Wyalusing State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wyalusing State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Wyalusing State Park
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 Wyalusing State Park
Location in Wisconsin
Wyalusing State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Grant, Wisconsin, United States |
| Nearest city | Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin |
| Area | 2,628 acres (10.64 km2) |
| Established | 1917 |
| Governing body | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
| Designated: | 1973 |
| Website | Wyalusing State Park |
Wyalusing State Park is a large park in Wisconsin. It covers about 2,628 acres (1,064 hectares). The park is located where the Mississippi River and the Wisconsin River meet. This special meeting point is near the town of Wyalusing, Wisconsin.
The name "Wyalusing" comes from the Lenape language. It means "home of the warrior." Lenape tribes settled here in the 1800s. They moved to this area from places farther east. The park has tall cliffs, about 500 feet (152 meters) high. These cliffs have ancient Native American mounds on them. From the bluffs, you can see amazing views of the river valleys. Two parts of the park are nationally recognized. The Wyalusing Hardwood Forest is a National Natural Landmark. The Wyalusing State Park Mounds Archaeological District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
Exploring Wyalusing's Unique Landscape
How the Land Was Formed
Wyalusing State Park is in a special area called the Driftless Area. This part of Wisconsin was not covered by ice during the last ice age. Most land to the east and west was crushed by huge glaciers. The tall cliffs along the Mississippi River show this history. The deep canyon of the Wisconsin River also formed from melting glacier water. This water reshaped the land over many years.
A Look at Wyalusing's Past
Park History and Naming
In 1909, a person named John Nolen suggested Wyalusing as a good spot for a state park. It became Wisconsin's fourth state park in 1917. At first, it was called Nelson Dewey State Park. This was after Wisconsin's first governor. But in 1937, its name was changed to Wyalusing State Park.
Plan Your Visit to Wyalusing
Park Hours and Map
The park is open all year long. You can visit from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. You can find a map of the park online to help you explore: PDF Map.
Hiking Adventures
Wyalusing has over 14 miles (22.5 km) of hiking trails. They have different levels of difficulty.
- Bluff Trail - 0.9 miles (1.4 km)
- Mississippi Ridge Trail - 1.8 miles (2.9 km)
- Old Wagon Road Trail - 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
- Sand Cave Trail - 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
- Sugar Maple Nature Trail - 1.5 miles (2.4 km) loop
- Turkey Hollow Trail - 2.3 miles (3.7 km) loop
- Walnut Springs Trail - 0.5 miles (0.8 km)
- Whitetail Meadows Trail - 1.7 miles (2.7 km) or 3.1 miles (5 km) loop
Canoeing and Kayaking
You can enjoy a 6-mile (9.7 km) canoe trail here. You float downstream with the current. You will go through the calm waters of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Blue and white signs guide you at major water crossings.
Fishing Fun
There is a special fishing pier at the boat landing. It is easy for everyone to use.
Winter Sports: Cross-Country Skiing
In winter, Wyalusing offers many cross-country ski trails. They are good for all skill levels. The trails are prepared for both classic and skate skiing.
Bird Watching Paradise
Over 100 kinds of birds have been seen at Wyalusing State Park. Some birds you might spot include the yellow-throated warbler and bald eagle. The park is known as one of Wisconsin's "Important Bird Areas." This is according to the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative. In 2018, Wyalusing State Park won an award for being the "Best State Park System for Eagle Watching."
Camping and Group Camps
Camping Sites
Wyalusing has two main campgrounds. They are called Homestead and Wisconsin Ridge. Together, they offer 114 campsites for visitors.
Hugh Harper Indoor Group Camp
The Hugh Harper Indoor Group Camp is a special place for groups. It is one of only three indoor group camps in Wisconsin's state parks. It has four dorm buildings. Two of these are easy for everyone to use. Each dorm can hold up to 27 people. They also have two bathrooms with showers, toilets, and sinks.
Discovering the Stars at Wyalusing
Astronomy Center and Telescope
The Lawrence L. Huser Astronomy Center is inside the park. It is one of only two observatories in Wisconsin state parks. It has a large 16-inch telescope. The center was started in 1999 and opened in 2003. It is named after Lawrence Huser. He was a park ranger at Wyalusing for 30 years. The Starsplitters group runs free astronomy programs here.
Remembering the Passenger Pigeon
A Special Monument
In 1947, a monument was built in Wyalusing State Park. It honors the passenger pigeon, a bird that is now extinct. This is the only monument in the United States just for the passenger pigeon. The words on the monument were written by Arlie W. Schorger. They say the pigeon became extinct because of "avarice and thoughtlessness of man."
Aldo Leopold wrote an essay about this monument. It was called “On a Monument to the Pigeon.” This essay was later part of his famous book, A Sand County Almanac. The monument was fixed up and rededicated in 2014. This was 100 years after the last passenger pigeon died.
