Use Verchota Landing for an access. The roads are narrow (some 1way) and some of the turns are tight. Also rated are physical characteristics of restrooms, including interior construction, adequate supplies/odor free, adequate number of facilities, exterior appearance and location in relation to park spaces, and interior appearance. The department maintains 10+ miles of cross-county ski trails and does all of the snow removal for the downtown campus parking lots and park areas. through October 30th. Great Park - Review of Goose Island County Park, La Crosse, WI Improve this listing. 2023 La Crosse County. The staff have always been friendly and have helped us get good parking sites based on our motorhome requirements. The trail ends approximately 0.5 mile east of the launch site at Tims Slough Landing.Directions: The Chippewa River Landing is located on the eastern shore of the Chippewa River just north of Highway 35 approximately four miles west of Nelson, Wisconsin or four miles east of Pepin, Wisconsin. North of the Zumbro River mouth, there is a sheltered collection of sloughs and lakes you can paddle. GOOsE ISLAND Located on Hwy. Welcome to Goose Island Launching at the north boat ramp Very still water for the Mississippi One of a handful of trail signs Some nice picnic areas along the west shore Paddling south on Wigwam Slough The western boat ramp Love the close-up picture of the muskrat Bluffs along the Minnesota shore were quite scenic A public dock PAWS PARK DOG MEMBERSHIP. Hwy 35 though is extremely busy and not bike friendly (it does have big shoulders though). If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. In high water, you can actually take a shortcut by paddling across the southern peninsula, but this wasnt possible today. Access at Lytles Road. Claim it and Unlock Features (It's Free) Overview 11 Photos Amenities 33 Reviews 12 Tips Q&A 9700 County Road K Stoddard, WI 54658 View Phone View Website $$ $$ Average Rate 326 Sites Hookups 11+ 100 m 500 ft + - Leaflet | OpenStreetMap There seem to be a lot of long term residents called "Seasonal Campers". Been on my to-do list for a while Lytles Road to Fred Funk Landing is 4 miles, while Lytles to Mosey Landing is 8 miles. If you find my clock analogies confusingno worries. Two routes in each of two study sites were surveyed mornings during 14 weeks between April 14th and July 31st; night surveys were also conducted to observe nocturnal species. Oct 2019. Generate High-Quality PDF. Fish and Wildlife Service. There is a second boat ramp at 10:00 and a third ramp at 7:00. 800 Main Street | La Crosse, WI | 54601 Goose Island gives us plenty of open areas to practice in. Goose Island is extremely popular with outdoorsmen, and I saw my fair share of fishermen and hunters out on their boats (some sporting quite the camouflage). Use the map and follow the signs to make your way through the maze of islands and marsh. Goose Island County Park vacation rentals - Vrbo 35, 3 miles South of La Crosse. Supported Browsers 2023 Vermont Systems, Inc. 3.1.10.15.01 Access at Latsch Island Park and Landing. Completely sheltered from the main channel and technically the Trempealeau River. The trail winds through bottomland forest and is prone to flooding. Pontoon Slough Landing is located on the south side of HWY 25. The trail winds through tall grass prairie restoration and oak savanna areas. Generally speaking just upstream of a dam, the river is the least interesting (few islands, deep, monotonous, few sloughs, and a wide channel). Three student undergraduate papers on the history of the La Crosse park system. But a few miles from the turn off to the park, the road was recently resurfaced. The Upper Mississippi is frequently dammed and subdivided into pools of which there are roughly 11 in Wisconsin. Aghaming Trail: 6.7 miles. No rates reported for Goose Island Campground. Length: 4.5 milesLocation of trail: Pool 4Difficulty: ModerateInformation: There is a stretch where you will be paddling against the current. Water also begins to spread into Riverside Park. Open season: Open year roundLength: 3.21 miles, in two sections. Hiking, walking and snowshoeing. Ever wanted to quit your job so you can travel with your dog? Campgrounds - LaCrosseCounty Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge All rights reserved. This is a great park and very close to the La Crosse south side with it's may shopping and restaurant options. The trail winds through floodplain forest habitat and wetlands of the Mississippi River. Finally, I spotted the sneaky outlet and was able to start paddling upstream to finish the 2nd half of the trip on Running Slough. Goose Island - Stoddard - ExploreLaCrosse Use Halfmoon landing for an access. Riverside Park in La Crosse, WI was originally designed by the notable landscape architect and city planner John Nolen in 1911 and constructed in 1912. This University of Wisconsin Senior Landscape Architecture senior thesis from 1994 fully documents a revitalization project for Riverside Park. However, from April to early June, if the river levels are high, you should consider launching from Blackhawk Park.Section: New Albin Landing to Blackhawk Park is a three mile trail and usually takes one to two hours. Located between Onalaska and Midway in La Crosse County on the west side of Highway 35-53. A view over the water to the west makes for wonderful sunset photos. It can take three to four hours to complete. La Crosse County Facilities Goose Island County Park is displayed on the "Stoddard" USGS topo map quad. 13: Portions of Goose Island County Park begin to flood. Jay's Landing to West Haven: 4.6 miles. 