CANCELED: Valentine's Snowshoe Hike
Due to extreme cold, we've had to cancel this event!
You’ll fall in love with the beauty of winter as you explore the La Crosse River Conservancy on a Valentines snowshoe hike. Even those who’ve never been on snowshoes, will have a chance to give it a try. It’s easy and fun, and there will be a limited number of snowshoes available on loan at this "Linked to the Land" event offered by Mississippi Valley Conservancy at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2022.
The family-friendly snowshoe hike will begin at the trailhead kiosk next to the Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center. If the parking lot is full, there's plenty of free overflow parking at the nearby Gundersen Clinic ramp. Staff and volunteers will be available to help with snowshoes. With a healthy wildlife population in this nature preserve, there should be plenty of tracks to see and identify in the snow. The winter landscape offers a unique view that is often spectacular.
Winter is a great time to explore the La Crosse River Conservancy, permanently protected by Mississippi Valley Conservancy, because most of the wet areas are frozen. The protected property includes 373 acres of scenic riparian forests, wetland prairies, tamarack swamps, and open wetlands. It is one of 27 nature preserves protected and maintained by Mississippi Valley Conservancy for wildlife habitat and public education and recreation.
Advance registration is required for this free event by end of day Wednesday, February 9. A limited number of snowshoes are available on a first-come-first-served reservation basis (see size selections on registration form). Bring your own walking sticks or poles if you want them (optional). We'll be staying outdoors this year, so bring your own hot chocolate to warm up after the hike!
Masks highly encouraged during pre-hike gathering while putting on your snowshoes. They're great for winter warmth, too!
3060 S. Kinney Coulee Rd, Onalaska, WI
The nature preserve is located in La Crosse County between Hwy 16 to the west, I-90 to the north and County Road B to the south.
From I-90, take exit 5 (Onalaska) to Hwy 16 west and proceed to South Kinney Coulee Road. Turn left onto South Kinney Coulee Road (by the Kwik Trip) and follow to Stoney Creek Inn.
From the south, take Hwy 14/61 or Hwy 33 into La Crosse and go north on Losey Blvd. (Hwy 16) to South Kinney Coulee Road. Turn right on to South Kinney Coulee Road (by the Kwik Trip) and follow to Stoney Creek Inn.
The trailhead kiosk is on the lawn at the west end of Stoney Creek Hotel (you’ll see it as you approach by car). Okay to park at hotel if there's room or in nearby Gundersen ramp.