs.

• Easter Road Hass Conservancy, La Crosse WI - moderate to difficult

• Upper Hixon Forest Thompson Prairie Loop - County FA, La Crosse WI - easy

• Effigy Mounds National Monument, Harper's Ferry, IA - moderate to difficult

• Norwegian Ridge Nature Trail, Spring Grove MN - moderate

• Apple Blossom Overlook Park, Winona MN - moderately easy

Pollinator Gardens

I am including some planted "pollinator gardens" because they boast a stunning variety of prairie forbs, grasses and pollinating insects - and a few provide more accessible hikes for all abilities.

Community Prairie and Butterfly Garden - Decorah IA - easy

This city butterfly garden and prairie was originally planted in 2002 to protect water quality on the Upper Iowa River.  Start at the butterfly garden to learn what's in bloom and observe pollinators close-up. Then head into the expansive prairie to put your new forb knowledge to the test. There are 2 miles of mowed trails under Decorah's limestone cliffs, making it a lovely summer walk at whatever length and path you choose.

Vetsch Park, La Crescent MN - easy

A huge swath of pollinator plants (and insects) greet you at the parking lot of this park. You can follow the easy, sunny, mowed trails suitable for anyone of any ability. If you want to see a small remnant hill prairie, head up the spiderweb of trails to the top at Stoney Point for delicate wildflowers and prairie plants clinging to the hillside.

Mathy Quarry, La Crosse WI - easy

This Mississippi Valley Conservancy and City of La Crosse property has some great restored pollinator prairies full of insect and bird life. Trails can be hilly but one or two are flatter and bring you up to great views on your way to and from the pollinator prairies.

Lemon cuckoo bumblebee
gathering pollen on a coneflower

Shelby Butterfly Gardens, Shelby WI - moderate to difficult

These scout-project gardens sit atop a bluff. While not continuously maintained and so are a bit rough with some invasives, there are still abundant flowers and insect life that await you at the end of your bluff climb.

Lake Park Walk Pollinator Gardens, Winona MN - easy

Along the north shore of East Lake, there are a number of shoreline pollinator gardens with a variety of native prairie flower blooms from spring to fall. The paved asphalt makes this path accessible for any ability.

Whitewater State Park, Altura MN - easy

The Meadow Trail (first parking lot on your left if coming in from the south) has a robust sand prairie combined with stream views and rock wall views as you cross footbridges and wander this area. Very easy and flat.

I hope you can head out and enjoy some prairie beauty this summer and fall. Be sure to let me know in comments what other prairies you know about. I'd love to hike them and tell everyone. To read more about remnant prairies, please stop here.

See you on the trails!

[Note: this post is an updated list of prairie hikes originally published June 6, 2025 ]

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Holland Sand Prairie
Image - Kris Lawson

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.

Wyalusing (WI) State Park Bluff Trail

The beginning of the trail
Image - Kris Lawson

Wyalusing State Park has many amazing bluff and prairie trails to wander up and down on. If you don't mind heights and a few vertiginous spots on a narrow bluffside trail - and are down for finding absolute carpets of spring ephemerals and a rare geological wonder, the Bluff Trail is a particularly stunning one to hike.

This short 0.9 mile trail begins in the large parking lot leading to the Lookout Point viewshed (just past the junction of Long Valley Rd). From the parking lot, you walk down a paved path to a spectacular view overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. Don't be surprised to get an eye level view of bald eagles circling on thermals on sunny days. There is also a marker commemorating Marquette and Joliet's landing in the 1670's.

So many wildflowers
Image - Kris Lawson

From the lookout, turn right and begin your descent to the trailhead. This hill is lush with ephemerals. Sharplobe hepatica, shooting stars, Jack-in-the-pulpit, bellworts, bishop's cap, anemones, trilliums and Solomon seal are just a few of the succession of forbs you’ll see in April through early June.

River views & steep slopes

At the trailhead, turn left onto a series of rock and wood/dirt steps that quickly descend over 170 feet to the fairly level but narrow dirt trail. On your left side are sharp drops but stunning views of the Wisconsin River and bluffs along the Mississippi River. On your right side, you will be treated to towering limestone cliffs and hillsides full of ephemerals.

