The Mississippi, Black River and La Crosse River meet in La Crosse County. This confluence provides a striking geographical setting for a region where rivers, forests and history can be experienced in different ways. Discoveries include a large wildlife area on the Black River, trails through forest landscapes and historic structures. This makes it possible to explore La Crosse through a range of interests, without reducing its natural and cultural themes to a single route.
Rivers, Forests and Trails
La Crosse County has 236 miles of trout streams. Its 963 acres of park and forest land offer opportunities for hiking and biking. These figures show different facets of the landscape: waterways shape the natural environment just as forest and park areas provide places for activities on foot or by bike. Those especially interested in waterways will find a different focus here than on an outing centered mainly on trails and forest areas.
Wildlife Areas and Birdlife
Van Loon Wildlife Area lies along the Black River in northwest La Crosse County and covers 4,003 acres. It is designated a WBCI Important Bird Area. Bird species that breed there include yellow-crowned night herons, Acadian flycatchers, cerulean warblers and prothonotary warblers. The designation and the species named make the area especially significant for anyone interested in birds and their habitats.
Another protected area is Northeast Coulee Oak Woodland: this 287-acre State Natural Area is located within the Coulee Experimental Forest in La Crosse County. Breeding birds there include yellow-billed cuckoo, eastern wood pewee, veery, wood thrush, ovenbird, mourning warbler, scarlet tanager and rose-breasted grosbeak. The two areas thus offer different ways to explore birdlife; the species listed are associated with their respective areas.
Exploring on Foot
McGilvray Road in Van Loon Wildlife Area is open to pedestrians. On foot, you can admire the bridges, explore their history, observe wildlife and experience nature. The area includes six historic McGilvray bowstring arch bridges over the Black River, built around 1892. The combination of a walking route, river and architectural history makes this place especially interesting if you want to experience nature and learn about history together. Local conditions can change; check before your visit.
Norskedalen has several miles of trails for all skill levels. The varied Pine Loop Trail is about 1.5 miles long and passes through a pine forest, by a spring and then through a mature deciduous forest. The changing forest sections offer varied trail experiences, even within a single loop. Trail conditions and seasonal closures may vary. Contact Norskedalen to ask about guided tours of the Homestead and guided hikes on the trails; confirm availability before your trip.
History in Buildings and Exhibits
The Mindoro Cut is a road cutting through a hill, built for the West Salem/Mindoro Road. The Garland Homestead was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1973. Seasonal tour hours are listed from Memorial Day through Labor Day: Monday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. Check these details before visiting, as the hours apply to seasonal tours.
The La Crosse Area Heritage Center is a curated museum operated by the La Crosse County Historical Society. Exhibits include “Ongoing Ho-Chunk Presence” and “Brewing in La Crosse County.” These topics explore both the continuing presence of the Ho-Chunk and the county’s brewing history. Exhibit content may change.
Getting Here and Planning Your Trip
La Crosse Regional Airport offers flights to Chicago, Minneapolis and Detroit. The Amtrak Borealis connects La Crosse County with Chicago and Minneapolis. Both air service and rail service are therefore relevant to trip planning. Check current flight and train schedules before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Onalaska, La Crosse, West Salem, Bangor.
Discover more destinations: Eau Claire, Crawford County, Racine County, Pierce.
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