8 minute read
Parks
◆ Ef gy Mounds National Monument The monument is located three miles north of Marquette, Iowa, off Highway 76 and is open year round. Ef gy Mounds National Monument was established in 1949 to preserve outstanding examples of earthworks created by the ancestors of modern day American Indian tribes. More than 1,000 years ago, these people began constructing large earthen mounds in the shapes of mammals, birds and other animals. The monument contains 2,526 acres with 206 mounds, of which 31 are ef gies. The visitor center contains museum exhibits and a book sales outlet. Visitors may hike among the mounds, see spectacular views from bluffs along the Mississippi River, and experience more than 100 acres of prairie by venturing onto several miles of hiking trails. In the summer months, ranger-led programs are often available. Inquire at the Visitor Center for schedules and availability, 563-873-3491, 151 Hwy 76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146. www.nps.gov/efmo.
Lodging
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37502 US Hwy 18 Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
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◆ Lawler Park Located on the west side of St. Feriole Island, features gardens, picnicking, playgrounds, and a river walk with interpretive markers detailing the many layers of Prairie du Chien history. The park is named for railroad tycoon, businessman, and philanthropist John Lawler, best known for building an innovative pontoon railroad bridge. Picnic shelters may be reserved by calling the City Park and Rec Department at 608-326-7207.
Lodging
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A beautiful, modern and secluded 4-bedroom home on 122 acres, near the famous Gays Mills apple orchards. A fully state inspected and licensed vacation rental house.
15662 Vance Road Soldiers Grove, WI 54655 608-624-3429 www.lonesomehollow.com homestead@mwt.net
Clean Comfortable Affordable We’ll leave the light on for you!
To make your reservation Call: 608-326-8404 - 800-356-5850 Email: motel6pduc@gmail.com Website: motel6.com
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◆ La Riviere Park La Riviere Park is a 300 acre nature park located on Vineyard Coulee Road in SE Prairie du Chien. The park is managed for its natural beauty, wild plants, and wildlife. There are 6 miles of nature/hiking trails, 6 miles of horse trails that link to trails on adjacent private property, a 6 acre horse camp with electrical hookups and water, and 3 primitive walk-in campsites in the park. All camping is free. The barn on this former working farm is now a picnic shelter. In the picnic area is a new shelter with access to water and ushing toilets. Reservations for special events at either shelter can be made by calling the Prairie du Chien City Hall at 608-326-7207. You can also enjoy a picnic under a large elm tree in the picnic area. An archery range, managed by the Prairie Rod and Gun Club, is located off Wildernest Road. Winter activity includes snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. Wildlife abounds in this nature park. Everything from jumping mice to deer and wild turkeys can be seen here. Pocket gopher mounds can be seen in prairie habitat. Bath houses provide roosting and nesting at two locations. The park is a statewide and regionally known birding area where birders can enjoy birding activity, especially the fall and spring migrations. Food-producing plantings provide food for birds and other animals. A bird blind along the Bird Bath Trail allows for easy viewing of birds coming for water at a bird bath. Two chimney swift towers provide nesting sites for the swifts. Nesting birds, including the Scarlet Tanager, Pileated Woodpecker, and Carolina Wren can be seen in the woodlands. Birds of note that have been seen at the park recently include the Yellow-breasted Chat, Mockingbird, and Henslow Sparrow. In late March and April the American Woodcock conducts its “Timberdoodle Dance”, a courtship display that is easily observed at sunset. Prairie du Chien has been a Wisconsin Bird City since 2013. The habitat management practices in place at the park is one of the reasons the city received this designation. Native prairie remnants and plantings cover over 40 acres of the park. These prairies contain populations of prickly-pear cactus, prairie milkweed (which is a Wisconsin threatened species), and the somewhat rare poppy mallow along with a variety of other owering plants and grasses. Hardwood forests contain many of the common woodland plants, but showy orchids, shooting stars, and trillium can also be seen.