Many of these limestone cliffs feature algific (cold air) talus (loose rock) slopes. They are a geological wonder. These rare, steep, north-facing slopes are found mostly in the Driftless region of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and especially in Iowa. The slopes vent out cool air during warm seasons. 

What causes these slopes and venting?

Outside temp

The habitat and ecosystem associated with algific talus slopes are the result of the limestone's slow erosion. That erosion creates porous fractures throughout the limestone. There is a slate or shale layer beneath the limestone that is impermeable.  So the water stays at that barrier and freezes during the winter. As it slowly melts in warmer weather, the water vapor and cooled air flow out of multiple fractures and vents in the rocks in the surrounding area. This cooler air results in a habitat supporting rare flowers and invertebrates that thrive in moist, cool environments and limestone soils.

Temp inside the cliff air vent

When I left a thermometer in one of the vents while we walked the trail on an out-and-back hike during a day in the low 80s, on our return to retrieve the thermometer, the air in the vent clocked in at 50F! That was a fun experiment.

Land snail shell

In my hikes on Bluff Trail in the last few weeks, these cool north-facing slopes were full of tiny mollusk shells, a profusion of bulblet bladderferns and shooting stars (which love limestone soils), great-scented liverwort and woodsy thyme moss among many other ephemerals including two-leaf miterwort, bellflowers, drooping trilliums, Jack-in-the-pulpits and smooth and false Solomon's seal.

Cool-air vents in the keyhole
Image - Kris Lawson

You can choose this out-and-back route for a pretty gorgeous 1.8 mile hike that affords spectacular river views on the way back. As you return, stand in the keyhole opening to the right of the initial first flight of stone steps.You will be blasted by cool air venting out as you stand there. From mid-May through October 1, you can pass through the keyhole to Treasure Cave down steep steps and then up steep steps into it. The cave is closed from October through mid-May. This is a bat hibernaculum for the little brown bat, a protected species.

You can also take advantage of other options to create a loop hikes from Bluff Trail if you prefer. These options include: 

• taking your first right up a steep hill to the campground road and hiking the road past campers and views (.8 miles on that part of the loop)
• continuing on to the second right on Old Wagon Road trail to make a loop to a parking area and following the road back (.8 miles on that part of the loop)
• turning left on Immigrant Trail and descending to the river level before heading back up to return to the parking lot (for an additional 2.6 miles). Caution: as of May 2026, the trail is temporarily closed due to flooding

No matter which way you take, don't miss the Bluff trail portion.You'll be glad you took it.

The confluence of the Wisconsin (right) and Mississippi (left) rivers

THE HIKE

A spring beauty still thrives in cold vented air

A short 1.8 mile out-and-back hike descends 174 feet down stone and wood steps to a narrow dirt trail along steep algific talus limestone cliffs. This vented cool-air habitat is a spring ephemeral and rare species paradise of lush growth and some rare limestone-loving plants. Spectacular views of the rivers and surrounding bluffs and communities makes the campground 200 feet above the trail feel miles away. An out-and-back hike on this trail is worth any brief vertiginous moment you may experience (pro tip: keep your eyes to the flower and fern covered slope if you do experience dizziness). Moderate due to slope and descent.

The Location
Wyalusing State Park, 13081 State Park Road, Bagley WI

Past the entrance's Visitor Center,  stay on the main road. After Long Valley Rd, take the first left into the parking lot for Lookout Point. The trail begins to the right of the lookout.

Images, unless notes - Marge Loch-Wouters

Bulblet bladderfern loves limestone soils and cool air vents

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 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

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.

Fish Farm Mounds (IA) Trails

Just south of New Albin IA, you can find a wonderful wild set of forested trails in the Fish Farm Mounds State Preserve. 

Indigenouse burial mounds
at Fish Farm Mounds

The preserve primarily features a group of 30 conical burial mounds from the indigenous Woodland people that you can reach after climbing stone steps next to parking area up to the terrace they were built on. Because they are located on a terrace above the highway, they seem like a hidden treasure - I seldom see people there.