31.6-32.0 CFS: Starting to get on the high side. Goose Island Campground is located on Hwy. Located three miles south of La Crosse on the Mississippi River with over 300 campsites Goose Island - the largest county campground in Wisconsin - offers many amenities for campers and day use visitors including electrical and water hook-up sites, a campground store with bait and refreshments for sale, kayak and canoe rentals, two nature trails. Goose Island County Park: maps, driving directions and local area information. 35, 3 miles South of La Crosse. The park is the largest county campground in the State of Wisconsin with more than 300 campsites. This county park is an island in the Mississippi River and is in the heart of the La Crosse District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Hiking, walking, bicycling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing. A total of 124 avian species were observed (84 in Hixon forest and Our Lab goes crazy over the many chipmunks, but other wise it's a great place to have pets. Routes were surveyed using the methodology of the Wisconsin Breeding Bird The trail is located off HWY 26, just east of Reno, Minnesota, Be prepared to carry your gear from the parking lot across the railroad tracks, and down to the launch site on the south side of Lock and Dam 8 spillway, The trail head is located east of New Albin, Iowa, From Highway 26, head east on Ross Avenue. All Rights Reserved. Because this is a round-trip, there is no need to shuttle. The northern section is 4 miles and a continuous loop, where the southern section is 4.70 miles one way, so a there and back route. Reservations are not accepted at Veteran's Memorial Campground nor are they Supposedly in high water the current gets much faster and can make for a very difficult round trip. Local Birding - ExploreLaCrosse were recorded. Upper Goose Island County Park Boat Ramp. Mississippi River - Goose Island - WisconsinRiverTrips Length: 6.7 milesLocation of trail: Pool 6Difficulty: Moderate to DifficultInformation: This is a loopedtrail, and you will be paddling against the current on the returntripDirections: From Winona: Length: 5 milesLocation of trail: Pool 7Difficulty: EasyInformation: This is a looped trail out of Long Lake Boat Landing. 35 3 miles South of La Crosse Boat Ramp PARK Shelter # 4 Playground Shelter # 3 Boat Ramp CAMPGROUND ENTRY Registration Concessio Manager Beach & Playground To La Crosse Shelter # 5 Playground Shelter # 2 Scout Camping Area Maintenance Buildings Bathhouse Playground Shelter # 1 Playground Wildlife Refuge Area To Stod. The other issue is getting lost, which is easy to do (trust me). We have stayed at Goose Island several times over the years in our motorhome. My trip was done at 31 CFS. Wetland waterfowl, songbirds, cranes and herons frequent the area from mid-March through mid-fall, and in winter its a great spot to see migratory and residential raptors and evidence of winter mammals. You may encounter strong currents, especially during high water events. But with a 50:50 chance, it is safer to bank on dog owners NOT having a good recall. The sites are the largest that we have encountered in our travels of the lower 48 states. Set Field Guide Location. However, every dog is unique and while the author of this blog is a veterinarian, she is not your dog's veterinarian. Plenty of native prairie plants provide year round color and are a-buzz with wildlife from late spring through fall. Recommended for experienced paddlers. Open season: Open year roundLength: 1.48 milesLocation of trail: North of Dubuque, Iowa on Riverside Road near the John Deere PlantSurface: GravelDifficulty: EasyInformation: The John Deere Marsh Trail is an out and back trail that begins at the parking lot. 16, 9 miles East of La Crosse or 1 mile West of West Salem. Bordered to the east and north by Great Lakes, Wisconsin has over 15,000 inland lakes and produces over a quarter of the U.S. cheese supply. needed. Access points at New Albin and Blackhawk Park. From Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, head south on US Highway 18 and State Highway 35, turn west on County Road C just south of the Wisconsin River bridge. Paved pathways lead from the visitor center to the Lake Onalaska Overlook, connecting to longer packed gravel loops along the way. Located on the backwaters of the Mississippi, this large campground offers excellent fishing and stunning sunsets. A nice paddle around Goose Island. Directions: From McGregor, Iowa take Hwy 18 south to County Road X56, turn left into the Sny Magill Unit of Effigy Mounds National Park and Sny Magill River access. The canoe trail may be accessed from any of the four boat ramps in Goose Island County Park. Upper Goose Island County Park Boat Ramp | Natural Atlas Blackhawk Park is in Wisconsin offering lunch/take-out point near the halfway point of the trail. Tap or click an image to see it larger. From mid-September through freeze-up, the wetlands beyond are home to thousands of migrating waterfowl. The channel here though is somewhat wide and unvaried, so while the scenery was nice, it was a bit repetitious. Goose Island Early Morning Fog by Michelle Cox, WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THIS LOCATION. All Rights Reserved. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Murphy Library Special Collections and ARC. Reservations are accepted at Goose Island beginning on the first working business day of the year. Diversity indices indicated There are little blue trail signs but they are pretty much useless as they are not located at decision points (funnily enough Wyalusing and the Trempealeau had the same issues). What saved this from being a 2 star trip were the fantastic bluffs on both sides of the river and some unique wildlife experiences (a mink swam in front of my boat and I saw a large number of pelicans). For further information see the official webpage for the trail. The dikes are mostly flat with some small slopes, but the surface is uneven and can be soft in wet weather.Information: The dikes begin at the Upper Halfway Creek Marsh Area parking lot. (608) 785-9770. Open season: Open year round -Walking spring to fall, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Analysis of Recreational Use of the Downtown La Crosse River Wetlands, A Breeding Bird Survey of Myrick Marsh and Hixon Forest, The history of parks : with an emphasis on the La Crosse park system, Hixon Forest Trail Guide: Hixon Forest Nature Area, La Crosse River Marsh and Hixon Forest Trails [map], Letter from Frank H. Nutter, Landscape Architect to Albert Wells Pettibone, Chairman of the Pettibone Park Commission [manuscript], Making of a Park System in La Crosse: Report. The northern section (1.42 miles) is accessible via Spring Lake or the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, which has a small 0.49 miles loop, included in overall miles. Open season: Open year round - Walking spring to fall, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.Length: 1.5 milesLocation of trail: Aghaming Park Trailhead (W494 Aghaming Park Road, Buffalo, Wisconsin)Surface: Sand/dirtDifficulty: Flat - subject to seasonal floodingInformation: The River Road trail parallels the Mississippi River backwaters taking the user through mature floodplain forests. Be notified when future paddle reviews go live by subscribing! And the bluffs are just a wonderful place to see the Mississippi River Valley. When you approach the main channel there are big stop signs instructing you to turn around.Directions: Access is from the Wyalusing State Park. It is a wonderful spot to spend a day or more exploring the area on land or by water. Located on the backwaters of the Mississippi, this large campground offers excellent fishing and stunning sunsets. Our camping season begins April 15th and continues through October 15th. Goose Island Campground,Stoddard, Wisconsin. Online reservations are accepted beginning January 3rd, 2017, rvshare Goose Island County Park (La Crosse) - Tripadvisor This was the most scenic part of the paddle as a huge bluff with an exposed rock outcrop towered over the Wisconsin banks, quite reminding me of Bradys Bluff from the Trempealeau River. Pickerel Slough merges with the canoe trail about half-way to Millstone Landing. Verchota Trail: 11.3 miles. The City's comprehensive plan for Hixon Forest approved by the La Crosse City Council in 2005. La Crosse History :: Parks There is a designated kayak/canoeing trail around the island. Hiking, walking, bicycling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, Open season: Open all year roundLength: 1.29 milesSurface: AsphaltDifficulty: EasyInformation: 0.25 miles of the trail is accessible, the remaining 1.04 miles of the trail is a loop trail. Not only is it incredibly beautiful, but equally important - it is extremely well-maintained. Great birdwatching opportunities year round. Veterans Memorial Campgroundis located on Hwy. Length: 10 milesLocation of trail: Pool 14Difficulty: Moderate to DifficultInformation: This is a one-way marked trail trip. Breeding bird populations were surveyed in two habitat types sharing a watershed To provide parks, campgrounds and other outdoor areas and facilities that will afford an opportunity for the public to enjoy a quality experience in the out-of-doors. Tour routes of great scenic drives on National Wildlife Refuges. La Crosse County received a Federal Lands Access Program . the park's setting and site layout, function and identification of signage, overall exterior building maintenance, noise, trash disposal, litter and debris around the grounds and sites, and appearance of grounds, sites and entrance area. The interior roads are paved but the design creates a challenge and potentially a hazard to larger MHs. Dumpsters located throughout the park. If a park achieves a full point in each of the above, it receives a star (), indicating exceptionally clean restrooms. My first impressions after starting the trip