Don't Miss - Hidden Valleys of Southwestern Wisconsin

Riverboat photos by Lonnie Henderson
why we suggest that you make Onalaska your dividing line when
driving the Great River Road. Starting out as a lumber camp, Onalaska
has grown into one of Wisconsin’s most remarkable towns. Be
sure and check out “Sunny,” the largest sunfish in the world
overlooking Lake Onalaska. Another must here is the Upper
Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish
Refuge. This refuge has grown to become
one of the largest refuges encompassing
nearly 200,000 acres of land providing a
habitat for many unusual wildlife, such
as trumpeter swans, eagles, white
pelicans, and any species of fish
and reptiles. It provides a safe resting place for migrating species of many
birds.
One will also find the beginning of the Great River State Bicycle
Trail which connects with three other state trails for over 101
=RIVER CROSSING
** = SeaSonal
Ferry CroSSing
miles of biking adventure.
Before leaving Onalaska, visit the Center for
Commerce & Tourism on Main Street. Here
you can gather valuable information &
directions for your drive northward to
PREScOTT. Again, you will find new river
villages, all “delightfully different” and so
interesting!
Using the green pilot’s wheel as your
guide, the next settlement is MIDWAy,
listed on the National Register
of Historic Places for prehistoric
significance. Being on private property
presently used for agriculture, this site
does contain graves and burial sites.
More information on Midway can be
obtained from the Wisconsin State
Historical Society, the National State
Historical Societies and LaCrosse County, Wisconsin.
Coming into hOLMEN, you will find yourself in a very quaint community.
While you’re here be sure to visit the historic McGilvray Bridges and Van Loon
Wildlife Area off Amsterdam Prairie Road. Check in at the Holmen Historical
Center, located in the Holmen Village Hall on Main Street, you will come away with
information on all events and directions to the Indian Burial Grounds and other
archeological sites found nearby.
Thank you for traveling with me on your exciting journey on Wisconsin’s Great River
Road. Although you have not reached the end of the road, as your Hidden Valley’s escort,
I must say goodbye.
Waiting to greet you and to ensure that your journey through the several “delightfully
different and equally exciting” river towns along the way is the interesting publication
called “Wisconsin’s Indianhead Country.” As you continue to stop at the visitor centers
along the way, you will find the same unique friendliness that has become the backbone
of the Great River Road. Your journey with the road will end at Prescott’s new Freedom
Park and Learning Center. Choosing to continue north on Highway 35, you will pass
through the fresh and green forests of Wisconsin to the very beautiful and clear water of
Lake Superior. Enjoy your day!
**
Dubuque
102 u www.hiddenvalleys.com u
Hidden Valleys