Another hidden hidden treasure are the series of unmarked trails that can be found beside and behind the mounds in the preserve.There are two major trails that I will focus on although there are definitely more. If you want to explore others, it's a great spot to do it!

Both trails begin from the same place, to the immediate north of the mounds terrace. There is a well-worn dirt trail that heads directly west. The terrain takes you over a series of rolling hills and ridges with steep washes and valleys between them. Along the trail you'll see plants, fungi and a wide variety of hardwood trees as the trail climbs and dips. Before long you will come to an intersection. 

Lower valley trail

To do a shorter, easier hike of a little under 2 miles, stay on the main trail you're on at the intersection. Watch on your right hand side for evidence of a badger's den - sandy dirt in piles next to large openings. You will continue to head upwards until you hit a turn to the right in the trail and cross the valley to the other side (about 3/4 mile in). You'll now be heading east and back to your start. The winding path gives you about 350 of elevation gain which makes this loop lots of fun.

About to head way up

The longer trail features additional elevation gain (a total of 570 feet) and some steeper, aerobic trails to reach the blufftop. To get there, at the initial intersection, take a left and follow the trail downward for a bit before heading back up. You will hit the steepest portion of the trail fairly quickly, climbing 330 feet in just over a half mile. On this portion, it's nice to stop and examine moss, fungi, ferns and flowers as well as practice your tree identification skills while you catch your breath along the way.

Stone cairn

Once you reach the bluff top, the terrain is easier but the trail is not. Fewer people use it, so it is faint and leaf covered. You can discern it if you are careful. Head straight-ish until you come to another larger spur trail to your left. You can leave that for later. Keep  following the trail that curves towards the right. You are now on the way to the overlook. A stone cairn marks the spot of the main overlook. 

A view from the overlook

You'll get a great view of the Mississippi River looking south towards Lansing as well as glimpses through the trees of Kains Slough to the east. There is a small wild prairie up there as well. As you head back, take the spur, now on your right to explore some wide trails and stands of woods as well as views of the backside of that bluff. From there you can retrace your steps to the original trail and head back for a 3.1-3.3 mile hike depending on how much you explore the blufftop.

Both hikes are fun and leave you with a real sense of quiet and space in the woods. If the spring and summer are a wet ones, expect mosquito hordes so keep that in mind when planning this adventure.

If you are interested in more information on the burial mounds group, Big River Magazine published a detailed history a few years ago.

Shorter family-friendly hike
All Trails map

THE HIKE
Explore the conical burial mounds of indigenous Woodlands people and then head out on the unmarked trails to the north of the mounds terrace. A short, well-worn 2 mile loop trail heads straight west through forested rolling hills, small valleys and ridges. It is perfect for families and those who want a shorter hike. A second higher hike out-and-back higher to the top of the bluff starts by taking a left at the first trail intersection. This 3.1-3.4 mile hike has great views, a stone cairn, small prairie and wide vistas at the overlook. The trail to the overlook is very faint so caution is urged. There is a wider trail to the northwest of the overlook that joins other short trails for further explanation.

The Location

2692 IA-26, New Albin, IA. 

GPS: 43.456804002316034, -91.27848313569983

Located 6 miles south of New Albin Iowa on the west side of the highway.

3.1 mile hike to the overlook
All trails map


Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

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 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

12 Great Driftless Spring Hiking Destinations

Bloodroot twins

Now that spring is starting to pop, April and May are great months to hit the trails for the very earliest wildflowers and emerging/migrating wildlife. I am always eager to catch this season of fleeting delights.

What kinds of trails are on my go-to hike plans for the next two months? Pretty much everything all the time:

• wetlands where I can find bright pops of marsh marigolds, migrating waterfowl and warblers, awakening turtles and the sound of frog's mating calls
• woods where the fleeting, delicate spring ephemerals festoon trailsides in a succession of blooms, songbirds (including warblers) are easy to spot before leaf-out and spring mushrooms lurk in leaf litter
• prairies where early hardy plants like Pasque flower, prairie smoke, hoary puccoons, lupine and wild indigo bloom in profusion

Here is a list of my most visited spring spots.