were how still the Mississippi was (not something you usually equate with big water) and how scenic the Minnesota bluffs were. In some places there are floating mats ofvegetation that make navigation difficult. Trail Committee, part of the City of La Crosse (Wis.) Park System; pamphlet that discusses the wildflowers, birds, trees and history of the trails as well as rules for use, Nature trails--Wisconsin--La Crosse--Maps, map of the nature trail system in the La Crosse River marsh and Hixon Forest connecting parks; trails are also rated for difficulty. Chippewa River Trail: 6.8 miles. Follow the signs to make your way through the maze of islands and marshes.New Albin to Big Slough Landing is a 10 mile trail and usually takes five to seven hours. Goose Island lies on the Mississippi in the southern part of La Crosse County and Northern part of Vernon County. Comment(s):Thank you for choosing Goose Island County Park; W6488 County Road GI; Stoddard, WI 54658Park hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.Email address: [emailprotected]Visit us at: www.facebook.com/lacrossecountyCounty website: www.lacrossecounty.orgComplete list of rules can be found on our website. Some current to paddle against. Open season: Open year roundLength: 0.6 milesLocation of trail: Southside of Guttenberg, IowaSurface: EarthDifficulty: EasyInformation: The Goetz Island Trail is a loop trail which begins in the southeast corner of the Guttenberg Landing parking lot. In the winter, the traffic decreases and sometimes we will explore the park without running into more than one or two people/dogs. The main water trail should still be plenty navigable. Not open to biking or motorized vehicles. Suggest edits to improve what we show. We operate on a first come/first serve basis and our motto is to never turn anyone away. In the summer, spring, and fall, Goose Island is typically well-trafficked with campers, boaters, and those out for a stroll along the river. Recommended for experiencedpaddlers. 12: Pettibone Campground and RV Park is flooded. There was no designated, fenced dog area but there was sufficient area to exercise along the park roads and in the adjacent day use area but dogs off leash posed a potential hazard. They had an outside table and moveable fire ring. Spillway to Millstone Landing: 7 miles (2-4 hours). Goose Island | La Crosse Area Camera Club Description: Breeding bird populations were surveyed in two habitat types sharing a watershed in the Upper Mississippi River basin during the summer of 1999. Links also do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Few trees, little privacy, high density and you set your tent or RV on pretty much an over-sized lawn. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Soon I rounded the north corner of the island and was back to where I started. We are located on the La Crosse River and also provide access to the La Crosse River State Bike Trail. Not open to biking or motorized vehicles. Want a quick out-and-back for triathlon . Check them out for more details. Nelson-Trevino Trail: 4.5 miles. Browse the sub-categories in the pages listed above if you are looking for a resource that falls under a more specific topic. No logjams, rapids, dams, or big waves (some powerboat traffic but not much). Goose Island County Park Topo Map in La Crosse County WI - Topozone Drive it slow, as there are often fishermen casting from the sides of the road. Directions: From La Crosse, Wisconsin: Take Highway 35 South to County Highway GI West - the road into Goose Island County Park. During high water levels and windy days, it will require strong paddling. Study the maps very carefully and bring along a GPS if possible. Goose Island is popular both with La Crosse County residents and visitors from all over the country. Turn back when done. . Paved pathways are ADA accessible.Difficulty: Easy - The paved trails are flat and packed gravel trails have only a slight slope. Head north on the Mississippi River into the Rock Creek Canoe Loop.Directions: From Princeton, Iowa head north on Hwy 67. For my trip, I chose to do it counter-clockwise to best time the wind and sun, but you can do this either way. 8.2 miles if you do a full loop on the main channel. Disclaimer Notice: This website contains some general medical and behavior modification information for dogs. Many dog owners seem to use the area specifically for off-leash recreation. A counter-clockwise circle through mostly backwater sloughs. For being in a hazardous/severe weather area, there was no underground storm shelter. Typically Glia and I take 2-3 loops around Wigwam trail when we decide to spend an afternoon practicing our skijoring skills. Put in on the Minnesota side and float down a long slough. Just downstream of Wyalusing on the Iowa side is another nice slough to explore. Length: 3 -14 milesLocation of trail: Pool 9Difficulty: Easy to ModerateInformation: There are three takeout points along the trail. Paddlers must plan to have a shuttle vehicle. All Rights Reserved. Thanks to the US Fish and Wildlife Service for many of these suggestions. Open season: Open all yearLength: 1.90 milesSurface: GravelDifficulty: EasyInformation: Loop / continuous trail.