Area Tourism, Attractions and Events
Parks/Nature Centers
Sidie Hollow Lake | Kickapoo Valley Reserve | Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center | Wildcat Mountain State Park | Black Hawk County Park
Sidie Hollow Lake
Sidie Hollow Lake, just three miles from Viroqua on County Road XX, is one of many county lakes that are surrounded by a county park with well maintained hiking trails and camping facilities. Sidie Hollow provides peaceful and relaxing canoeing, boating and fishing opportunities. The trolling-motor-only regulation insures no wake on these scenic waters while you try your skills at catching some panfish or perhaps a trophy bass.
The lake is the perfect setting for family fun, camping, fishing and hiking. The park’s 74 campsites, including 17 full hook-up (electricity, water, & sewer) sites, are open from April 15 through October 15 each year. Bring the family for a day, a weekend, or a week.
Kickapoo Valley Reserve
One of the most beautiful areas in the Midwest is the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, an 8,569 acre tract of land located between the villages of La Farge and Ontario in Vernon County. In the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of the masses of spring wildflowers and dense greenery through mid-summer and by the brilliant colors of hardwood timber in autumn. The Reserve offers a variety of fantastic recreation: fishing and hunting; horseback, biking, hiking and snowmobile trails; cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; camping and canoeing. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the Reserve trails (except for snowmobiles—in season). Horseback and biking trails are open May 1–November 15. Hiking is available year round. All visitors are required to purchase a permit. Info: (608) 625-2960
Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center
The natural heritage program at Norskedalen has its headquarters at the Thrune Nature Center, a 350-acre facility used for nature classes designed for school age children. The Center’s Helga Gundersen Arboretum features more than five miles of walking trails, springs, Poplar Creek and Gunderson Pond all restored and preserved as they were when the Norwegian settlers arrived here in the mid 19th century. The Thrune Visitors Center is open from April 15 through October 31, Mon.-Fri. 9 am-4 pm, Sat.10 am-4 pm, and Sun. Noon-4 pm. Info: 608-452-3157 Location: Norsekedalen, Cty. Hwy. PI, Coon Valley
Wildcat Mountain State Park in Ontario
Canoeing on the winding Kickapoo River, camping and 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. Info: 608-337-4775
Black Hawk Park north of De Soto
Majestic Bald Eagles swoop and soar at Black Hawk Park as barges, riverboats and pleasure craft ply up and down the great Mississippi River. The park offers camping, canoe, boat and motor rentals, backwater flat bottom rides, launching and docking facilities, tackle and bait, camping supplies and groceries.
Tourism Information: 608-637-2575 or infodesk@viroqua-wisconsin.com