◆ Mount Hosmer A 25 acre, wooded city park atop a majestic bluff overlooking the Mississippi River at Lansing, Iowa. Spectacular views of the river and its backwaters as well as vistas of three states can be seen from two overlooks. The bridge at Lansing, 30 miles north of the Marquette-Jolliet Bridge in Prairie du Chien, is the northern gateway to Crawford County.
◆ Nelson Dewey State Park Located across from Stone eld Village in Cassville, WI. Part of the original estate of Wisconsin’s rst governor, Nelson Dewey. Features a panoramic overlook of the Mississippi River. Indian mounds, camping, hiking, picnicking, playground, bird and wildlife observation area. Weekend and holiday tours of the home and grounds. Park information call 608-725-5374, camping reservations call 888-947-2757. Lodging
• Family Reunions, Wedding Parties Motorcycle Groups, and Pets Welcome!
Located on the highest point in Grant County 5821 Hwy. 18 W., Fennimore, WI adno=21507225 min. east of Prairie du Chien, WI www.fenmorehillsmotel.com 608.822.3281
Prairie Motel
Quiet nights, Comfortable rooms • Rooms Adj. - Family Rooms In-room coffee • Free local phone calls • Special amenities Restaurant & lounge adjacent • Free high speed internet All rooms have refrigerators & microwaves Additional discount on week days
◆ Pikes Peak State Park One of Iowa’s most beautiful state parks located on the highest bluff of the Mississippi River. Popular scenic overlook. A favorite spot of photographers who take majestic shots of two great rivers in any season or weather. Also contains 70 campsites, picnic grounds, waterfall, hiking and nature trails. Named for Lt. Zebulon Pike, army surveyor of the Mississippi in 1805 who suggested a fort be built on this site. Free admission to park. 32264 Pikes Peak Road, McGregor, IA, 563-873-2341. ◆ “Upper Miss” Refuge The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge provides many opportunities to hunt, sh, camp, watch wildlife or enjoy a lazy afternoon. Highlights in the Prairie du Chien area include the Sturgeon Slough Hiking Trail, (one mile trail) accessed from the rest stop located on Highway 18 between Prairie du Chien and Marquette. Displays and information at the District Of ce located at 470 Cliffhaven Road, Prairie du Chien. 608-326-0515.
Campgrounds
Scenic View Campground
420 Old Sixteen Rd. Waterville, IA 563-535-7347 Located on the Yellow River • Tenting to Full Hook-up • Seasonal Sites Available • Rental Units available Enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking
or tubing on the river! Visit our website www.scenicviewcamp.com - OR - Give us a call to make reservations! adno=215122
Camping, boating, golfi ng, dining, swimming and mini golfi ng Open from April 15th to October 15th www.sportsunlimitedcampground.com BARNYARD 9 GOLF COURSE
9 holes, 3 par golf course and cart rentals. Open Seasonal April-November 32750 Cty Rd K, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 Phone 608-326-2141 for more information for Camping or Golfi ng!
◆ St. Feriole Island Located on the west side of Prairie du Chien and is accessed via Blackhawk Ave. or Washington St. Site of the earliest Euro-American settlement on the Upper Mississippi, the Island evolved into the City’s colorful Fourth Ward. Persistent ooding in the 1960’s and 70’s prompted relocation of more than 100 homes and businesses, resulting in the Island becoming a public park. Today it features numerous historic sites, event venues, and recreational opportunities including the Villa Louis Historic Site, Mississippi River Sculpture Park, Lawler Park, St. Feriole Island Garden, The Trail of Presidents, Disc Golf Course, and St. Feriole Island Ball Park. The Island hosts many special events throughout the season including the Prairie Villa Rendezvous, Prairie Dog Blues Fest, Villa Louis Carriage Classic, and Oktoberfest. St. Feriole Island is an ideal destination for walking, biking, picnicking, birdwatching and boating. To reserve park shelters contact the Prairie du Chien Park & Rec Department, 608-326-7207.
Campgrounds
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