At Wyalusing State Park, camp 500 feet above the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. One of Wisconsin's oldest state parks, Wyalusing features family and group camps, hiking trails, a canoe trail, Native American burial mounds, bird watching, fishing, boating, bicycling and picnicking near several scenic overlooks of the river valleys below.
Activities and recreation
Hiking
Wyalusing has more than 14 miles of hiking trails. Trails may vary in difficulty. Steep climbs or descents and stairways may be encountered. Use caution when on steep bluffs or near a cliff. Stay well away from cliffs which are not protected by a barricade or barrier. Stay behind barricades and barriers where provided and watch small children closely. Trail surfaces can become slippery when wet, leaf covered or where loose gravel is present.
Biking
Wyalusing’s two mountain bike trails (Whitetail Meadows and Mississippi Ridge) are not designed for high speed travel. They can become soft and slippery when wet and can erode quickly during heavy rains. Remember, hikers have the right of way.
Camping
Wyalusing offers several camping opportunities for visitors, with two family campgrounds, an outdoor group camp and the Hugh Harper indoor group camp.
Family campgrounds
The Wisconsin Ridge and Homestead campgrounds have 109 regular campsites. A dump station for camper holding tanks is near the entrance to the Homestead campground.
Outdoor group camp
The outdoor group camp has 5 sites with a capacity of 130 persons. The outdoor group camp is near the Wisconsin Ridge campground.
Hugh Harper indoor group camp
The Hugh Harper indoor group camp is a modern facility designed for organized groups. The facility consists of a lodge with a full, commercial kitchen, dining area and a recreation room. The kitchen is equipped with a gas range (two ovens, six burners and a griddle), large refrigerator and freezer, microwave, commercial dishwasher, coffee maker and all cooking and eating utensils.
Picnic areas and playgrounds
Wyalusing State Park has several picnic areas and shelters. The central picnic area is near the entrance to the Wisconsin Ridge campground. A number of tables can be found adjacent to the Peterson shelter as well as to the playground across the road from that shelter. Other picnic areas include the Homestead picnic area, Henneger Point picnic area and Green Cloud picnic area. All picnic areas are near shelters.
There is a playground at the entrance to the Wisconsin Ridge campground. A swing set and slide are in the center of Homestead campground. Please remember that pets are not permitted in playground areas.
Boating, canoeing and kayaking
A boat ramp is available in the park for launching boats. Motorboats are permitted. Rental boats are available from businesses near Bagley and in the Prairie du Chien area. The state park doesn't have a beach, but Wyalusing Recreation Area, two miles south of the park entrance, has a beach as well as a boat landing and picnic area. There's a municipal swimming pool in Prairie du Chien.
A canoe trail through the river sloughs offers a unique way to see the waterfowl, aquatic plants and diverse animal life of the river bottomlands. The trail begins and ends at the park boat landing. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from the park concession in season.
Fishing
The Mississippi and Wisconsin river backwaters offer excellent fishing for panfish, bass, northern pike and walleye. There's an accessible fishing pier at the boat landing.
Hunting and trapping
Hunting and trapping are allowed in the open areas of the park during the Wisconsin state parks hunting and trapping time frame. Trapping is not permitted in closed areas as noted on the park hunting map or within 100 yards of any designated use area, including trails. Certain trap types are restricted on state park properties.
Winter activities
Wyalusing State Park offers a number of cross-country ski trails for all levels of skiing abilities. All trails are accessible from the Astronomy Center Parking Lot. Skiing trails include the Turkey Hollow, Whitetail Meadows and Prairie trails. Cathedral Tree Drive affords the cross-country skier a beautiful view of the Mighty Mississippi. Trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing techniques. Please no pets or walking on the ski trails.
All trails except the ski trails are available for winter hiking and snowshoeing. A frozen waterfall at Pictured Rock Cave awaits those brave enough to walk or snowshoe from the park office on Homestead Camp Road to Sugar Maple Nature Trail. Frozen waterfalls can also be found at Big Sand Cave and Little Sand Cave located on Sand Cave trail near the old park office.
The Park does not monitor ice conditions on the rivers. Be extremely cautious of ice conditions at all times.