Prairie Smoke

MINNESOTA

Great River Bluffs (MN) State Park 43605 Kipp Drive, Winona MN (off Hwy 90)
East Overlook and ridge trail along the road to the campground is moderate for elevation gains and has many early spring ephemeral wildflowers and Mississippi views. Kings Bluff trail rewards you with wildflowers along the trail and expansive prairie and stunning views of the Mississippi at its end Approximately 1.5 miles on out and back for each. Pit toilets and well-marked trails. Park map

Beaver Creek Valley (MN) State Park, 15954 County 1, Caledonia MN
Cross the bridge and look for the trail marker for Switchback Trail. Cross the creek and head steeply upward through a succession of amazing ephemerals. This trail is challenging but worth it. Or continue past this trailhead and stay on the main trail through the valley on an easy flat trail next to the trout stream (filled with native wild trout) for approximately 2-3 miles on grass trails (can be out and back or use loops to return). A hidden gem. Park Map

Whitewater (MN) State Park, 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN

Woods, wetlands and prairies are all on offer at this state park which features a trout stream, incredible rock formations and easy to challenging trails. Bluff top trails offer glimpses of fossil stromatalites beneath your feet as well as wild, flower-filled prarie remnants. If you hike here in mid-May, be sure to visit nearby Carley State Park where a breathtaking profusion of bluebells (along with ramps and other spring wildflowers) by the Whitewater River will awe you.

Vetsch Park, 722 N. 2nd St, La Crescent MN 

This park’s trails can be confusing. The lower slopes past the pollinator gardens by the parking lot are full of ephemerals. But, if you can find your way to Stoney Point (admittedly a challenge!), the early ephemerals are stunning. Ruth Nissan and Betsy Knowles, two La Crescent naturalists created a guide to the wildflower guide that is mounted on the city website. Can you find them all?

A lupine in the dew

WISCONSIN

Holland Sand Prairie, W7781 County Road MH, Holmen
Fairly flat with some rolling hills on grass/dirt trails for views of a beautiful sand prairie with abundant wildlife and wildflowers. There is a 1.3 mile boundary trail and a shorter .5 mile trail through the center of the property. Mississippi Valley Conservancy Map 

Perrot State Park  W26247 Sullivan Rd., Trempealeau WI

Local hiker Sue Knopf recommends that hikers look "from somewhat beneath the little shelter (below where most of the wooden steps stop) to the park road which is filled with shooting stars, Dutchman’s breeches, wild ginger, and anemones, and then when you get to what I call the gorge, if you’re there at the right time (end of April, beginning of May depending on the year) the rock walls are filled with trillium, yellow bellwort, ferns, and more." Also recommended is the Riverview trail at the park!

Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area, N. Buck Creek Road, Ferryville

You’re almost on the blufftop of this beautiful mixed savannah/oak prairie and mixed hardwood trail (1.5 miles out and back) that leads through an ephemeral-filled forest and out to beautiful prairie with great high views of the Mississippi River and MN/IA bluffs. There are slight elevation gains on this grass and dirt trail. Mississippi Valley Conservancy Map

Duck Egg County Park, Vernon County, Irish Road

The spring ephemerals along these trails are stunning - profuse and varied. Worth the sweat on the steep trail at the Upper Trailhead and just as good along the flat streamside trail accessed at the Lower Trailhead. Forest Map

Lytle's Landing, W8582 Lytle Rd, Holmen
This is a spring birder's paradise. Migrating waterfowl, eagles, raptors and many many migrating sonbirds can be found in March through May. This old railroad right of way, part of Wisconsin's Great River Bike Trail, invites bikers, hikers and birders to wander along its length, cross numerous bridges and enjoy the sloughs and wetlands of the Black River floodplain. Dragonflies, butterflies and turtles are also much in evidence as temps warm up. This out and back trail (the bridge 2.7 miles north of the trailhead is currently out and planned for reconstruction after a fire destroyed it) can be as long or short as you want to make it -but be sure to take your time to see all the sights.

