Trempealeau Lakes

Aided by a donation of land value and grants, in 2009 the Conservancy purchased the Trempealeau Lakes property with its half-mile of frontage on Second Lake that abuts the state’s Trempealeau Lakes State Fishery Area. In addition to the appeal of the chain of spring-fed lakes for fishing, the area is listed on the Great Wisconsin Nature and Birding Trail. The purchase by Mississippi Valley Conservancy increases this local protected habitat to 219 acres.

This is the first land purchased by the Conservancy that has Mississippi River Floodplain Forest. Residents of the Village of Trempealeau will have additional recreation opportunities virtually at their doorstep. The acquisition provides for fishing, swimming, canoeing and bird watching.

The property is located south of State Highway 35 and the Great River State Trail, and is accessible from Lake Road, Pickerel Road, and Bass Road. Also nearby is access to the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and its Long Lake Canoe Trail. The Great River State Bicycle Trail trailhead is nearby as well. The property is located entirely within the “Mississippi River- Large River Corridor,” identified by Wisconsin’s Wildlife Action Plan as being of “Continental Significance.”

A mix of 1,500 swamp white oak, silver maple and river birch trees were planted by volunteers in spring of 2023. These trees, which replaced the mature pines previously on the property, are integral to our habitat restoration efforts. They fulfill key goals outlined in our DNR-approved habitat management plan. As they mature, they will offer crucial benefits, including providing diverse wildlife habitats, capturing carbon dioxide, preventing soil erosion, and safeguarding water quality.

One of the former owners, Joe Becker, said that the area is “loaded with wildlife” and the lake is full of springs. He advises caution when ice fishing Second Lake because of the risk of thin ice in spots because of the springs.
 
He added a historical note: A piece of land like an isthmus between Second and First Lake once was known as Tribune Row because many owners and officers of the La Crosse Tribune once owned cottages on land leased by the state there during the 1920s and 30s. The state required the cabins be removed in the early 1940s. Part of the land was farmed by two brothers, Joe and Pete Hilt until the 1950’s.
 

Public access

Visitors must follow our recreational use policy as well as all federal and state laws and local ordinances. When visiting protected lands, please avoid trespassing onto the lands of neighboring property owners.