This is not a complete list of all of the parks in Viroqua, Westby and surrounding area. But this should give you a great start!
Hiking Trails and Parks in Vernon County
Sidie Hollow Lake, Viroqua
Sidie Hollow Lake is surrounded by a county park with well maintained hiking trails and camping facilities, providing peaceful and relaxing hiking, picnicking, canoeing, boating and fishing opportunities. Located three miles West of Viroqua on County Road XX, campsites are open April 15 – October 15.
Duck Egg County Park, Viroqua
Duck Egg County Forest is a 707 acre county owned, nature based recreation property located approximately 9 miles west of Viroqua on Irish Ridge Road. The Duck Egg property is bisected by a large, deep valley formed by the Springville Branch of the Bad Axe River. In the center of the valley is a very large flood control dam structure that was completed in 1990. The dam protects many acres of property and several roads and bridges downstream from the effects of flash flooding, a common occurrence in Vernon County.
Esofea/Rentz Memorial County Park, Westby
This is the oldest park in Vernon County. There are 148 acres of campsites (rustic to full RV hookups), 3 miles of hiking trails, picnic shelter, spring-fed trout pond, and a part of the North Fork Bad Axe River runs through the property.
Kickapoo Valley Reserve, La Farge/Ontario
The Kickapoo Valley Reserve is an 8,569 acre tract of land located between La Farge and Ontario. You’ll be amazed by the masses of spring wildflowers and dense greenery through mid-summer and the brilliant colors in autumn. The Reserve offers a variety of recreation: fishing, hunting, horseback, biking, hiking, snowmobile, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, camping and canoeing. Horseback and bike trails are open May 1 – November 15, and hiking year round. Visitors must purchase a permit.
Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center, Coon Valley
The natural heritage program at Norskedalen is headquartered at Thrune Nature Center, a 350-acre facility used for nature classes. The Center’s arboretum features over five miles of walking trails, springs, creeks and ponds, all restored and preserved as they were when the Norwegian settlers arrived here in the mid 19th century. The Thrune Nature Center is located in Coon Valley, and is open April 15 – October 31.
Wildcat Mountain State Park, Ontario
Canoeing on the winding Kickapoo River, camping, horseback riding for those who bring their own horses, spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife highlight the attractions of the Wildcat Mountain State Park in Ontario. Campgrounds with full amenities are available for campers with and without horses. An observation point high on the mountain overlooks the Village of Ontario and the meandering Kickapoo Valley.
Davidson Park, Westby
Located on the northwest corner of Westby at the intersection of W Park St and West Ave N. Davidson Park’s trails are perfect for hiking, trail running, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and mountain biking. Park closes at 10pm. Davidson Park is nestled in the heart of Westby, WI. The park holds some excellent sandstone boulders with problems for climbers of all abilities.
Hubbard Hills, Viroqua
Given the immediate proximity of the trail system to the City of Viroqua, we designed pieces of trail that could be enjoyed by all levels of trail users. Based on the “stacked loop” trail design, the Trail Crew has developed trails that become increasingly more challenging the farther away one gets from the main trailhead. This property adjoins Rusty Ridge. Hubbard Hills’ trails are perfect for hiking, trail running, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, and mountain biking.
Rusty Ridge
Location: 1/2 mile southwest of Viroqua on E Sidie Hollow Rd.
Rusty Ridge adjoins Hubbard Hills.
Other Area Parks:
Wyalusing State Park
Located at 13081 State Park Lane, Bagley (south of Prairie du Chien) Wyalusing State Park sits above where the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers converge. It is one of the state’s oldest state parks. Hiking, canoeing, bird watching, fishing, bicycle riding, picnicking, camping and more can be enjoyed at this beautiful park.
Pikes Peak State Park
32264 Pikes Peak Road, Iowa
Cross the Mississippi River into Iowa and head to Pikes Peak State Park for beautiful views of the river. There are 11 miles of hiking trails and enjoy beautiful views of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, Bridal Veil Falls, overlook of the town of McGregor, Iowa and more. Campsites available as well.
Grandad Bluff
3020 Grandad Bluff Road, La Crosse
Get a bird’s eye view of the city of La Crosse and the Mississippi River. Check out the hiking trails on top of the bluff.
McGilvray Seven Bridges Road and Van Loon Wildlife Area
N8327 Amsterdam Prairie Road, Holmen, WI
The Seven Bridges Road is DNR property and the trail is open year round. However, at certain times it could be closed for maintenance or for high water on the trail. The Van Loon Wildlife Area is located along the Black River in northwest La Crosse county. The property consists of floodplain forest, sand prairies and oak savanna. Hiking, bird watching, wildlife, historic arch truss bridges and more can be enjoyed here.
Hixon Forest Park
2600 Old Quarry Road, La Crosse
Upper and Lower Hixon Forest Parks provide miles of hiking trails from easy to difficult. Biking and skiing trails are also available.
