Chippewa River State Trail

It's easy to spot Maiden Rock Bluff as you drive along Highway 35: the 400-foot-tall limestone cliff extends for nearly a mile. Getting to the top is also easy. Begin by turning onto County Road E - a twisting, narrow road that leads straight up. Once you're at the top, keep an eye out for Long Lane, which is marked by little more than a break in the corn fields. Head west until you dead end at...

Hoffman offers convenient parking; there is one large lot, and one for overflow. There are trails that are easy, moderate, and difficult.  All of the trails however, are uphill.  Most of them end at the viewing tower, which showcases Wisconsin, and the beauty that goes along with it.  A very rewarding hike indeed.  The best part is the different trail options for different levels of difficulty....

Barn Bluff in Red Wing, Minn., is an enjoyable and easily-accessible hike. Even at a slow pace, it takes just 30-45 minutes to reach the peak.There is ample parking on 5th Street near the Barn Bluff sign. Take the stairs to the trail head. From there, you'll have a few trail options:1) South Trail: This is the easiest, most efficient way to reach the summit. The South Trail runs along the south...

John A. Latsh State Park is directly off of Hwy. 61 a few miles north of Winona. Begin your hike at the parking lot, following the signs for the Riverview Trail. The hike itself is a short, but steep climb on a series of steps up the side of the Mt. Charity Bluff. Winding through verdant valley forest, thick with ferns and wildflowers, the stairs eventually emerge onto a bluffland prairie scatt...

When I went in 2019 it was free, but their website says there is a fee now. Hike around for an hour or so and then have a picnic. I went around 6pm after work one day and had a wonderful time.  We only saw about a dozen people and during our picnic we had the place to ourselves!  This is a 135 acre park, so there’s plenty to do. The falls are beautiful and if you cross the rapids there are san...

Just off Highway 35, on the south side of Fountain City, you will find an easy access boat landing with ample parking and suitable ramps to launch your kayak, canoe or motor boat. Coming from central Wisconsin, we drove 95 that runs the ridges of the driftless region and offers beautiful views of the farmland - an added bonus for this excursion. As a family of four looking to enjoy the water fo...