One of the coolest things about the Driftless Area is the amount of variety you have for recreational opportunities. Whether it be fishing a spring-fed stream or the Mississippi River, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking/canoeing, rock climbing, ice climbing, boating, hunting, skiing, snowshoeing, camping or wildlife viewing; there are so many different ways to get outside and have fun doing it. What is really unique is when a singular park provides so many opportunities for people to get outside and enjoy all the Driftless has to offer. Wyalusing State Park, located near Prairie du Chien, WI, has so many elements of the Driftless region encapsulated into one park that will definitely have something for everyone.
Wyalusing borders the Mississippi River in Southwestern Wisconsin. Backwater channels run through the park providing habitat for panfish, northern pike, bass and walleye that anglers are free to pursue. There is a fishing pier and a boat launch available to visitors as well. These backwater channels also provide a one-of-its-kind water trail system that spans 6 miles across the park. This marked water trail makes it easy to plan a day in a canoe or a kayak by taking away the hassle of arranging pick-up and drop-off points.
Water recreation is only half of the fun at Wyalusing. There are over 14 miles of hiking trails for visitors to explore. These trails span from high up on the bluffs over looking the Mississippi River to traveling along those backwater channels that empty into it. Just under 5 miles of the hiking trails are also designated as bike trails, so mountain bikers can get their fix in too. There are also multiple campgrounds for those who want to make their trip an overnighter.
Something that many tend to get overlooked is what can make Wyalusing so unique. The park is a hidden gem in the climbing community. In the winter, water will freeze up over limestone cliffs providing excellent ice climbing opportunities within the park. Climbers from all around the midwest flock to Prairie du Chien once the ice becomes thick enough, solely for the opportunity to take on these massive climbs.
Having so many unique recreational opportunities bundled up into such a small area is something that makes the Driftless Area so great. There are so many opportunities for people to get outside and explore. Wyalusing State Park is one of many natural areas that we will continue to highlight throughout this series, and it is definitely a Driftless Doozy!
