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La Crosse Nature Guide

A one-stop resource of outdoor places for nature connections in La Crosse County

Upper Mississippi River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge

Upper Mississippi River Map.png

Hiking/Walking

Canoeing

The Upper Mississippi River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge is home to a variety of native prairie plants. Stop in at the Visitor Center for interactive exhibits and to learn more about the seasonal sights and sounds, then walk through the winding two miles of prairie trails.

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To enlarge the map of access points, click on the image.

Location / Access

Access Point #1: Visitor Center & Trailhead

Address:

N5727 County Rd Z

Onalaska, WI 54650

(Lat-Longitude: 43.926970, -91.282881)

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Directions:

From La Crosse, take WI-35 N towards Onalaska. Turn left onto County Road OT. At the first stop sign, turn left onto County Road ZN. Continue to the junction of County Roads ZN and Z. Turn right onto County Road Z and the parking lot will be on your left.

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Map View of Location

(pin location approx.)

Parking:

There is a paved parking lot in front of the Visitor's Center.

Street View of Visitor Center

Accessible By Public Transport?

No

Access Point #2: Trailhead

Address:

Cty Rd ZB

Onalaska, WI 54650

(Lat-Longitude: 43.920854, -91.285352)

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Directions:

From La Crosse, take WI-35 N towards Onalaska. Turn left onto County Road OT. At the first stop sign, turn left onto County Road ZN. Continue to the junction of County Roads ZN and Z. Turn left onto County Road Z, then turn right onto County Road ZB. The parking lot will be on your right.

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Map View of Location

Parking:

There is a paved parking lot at the start of the trail.

Street View of Parking & Trail Access

Accessible By Public Transport?

No

Access Point #3: Trailhead

Address:

Cty Rd ZB

Onalaska, WI 54650

(Lat-Longitude: 43.923459, -91.289781)

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Directions:

From La Crosse, take WI-35 N towards Onalaska. Turn left onto County Road OT. At the first stop sign, turn left onto County Road ZN. Continue to the junction of County Roads ZN and Z. Turn left onto County Road Z, then turn right onto County Road ZB. The parking lot will be the second one on your right.

​

Map View of Location

Parking:

There is a paved parking lot at the start of the trail.

Street View of Parking & Trail Access

Accessible By Public Transport?

No

water and bluff view summer.jpeg
Site Information

Trail Map - Brice Prairie (click for map) 

courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services

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Terrain:

Flat

Paved & Unpaved

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Difficulty:

Easy

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Pets Allowed on Leash

Additional Notes:

  • Fishing & Hunting

Dominant Features

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Biodiversity Rating: 5/5

Trees
Tall
Grass
Water
Features
Water
Features
Maintained Gardens
Property Management and Link to More Information:

Upper Mississippi River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge is maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. More information here.

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