Trillium

IOWA

Yellow River Forest Paint Rock Unit, Hwy 364 Mississippi River trailhead, Harper's Ferry IA

This riverside trailhead takes you steeply up 300 feet along a narrow ravine festooned with spring ephemerals (some at eye level). The rim trails are also great for spotting spring flora. It is a stunning display in May. Forest Unit Map . Also recommended by Sue Knopf, an avid local hiker, is another Yellow River unit, the Paint Creek unit which has carpets of bluebells and other wildflowers in the lovely forested lowlands near the park office.

Phelp's Park Trollkor's Trail, 613 Park Dr, Decorah IA

This trailhead, located by a small parking area leads you directly to a paved path (part of the larger Trout Run trail) along the Upper Iowa River that starts by algific talus slopes that host unique plant life (air -conditioned by the icy air outflowing from holes and gaps in the cliffs). Near the next trailhead, head right and climb to City Park to walk  past the CCC constructed stonework fences, walls, steps and bridges to the flower-filled woods back to the start.

Lost Canyon Valley of 13 Caves Trail,  29912 9th Avenue, Bernard, IA (near Dubuque)

This is a lovely 2.5 mile hike in spring as the ephemerals make their showing. Part of the Whitewater Canton Wildlife Area, you descend and ascend through large prairie and forested area down onto the canyon. The limestone walls encase the wide trail through a wah between them. On each side there are small and large openings and caves just begging to be explored. Follow well worn trails up to entrances and enjoy the wildflowers along your walk. Be sure to bring flashlight/headlamp to explore the cave ceilings and walls for fossilized marine remnants.

Ribbit?

If you'd like to get a peek at what flora and fauna you might expect to can be find on the trails in April, please stop here.

Let me know what's your favorite spring trail? I'll be happy to try it out!

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 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Image - Diane Palm

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.

Here Comes the Freeze Thaw Cycle

Image- Nola Larson

I know you know, but you know...

The next week+ of predicted high temps that presage coming spring are definitely going to have a deleterious effect on trails across the Driftlesss region. The freeze-thaw cycle will be kicking in despite the fact that the calendar is clearly saying February. 

I'm sharing our local ORA group's timely Wednesday Facebook post to remind you, followed by notice of road closure for access to Lower Hixon Trails.

Outdoor Recreation Alliance Facebook page

And here are trails to try that are paved/grassy/graveled to help you make alternate choices for your hiking destinations until trails firm up again.

Alternative Hiking Trails During Freeze/Thaw Cycles

• Goose Island Park along the roads near Wigwam Slough and down the slough trail along the Mississippi River south of the campground.
• La Crosse Marsh Trails (access points include Myrick Park near the dog park on N. East St off  La Crosse St or by the Nature Place; or at Riverside International Garden for paved trail.
• Chad Erickson Park, La Crosse
• Riverside Park, La Crosse
• Pettibone Park roads, La Crosse
• Lytle's Landing, Brice Prairie (or other sections of graveled bike trails - be aware that some sections get gooey/muddy)
• Reno Spillway -watch for running water and ice across the spillway and turn back if conditions are dicey. 
• Dresbach MN Hwy 90 Rest Stop - walk behind the building on the plaza and loop down to the river or hike on the shared trail past the MN sign to Dresbach, or walk down to the Lock and Dam along the road, or walk under the Hwy 90 bridge along the road down to the boat launch
• Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Visitor Center, Brice Prairie - paved and graveled paths
• Maglessen Bluff, Rushford MN - drive to the top and walk along the paved road and grassy area to overlooks
• Sugar Creek Bluff, Ferryville WI
• McGilvrey 7 Bridges, New Amsterdam WI
• Halfway Creek Park, Holmen WI
• Holland Sand Prairie, Holland WI
• Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge trails (especially the dike trails), Trempealeau WI
• Lake Park Walk, Winona MN
• Pammel Creek Trail, La Crosse WI - while you can jump on this sidewalk along the creek anywhere, a great spot is at the Shelby Hillview baseball field which has a large parking lot next to the trail.
• Veteran's Park, West Salem, WI - hike and connect up to the La Crosse River State Trail
• Wagon Wheel Trail, La Crescent MN
• Perrot State Park - walk the campground; Black Walnut and Riverview trails may be accessible too.

See you on the trails!

You can read my column on seasonal hiking suggestions in the quarterly 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.